KR20020072562A - Systems and methods for monitoring and tracking - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to systems, methods, and applications that utilize the fusion of any of the following three technologies: wireless location indication or location detection technology, wireless communication technology, and sensor technology. In particular, some embodiments of the invention provide a sensor for determining or measuring a desired parameter, a receiver for receiving position data from a Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite system, a processor for determining whether one or more alarm conditions are met; A remote device comprising a wireless transceiver for transmitting measured parameter data and location data to a central station, such as an application service provider (ASP). The ASP can deliver the measured data, location data and notification of any alerts to the end user via the alert device. The invention also relates to various applications, systems and methods that utilize one or more functions of such devices.

Description

Systems and Methods for Monitoring and Tracking {SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING AND TRACKING}

Various systems for detecting and detecting the location of moving and non-moving objects are known in the art. However, these systems are generally inflexible and inefficient. In particular, existing systems are unable to efficiently utilize different types of remote monitoring needs and devices for multiple business applications. Moreover, many of these systems are generally unable to generate alarm messages based on simple and complex alarm parameters. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved location detection and detection system with a flexible structure.

Related U.S. Patent Application

This application is part of US Patent Application No. 60 / 243,915, filed October 27, 2000 with the US Patent and Trademark Office, which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application is also part of US Patent Application No. 60 / 250,347, filed November 30, 2000 with the US Patent and Trademark Office, which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application also claims U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 813,477, filed Mar. 21, 2001, filed with U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, filed Jun. 30, 2000, US Patent Application Serial No. 09 / 608,095, now abandoned. Some of the pending applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

This application also relates to US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 820,551, filed Mar. 29, 2001, filed with US Patent and Trademark Office, filed June 30, 2000, now pending US Patent Application No. 09 / 608,913, now abandoned. Some of the pending applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for monitoring and tracking individuals and objects and to business applications that utilize such systems and methods.

1 is a general schematic diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a schematic diagram of a remote location detection and detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a schematic diagram of a platform database according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a hierarchy of logical concepts of software components of a middle tier in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

5A and 5B are a schematic diagram and flowchart of an architecture for explaining user (user) registration processing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6A and 6B are a schematic diagram and flow diagram of an architecture illustrating a process of receiving input data at a back end of a system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

7A and 7B are a schematic diagram and flow diagram of an architecture illustrating a process for transmitting data output from a back end of a system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

8A through 8E are schematic diagrams and tables illustrating protocols of message packets between an ASP and a device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

9A-9N illustrate an exemplary sequence of ASP and inter-device messages in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

10-18 are schematic diagrams of personal business applications utilizing the systems and methods of various embodiments of the present invention.

The present invention satisfies the foregoing and other needs. Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to systems, methods, and applications that utilize the fusion of any of the following three technologies: wireless location indication or location detection technology, wireless communication technology, and sensor technology. In particular, some embodiments of the invention provide a sensor for determining or measuring a desired parameter, a receiver for receiving position data from a Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite system, a processor for determining whether one or more alarm conditions are met; A remote device comprising a wireless transceiver for transmitting measured parameter data and location data to a central station, such as an application service provider (ASP). The ASP can deliver the measured data, location data and notification of any alerts to the end user via the alert device. The invention also relates to various applications, systems and methods that utilize one or more functions of such devices.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements.

summary

1 provides an overview of the components' relationships to each other and the components of one embodiment of the present invention. In general, the system of this embodiment collects location and sensor data through one or more remote location detection and sensing devices (each " device ") 100, stores device data in ASP 200, and stores ASP 200 data. Device location and sensor data are available to one or more end users 25. As will be described in detail below, this embodiment provides the flexibility to accommodate multiple end users 25 through multiple applications. In particular, a system can be used to service a plurality of business applications, each of which uses devices with different business rules and models, and with different configurations, sensors, and the like. Depending on the application of the system, the end user 25 may be an individual, such as a caregiver monitoring a patient, a parent monitoring a child, and / or a public transport company monitoring all trucks, a trader monitoring a ship, a small scale monitoring an individual. This could be a government agency, a company such as a company monitoring employees. In addition, the system may logically associate end users 25 with groups of accounts and / or accounts within an account, regardless of application, and the system may assign different access privileges based on group and account assignments to end users 25. Can be assigned to

Each device 100 described in detail below receives location data from a location detection system such as GPS system 15 and sensor data from one or more types of known sensors. Device 100 is associated or associated with an individual or object being monitored and tracked. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to any particular location detection system or sensor. Thus, alternative embodiments use other location detection systems and techniques, including, for example, triangulation, radio frequency triangulation, dead reckoning, or combinations thereof. Similarly, sensors can be used to monitor physiological parameters such as heart rate, body temperature, brain activity, blood pressure, blood flow rate, muscle activity, respiratory rate, and / or temperature, humidity, movement, speed, presence of certain chemicals and light. It includes a sensor for monitoring the ambient parameters such as. Special sensors such as inertial device based drop detectors (eg, detectors using one or more accelerometers) supplied by Analog Device under the trade name ADXL202 are also used. Other illustrative sensors include pulse rate sensors from model number ALS-230, marketed by Sensor Net, and temperature sensors (type NTC), model number WM303 or model number SP43A, marketed by Sensor Scientific. do. The pulse rate sensor is model number ALS-230, available from Sensor Net, Inc., and the infrared optical sensor is available from Probe. As will be described in more detail below, the device 100 and / or the ASP 200 monitor the sensor output to generate an alert message to the end user 25 if the sensor data exceeds an alarm threshold.

In general, each device 100 passes location and sensor data to the ASP 200 via a wireless communication system 30. The system may utilize any number of commercially available wireless data communication solutions available from a number of different service providers. Examples of the types of wireless data communication interfaces available include cellular digital packet data (CDPD), Global System for Mobile Communications Digital (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and G cellular telephone standards (e.g., 2.5G or 3G). There is an associated digital data transfer protocol. In this embodiment the system uses other protocols, such as Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), but uses the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) and the CDPD as a communication technology together with the Internet Protocol (IP) as the transmission protocol. As described above and below, the apparatus 100 is assigned an IP address. In this embodiment, the wireless communication system 30 delivers data to a wired communication network 35 such as the Internet with which the ASP 200 is communicating. As will be described later, communication system 30 and communication network 35 provide two-way communication between device 100 and ASP 200.

The position and sensor data are preferably stored in the ASP 200 which serves as an intervening means between the device 100 and the end user 25. The end user 25 may monitor the instantaneous and historical locations and sensor data for one or more devices 100. As will be described in more detail below, ASP 200 receives location and sensor data from communication system 35 and functions as a link between end user 25 and device data of the system. In general, ASP 200 includes one or more servers (eg, web servers, application servers, e-mail servers, and / or database servers) and one or more platform databases (PD) 300. The ASP 200 provides the end user 25 with access to the device data, defines an alarm threshold for comparison with measured sensor values, and receives a notification from the ASP 200. For example, if the measured sensor value exceeds the alarm threshold, the ASP 200 notifies the appropriate end user 25. The end user 25 receives alerts through a number of alerting devices, such as cellular phones, landlines, pagers, WAP capable cellular phones, PDAs, computers or other devices, and the plurality of alerting devices may be email, short service (SMS). Message, or instant messaging (IM) function, fax, computer generated tone telephone call / voice mail, or sent to a call management center that generates a human phone call to alert a user 25 such as a parent of a child or caregiver of an Alzheimer's patient. Has the message

In this embodiment, the end user 25 accesses device data, defines alarm thresholds, and accesses account information through a computer, a WAP capable cellular phone, a PDA, or other device including those identified as alert enabled devices. . In this embodiment, the user interface device is a computer connected to the Internet that accesses the secure website provided by the ASP 200 on the communication network 35. The user interface device may be an alarm device. End users 25 who do not have direct access to the communications network 35 may also have access to the device data and may access the ASP 200 via the communications network 35 or other networks, such as WAN, LAN, or the like. Alerting thresholds may be defined using conventional telephony networks to contact a central call management center (CMC) 40, which is located in people. The CMC 40 also includes a computer automated response system that allows the end user 25 to call and receives device data, alerts and other system information. The ASP 200 may transmit a message to the CMC 40 when an alarm occurs as described in detail below. This information is available to the individual at the CMC 40 to respond to queries from the end user 25 who can call the CMC 40 for additional information in addition to the base message generated by the ASP's automatic notification system. . The individual in the CMC 40 may also be useful if the user has difficulty accessing or using the system website described below in detail to configure the device 100. The CMC 40 also serves to handle telephone calls from users who respond to alerts. In addition, the CMC 40 will proactively call the user to verify the proposed change to the alert parameters that may generate multiple pseudo alerts. In alternative embodiments, an automated telephone system hotline may be available to obtain real time data after PIN verification if the user does not have access to the Internet or CMC 40.

The system of the present invention potentially implements a number of different security measures to protect the private location and sensor data of the user 25 and the location of the device 100, to prevent illegal commands from malicious third parties, Data streams can be protected from illegal intruders. Since the data channel itself can use standard UDP / IP or TCP / IP protocols, many commercially available methods including Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption of the data stream between the device 100 and the ASP 200. It can be protected using. The raw data itself may be further encrypted by SSL other than device 100 and / or ASP 200. Additional embedded encryption and device / server identification technologies in the ASP 100 and / or user interface devices may enhance protection.

Device

2 shows components of an apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. In general, the device 100 of this embodiment includes a first component 202, such as a monitoring unit that includes at least one sensor for monitoring a person or thing being tracked, and two separate components, a short-range wireless device. A second, such as a belt communication unit (named because an individual is designed to wear on his belt) that communicates with the clock unit 202 and communicates with the ASP 200 via frequency (RF), Bluetooth or other known techniques. Component 204.

In a preferred embodiment clock unit 202 comprises a microprocessor having a system clock CLK, the system clock comprising one or more sensors S ₁ , S ₂ , S _n for receiving a physiological or ambient reading, A RAM for temporarily storing the measured sensor readings, a radio frequency transceiver (RF) for communicating with the belt unit 204, and an antenna are programmed to operate in conjunction with the microprocessor. The clock unit 202 is powered by the battery BAT.

In a preferred embodiment the belt unit 204 also includes a microprocessor with a clock CLK programmed to operate as described herein. Such programming can be stored in a ROM coupled to the microprocessor. In alternative embodiments the functionality of the belt unit (and / or watch unit) 204 is implemented in firmware. The belt unit 204 may also include one or more sensors S ₁ , S ₂ , S _n for collecting data. In this embodiment, the belt unit 204 includes a fall-down sensor that includes a biaxial accelerometer meter, the output of the sensor being interpreted by the microprocessor of the belt unit. Triaxial accelerometers are also being considered. In general, the accelerometer meter output indicates a fall (ie, a sudden change in body condition) based on a user's sudden acceleration or deceleration or sudden stop change.

Like the clock unit 202, the belt unit 204 also has a RAM for temporary storage of data including alarm thresholds.

A GPS receiver (GPS REC) with a patch or other suitable antenna is connected to the microprocessor. The GPS REC receives GPS satellite signals interpreted in the preferred embodiment by the microprocessor to determine the longitude and latitude coordinates of the belt unit. In an alternative embodiment the GPS satellite signal may be interpreted at the ASP level for determining the longitude and latitude coordinates of the belt unit 204.

In addition, the belt unit is coupled with a wearer interface (INTERFACE) for transmitting information to the wearer or user of the device 100 and receive input from the wearer or user. For example, in a preferred embodiment the INTERFACE includes a power switch, a panic or emergency button and a light emitting diode (LED) and / or an audible alarm and / or a vibration alarm. As will be described in more detail below, the sensor and GPS position data is transmitted to the ASP 200 by the terror button. In alternative embodiments, device 100 has a privacy button that allows the microprocessor to deactivate one or more predetermined sensors. The LEDs provide status indications of the device such as on / off, normal operation, sensor drive / drive stop, faults, and the like.

Finally, in the preferred embodiment, the belt unit 204 is a wireless communication modem having a communication interface (CI), such as a serial port for receiving updates of software and data, and an antenna for communicating with the ASP 200 via a UDP protocol. (UDP MODEM) is provided. As described herein, UDP MODEM is associated with an IP address for identifying device 100.

As will be described in detail below, the clock unit 202 obtains sensor readings and interprets the sensor readings via RF so that the microprocessor interprets the sensor readings (including the readings of the sensors on the belt unit 204). To the belt unit 204. The microprocessor on the belt unit 204 also receives a GPS signal to determine the position data of the belt unit 204.

Based on the state of the device 100 and the request received from the ASP 200, the belt unit 204 may determine whether the sensor reading triggers an alarm or whether the position and sensor data are returned back to the ASP 200 via the modem. Will decide.

In one embodiment the belt unit and / or watch unit processor monitors the individual distance between the watch unit and the belt unit by monitoring the total power of the RF transmission signal from the watch unit to the belt unit. If the total power of the signal falls below the current value, the belt unit will generate an alarm through the ASP 200 to the device 100 and the alarm device to notify the wearers of both units. The wearability by which the wearer wears the watch unit 210 should remain durable enough to fit well with the body and not easily detached enough to obtain useful physiological data, but also comfortable enough for long term use. One embodiment of the present invention contemplates using a semi-permanent elastic band for the watch unit.

It should be noted that the terms "clock" and "belt" described above are used to describe one embodiment and use of the apparatus of FIG. 2A. For example, the watch unit may be placed in a container of merchandise with a radio frequency or other radio or wired communication link to a belt unit that may be mounted at any suitable location, such as in the cap of a truck carrying the container. Moreover, the specific subcomponents of the device of FIG. 2A are merely exemplary, and the division of functions and subcomponents between the clock unit and the belt unit is changeable. For example, all sensors can be placed on one component, a GPS receiver can be placed on a watch unit, the watch unit microprocessor can interpret the sensor data to determine whether the boundary threshold is exceeded, The watch unit may have a wearer / user interface, and various other modifications are within the scope of the present invention.

2b shows an alternative embodiment of the invention, wherein the device comprises a microchip 210, a transceiver 220, a receiver 250, a battery 230 and at least one sensor 240. It is a single component.

The microchip 210 includes an information storage device 270 and a processing unit 260. Although FIG. 2A illustrates some components connected to the microchip 210 and some components included in the microchip 210, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any one of the coupling components on the microchip 210 as shown in FIG. 2B. It will be appreciated that different levels of integration can be achieved by integration.

In one embodiment according to the present invention, the battery 230, at least one sensor 240, the transceiver 220, and the GPS receiver 250 are each connected to a processing unit 260 in the microchip 210. The processing unit 260 is coupled to the processing unit 260 in the microchip 210. The battery 230 supplies power to the microchip 210 including the processing unit 260 and the information storage device 270. The battery 230 also supplies power directly and indirectly to the transceiver 220, the at least one sensor 240, and the receiver 250. The battery 230 may be a rechargeable (eg, self-rechargeable) or a single rechargeable power supply.

If a self-rechargeable battery is used, the battery 230 may be recharged by an energy source inside the body of the monitored person. Such energy sources may be acoustic, dynamics, chemical, electrical, electromagnetic or heat, for example, characteristics derived from body temperature differences, muscle activity and vibrations due to pulse, speech, movement, breathing, and the like. In one embodiment where the battery is a self-charging battery, the battery 230 is recharged by an energy source external to the body of the monitored person. Such energy sources may be acoustic, dynamic, chemical, electrical, or electromagnetic in nature derived from temperature differences between the environment and the body, for example, ambient noise, ambient light, or vibrations from external devices that provide energy for the rechargeable battery 230. , Can be heat.

In an embodiment of the invention, the transceiver 220 may be a two-way wireless communication in communication with the ASP 200 and a one-way wireless communication in communication with the GPS satellite 130 via a communication network 35 such as the Internet. The transceiver 220 may have a single antenna or antenna array, for example.

The transceiver 220 communicates bidirectionally with the ASP 200 via a communication network 35, and the transceiver 250 communicates unidirectionally with the GPS system satellite 130. Using the transceiver 220 and the receiver 250 may be advantageous in that the device 100 generally consumes less energy. The GPS frequency is relatively high frequency and it may be energy intensive for the device 100 to transmit information at the high frequency via the transceiver 220. In this preferred embodiment, the receiver 250 is considered to be used to receive at high frequencies and the transceiver 220 is used to receive and transmit at low frequencies. Transmitting information through the low frequency by the transceiver 220 reduces power consumption by the device 100. This two-part configuration allows the environmental sensor package to be physically reduced in size and mounted in environments where other GPS signals or mobile wireless data transmissions are poor. For example, a remote sensing unit can be placed inside the metal wall of the cargo container to collect environmental information about the cargo, and a unit with a wireless interface and GPS receiver 250 can be placed outside the container for good signal performance. . An alternative embodiment of the present invention includes only a transceiver that receives both sensor data from at least one sensor 240 and / or location data from GPS satellites 130, omitting a separate receiver.

The microchip 210 includes a processing unit 260 and an information storage device 270. Processing unit 260 may include, for example, a microprocessor, cache, input terminal, and output terminal. The processing unit 260 may include an information storage device 270 that includes an electronic memory that may or may not include a cache of the processing unit 260. The present invention contemplates similar configurations of the processing unit 260.

In operation, the GPS receiver 250 receives location data from the GPS satellites 130. GPS data is received by the microchip 210, in particular the processing unit 260. Although the GPS receiver 250 continues to receive location data, the processing unit 260 may periodically (eg, through the generation of time) or according to the command (as a function of the environment, such as the detection of specific biological or ambient conditions, or GPS data may be received). GPS data may then be processed in processing unit 260 and may include determining the physical location of device 100, i.e., the person or object being monitored. The GPS data and / or the determined physical location are stored in the information storage device 270.

At least one sensor 240 senses biological and / or ambient parameters. These parameters are converted into electrical signals by at least one sensor 240 and received by the processing unit 260. As will be described in detail below, the detection of a parameter by at least one sensor 240 occurs periodically (eg in units of time) or as a function of an environment, such as a command of the processing unit 260 or the detection of a particular parameter. Can be followed. The processing unit 260 stores electrical signals processed and / or unprocessed by the information storage device 270. The transceiver 220 receives, for example, a query signal from the ASP 200. The transceiver 220 then transmits an interrogation signal to the microchip 210, in particular the processing unit 260. Upon receiving the inquiry signal, the processing unit 260 uploads the information stored in the information storage device 270 on the transceiver 220. The transceiver then transmits the uploaded information to the ASP 200 via a communication network 35 such as the Internet and wireless communication system 30.

As noted above, ASP 200 ultimately receives information that can be reviewed by qualified personnel or analyzed through automated processing. If the information is information indicative of the requirements of the response, a response signal is sent from the qualified person or ASP 200 to the device 100 through an automated process via a communication network 35 such as the Internet. The processing unit 260 receives the response signal through either the transceiver 220 or the GPS receiver 250. The processing unit 260 processes the information read from the information storage device 270 as the response signal and the optional specification to format a certain control signal. Information about the generation of the control signal may be a function of the at least one response signal and the information supplied by the information storage device 270.

For example, systems and methods in accordance with the present invention may be employed to adapt and monitor a person who causes an asthma attack. Device 100 monitors biological parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and / or lung capacity. Information related to biological parameters is sent to the ASP 200 as described above.

The information storage device 270 stores, for example, preset information regarding identification, personal information or specific medical information. This information may be programmed prior to coupling the device 100 to a person. Alternatively, the information may be transmitted to the device 100 after the device 100 is coupled to a person. Such information may include the person's name, home address, telephone number, and / or a list of persons to contact in an emergency. Moreover, the information stored permanently in the device 100 may relate to special medical information such as allergies or patients requiring drug treatment, such as being diabetic or asthmatic. All this information can be uploaded at the transceiver 220 and sent to the ASP 200 for inspection and analysis. Such information can be very important to medical personnel when a person has no sense of direction or consciousness and is unable to communicate.

By incorporating the updateable firmware into the device 100, the update is possible without retrieving the physical device 100. The device 100 may be configured to be directly updated by the user by running the update program provided by connecting the device to a computer. In another alternative embodiment, the device 100 may be updated by downloading a firmware update over a wireless link. This allows multiple devices 100 to be updated at essentially the same time, thereby minimizing support issues and thus reducing the need for customer maintenance.

Output unit

In yet another alternative embodiment, the apparatus 100 further includes components for providing various forms of feedback or stimulation to the person, animal or object via the output unit. The output unit may be of any type to achieve the intended function. By way of non-limiting example, the output unit may take the form of a syringe, electrode, pump, potion bottle, syringe, drug and / or drug or drug delivery device or system, vibration stimulator, or the like. This output unit may be integrated with the device or may be a separate component that communicates with the ASP 200 and / or the device 100 by a wireless or wired communication link as a particular application design option.

In one such embodiment, such an output unit which itself includes a microprocessor or logic device for interpreting instructions may be connected to the microprocessor of the device shown in FIG. 2B. In such an embodiment, the device 100 may be configured to respond to the state of a person (or animal, etc.) via the output unit. The apparatus 100 controls the output unit such that the output unit provides a stimulus (eg, stimulation by sound, heat, mechanics, chemistry, electricity, and / or electromagnetic) to a person. For example, the output unit may administer an appropriate amount of medication and provide electrical stimulation to the muscle. In another alternative embodiment, the output unit may be part of a conventional cardiac stimulator system configured to be controlled by the device 100 to provide electrical stimulation to the human heart.

Alternatively, in an embodiment of the invention in which the output unit is partially or wholly integrated in the device 100, the device 100 provides a stimulus through the output unit acting as an interface between the device 100 and the person. do. For example, device 100 may be directly connected to a human heart. Thus, device 100 may provide electrical stimulation directly to the heart through its interface (eg, via an output unit).

From the perspective of the ASP 200 receiving information, an automatic, semi-automatic or manual response may be needed. For example, by reviewing the information received by the ASP 200, the physician can diagnose substantial deviations in the condition and / or biological parameters of the person and allow activation (activity) of the medical response (response). Alternatively, after analyzing the information received at the ASP 200, the program run by the ASP 200 may cause a program (e.g., myocardial infarction) and / or deviations exceeding the threshold of biological parameters (e.g., myocardial infarction). , Substantial limitations of blood flow may be identified to allow activation of a medical response (eg, administration of nitroglycerin to the human body). A response signal is then generated at the ASP 200 and provided to the device 100 via the ASP 200. In response to this response signal, the device controls the output unit to provide the person with the required stimulus via the response signal. Alternatively, if the output unit is partially or wholly integrated in the device 100, the device 100 provides the required stimulus directly to the person via the response signal.

The output unit is configured to be controlled by the device 100, in particular by the processing unit 260. The output unit may also be integrated in part or in whole in device 100. For example, the output unit may be integrated in the device 100 and connected to the microchip 210. Alternatively, the output unit may be integrated in its entirety in device 100 and in its entirety in microchip 210.

The output unit is also configured to provide a stimulus (eg, stimulation by sound, heat, mechanics, chemistry, electricity and / or electromagnetic). For example, the output unit can be in contact with the muscle or organ. In addition, the output unit may be a modified conventional device such as, for example, a face marker or module for administering a chemical (eg, a drug) to the bloodstream or the stomach. The invention also contemplates that the output unit provides sensor information to the device 100. In addition, the output unit may be located on the person, on the person's epidermis, just below the person's epidermis, deep in the human body, or anywhere between them. For example, the output unit may be configured to be an artificial body part of a person or part of a device worn by a person (eg, clothing, glasses, etc.).

The apparatus 100 controls the output unit via a control signal, which output unit provides a suitable stimulus. For example, the systems and methods according to the present invention may be configured to monitor and respond to a person suffering from an asthma attack. The device monitors biological parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and / or lung capacity. Information about the biological parameter is transmitted to the ASP 200 as described above. If a qualified medical personnel and / or automated treatment determines that the patient has a severe asthma attack, a response signal may be sent to the device 100 to treat the condition. The processing unit 260, upon receiving the response signal, controls the output unit to administer the drug (eg, adrenaline) to the blood stream of the person. Information regarding dosage, duration of administration and / or frequency of administration may be embedded in the response signal, processing unit 260 and / or information storage 270. In addition, the control unit 140 may send subsequent response signals corresponding to different administrations of the drug, for example, depending on a person's improved or worsening condition.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the microchip operates only when the transceiver 220 receives a query signal and / or a response signal from the ASP 200. This embodiment has the advantage that energy consumption is minimized. The processing unit 260 receives data from the receiver 250 and at least one sensor 240 upon receiving the question signal. Processing unit 260 may accept data at regular time intervals to achieve more stable data or to indicate a history of the data. Such data may be processed and / or stored in the information storage device 270. When processing and / or storage of data is completed, the information embedded in the information storage device is uploaded on the transceiver 220 and transmitted to the ASP 200. After the transmission of the uploaded data via the transceiver 220 is completed, the processing unit 260 is responsible for receiving, processing and / or storing information until the next question signal or response signal is received from the ASP 200. No further action For example, when a response signal is received, the apparatus 100 and the output unit operate as described above. After the operation is completed, the processing unit 260 no longer performs operations relating to the control of the output unit or the reception, processing and / or storage of the information until the next question signal or the next response signal is received from the ASP 200. Do not. The invention also contemplates that the device 100 and / or output unit are operated via a manual switch or programmed button operated by a person.

As mentioned above, the information storage device 270 may store information about stimulus parameters such as frequency, amount and / or duration as well as different types of stimuli provided by the output unit. The information storage device 270 may also store preset information regarding, for example, identification information, personal information, or special medical information. This information may be programmed prior to connecting the portable device 100 to a person. Alternatively, the information may be transmitted to the portable device 100 after connecting the device 100 to a person. Such information may include the person's name, home address, telephone number, and / or list of persons to contact in case of an emergency. In addition, the information permanently stored in the device 100 may relate to special medical information such as allergies or patients requiring medical prescriptions, such as diabetes or asthma patients. All of this information can be uploaded at the transceiver 220 and sent to the ASP 200 for review and analysis. Such information may be particularly important to medical personnel when a person is unoriented or unconscious or unable to communicate.

Operation mode

As described herein, various embodiments of the present invention employ a power saving form to extend the life of the device battery. In this regard, in certain embodiments, the device 100 may be remotely turned on (from a low power hold state) or turned off (either under low power state or completely exhausted (off) state). This function is controlled by the message received from the ASP 200, more specifically by the microprocessor (s) of the device. This allows the ASP 200 to remotely power up or down individual devices 100 on demand, as required by business or user requirements. In addition, the ASP 200 can remotely turn on or turn individual sensors within the device 100 to provide enhanced monitoring capabilities corresponding to higher service levels, or to conserve power to the device 100. Can be turned off (ie, enable / disable drive). Both of these functions are partially redone by special messages and message protocols.

In another embodiment of FIG. 2B, the microchip 210 operates only when the transceiver 220 receives a question signal and / or a response signal from the ASP 200. This embodiment has the advantage of minimizing energy consumption. The processing unit 260 receives data from the GPS receiver 250 and the at least one sensor 240 upon receiving the question signal. The processing unit 260 may accept the data at regular time intervals to achieve more stable data or to indicate the history of the data. Such data may be processed and / or stored in the information storage device 270. When processing and / or storage of data is completed, the information embedded in the information storage device 270 is uploaded on the transceiver 220 and transmitted to the ASP 200. After the transmission of the uploaded data via the transceiver 220 is completed, the processing unit 260 may receive, process and / or store information until the next question signal or the next response signal is received from the ASP 200. No further action is taken. For example, when a response signal is received, the device 100 operates as described above. The invention also contemplates that the device 100 is operated via a manual switch or programmed button operated by a person.

In another alternative embodiment according to the present invention, the transceiver 220 without the GPS receiver 250 is configured to receive GPS data from the satellite 130 and receive a query signal and / or a response signal from the ASP 200. . Transceiver 220 also transmits information from processing unit 260 to ASP 200. The operation is similar to that described above.

A privacy mode may be incorporated into the device 100 to temporarily stop reporting of information. The privacy mode can take many different forms. The unit can be placed in deep sleep mode, in which the system does not respond to any request for data and does not collect any data. In contrast, privacy mode can simply suppress the collection of certain types of data (such as location information) while still keeping the system up and providing baseline level information. The system will respond to requests from the ASP 200 or only respond to a limited set of information with a notification that the system is running and does not respond to data due to the privacy mode block. The privacy mode flags the PD 300, as described in detail below, to prevent additional polling of the device 100 by the ASP 200 and false alarms that the unit is not functioning properly. Will cause. In addition, the device 100 may be re-measured from the ASP 200 during normal operation over a wireless data link to enable rescaling of sensor gain or sensor offset.

The apparatus 100 may also have a system sleep mode that reduces power consumption in the period between data collection and transmission. To conserve power, the device 100 will only power up the wireless data line transceiver 220 to determine if a message is waiting for it. If there is no message, the device 100 will power down until the next predetermined check time. If the message is waiting, the device 100 will begin a "waking up" of the specific components needed to respond to the message. In addition to this manner, the GPS receiver 250 may also power down itself if it does not receive a set of available satellite signals. The two sleep modes reduce power consumption of the device 100 and extend battery life.

Preferably, the device 100, more specifically the microprocessor (s) of the device, can perform both a startup check and a continuous system check during operation for self monitoring. Information such as low battery warning, sensor malfunction, and no GPS signal may be detected by the device's microprocessor and notified to the ASP 200.

ASP platform database

The PD 300 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3, which shows the logical relationship of the data stored by the PD 300. In general, the tables integrated in the PD 300 are designed independently for each application. That is, the tables embedded in the PD 300 need to change very few or no changes at all when applying the system to a new business field. Therefore, the PD 300 structure is the same regardless of the end use of the system and the type of device 100 used, thereby simplifying the management and maintenance of the entire system. PD 300 includes a number of discrete information tables that are logically related as described below. These tables are for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting, and fewer or more tables and fewer or more data fields are within the scope of the present invention.

More specifically, the PD 300 includes a table relating to three main functional areas described in detail later. The first functional area is associated with information about the special device 100. In particular, these tables include identification information for device 100 and device messages. The second functional area relates to information about the end user 25, such as the caregiver of an Alzheimer's patient, the parent of the child being monitored, or the supervisor of the fleet of vehicles. The third functional area relates to the setting up and implementation of an alert and includes a table containing threshold parameters, an alert signal and logical alert rules associated with each device 100. Now, the tables of each of the three functional areas will be described in detail. Organizing tables in the functional areas is for convenience of description and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Device information table

The first functional area of the PD 300 includes a device 100 and a table relating to the various functions of the device. The PD 300 is designed to accommodate a number of different types of devices 100 with various capabilities, such as different sensor groups, without changing the structure of the PD 300 itself. For this purpose, the device table contains a record for each device 100 identified by a unique device identifier (ID). Each record in the device table may include a field relating to the description of the device 100, such as a field relating to the frequency of questions of the device 100 indicating how often to poll the sensor device 100 for location and / or data. As described above, also includes a field relating to the serial number of the watch unit and the belt unit 204 for the embodiment where the device 100 consists of two separate components. The device table also includes fields for account IDs that associate device 100 with a special account. The account ID field in the device table is linked to the account table described later. The device table also contains fields relating to the unique Internet Protocol (IP) address IDs associated with each device 100, and devices 100 or locations for special types of devices 100, e.g., location and fall detection only. , A field relating to the unique device type ID identifying the device 100 for pulse rate, body temperature, and the like. The IP Address ID field links the device table to the IP address table, which includes a field relating to the device's actual IP address or some other identification descriptor. The device type ID links the device table to the device type table, which contains fields for the description of the type of special device 100.

The device ID provides a connection between the device table and several other device related PD 300 tables. Two of these tables, the device generic table and the generic table, are optional. The device generic table is linked to the device table via the device ID and includes fields for unique generic ID and device generic ID, which are related to the generic table for identifying additional special case fields. The tables relate to device 100 having a non-standard configuration of sensors and / or internal settings.

The device ID also associates a device table, and thus each device with a device message table that stores a message sent from the ASP 200 to the device 100 requiring an acknowledgment of what was received by the device 100. Connect 100. This table prevents the message from being generated repeatedly each time a message has to be sent to the device 100. The device message table also includes fields for the message content, unique device message type ID, the date and time the message was sent, and the number of times the system attempted to resend the message to the device. The device message table is linked to the device message type table through the device message type ID. The device message type table tracks the messages sent to device 100, including the maximum number of times the system attempts to resend the message and the retry period. As will be described in detail later, these tables are used to determine when the device failed.

PD 300 also has a table for recording and displaying historical device 100 data and status information. This information is useful for long term monitoring of the device 100 and associated wearer or traced item.

The device ID links the device table to the device log table, which is an archive table that tracks the moment when data is received from each device 100 identified by the device ID. Each entry is assigned a unique device log ID, which links each record in the device log table to one or more records in the device log value table. The device log value table tracks the actual data received from the device 100 and generates a record of those values.

User information table

The second functional area of the PD 300 includes a table that stores end user information. PD 300 is designed to enable multiple end users 25 to be associated with a single device 100. In addition, the PD 300 may be configured such that different privileges or access levels may be assigned to each device 100 and the end user 25 associated with the information it generates.

To this end, the user table in PD 300 stores each user's personal information, such as the user's name, address, description, unique identifier for the user's type, and the end user 25 protects the data or other account information. A field for storing information about the security username and password for use in requesting access to or to set an alarm threshold.

The account table and account user table associate the accounts identified by the unique account ID with the end user 25. For this purpose, the account table contains the account ID and account description.

The account user table in the PD 300 includes fields that uniquely identify individual users 25 (details are stored in the user table) with accounts stored in the account table. The user type ID is associated with different types of users 25, such as caregivers, doctors, parents, or fleet supervisors. The user type ID links the user table to the user type table, which also includes a field for the description of the user type. Multiple users 25 in PD 300 may be associated with a single account, such as all caregivers in one caregiver accommodation account. The user ID links the user table to the account user table, which contains a unique identifier for both the account user and the account. The account ID links the account user table with the account table, which contains fields for describing the account.

The group table is linked to both the group user table and the account table, and functions to associate individual groups identified by the group ID with the account identified by the account ID. For example, an account composed of caregiver quarters monitoring a patient may include a first group of all caregivers and a second group of all supervisors. The group table in PD 300 contains unique identifying information for each defined group, including group IDs and associated account IDs.

Next, the group user table contains a record of each association between the group and the user 25. As noted above, user 25 may be associated with multiple groups.

The group ID links the group table to the group privilege table that associates the privileges with each group. The access privilege ID in the group privilege table links the group privilege table to the access privilege table, which includes a detailed description of each privilege. It is within the scope of the present invention that users can belong to one or more groups with different access privileges. Therefore, the group privilege table and the access privilege table contain fields for uniquely identifying the group, the associated access privilege level, and a description of the access privilege. For example, physicians may have access to both location data and biological data for the monitored patient with bidirectional communication capability to set alarm thresholds, while caregivers and handymen belonging to different groups receive alarms or some subset of data. It only has access to do so.

Finally, the group site page table and the site page table are optional tables for assigning user groups to specific ASP website pages that users can access. The group table is linked to the group site page table via the group ID. The group site page table contains fields for unique IDs that identify individual web pages or groups of web pages associated with a group of users. The site page table associates a site page ID with a full website URL locator or some other identifier of the web page.

In sum, a single account record in the account table may be associated with several user records in the user table. Similarly, a record in the group table can be associated with several user records. Finally, the groups and thus the users are associated with the privileges described in the group privilege table and the access privilege table. For example, one nursing home would represent one account with different users. Within the caregiver lodging account, user groups such as caregivers, doctors and handymen can be defined with different privileges assigned to each user group.

Alarm and alarm device information table

The third functional area of the PD 300 includes tables associated with alert thresholds to determine whether to issue an alert, an alert for a threshold, and a logic rule for combining the thresholds. It is anticipated that PD 300 will enable flexible setting of simple alert thresholds and complex alert thresholds. More specifically, the present embodiment synthesizes and associates individual thresholds to the raw alert threshold for generating a response from the ASP 200, and potentially complex alert threshold rules to determine if an actual alert has occurred. Save the table for These rules and values are stored in the PD 300 in a flexible manner that allows a wide range of alert profiles to be built and maintained at the PD 300 for each device 100 without any change in the database structure.

It should be noted that an alarm threshold assessment should occur at two levels. The basic threshold evaluation is a microprocessor or device of the device 100, in particular the belt unit 204 (FIG. 2A), to determine if the device 100 should alert and send data to the ASP 200 as described above. Occurs in the processing unit 260 of the microchip 210 (FIG. 2B). The second level of alert evaluation is a more complex evaluation that occurs in the ASP 200 using logic rules, which will be described later. Each threshold parameter or combination of parameters may be combined to generate an alert threshold rule. For example, authorized user 25 may set threshold temperatures or biological values for different locations or patients. Rules for evaluating the parameters are contained within PD 300 itself. Each evaluation rule can be programmed by the user through a secure web page formatted on an ASP website or through another user interface device. An end user 25, for example a parent monitoring a child on a school bus, or a caregiver monitoring an Alzheimer's patient, may program evaluation rules via a communication network 35 such as the Internet. The PD 300 may associate multiple types of alarm devices with each individual user of the contact target. For example, the PD 300 may store pager information, email information, and telephone information as a basic alert notification source for each user. Based on the information stored in these tables, PD 300 associates different threshold parameters with different alerting devices. For example, the temperature alert 25 for the Woozer may only generate an e-mail alert, and the Location Alert may only generate a pager alert. This function is caused, in part, by the structure of the PD 300.

In addition, a user 25, such as a caregiver or parent, can specify a radius around a given address or other geographic location for an alert threshold. For example, ASP 200 may translate the postal code address into latitude and longitude information that the user adopts as the "center" of the alert zone. The user 25 can then specify the radius around the center point of the alert zone. Whenever there is a certain value of user input for an alarm parameter threshold, e.g. maximum body temperature> = 103.5 F, the "middle tier" in the ASP 200, which will be described in detail later, is an alarm or insufficient number of values. The parameters can be evaluated to determine if there is a possibility of generating an alarm. If so, the ASP 200 will issue a call to the CMC 40 to contact the user to advise the user who needs to re-evaluate the value.

The alarm device table generally associates alarm devices with the user 25. The alarm table connects to the aforementioned user table via a unique user ID. The alarm device table includes a type of alarm device, such as a field relating to a unique alarm device type ID for identifying a pager or cellular phone, a field for description of the alarm device, an alarm device ID field for identifying a special alarm device, and an alarm. It contains fields relating to the device's IP address or some other identifying descriptor. The alarm device table also includes start date and end date fields to specify a time interval during which the alarm device (as opposed to other alarm devices of its user 25) can be notified. The ID of the alarm device type specifies whether a corresponding entry in the alarm device table is referenced for an alarm device that can send a field and notification to describe this alarm device type or can simply refer to other user contact information. Combine the alarm device table into an alarm device type table that includes fields for doing so.

The ID of the alarm device combines the alarm device table with the device alarm device table which in turn is coupled to the device table described above via the ID of this alarm device. The device alert device table associates a particular device 100 with an alert device, for example, a particular device 100 for monitoring only position and pulse rate is associated with an alert by only a specific pager or a specific cellular phone. The device alert device table also stores the priority of multiple alert devices for each device 100. For example, if a location alert is triggered, the user can specify to try first using the email with the highest priority, and if no response is received, use the designated cellular phone with the second highest priority. Can be specified to try. The notification service described in more detail below uses the device alert device table.

Another alarm related table, the device threshold table, associates each particular device 100 with its alarm threshold. The device threshold table is coupled to the device table via the device ID as described above. To achieve this goal, each record is identified by a unique device threshold ID, including the device ID and alarm threshold ID. The alert threshold ID combines a device threshold table with an alert threshold table that includes alert identification information for each alert. For example, each record includes a field for the description of the alert threshold and the actual alert message associated with the alert threshold ID. In addition, the alert threshold table may include fields for start date and end date to specify a period of time for the period during which the alert threshold is applicable. The Alert Threshold Action field in the Alert Thresholds table stores whether a particular alert threshold is operable.

The alarm threshold ID combines an alarm threshold table with an alarm device threshold table that associates a specified alarm threshold with a particular alarm device. For example, in the application of Alzheimer's disease patients, the system may notify the patient's son by his pager when his location is outside the specified distance from the central point or by his cellular phone when his temperature exceeds that threshold. Can be manipulated. The alarm device threshold table is also connected to the alarm device table via the alarm device ID as described above, thereby associating the alarm device with the alarm threshold.

The alert threshold ID links the alert threshold table to an alert threshold rule table that includes fields for configuring logical alert rules associated with the alert threshold ID. Multiple rules as used in the alert threshold table can be combined with one entry (and device) in the alert threshold table. The alarm threshold rule table is processed by the ASP 200 at any time when an end user such as a caregiver sets an alarm threshold rule, and the ASP 200 determines whether an alarm is being generated. Include logic rules that are processed when

More specifically, the alert threshold rule table combines an alert rule as identified by an alert threshold rule ID with a specified alert parameter, logical condition, logical connector, and sequence of parameters. Each alert rule as identified by an alert threshold rule ID in the alert threshold rule table is associated with one or more alert parameters as identified by an alert parameter threshold ID in the alert threshold table. For example, an exemplary first alert parameter is a temperature greater than or equal to 100 ° F. and a second alert parameter is a heart rate greater than or equal to 90. An exemplary alarm rule that configures these two parameters sounds an alarm when the temperature is greater than or equal to 100 ° F. or greater than or equal to 90 heart rate. The alarm parameter threshold table and the alarm threshold rule table use such rules.

In general, an alarm parameter threshold table is a parameter value (e.g., 100, 90), a logical condition that combines two parameters as specified in a logical condition table (e.g., greater, less, equal, greater than or equal to, Small or equal), a sequence of parameters including one rule, a logical connector that combines multiple parameters as specified in the logical connector table (e.g., AND, OR, NOT, exclusive OR) exclusive OR), AND NOT, and the like, and details of each of the two parameters, including the reference value for the parameter. In this embodiment, the reference value is used only for the location / location parameter and represents the longitude and latitude aligned pairs of the radius threshold center. In addition, each record in the alert parameter threshold table may include a device parameter ID that couples that table to the device parameter table.

The device parameter table includes all of the sensor data parameters to which the device 100 can be provided. The device parameter table contains the default minimum and maximum thresholds for each alarm parameter, the actual minimum and maximum thresholds for each alarm device that sets an acceptable limit for the user specified threshold, parameter name and description. Contains a field for. The device parameter table is coupled to the device log value table via the device parameter ID as described above. The parameter values in the device parameter table are combined with the alarm device via a device type ID that links the device parameter table to the device type table as described above. The device parameter table is coupled to the parameter value type table via the parameter value type ID. The parameter value type table is a descriptive lookup table of parameter (or sensor) types. The device parameter table is also coupled to the unit table via the unit ID field. The unit table is a lookup table that assigns a unique unit ID to the description of the measuring unit, for example F, miles, and so on. In particular, the table is not hard coded for a particular sensor and parameter, but instead the PD 300 provides a new parameter type that can be specified by adding an entry in the parameter value type and unit table.

MISCELLANEOUS TABLES

In addition to the three main functional areas, PD 300 also includes other various tables that provide additional functionality. In particular, the notification table requires a response from the user 25 and stores a notification generated by the device 100 that tracks any action or uncertain notification, such as low battery, over range, and the like. In the embodiment of the present invention, only an alarm notification requires a user response, so that only the alarm notification is reflected in the table. While embodiments of the present invention require a user response before providing the details of the alert, other embodiments may provide details of the alert with a notification message. The notification table includes a unique notification ID; Notification type ID; It contains fields for date, time and notification status. Each record in the notification table is associated with the device 100 via the device ID as described above. The notification type table in the PD 300 includes descriptions of the various types of notifications that may be sent by the notification service, as described below.

The ASP 200 also includes an independent master database commonly used for system wide tracking of operation and system maintenance. The master database according to an embodiment may include the following exemplary table. The action log table records system wide data actions and stores the recorded actions for use in detecting and correcting system problems. The current database table is used to record the current version of the master database used. The primary key table in the master database is used to track all the tables in the master database, and the final ID is assigned to each table. The alarm device table in the master database combines specific alarm devices with notification of system problems. For example, if the SM 450 detects that the data processor 260 is unresponsive and cannot be restarted successfully, it will send a notification to the designated alerting device. The alarm device type table is used to record various alarm devices that can be used to send system notifications. The application table stores various system applications in use, for example, for freight transportation, patient monitoring, child monitoring, and the like. The application queue table lists the entire current queue, for example when using notification and log queues. The application address table is used by the data monitor 450 to associate the device 100 IP address with a particular application of the system so that data is input from the device 100 that can be identified with the combined application.

ASP MIDDLE TIER

In an embodiment in accordance with the present invention, ASP 200 includes an application server (AS) having a collection of software and / or software elements that are jointly cited as "middle tier" 400, said "middle tier". 400 functions as an interface between the PD 300, end user 25 and device 100, which may be used by the PD 300 and caregiver, parent or school authority for a person or object such as a patient or a cargo in a truck. It may exist between the end user 25, such as. The middle tier enables the system to interact with the user, controls the configuration of the device 100, collects and stores data from the individual device 100, informs the user of alert conditions, and provides historical information. And conceptually includes four major logic software levels to perform other operations described herein. In addition, the middle tier 400 includes various services described below. In general, the service is an "out of process" component (e.g., .exe files) and thus operates independently of each other. However, the logic level is an "in-process" component and is hosted by the service.

All major components of the middle tier 400 are preferably implemented using the Microsoft Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM), which allows individual functions to be physically movable from the rest of the system. Therefore, as the system becomes larger, it can be easily extended through a number of different ASP servers, increasing performance. This distributed software model is further improved by the use of standard Extensible Markup Language (XML) formatted data objects in the system.

Four conceptual logic levels for the middle tier 400 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 4 below. The top level of the middle tier 400 is the business logic layer 410, which translates the high level functionality into progressively more focused instructions entered by the end user 25. Each user can provide on-demand access to specific functions of the system and information. The business logic layer 410 performs this selective access in accordance with the user information contained in the PD 300. Input to business logic layer 410 may be input from device 100 in the manner described above or from an end user via any known interface device. For example, a caregiver may use the Internet to enter a command to send an alert when the patient's pulse rate drops below a specified level or when the patient's body temperature reaches a certain level. These logic rules are processed primarily at the business logic layer 410. The business logic layer 410 is independent of the PD 300, which preferably does not have knowledge of the information in the PD 300.

If the system supports multiple business applications simultaneously, for example through multiple websites (or other interfaces), then each website is associated with a separate application and the middle tier preferably includes a plurality of business logic layers. Each logical layer is manipulated by one application. In such an embodiment, each application has an associated application ID going from the website to the middle tier, where the software component of the middle tier interprets the plurality of business logic layers to invoke the appropriate business logic layer. Similarly, each business logic layer uses an identifier to communicate with the appropriate website (or other interface).

Information from the business logic layer 410 proceeds to the data access layer 420 conceptually constructing the second logic level of the middle tier 400. The data access layer 420 provides instructions for accessing the appropriate database table in the PD 300 needed to perform high level commands from the business logic layer 410.

The conceptual third logical level of the middle tier 400 is the table access layer 430 that transforms the data in the PD 300 into a suitable form for advancing from independent standard XML to the upper level. Conversely, the table access layer 430 converts the instructions and data received from the higher layer into an XML format for storage in the PD 300.

The conceptual fourth logical level of the middle tier 400 is the data / utility level 440, which is the lowest level in the AS 400. In general, data / utility level 440 issues high level commands from business logic layer 410 and extracts the necessary data from the appropriate PD 300 table. In particular, data / utility level 440 includes utility components for performing standard functions, such as reading from and writing to the registry, and data components for accessing PD 300. By disconnecting the above functions at the data / utility level 440, it is only necessary to change these data / utility levels when changing the database description (eg, from SQL to those provided by Oracle).

It will be appreciated that the data transformation of the present embodiment enables easy third party access to the information while facilitating the flow of information through the rest of the platform. For example, an end user 25, such as a courier, extracts data from the ASP 200 in XML to the user's own customer ASP interface (e.g., website and call center) and electronic data exchange (EDI). You can build other formats such as Interchange, text, or direct access. Moreover, the third party may issue a request for specific data to the ASP, and in the case of the ASP, may perform a specific function and return a result of performing the specific function to the third party. Trade names in such embodiments. NET can be realized using the tools provided by Microsoft, and the middle tier is programmed to receive requests from third parties in a predetermined format. For example, one or more software objects in the middle tier interpret the request and identify the requested data and / or the requested function and corresponding data parameters needed to perform that function. Functions that can be included in data retrieved from a database as disclosed herein and in separate objects or components are being performed. As a result, the data is essentially provided to third parties in any format, including XML, electronic data exchange (EDI), text, direct access, and the like.

In addition to the fourth software logic level, the middle tier 400 also includes individual functional components or services implemented within the server software. One of them is the data monitor 445, which is the interface between the business logic layer 410 and the device 100. Data monitor 445 communicates with device 100 via a device's unique IP address using a UDP / IP (or TCP / IP in other embodiments) socket protocol. The data monitor 445 monitors a specific designated port for inputting device 100 data, collects data input from the deployed device 100, and when the device data is an alarm, an alarm notification queue, or device data If it is not the result of an alert, it is a dedicated device that posts data to any of the non-alert notification queues.

The second functional element is a polling service 450 in which polling of the device 100 is performed based on polling frequency in accordance with the device table. The amount of time between each data point can be adjusted by adjusting the polling frequency without disturbing normal operation. The method of identifying the device to be polled generates a report of the devices that need to be polled using the polling service 470 and the PD 300. This report is then used by business logic layer 410 to poll individual devices. It will be appreciated that the polling and the polling service 470 itself are optional. For example, in another embodiment, the polling service 450 is replaced with an SQL task that executes at a given time to request data from all or specific devices 100. The above-mentioned predetermined request is referred to as a normal data request.

The other functional elements access the non-alarm and alert notification queues in the middle tier 400, access the notification type table and the notification table in the PD 300 as described above, and the user if the alert is triggered by the system. If an error is detected at 25, it is a notification service 465 that generates a notification alert to the system administration. The notification alert is sent to the user 25 via the alert device. As described in more detail below, other various middle tier 400 elements send notifications when the other element creates an XML document specifying the requested notification and places the created document in an appropriate notification queue. The need can be determined.

The notification service 465 will send a message to the CMC 40 whenever an alert occurs. This message information will be used by the system administrator (eg, a customer related expert) to respond to the user 25 as appropriate to investigate further information in addition to the basic message generated by the automated notification system. In addition, these messages can be sent directly to call management software to improve customer experience and call processing speed by providing automated processing and dispatch procedures for incoming user queries.

As described in more detail below, the communication service 460 determines when to send a message back to the device 100. In short, the communication service 460 monitors the device message and device message type table for entries (ie, messages) based on the retry period that needs to be resent. Also, based on the retry count and maximum retry count fields, the communication service 460 may determine that each communication service 460 posts a message to the non-alarm notification queue to instruct the system administrator of a device failure. Determines when the maximum number of retries for a message is reached.

The middle tier 400 also includes a data processor service 455 for processing device data. As described below, the data processor service 455 monitors alert queues and non-alarm queues (device data of these alert queues and non-alarm queues are published by data monitor service 445). Based on the entries in the alert queue and the non-alarm queue, the data processor service 455 updates the PD 300 and generates an entry in the non-alarm and alert notification queue suitable for operation by the notification service 465. Can be.

The middle tier 400 also includes a registration exam service 470 to assist the registration of the new user 25. This optional service creates a test communication with the newly registered user's device 100.

Another optional service is a log service (not shown). This log service works in conjunction with the log queue to track system usage and correct errors in the system. In general, each other service creates a history of system activity by posting records to the log queue.

The final functional element is a service monitor 475 that is located in the background and continuously transmits test data to confirm that other services and devices are working and collecting data. If the device fails to respond, the service monitor 475 may stop processing the device and allow it to resume processing in an attempt to repair the problem. In addition, the service monitor 475 can notify the personnel through the notification service described below for arbitration unless the device is properly restarted.

The middle tier 400 also includes various queues accessed by various services and preferably implemented using Microsoft message queues or similar techniques. In this way, each entry in the queue is preferred, and the XML document contains data or parameters used by the particular service accessing the queue. As can be appreciated based on the content described herein, the service can be operated asynchronously by posting service parameters to the queue.

In particular, middle tier 400 includes an alert notification queue and a non-alert notification queue for use by notification service 465 and communication service 460. In the present embodiment, these notification queues may include XML documents, which represent the following data: a business application ID for identifying the appropriate application and the corresponding business layer, a notification service method for message format. It includes a notification type ID for betting, an alarm device type description for indicating an alarm device type, an alarm device address for specifying an alarm device description, a notification content, and a notification message.

Similarly, middle tier 400 includes alert queues and non-alarm queues. As described below, data monitor service 445 publishes records for these queues, and data processor service 455 accesses and uses records in these queues. Each record in these queues preferably includes the IP address of the device to which the record relates, and the device data received from device 100 is identified by the IP address.

ASP 200 includes one or more servers that support the system's website. The main user interface for the owner of the device 100 and the authorized user 25 may be a system website. The foregoing discussion relates to one embodiment of the invention with one system website suitable for all applications of the system, for example patient monitoring, child monitoring and cargo monitoring. Other embodiments of the invention may include separate system websites, each tailored for different application purposes. In general, the system website allows an authorized user to update the configuration of the device 100 including the data collection frequency as well as other parameters of the monitor. The website also enables the user to show historical information about the device 100 and to obtain current location and sensor information. Ideally, almost any action that a user or owner wishes to perform may be executed via the system website. Such input is advanced to the ASP 200 where the middle tier 400 processes the input, updates the PD 300 and, if necessary, executes other operations.

The website preferably provides not only the current location of the device 100 but also its historical location. The device location history is displayed to the user via a time history graphical display. The display may include a map having individual data points corresponding to recent historical data points (eg, location and sensor data) of the device 100. The data point is retrieved from the device log and the device log value table. When the cursor is moved through the top of an individual data point, a popup window shows data point information. Future embodiments of such applications may not only detect whereabouts of the device 100 but also provide directions from the device 100 to points of interest based on the direction in which they are moving.

The display characteristics of the system website allow multiple devices 100 to simultaneously map on a single map display. This mapping process is particularly useful when there is a single owner with multiple devices 100 associated with a single account. The software generating the display assigns a different display identifier (eg, color, shape, text, etc.) to each device ID associated with the account ID and uses the identifier for each data point retrieved from the device log and device log value table. do.

The system website may enable the user to generate an on-demand report on the device 100 history. For example, a user may generate an on-demand historical report describing all alerts generated by the device 100 as stored in the service log table for the specified number of dates in the past and the location of these alerts as specified in the device log value table. can do. The use of such historical data can be considered as a means of providing feedback, for example, depending on the practicality of the current alert threshold.

As described herein, all on-demand sensor threshold parameters entered by the user proceed through an initiation logic check at the system website. If a potentially suspicious value is being entered by the user, the website can look up information and highlight potential problems according to selected thresholds, for example, where the parameters are set as low as possible and can generate multiple alarms. can do.

The middle tier 400 may perform a function to generate an "on-demand request" for the device 100 information in response to a user query. For example, if the user is slow on the website and views a web page associated with these devices 100, the user may click on a button that may request an update of the current device 100 location and sensor information. Next, the middle tier 400 generates a request for information and accordingly reports an error if it displays, stops or does not respond to the information returned from the device 100.

In addition, the middle tier 400 may detect the location of a particular point of interest in proximity to the device 100 through a database query in response to a user request. For example, a query based on the currently reported location of the device 100 may detect a location in an almost small or large city. Other points of interest may be specified such as hospitals, police stations or restaurants. Many commercial databases can be used to achieve this functionality because the query can use latitude and longitude information depending on the point of contact.

As mentioned above, if a single system website is used or if multiple sites are used, then each vertical market website has an application to verify that the business logic layer 410 is used and the tables of the PD 300 are accessed. ID will be advanced to middle tier 400. When a patient monitoring user enters a username and ID on a website, the website may advance the ID to the middle tier 400 to assist in identifying appropriate business rules, tables, and the like.

Message packet protocol and sequence

Having described various elements and general operations of embodiments of the present invention, the following relates to the operation of the data transfer protocol between the device 100 and the ASP 200 to communicate GPS location, temperature and fall down data below. Will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 8A-8E in the context of an embodiment of the invention when the device 100 is mounted. 8A shows a constant data packet format. In general, a data packet consists of an upper layer of an application protocol with three lower protocol layers. Standard Data Protocol 1 (STDP-1) is the upper layer and is the parent communication application layer protocol between the CDPD device 100 and the ASP 200. The STDP-1 is composed of seven sequential segments, namely the front head, the control 1, the data length 1, the data 1, the CRC, the message ID, and the tail, following the awakening notification byte code. The wake-up announcement byte code is a single byte from ASP 200 to device 100 that starts up the modem of device 100. The Data1 field in STDP-1 consists of the lower protocol STDP-2 levels, which contain at least one and a maximum of n data packets, each of which has three segments: control2, It consists of data length 2 and data 2. The data2 segment is further divided into lower protocol STDP-3 levels, which contain the actual data transmitted between the device 100 and the ASP 200.

Hereinafter, the high level protocol segment of STDP-1 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 8B. The frontal head segment includes a constant header (header) identifier such as a number or a character string at the beginning of the packet that functions as a signal into which the data packet is input. In this embodiment of the present invention, the constant head identifier in the frontal head segment is the number AA55 in hexadecimal (H). The Control1 segment defines all instruction sets for the STDP-1 transport layer application program and includes control bytes associated with the type of data being transferred. For example, referring to FIG. 8B, if the user of the device 100 sends an emergency signal to the ASP 200, the control byte in the control1 segment will be a decimal number 02. Similarly, if the transmitted data was a data acknowledgment of the ASP 200 received from the device 100, the control byte in the control1 segment would be hex 10. Others can be understood as well. The data length 1 segment in the STDP-1 protocol contains the total number of bytes of data transmitted in the subsequent data 1 segment. In this embodiment of the present invention, the data length 1 segment is defined as a two-byte hexadecimal number. The message preferably includes error detection and / or correction information. Thus, the message includes a CRC segment that detects all data corruptions within these three segments by performing an exclusive OR (XOR) logical function on the Controll segment, the Data lengthl segment, or the Datal segment. The message ID segment contains a hexadecimal identifier that preferably identifies the message uniquely. The responsive message contains the ID of the same message, thereby allowing the middle tier 400 to pair each message with its reply if any. The tail segment is similar to the front head segment and contains a constant tail (tailor) identifier, such as a number or string at the end of the packet. This tail identifier serves as a signal that the data packet has ended.

The STDP-2 lower protocol segment will now be described with reference to FIG. 8C. STDP-2 corresponds to the data1 segment of the STDP-1 protocol. The STDP-2 sub-protocol contains at least one and up to n individual data packets describing the type of data and the length of the data being transmitted. The Control2 segment in the STDP-2 subprotocol associates a control byte of hexadecimal 00 to FF with a particular configuration or data request between the device 100 and the ASP 200 (and vice versa). Define the type. In one embodiment of the present invention, only control bytes 01 to 08 are defined and control bytes 09 to FF are reserved for future use. For example, referring to FIG. 8C, the GPS position data being input from the device 100 to the ASP 200 will transmit a control byte of hex 02 in the Control 2 segment. Preset commands in the list of FIG. 8C will be described in more detail. The data length 2 segment contains the total number of bytes of data being transmitted in the data 2 segment that follows. The data 2 segment described later in more detail contains the actual data of the data packet being transmitted.

The STDP-3 lower protocol layer contains the data2 segment of the STDP-2 subprotocol and will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 8D. The STDP-3 subprotocol defines the communication format for all application data types. In particular, this embodiment of the present invention defines eight configurations or data types to which ID numbers 1 to 8 are assigned. GPS location data is transmitted in standard ASCII codes for latitude, longitude, and time in the format shown in FIG. 8D. The GPS position data includes a flag indicating whether the GPS data received from the device 100 is valid. For this embodiment, the GPS data is marked invalid (V) when the device 100 cannot receive new GPS data. In the case of this example, the device 100 calls the last known place stored in the device's memory and returns it to the ASP 200. The temperature data is transmitted in ASCII code in degrees Celsius and includes a hexadecimal number (DDD) that identifies the clock unit 202 that is the source of the data transmission. Fall Down data is defined as the number of hexadecimal digits in one state of two bytes, where the 01 state represents a normal condition and the 00 state represents a fall down condition.

The preset center call configuration command is the initial request of the ASP 200 for information and is defined as a 10 byte ASCII code in which the device 100 ignores the last two digits. A preset time call configuration command is sent by the ASP 200 to the device 100 to specify a period during which the device will send location and sensor data to the ASP. The preset time call configuration command is defined as a 12 byte ASCII code with a maximum duration of 255 minutes. The preset location range alarm configuration command sent by the ASP 200 to the device 100 defines the physical boundaries of the device 100. If device 100 determines that its location is outside this boundary, device 100 sends an alert to ASP 200 as described below. The format of the command is a 21-byte code consisting of the latitude and longitude of the upper left and lower right corners of the boundary. In other embodiments, the instruction passes through the radius of the boundary. The microprocessor of the device 100 uses the radius to determine that the GPS location of the device 100 is from home (ie, the center of a circle of acceptable location). It is determined whether or not the distance is greater. Each coordinate is defined by 4 bytes. The first byte is the slope, the second byte is the minute, the third byte and the fourth byte are the fractional parts of one minute. The last byte of data is reserved for enabling or disabling the GPS receiver in device 100. The preset fall down alarm command is defined as one bit used by the ASP 200 to drive and stop the fall down sensor in the device 100. The preset temperature range alarm configuration command is defined as a 4-byte ASCII code. The first two bytes represent the upper limit up to 60 ° C in degrees Celsius, and the second two bytes represent the lower limit up to 0 ° C in degrees Celsius. The temperature alarm / sensor stops running when the upper limit is equal to the lower limit.

FIG. 8E summarizes the message packet configuration shown in detail in FIGS. 8A-8D for possible configurations and data types in this embodiment of the present invention. The first five rows (ID numbers 1-5) represent the five initial configuration commands described below, which the ASP 200 sent to the device 100 at startup. ID number 6 corresponds to the response from ASP 200 to device 100. ID number 7 corresponds to the response from device 100 to ASP 200. The last seven horizontal lines (ID numbers 8-14) in FIG. 8E represent the various alarms and commands that the device 100 sent to the ASP 200.

Hereinafter, the data request of the ASP 200 and each of the four initial configuration commands will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 9A to 9N. In general, their respective structures represent a time sequence of commands and data exchange between the ASP 200 and the device 100. In these structures, two vertical lines represent the time axis (time progresses from top to bottom). The left line represents the ASP 200 and the right line represents the device 100. Horizontal arrows numbered between vertical lines indicate the exchange of commands and data. The number notation above each horizontal line indicates the type of command or data being transmitted and corresponds to the ID column of FIG. 8E described above. For example, the transmission of number 9 depicted in FIG. 9B represents a generic data message from device 100 to ASP 200.

As an initial problem, in some embodiments, the ASP 200 first sends a "wake-up notice" bytecode to the device 100 and then transmits some data to start up the modem, delaying 50 ms, and then sending a message. For example, this awakening notice code is not required.

Further, when device 100 is turned on to signal ASP 200 that it needs to be configured to be on, it initially issues a device register command (number 14) to ASP 200 without retransmission and acknowledgment. To send). In the case of an alternative embodiment, the device 100 retries for a predetermined number of times until the ASP 200 provides a responsive acknowledgment. If no acknowledgment is received, the device 100 alerts the wearer locally.

When the ASP 200 receives a device register command, the ASP 200, in particular the data processor service, responds by sending a configuration command to the device 100, thereby configuring the alarm parameter values and rules of the device. In this embodiment, the data processor service 455 configures the device by continuously sending preset position range alarm commands, preset fall down alarm commands, and preset temperature alarm commands, but none of the configuration commands are directed to the device 100. It should be understood that it can be transmitted. This configuration is necessary when the device 100 stores parameters using a nonvolatile RAM. In the case of this embodiment, each of the four configuration commands or any subset thereof is sent to the device 100. The user 25 decides to change the alarm threshold or rule, including when the user 25 changes the reference point for the range / position alarm, when the user 25 changes the radius for the range / location alarm, and so on. If so, the appropriate configuration command (s) are sent to the device 100.

9A, the first type of command that the ASP 200 sends to the device 100 is a center call command (number 1). This command is an information request of the ASP 200 from the device 100 in response to a polled request, a regular data request or an immediate request user request. Device 100 turns on GPS and temperature reception in response to command number 7 (ie, ID number 7 in FIG. 8 (e)). Referring to FIG. 9B, when device 100 receives valid GPS and sensor data within three minutes, device 100 transmits data to ASP 200 by command number 9 in the manner described above. If the device 100 does not receive a valid data signal at the end of the three minutes, the device 100 sends the invalid data code to the ASP (instruction number 9) regardless of what information is stored in the memory (e.g., buffer) of the device. 200). When device 100 sends either valid data code (A) or invalid data code (V), device 100 waits one minute for ASP 200 and then sends an acknowledgment by command number 6. do. If device 100 does not receive the acknowledgment of ASP 200 by command number 6 within one minute, device 100 retransmits a valid data code or invalid data code by command number 9. After resending the valid data code or the invalid data code, the device 100 waits another minute for the ASP 200 and then sends an acknowledgment by command number 6. If 1 minute after the last valid data code or invalid data code is transmitted, if the device 100 does not receive an acknowledgment by command number 6, the device 100 retransmits the valid data code or invalid data code a second time and 1 Wait for the confirmation response for minutes. If the device 100 does not receive an acknowledgment from the ASP 200 by command number 6, the command times out and ends.

With reference to FIG. 9C, the second type of configuration command sent by ASP 200 to device 100 is a preset time call command (number 2). This command specifies a time period during which device 100 automatically and continuously reports data to ASP 200. The specified period is denoted by xxx and is set by the ASP 200. If the period is 0, it means stopping of the periodic reporting behavior, that is, ending. The device 100 acknowledges the command by command number 7 and starts transmitting data with respect to command number 9 every xxx minutes. By sending a message where xxx is 0, the device 100 continues to transmit data by command number 9 every xxx minutes until the ASP 200 deactivates the time call command.

9D illustrates the normal operation of device 100 after device 100 is turned on and configured. As an initial step, device 100 attempts to obtain valid GPS and temperature data. If valid data is received, device 100 transmits a device data message (number 9). If no valid data is obtained, the device 100 retries the acquisition of the data for a predetermined period of time, such as three minutes. If no valid data is received, the device 100 sends a message with the set of invalid data fields (number 9).

9E, the third type of configuration command sent by the ASP 200 is a preset position range alarm command (number 3). This command initiates the periodic position detection of the device. Position detection is driven when the command control bit T is one. Position detection is stopped when the command control bit T is zero. The device 100 responds by command number 7 and starts detecting the location of the device every 10 minutes. If the location is within the alarm range, no alarm is sent. If ASP 200 stops driving the position detection sensor by command number 3 (ie, T = 0), then device 100 stops detecting the position alarm in response to command number 7. Referring to FIG. 9F, the device 100 receives a valid signal within three minutes after the location is out of alarm and the device 100 turns on its GPS and temperature reception in response to the center call command of the ASP 200. The device 100 sends an alarm by command number 12 to notify the ASP 200 that the device 100 is out of range. If the device 100 receives an acknowledgment from the ASP 200 by command number 6, the command ends successfully. If the device 100 does not receive an acknowledgment from the ASP 200 by command number 6 within 1 minute after the device 100 sends an alarm by command number 12, the device 100 by command number 12. Resend the alarm. If the device 100 does not receive another acknowledgment from the ASP 200 by command number 6 within one minute after the device 100 resends the alarm by command 12, the device 100 responds by command number 12. Resend the alarm a second time. If within one minute after the last alarm is sent the device 100 does not receive another acknowledgment from the ASP 200 by command number 6, the device 100 sends a message after a period of time if the alarm condition is still maintained. Resend.

With reference to FIG. 9G, the fourth type of command sent by ASP 200 to device 100 is a preset fall down alarm command (number 4). This command requires a fall down state. In the case where the ASP 200 transmits a command control bit X of 1, the fall down detection at the device 100 is shut down and the device 100 responds by command number 7. When the fall detection is driven, fall down data detection with a detection period of 50 ms is started. When the device 100 detects a fall (ie, a change from a normal state to a fall down state), the device 100 sends a fall down alarm to the ASP 200 by the command number 11. If device 100 does not receive a confirmation response from ASP 200 by command number 6 within one minute after device 100 sends a fall down alarm by command number 11, device 100 commands the alarm. Resend by number 11. If device 100 does not receive another acknowledgment from ASP 200 by command number 6 within one minute after device 100 resends the alarm by command number 11, device 100 returns to command number 11. Resend the alarm a second time. If within one minute of the last alarm being sent the device 100 again fails to receive an acknowledgment from the ASP 200 by command number 6, the command times out and ends.

9I-J, the fifth type of command sent by the ASP 200 to the device 100 is a preset temperature range alarm command (number 5). This command drives the temperature sensor of the device 100. The device 100 responds by command number 7 and begins to detect the temperature every 10 minutes until the sensor is powered off by the ASP 200. If the temperature is within the alarm range, no alarm is sent. If the temperature is outside the alarm range, the device 100 sends an alarm to the ASP 200 via command number 13. If device 100 does not receive an acknowledgment from ASP 200 by command number 6 within one minute after device 100 sends a temperature alarm by command number 13, device 100 returns to command number 13; Resend the alarm by If device 100 does not receive another acknowledgment from ASP 200 by command number 6 within 1 minute after device 100 resends the alarm by command number 13, device 100 returns to command number 13; Resend the alarm a second time. If within one minute after the last alarm is sent the device 100 does not receive another acknowledgment from the ASP 200 by command number 6, the device 100 sends a message after a period of time if the alarm condition is still maintained. Resend.

Referring to FIG. 9K, in a terminal emergency call command (number 8), the device 100 sends a terminal emergency call to the ASP 200 by command number 8. The device 100 first detects GPS location data and temperature data. If the device 100 detects a signal within three minutes, the device 100 sends an emergency call command to the ASP 200 by the number eight. If the device 100 does not receive a valid signal within three minutes, the device 100 sends invalid data to the ASP 200. When the ASP 200 receives the invalid data, the ASP 200 responds with the command number 6. If the ASP 200 does not respond within one minute, the device 100 retransmits the invalid data three times by the command number 8. If no response is received, the command times out and ends.

Referring to FIG. 9L, the device 100 automatically detects the voltage of the system at turn on. If a low voltage is detected, device 100 transmits data to ASP 200 by command number 10. If a voltage shortage is detected, the device 100 detects data every 10 minutes without a response from the ASP 200. Another potential problem may be displayed to the user 25, such as the driver of the monitored load (if this user is also a wearer) via the status indicator of the device 100. This information can also be reported back to the ASP 200 for monitoring and potential alerts. The device 100 may provide its status information on demand. In addition, device 100 will generate a message to alert ASP 200 in low battery and other situations that could threaten its performance.

9M illustrates the use of a preset time call command (number 2) in conjunction with a preset fall down alarm command (number 4). As shown, when a preset fall down command is sent, the device 100 begins to respond (number 7). If a preset fall down command (number 4) is sent by the ASP 200, the response of the device 100 is a general data message (number 9).

If a fall down alarm occurs, the device 100 sends a fall down alarm message (number 11). After the fall down alarm message has been received, the ASP 200 stops the time call command by sending a command whose number is xxx is 0 (number 2). The device 100 confirms the command in response (number 7). After receiving the alarm, ASP 200 proceeds to stop the fall down sensor / alarm with command number 4 (X = 0).

9N is an example of a similar scenario, in which the device 100 sends a fall down alarm message (number 11) and resends the fall down alarm message until an acknowledgment message (number 6) is received from the ASP 200. do. If no acknowledgment is received, the device 100 continues to resend the alarm for a predetermined period of time or a predetermined number of times, at which point the alarm times out.

Flowchart

Having described the various components and general operation of the current environment, the operation of the platform will now be described in greater detail with reference to various architecture techniques and flowcharts. The first step of registering a user with an ASP will now be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 5A and the flow chart of FIG. 5B. Many other processes may be used, but it will be understood that only one example is described below. The end user may submit a registration credential via the various user interface devices described above (step 502). For example, the registration certificate may be a web page in which various user identification information, alarm device information, threshold values entered into an application of a specific user, and other information are input. As indicated by the auxiliary process (A) (step 504), the information may include a user table (e.g., user identification information), an alarm device table and a device alarm device table (e.g., alarm device contact information, priority, specific alarm device). Are stored in a suitable table of the PD, including an alert association having an < RTI ID = 0.0 > and < / RTI >

Upon receiving the registration information, the middle tier 400 sends a record to the non-alarm notification queue. The notification service in turn sends a message and sends it back to the end user confirming receipt of the registration information. These steps are represented by auxiliary process B (step 506).

When the registration information is stored in the PD 300 and the XML document is stored in the non-alert notification queue, the middle tier pulls out the new registration information and associates it with the IP address based on the relationship between the IP addresses in the device ( Step 508). When the registration information is derived and the middle tier associates with the IP address, the information is marked as being in process (step 510). In the present embodiment, marking as being in process includes setting a flag associated with the recording.

The registration information is then presented to the end user by the middle tier (step 512). In this embodiment, the registration is presented to the end user in the form of a web page, an e-mail or a conversation between the call center agent and the individual. Such presentation of the registration information is done by entering an XML document into the non-alarm notification queue, and the notification servers generate and send the appropriate message. In addition, the presentation of the registration information includes highlighting questionable parameters selected by the end user. More specifically, the middle tier compares the received alert parameters with the default parameters stored in the device parameter table to determine whether the end user's selection is within the range of acceptable parameters defined in the table.

In response to indicating the registration information, the end user (eg, caregiver) is given a choice to change the registration information (step 514). If the end user wants to change the registration information, the process receives the new registration information (step 502), which stores new data in the PD (step 504), and generates a new XML document in the non-alert notification queue ( Proceed to step 506).

If the end user does not want to change the property, the process proceeds as if the end user did not enter the suspect alarm parameters. More particularly, the user must also be combined with the parametric device 100. To terminate this, the middle tier instructs the call center to manually register the end user with the radio carrier, which in turn sends a message that connects the CDPD modem of the user device with the specific user, for example via e-mail. (Step 516). This manual registration involves contacting the radio carrier and requiring combining the specific IP address of the device assigned with that end user.

In addition, registration of the end user includes a registration test service. Briefly, the registration test service tests communication with a remote device after manually registering a call center and a user on a radio carrier. If the test fails, the registration test service sends a message to the non-alert notification queue, thereby notifying the end user and the system administrator.

When the CDPA modem is registered, the middle tier proceeds to generate an XML document and places it in the registration test queue. Such an XML document contains the information needed to generate a message to the device (eg, including the device IP address) (step 518). As an XML document of a registration test queue, the registration test service may access the queue and proceed to generate test communication to the device based on the XML document (step 520).

When the test message is sent to the device, the middle tier waits for a confirmation message indicating whether the registration was successful (step 522). In this embodiment, the test is considered successful if the device does not return an acknowledgment message. If the test is successful, the PD is updated and the process ends (step 524). On the other hand, if the test is not successful, the process repeats the registration test service generating another test message. Each time the test is repeated, the middle tier determines whether the maximum number of retries has been made (step 526). If not, the number of retries is updated (step 528) and the process proceeds to retesting the registration (step 520). However, if a maximum number of retries have been made, an XML document is generated and stored in the non-alert notification queue for use in the notification service when communicating to end users and / or system administrators specifying a failed registration attempt (step 530). It will be appreciated that registration is required to assign a user 25 to an account or group of accounts. For example, user 25 may log in to the system with a specific account, specific name and password. In addition, the step of assigning the user 25 to a group may be set by the account holder and automatically made based on predetermined arguments such as name, location, etc. executed in the business logic layer 410. In addition, part of the registration includes user selection of service levels, which may include, for example, payments based on the number of alerts generated (as tracked in the service log table) and one or more lists of potential active alert parameters. The selection (as maintained in the alarm threshold table), the list of alarm devices and / or interface devices, account display capabilities, and whether historical data points have been stored, if so, how long and essentially the system Include other conditions with the ability to track or control.

Referring again to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the process of receiving and processing input data from the device 100 will now be described. The data shown in the architecture schematic of FIG. 6A is received by the ASP 200 from the device. In the present embodiment, the device 100, 1) when polled by the polling service 450, 2) in response to a regular data request, 3) in response to an immediate request user request, 4) reporting an alert Or 5) report device data when outputting data in response to a time call command.

The data monitoring service 445 executes a high level of examining the received device data. Such investigating step necessarily involves taking a single received packet of data, determining whether the received data packet represents the actual data sent by the device 100, and performing error determination and / or evaluation. Executing, and setting the priority such that the alert message is given a higher priority than the non-alert message in accordance with this embodiment.

When the data monitoring service 445 executes a high level of examining the received message, the data monitoring service 445 generates an XML document and places it in an appropriate place, either an alarm queue or a non-alarm queue. As described in detail below with respect to FIG. 6B, the data processor service 445 accesses the XML document in the alert queue and the non-alarm queue to generate and store the XML document in either the alert notification queue or the non-alert notification queue. To proceed. The data processor service 455 stores the message in a non-alert notification queue if the received message is not associated with an alert (eg, received in response to a regular data request), and if the received message is associated with an alert. Store the message in the alert notification queue. It should be noted that when the ASP 200 receives a registration message from the device 100, no entry is created in the non-alert notification queue because no notification is requested. Similarly, if the device data is provided to the user 25 via the web site, no notification message is requested, so no entry is made in the non-alert notification queue.

The common set of software objects in the middle tier 400 also interacts with the data processor service 455 to store the data retrieved from the PD 300. Such storage includes, for example, storing related data in a device log table, a device log value table, a service log table, and other related tables.

The data processor service 455 also generates an ASP 200 acknowledgment message in response to the received message (other than the device acknowledgment message) from the device 100. The data processor service 455 also removes the record from the device message table when a response message from the device 100 is received.

The non-alarm notification and alert notification queues are accessed by the notification service 465 of the middle tier 400. In general, the notification service 465 generates and sends a notification message for each entry in the non-alert notification queue and the alert notification queue based on the data in the queue XML document. As noted earlier, the notification service 465 also creates a record in each active alert notification notification table for each device base tracking the response. In addition, since each notification is associated with a particular device (or device identified by the device ID), a suitable alarm device can be identified in the device alarm device table. As noted above, the notification service also handles non-alarm notifications, such as data collection from device 100 in response to user requests or based on some polling of device 100. This device data is transmitted to the user 25 via an alerting device or user interface device, as indicated by the notification service 465 and associated tables.

Also shown in FIG. 6A is an optional SQL script for generating weekly reports of service activity for each device, and a service monitor 475 that monitors the functionality of all services. In general, the service monitor 475 communicates with its respective service using its protocol (e.g., UDP or TCP) to determine if such a service is operating properly.

6B is a flow diagram for the process of receiving data from the device 100, and more particularly, the operation of the data processor service 455 in the middle tier. The data processor service receives the parsed device data from the alert queue and the non-alarm queue in the form of an XML document (step 602). The data processor service 455 knows whether the data is an alert, based on from which queue the XML document was received (step 604). As described, the specific steps that the data processor service 455 executes will depend on this initial determination.

If the received data is an alert, the data processor service proceeds to step 610 to determine whether the alert is a sensor alert. If not a sensor alarm, the data processor service proceeds to subprocesses A and B. More specifically, sub-process A includes generating an XML document containing relevant device data and then storing and logging the related data to the PD (step 612). More specifically, if the device data includes non-alarm sensor data, the data processor service generates records in the device log value table and the device log table that stores relevant data and assigns a time stamp. Process B generally includes generating an XML document (step 612) and storing the document in a suitable notification queue for use by the notification service (step 614). Once an entry is created in the notification queue, the process for the received device data is complete and the middle tier waits for the next device data to be received (step 616).

If the alert is a sensor alert, the data processor service preferably proceeds to determine whether a particular sensor alert has already been received and considered active (step 618). This determination requires access to a notification table to determine whether there is an entry corresponding to a particular sensor. As another alternative, look in the device log table for active alerts. If the sensor alert is already active, the process is considered complete (step 616). However, if the sensor alert is not yet active, the data processor service continues to reevaluate the alert (step 620) and determine whether the sensor alert should be really active (step 622). Such reevaluation usually requires the reapplying of certain alert threshold rules. However, other alternative embodiments do not perform reevaluation.

If the alert should not be active, the process is considered complete (step 616). On the other hand, if the sensor alert should be active, the data processor service proceeds to subprocess A to generate appropriate records in the device log value table, device log table, and service log table (step 624).

If it is determined that the sensor alert should be active, the service sets a polling flag in the device table (if there is a regular data request polling) to proceed to suspend this polling (step 626). According to this embodiment, the service also proceeds to initiate an alert check request polling of the device 100 so that the device 100 is no longer in an alarm state (step 628). In general, such alert checks require updating the request status field in the device table and sending a message to the device requesting a sensor reading.

Subsequent to the evaluation of the sensor alert data, write a flag necessary to indicate the pausing of the data processor service polling and alert inspection request and generate an XML document with the flag (step 632) and store the document in the PD 300. (Step 634). Once the data is stored in PD 300, the process is considered complete (step 616).

The behavior of the data processor service with respect to alert data has been described and the process with respect to non-alert data will now be described. If it is determined that the received data is non-alarm data (step 604), the data processor service proceeds to step 650 to determine whether non-alarm data has been received in response to the request. If no alarm data is received in response to the request, the process generates subprocess A, an XML document containing the data, and stores and logs this data in the PD, device log value table and device log table. Continue. If the data has been stored, the process is complete (step 616).

If the data processor service determines that non-alarm data has been received in response to the request, the data processor service removes the corresponding message from the device message table (step 654). The data processor service does not send unnecessary duplicate messages to the device 100 when a message already exists for the device 100. The process proceeds to step A, i.e., generating an XML document and storing non-alert data in the PD (step 656).

If the data is determined to have responded to the request, the data processor service determines whether non-alarm data has been received in response to the data request (step 658). If not, the process proceeds to step 660 to determine whether the data has been received in response to a configuration request. If not received, the process continues with subprocess A, i.e., storing the device data. If data is received in response to the configuration request, the device 100 returns the configuration data stored in the device 100 for verification (step 662). Determining whether data has been received in response to the configuration request may include accessing the PD 300 or determining the device flag with reference to the device message table to determine whether a configuration flag associated with that particular device is set. Checking the last message sent to the client.

If non-alarm data is received in response to the data request, the data processor service sets a data ready flag associated with that particular device (step 664). More specifically, the data ready flag informs the middle tier that data may be received from the device and processed.

More specifically, once the data ready flag is set, the data processor service can determine whether non-alarm data has been received in response to a regular data request (or polling request) (or from the device 100 in response to a time call command). Is pushed ”(step 666). As described above, the middle tier of the present embodiment makes regular data requests at predetermined intervals to obtain work and sensor data from the device. The data processor service determines whether there was a regular data request and whether the data has been received in accordance with this request. If the data is received in response to a regular data request, the process continues with the data processor service generating an XML document for the non-alert notification queue and posting the document (step 668), and when so, the process Is completed (step 616). The result is a message to the user 25 with non-alarm device data.

If non-alarm data was not received in response to a regular data request (or polling request) (or if it was not pushed from the device 100 in response to a time call command), the data processor service responds to the alarm check. The process proceeds to step 670 in which it is determined whether or not it has been done. Otherwise, the process is considered complete (step 616).

If the data is in response to an alert check request, the data processor service proceeds to reevaluating the data (step 672) to determine if the alert threshold has been met or exceeded, whereby the alert condition is still active. It is determined whether or not (step 674). If the alert condition is still active, the process is considered complete (step 616). If the alert is still active, the middle tier continues with processing the alert data and notifying the user, as described above.

On the other hand, if the data handler service determines that the alert condition is not satisfied and the alert is still not active, the data handler service changes the alert flag and removes the entry in the notification table and (if there is regular polling activity on the device). ) Set the polling flag in the device table and restore its polling activity to deactivate the alert. If you deactivate the alert and restore normal polling activity, the process is considered complete.

Note that the above description of incoming data also applies to outgoing messages to user 25 containing device data. This message may be in response to a regular request, polling request, or on-demand request, or may be pushed by the device 100 with triggering of a time call command or alert. Summarizing this process, ASP 200 receives the device message, and data monitor service 445 creates an XML entry in the non-alarm queue or alert queue for non-alarm data or alert data, respectively. The XML entry contains the device ID and other device data. The data processor service 455 then creates an XML document in the non-alert notification queue or the alert notification queue, respectively. Finally, notification service 465 generates a message corresponding to end user 25. For each alert message, the notification service creates a record in the notification table, and the presence of that record indicates that an active alert message is waiting for a user acknowledgment. If no acknowledgment is received, the notification service 465 resends the alert message according to the alert device and the device alert device table (e.g., priority of the alert device).

The process of transmitting outgoing data (ie, data going from the back end to the device) will now be described with reference to the architecture schematic of FIG. 7A and the process flow diagram of FIG. 7B. In general, sending a message from a back end to a device can be initiated in one of two ways. That is, in response to receiving end user input, such as a request to start or stop a particular sensor, modify a threshold parameter, or request an immediate response to device data (step 702), or the middle tier polls. It may be initiated by performing a service and accessing the PD to determine if the polling frequency requires a regular data request to be sent to the device (steps 704, 706).

In response to an end user request or regular data request, the middle tier identifies the device corresponding to the end user request or regular data request, generates a record in the device message type table and the device message table, and assigns a device message ID. (Step 708). In addition, the middle tier identifies the specific message type (device message type ID) of the message to send. For example, the message type may include requesting to disable or enable one or more sensors, request to modify one or more threshold parameters, request for an immediate response, request for a regular data request, and the like. have. Once a record has been created in the device message table and the device message type table, the middle tier (business logic layer in this embodiment) assembles a message packet so that the message is sent (step 710).

Once the message packet is sent to the device 100, the middle tier's data processor service basically determines whether the device has received the message. More specifically, the data processor service sends the acknowledgment message to determine whether the backend has received the message (step 712). The data processor service then removes the appropriate record in the device message table. Since an incoming data process must remove a record in the device message table for that particular message when an acknowledgment is received for that particular message, any record present in the device message table corresponds to a message for which an acknowledgment was not received. For each record in the device message table, the communication service will attempt to resend the message based on the date time stamp of the device message, wherein the date time stamp is when the message was first sent and the device message for that message. Retry interval specified in the type table.

Before retransmitting the message, the communication service also determines whether the message has been retransmitted a predetermined number of times without receiving an acknowledgment and, as a result, an error notification. More specifically, the communication service compares this retry number with the maximum retry number stored in the table (step 714). If the number of retries does not equal the maximum number of retries, the communication service increments the number of retries (step 716) and attempts to resend the message (step 718).

If no acknowledgment is received because there are no records in the device message table, the message is assumed to have been received by the device. As mentioned above, removing records from the device message table and removing message packets from the queue are technically part of the incoming data flow process (step 720).

If the communication service determines (at step 714) that the number of retries is equal to the maximum number of retries, the communication service removes the message packet from the queue (step 722) to avoid further retries, and generates an XML document to The document is posted to the non-alarm notification queue (step 724).

As described above, a notification service is executed to extract entries from the non-alert notification queue and the alert notification queue and communicate based thereon (step 726).

More specifically, the communication service generates an XML document to put on the notification queue based on the information in the device message table and the device message type table. By specifying the details of the message, the notification service can then make specific communications and direct them. For example, as described above, the notification service may communicate to inform that a regular data request has failed or the maximum number of retries has been satisfied.

Industrial availability

Student monitoring

This particular application is for children's location detection, monitoring and / or tracking. In particular, the field of application is for the location, monitoring and / or tracking of children when they get on or off the school bus with special equipment. The basic components of this system are shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 10, the system includes a school bus 1140 with an entrance or door 1160 equipped with an RF receiver 1380. The bus also has a transceiver 1120 mounted on the bus or otherwise installed. Device 1120 includes a wireless location indication receiver 1400, such as a GPS receiver, and a wireless transceiver 1420.

In this particular application, the student or child 1180 is equipped with RFID 1200 or otherwise installed. RFID 1200 is programmed to uniquely identify its child 1180 in a manner known in the art. RFID 1200 is known in the art and Knogo Corp. Or a number of companies, including its subsidiary, Video Sentry Corporation. When the child 1180 rides the bus 1140, the RF receiver 1380 examines the RFID 1200 in a known manner to know that the child 1180 has entered the bus 1140. This information is then transmitted or otherwise made available to the device 1120 by other means. The time the child 1180 enters the bus is also stored or otherwise made available to the device 1120. Time data may be collected from a GPS receiver, determined by another on-board clock system, or determined by other known methods. The system determines that the child 1180 has entered the bus 1140 and stores this information with the time the child 1180 has entered. The system also monitors whether the child leaves the bus 1140 and, if so, logs the fact and the time the child left the bus 1140. This information may also be stored or otherwise accessible by the device 1120 by other means. In a preferred embodiment, the driver 1240 of the bus 1140 is also equipped with RFID 1260 or otherwise installed. Data from the RFID 1260 can be transmitted or otherwise accessed by the device 1120 by other means such that the system can track or determine at any time who is driving the bus 1140.

Device 1120 is in two-way wireless communication with an application service provider (ASP) 1280. Bidirectional communication between the device 1120 and the ASP 1280 may be via, for example, a ground station (not shown). ASP 1280 is in two-way communication with a computer network, such as the Internet 1300. The Internet 1300 is in two-way communication with a number of individual networks, computers or schools 1320, individual parents 1340, and other devices such as parking lots 1360. Communication between various systems, namely ASP 1280, Internet 1300, school 1320, parents 1340, and parking lot 1360, may be wireless or direct connection depending on application specific design choices. In either case, various systems may access and communicate with ASP 1280 and then communicate with device 1120 on bus 1140.

This section describes the basic operation of the system. When student 1180 enters bus 1140, RF receiver 1380 examines RFID 1200 and thus verifies that student 1180 has entered bus 1140. The system logs or otherwise stores the fact that the student 1180 has entered the bus, and also at that time and in the preferred embodiment, the specific place where the student 1180 entered the bus 1140 (this location is from a GPS signal). Can be determined), or log in or otherwise. The system also identifies the driver 1240 of the bus 1140. This information, such as when and where the student 1180 entered the bus, who is driving the bus 1140 or the like, may be stored or otherwise made available to the device 1120 and may be used by the device 1120. 1420 may be wirelessly transmitted to the ASP 1280. In a preferred embodiment, the RFID 1200 and / or student 1180 may also be equipped with a sensor, such as a temperature sensor, to verify that the RFID is physically in contact with the student 1180. This sensor information may also be transmitted or otherwise made available to device 1120 and ASP 1280.

This information can be, for example, periodically at the request of the end user, at the request of the driver 1240, or in the event of an emergency (eg triggered by placing an airbag or other crash sensor on the bus). Can be sent. For example, the ASP 1280 may also use other data, such as the location of the bus 1140, its speed, and other conditions such as temperature or humidity measured or determined within the bus.

It is desirable for parents and / or authorized school personnel to track or monitor when and where various students get on and off the bus. The system of the present invention provides such a means. For example, the parent 1340 of the child 1180 who has been granted the appropriate password or other security device can log on to the ASP 1280 via a computer network such as the Internet 1300. The parent 1340 may find out in real time whether his child 1180 is on the bus 1140 and where he is. The parent 1340 can also see if the child 1180 got off the bus 1140 and where it got off. The parent 1340 may also verify through the sensor data whether the child 1180 is still wearing or otherwise carrying the RFID 1200. Parent 1340 may also send a request to ASP 1280. That is, for example, when the parent 1340 has confirmed that the child is riding on the bus 1140 as described above, but wants to know where the bus 1140 was at that particular moment, the parent 1340 is asked for ASP ( 1280 may request this information. Such information may be derived from GPS data received by the device 1120 and transmitted to the ASP 1280. These functions are also available to authorized school staff of school 1320. Of course, various security measures will need to be built into the system to ensure that only authorized persons have access to such personal information. The system of the present invention is a convenient but inexpensive system for tracking and locating students in real time and will bring tremendous peace of mind to parents and school staff.

The system also provides additional benefits to the school system. For example, when the bus 1140 returns to the parking lot 1360, various data may be analyzed to determine whether all students who boarded the bus got off the bus. If a child gets lost, the school can check the records to see if the child was on the bus and / or get off and when and where it got off. The school may also monitor the driving pattern of the driver 1240 by, for example, checking or monitoring the speed of the bus 1140 along the travel route of the day. As mentioned above, a detailed report can be automatically generated using various data collected and stored by the system.

Various modifications, additions or substitutions to the above described components may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention described above. For example, while the system is described as a system for monitoring children on school buses, the system is limited to, for example, travelers traveling on buses, prison inmates transported between two regions, and packages transported between places. Holding a zone will work equally well for a system that monitors the access of any person or object.

Food Quality Monitoring System

The particular field of application shown in FIG. 11 relates to the location detection, monitoring and / or tracking of food. In particular, the field of application relates to the location detection, monitoring and / or tracking of the food when it is in transit.

As can be seen in FIG. 11, the system includes a truck or other food container 2140 containing a food item 2180. The transceiver 2120 mounted to the truck is mounted on the truck or otherwise installed. In this particular application, the device 2120 includes a wireless location indication receiver 2400, such as a GPS receiver, a wireless transceiver 2420 and a sensor 2440. Sensor 2440 may be any type of sensor that may be applied to measure, track, or verify parameters relating to the quality of food item 2180, such as, for example, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or a gas sensor. The sensor 2440 is connected to the device 2120, in particular to the transceiver 2420 of the device 2120, or to transmit or otherwise use such data to the device 2120, in particular the transceiver 2420. do.

The device 2120 is in bidirectional communication with the ASP 2280 via the wireless communication system 2200. The ASP 2280 is in bidirectional communication with a computer network such as the Internet 2300. The Internet 2300, for example, is in two-way communication with an individual network, a computer or other device such as, for example, a transportation company 2320, a food manufacturer 2340, a customer 2360, or a government agency 2380. The communication between the various systems, namely the transportation company 2320, the food manufacturer 2340, the customer 2360, or the government agency 2380, may be a wireless or direct connection, depending on the design choice by application. In either case, various systems may access and communicate with ASP 2280 and then communicate with device 2120 of truck 2140.

This section describes the basic operation of the system. When the food item 2180 is in a truck 2140 or other loading container, the device 2120 is disposed in contact with or near the food item 2180. The actual physical positional relationship between the food item 2180 and the device 2120 is not critical as long as the sensor 2440 of the device 2120 can properly monitor the desired parameters of the food item 2180. Sensor 2440 collects or otherwise obtains sensor data regarding the parameters to be monitored. This sensor data may be stored or otherwise made available to the device 2120, in particular the transceiver 2420. The GPS receiver 2400 receives data from the GPS satellites 2100. Sensor data as well as GPS data may be used by the transceiver 2420 for wireless transmission to the ASP 2280, which information may then be made available on the Internet 2300, which may be accessed by authorized end users. It is available.

This information may be sent to the ASP 2280 periodically, at the request of the end user, at the request of the driver or driver of the truck 2140, for example, if some enumerations are made. For example, the ASP 2280 may also use other data such as the location of the truck 2140, its speed, travel distance, time since departure, arrival time, and the like.

It is desirable for various end users and / or authorized personnel to be able to track or monitor the safety and / or quality status of foods in transit. The system of the present invention provides such a means. For example, a customer 2360 of food item 2180 who has been granted a proper password or other security device may log on to ASP 2280 via a computer network, such as the Internet 2300. The customer 2360 can see in real time where their loaded food is being transported, check or monitor the condition or quality of the food item in transit, monitor the distance traveled of the food item, You can also predict the arrival time of the food item in real time. The transportation company 2320 can likewise monitor the quality of the food item, track the time the truck and / or driver is in transit, monitor the truck's current or previous speeds, and In real time, you can predict when the truck will arrive at your location. Similarly, the food manufacturer 1340 may monitor the quality of the food in transit in case of problems with the customer 2360 or the shipping company 2320 or others. Indeed, the system allows each party to document the quality of the food item at each stage of the delivery process. Such documentation can serve as a "stamp of approval" that the food item has been kept safe while in possession. Finally, the appropriate government agency 2380 can also monitor the quality of the country's food supply in real time, as well as the time the particular driver and / or vehicle was in transit in case of any problem or accident. have. In either case, each party involved can monitor in real time the quality of the food item in transit.

Various changes, additions, or substitutions of the above described components can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention described above. For example, while the system is described as a system for monitoring food in trucks, the system will work equally well as a system for monitoring the quality of food in trains or airplanes. Likewise, the system can monitor various parameters that may be important to shippers of various valuables such as art, in which case humidity and temperature inside the container can be important factors.

Sleep monitoring system

Another typical field of application of the systems described herein is for monitoring human arousal and sleep states. This application field will now be described with reference to FIG. 12. As shown in FIG. 12, people, such as drivers of automobiles and machines, newborn babies, or people with sleep disorders, wear EEG sensors. The output from the EEG sensor is connected to the belt unit by any of many means. This belt unit then transmits the output from the EEG sensor to the antenna and the ASP.

The ASP may determine whether the person wearing the sensor is in an awake state or in a sleep state based on the analysis of the EEG sensor output. Alberta, Claude et al., "The Quantification of Sleep and Wakefulness in 2 Second Epochs of EEG" available from the Sleep Disorders Center, Winthrop Hospital and SUNY Health Sciences Center in Stony Brook, Minneaola, NY, and Alberto, Claude et al. As described in "Computerized Quantification of Sleep and Wakefulness in the EEG", the function of the value of the EEG sensor output corresponds to the person's condition. The above two documents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. As described in the Alberto document cited above, the positive output indicates that the person is in an awake state and the negative value indicates that the person is in a sleeping state. Thus, the ASP includes a programmed computer that calculates the relevant function of the EEG signal and monitors the function of the EEG signal for changes between positive and negative values, which typically occurs over several minutes. .

In this embodiment, upon detecting a transition from the alert state to the sleep state, the ASP provides feedback to the portable unit having an alert notification device such as an audible alarm, a visual alarm, a vibration alarm such as a light electronic shock, and the like.

The ASP also constructs EEG (Electroencephalograph) signals, which are available to end users through secure websites on the Internet. The ASP also provides an analysis of the EEG signal on the web site with information on whether the individual is awake or sleeping, historical data associated with the EEG signal, frequency information associated with the EEG signal, and the like.

The end user can include any one of a plurality of individuals and small groups. For example, the wearer himself may choose to periodically access the ASP website to view information related to the wearer's EEG signal pattern. In addition, the wearer's doctor or physician may access a website to further analyze the EEG signal. In particular, this additional analysis by the physician is used to determine whether the individual wearing the device has a sleep disorder or whether the individual is an infant at risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the physician controls the type of feedback provided to the wearer. For example, based on an individual's EEG pattern, the physician may choose to activate the alert notification device at a regular period or at a specific time of day.

In an alternative embodiment, it will be understood that the analysis performed by the ASP may be understood or partly performed on the belt unit. For example, the belt unit may have a microprocessor programmed to detect a change between a positive EEG signal and a negative EEG signal, and transmit a signal to the ASP based thereon. In yet another embodiment, the belt unit not only detects a transition between the alert state and the sleep state, but also automatically provides the alert stimulus through the alert notification device.

Waste monitor system

Another application of the system described herein includes a system for monitoring toxic waste, which is described with reference to FIG. 13.

As shown in FIG. 13, this toxic waste monitor system can be supplied to monitor the location of toxic waste to include it in a moving or stationary container, a moving or stationary landfill, and the like. In particular, the portable device can be attached to a drum carrying waste and can be equipped with sensors on both the outside and inside of the drum. The external sensor can detect the amount of leakage of waste outside the drum, and the sensor located inside the drum can detect the amount of leakage of ambient conditions into the drum. That is, either condition identifies a leak. In addition, when the waste container is moved, the portable unit may be provided with a positioning device such as the GPS receiver described above. It will be appreciated that a particular type of sensor is used depending on the waste to be monitored, and this particular type of sensor has a sensor for detecting a specific chemical, gas, radiation and the like.

The location information and the output from the sensor are sent to the ASP via the wireless communication system. Again, the ASP monitors the position and sensor output. In one embodiment, the ASP configures such location and sensor information available on a secure web site via the Internet. Potential end users who access these websites may include local and federal regulatory agencies, residents, and other end users.

In addition, the ASP may perform various analyzes on the location information and the sensor information. For example, the ASP is stored at a predetermined threshold of the PD table, allowing the ASP to send an alarm to either of the end users. Regarding the location, the ASP can determine whether the waste is within or outside the given jurisdiction. For example, the state may hire an ASP to track waste to ensure that the waste does not leave the state without state approval. Conversely, a particular state may hire an ASP to notify the state when certain waste has entered the state. In short, the ASP can track certain types of movements of the waste and notify certain end users of such movements. Regarding the sensor output, the ASP can determine whether there are leaks from a given container and whether such leaks exceed the limits set by, for example, the Federal Agency. In the event of a leak exceeding a certain threshold, the ASP can automatically contact the containment, dispatch treatment personnel, and clear treatment personnel from specific locations.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 13, the device may be distributed within and around a landfill or other stationary area. In one such embodiment, the device consists of sensors of both the background described above and below. The device may also include identification means such as flags, lights and car sounds. In one such embodiment, the ASP may monitor the location of the device and the sensor output to determine whether or not an unauthorized waste has been landfilled and whether an unacceptable amount of leak in the camp has occurred. In one embodiment, a device having a device for monitoring for certain contaminants on behalf of the inhabitants in or near a house water source may be installed adjacent to a private house. As with the application described above, the ASP can configure the monitor information available through the Internet or other device, and can notify certain individuals or small groups of this monitor information upon detecting a certain level of contaminants.

In the waste monitor system of any of the above-described waste monitor systems, the ASP can identify a device (attention to the location of the device) that detects an alarm condition provided to the end user, and preferably in this device, Activate the visual or other location marker. This activation is done by the ASP, which transmits an interrogation signal that modulates the device ID of the particular device therein. Again, the device receives the interrogation signal and, based on the local logic, determines a modulated ID that matches the device's stored ID to activate the location mark.

Guidance / training system

As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 14, another embodiment of the system described herein may be used to provide feedback to a user for the general purpose of coaching, training, and protecting the user. Tourists, joggers or other travelers with this device have one or more sensors such as pulse rate, body temperature and blood oxygen, etc. and known sensors for reading feedback or output units such as a pair of headphones and digital displays, etc. Both are coupled to this device. As also mentioned above, the device is equipped with a GPS positioning sensor.

In operation, the ASP tracks the user's location and various biological variables by continuously or periodically receiving GPS positioning information and sensor output. When receiving such information, the ASP preferably stores the information and constructs information available to the user through a secure system web site on the Internet. In an alternative embodiment, the ASP communicates with the end user via any one of a plurality of communication paths including LAN, WAN, voice / cellular, and the like. In particular, ASPs provide historical information such as both real-time position and sensor data, as well as average speed (based on the change in position over time), average pulse rate, average amount of oxygen, and other data available from the sensor and location. desirable. This average may be taken over several periods, such as months, days, hours, or the like, or over individual cases, such as during a runner's training period, or over a period of time when a user is in a particular location.

In addition, the ASP may perform any analysis on the received location and sensor data, and perform such analysis available through the system web site. Such analysis, which may include a comparison of position and sensor data against preset thresholds, is preferably performed by software running on a general purpose computer. In one such embodiment, the ASP compares the actual position and time data with the predetermined position and time data to determine whether the user is "after the schedule" or "before the schedule." In particular, this information may be useful for delivery services and training of athletes. Another analysis performed by the ASP includes determining whether the location and / or sensor data is above a predetermined threshold, within a predetermined range, or the like. For example, the ASP may determine whether the training of the person running for the race keeps the heart rate and blood sugar levels within a predetermined range.

As mentioned above, the system of this embodiment further includes a feedback device. Thus, any one of the information received by the ASP, transmitted by the ASP, and stored by the ASP may be sent back to the user via cellular or other communication means and received by the feedback device. In one embodiment, the user is a jogger, and feedback information related to training, such as actual speed, heart rate, and blood sugar level, compared to an optimal or predetermined level, is provided to the user through a feedback device such as an earphone. In another embodiment, the feedback includes information about the location and the user's environment. In this embodiment, the ASP maintains a database of such sites, such as tourist attractions, restaurants, museums, and the like, and automatically provides this information to the user based on user preferences and / or user location. In particular, the ASP's computer system is programmed to track a user's location, retrieved from a memory indication of the user's preferences, retrieves stored information about the entire site, filters information based on the user's preferences, and retrieves the resulting information. To the user. Through the earphones, through the digital display, including voices (such as "restaurants of the nearest American food 2 blocks west"), followed by the user's current surrounding map highlighted at that point, provided to the user The information may be information of any one of a plurality of forms. In short, the type of information may be stored by the ASP and provided to the user.

Specific applications and devices of other designs are described in the accompanying materials, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the attached materials.

Micro Area Irrigation System

The embodiment shown in FIG. 15 provides an apparatus for remotely monitoring an environmental parameter that indicates or indicates an object, such as an olive tree that requires irrigation and fertilization. In non-limiting embodiments, these environmental parameters may be the amount of water, humidity, temperature or pH of the soil or air closest to the tree. The device is placed closest to the tree. The apparatus comprises a receiver for receiving position data from GPS, a sensor for measuring or inversely determining environmental parameters and a transmitter for transmitting position data and parameter data to the ASP, thereby making it available to the end user in the manner described above. Configure. The user can access this information to determine whether the particular tree needs water or fertilizer. The device may also be part of a system for providing automatic irrigation of trees. That is, the device can be combined with an entire irrigation system to provide automatic and precise microzone irrigation of independent trees (plants) and / or areas. For example, the device can be used to determine when a particular tree needs water. If a particular tree needs water, the device can transmit this information and location of the tree either by ASP wireless or by a direct wire-to-wire connection. The device can also transmit the precise location of the tree via the GPS data received by the device. Thus, by accessing the ASP, the user knows whether the tree needs to be irrigated, and also knows the precise location of the tree. Subsequently, the user can irrigate a particular tree and not irrigate another tree, thus saving valuable water resources. In addition, the system can be programmed to automatically irrigate the tree on a schedule without user input.

The device may be coupled to a system for monitoring the irrigation required for a plant, tree or other object requiring periodic or aperiodic irrigation, for example as stored and set up in the system database of the ASP. In particular, the device may be arranged closest to the tree and may be provided with sensor (s) for detecting a condition or series of conditions indicating the need for irrigation (or fertilization) of the tree or group of trees. It will be appreciated that certain types of sensor (s) are used depending on the particular conditions to be monitored, and having sensors for detecting, for example, temperature, humidity and pH. The sensor (s) may be disposed above or below the ground. In addition, the device may be pre-programmed by the location data without requiring or combining the GPS receiver and GPS data as described above, or with features identified to enable the ASP to determine the location of the device. It may be provided with a positioning device such as a device which can be preprogrammed by it.

Position information and output from the sensor are wirelessly transmitted to the ASP via an antenna or directly with a wire-to-wire connection (not shown). Again, the ASP monitors or otherwise determines the output of the sensor to monitor or otherwise determine the location of the device or to monitor the desired environmental parameters.

15 illustrates a specific application of the system described below. Device A monitors the environmental parameter (s) closest to tree A, and this information is sent wirelessly to the ASP. The ASP may determine the particular tree being monitored by either receiving GPS data from device A or receiving another preprogrammed data from device A identifying device A as closest to the identification code or tree A. Can be. The device may also include identification means such as flags, lights and car sounds. If ASP determines tree A requiring irrigation, ASP can automatically open remote control valve A to irrigate tree A. Of course, it is also possible to operate the system manually, such that the technician A commands or otherwise advises that the tree A needs attention when the technician opens the remote control valve A manually. The system may be suitable for irrigating tree A or delivering a predetermined amount of water for a predetermined amount of time, depending on the parameter data received by the ASP or received from device A in conjunction with other data alone or programmed in the ASP. have.

If the ASP determines that tree A and tree D require irrigation, for example, then ASP can open both remote control valve A and remote control valve D. Similarly, if the ASP determines that all trees in all of zone 1 require irrigation, the ASP can open remote control valve 1 to irrigate trees A, trees B, trees C and trees D. Similarly, ASP can irrigate to Zone 2 and Zone 3 (not shown) by opening Remote Control Valve 2 and Remote Control Valve 3. Thus, the system according to the invention can save valuable water resources because it provides micro-irrigation of trees. In addition, the system according to the invention can save valuable human resources by providing automatic monitoring and irrigation of each tree and / or area.

Pets & Livestock

As shown in FIG. 16, applications of this system include monitoring and location detection of pets. Such a system can be configured as a wristwatch-sized device that includes a pet worn or otherwise implanted GPS receiver, transceiver, data storage device and self-powered battery. If the pet is lost, the pet owner can notify the ASP through the system website or the CMC. The CMC agent detects the pet's whereabouts when the owner of the pet is required to find the pet, informs the pet's owner, and / or retrieves the pet and brings the pet to the owner of the pet. Notify the line agency. The device may also be used to identify the pet's location when the owner of the pet is asked to find the pet. The system may also be suitable for related services such as physically identifying the pet's location and notifying the agency to identify the pet in case of dispute. Potential customers include the owner of the pet. An alternative embodiment of the foregoing application of the present invention forms a virtual fence so that the pet does not get lost. If a pet gets lost a certain distance from a given location, one such embodiment will have a device equipped with an output unit that can give the pet some stimulus. Such stimuli may include light electric pulses and the like. The device reports the pet's location to the ASP and generates an alarm to the pet's owner. Referring to FIG. 16, an ASP consists of a pet owner and a customer interface (CMC and / or system website) that connects to the system. As noted above, the customer interface again interfaces with ASP's pet material detector software application coupled with different end users such as, for example, pet owners, animal shelters or veterinarians with special alerting devices. The device communicates with the ASP via a wireless communication network.

In a similar embodiment, the device is a GPS receiver, transceiver, data storage device, self-powered source and biometric sensor that is adapted to feed cattle and pigs when cattle and pigs pass through a breeding / production chain to the livestock facility. Attached to cattle and pigs for monitoring and identification. This device can be used to extend the spread of tracking and identification systems to farm and livestock facilities. The system can be adapted to related applications such as disease control, inventory control and cattle and pig tracking in livestock facilities for specific farms. Potential customers include farmers and livestock farmers.

Baggage tracking

17 illustrates an application of a baggage tracking system. The system includes a wristwatch-sized device that includes a GPS receiver, transceiver and data storage device that can be attached to the bag at the check-in counter and floated after the baggage claim area. The device may be used to detect the location of lost baggage or may be adapted to detect whether the baggage is open. This device can be used to replace the aircraft's modern baggage tracking and identification system, i.e. bar code system. Potential customers include airlines. Similarly, wristwatch-sized devices that can be attached to the baggage to identify its location if required by the owner of the baggage include a GPS receiver, transceiver, data storage device and battery. Referring to Figure 17, the ASP consists of a customer interface (CMC and / or system web site) that provides the end user with the location of the bag. Again, the customer interface interfaces different devices with different end users and interfaces with ASP's baggage location software application, which can map bag movements during the end user's time. Owners of bags can request to locate their bags through the CMC or website. The CMC may also notify the airline of the location of the bag. As in the foregoing application, the device communicates with the ASP via a wireless communication network. Potential customers include passenger and baggage manufacturers.

Heart monitor system

18 shows an application of cyste for monitoring heart disease patients. Wrist-watch devices include GPS receivers, radio transceivers, biometric sensors, and ECGs worn on heart disease patients. If the vital signs indicate the need for emergency treatment, the wristwatch device sends the GPS signal location to the ASP. Emergency signs can be sent to a 911 emergency call for emergency dispatch and can be provided to an official. The ASP records ECG results for later access by the physician through the system web site. This device is used to allow emergency treatment and post diagnosis. Referring to FIG. 18, an ASP consists of a customer interface (CMC and system web site) provided to an end user, such as a physician or person concerned and the patient himself if desired. Again, the customer interface interfaces with a cardio monitor software application of ASP and a monitor center that links doctors, hospitals and EMSs as needed. In an alternative embodiment of this application, the device comprises an output unit capable of applying intervention or other stimulation automatically or upon the physician's command when certain conditions are met. As in the previous application, the device communicates with the ASP via a wireless communication network. Potential clients will include heart patients.

Versatile Applications

The following example applications represent additional aspects and applications for the devices and support systems of the various embodiments described above. Those skilled in the art, when familiar with and understanding the present invention described herein, how the devices and support networks described herein apply, change, add, or substitute for certain embodiments described below to operate with the specific embodiments. It will be clear if you can.

Transoceanic cargo ship tracking

An alternative embodiment relates to cargo ship container tracking. This application uses a two-tier device, which will be described below. The first layer is a tag that typically contains a radio frequency identifier (RFID). The second layer is a base unit that includes a radio frequency (RF) reader, antenna or coil, transceiver, decoder, GPS receiver, wireless transceiver. The base unit determines which containers are on the ship, which containers receive location information from the GPS satellites, which containers transmit the collected data wirelessly to the ASP, and are sent by the end user via a computer network such as the Internet. Determine which ones are accessed and which information can be accessed.

Another important aspect of this embodiment of the present invention is an RFID tag, which preferably resides on or in each vessel container being tracked and has a unique ID code. These tags also preferably contain unique information for each container. Information programmed in each tag may be different from each other. In one embodiment of the application, a unique number identifying a container associated with each tag is stored and allows the shipping company to maintain a list of what is in each container. Another embodiment stores details in a tag as to what is transported in the vessel. Reusing containers or tags using the previous method is more effective than using them once or using rewritable tags, which are more expensive.

Although not critical, the device may include features that may include or connect to a power source to power components of the base unit. There is a need for a strong electromagnetic field that can reach all the data on the vessel. The power required is proportional to the strength of the electromagnetic field to be generated, so an external power source is better.

Now we will describe the basic operation of this application. The RFID tag programmed with the unique information is located in each vessel container, on the container, or configured inside the container. The base unit can be anywhere on the ship, but it is better to be on the desk as the GPS signal can be interrupted by obstacles. The base unit's RF reader signals the tag on the ship and collects data from the tag. If the base unit has an internal power source, the base unit can be standalone, otherwise the base unit is connected to a power source. The GPS receiver in the base unit receives the position data from the GPS satellites. An antenna or coil in the RF reader creates an electromagnetic field. The tag detects an active signal of the reader. The reader determines the data encoded in the tag. The transceiver in the base unit transmits the GPS location and tag data collected at the ASP via the wireless communication system. End users can access information about the ship's location via the Internet.

Embodiments of the present application may have a constantly existing electromagnetic field, but this is a waste of power. Alternatively, the electromagnetic field can be generated on demand, ie can be activated by the user in the ASP. Another embodiment may have a periodically generated electromagnetic field, but the problem arises that the end user may not know where the ship is in real time, ie it is lapsed when the exact position cannot be obtained. When the magnetic field is generated upon stimulation, anyone can detect the ship's location at any time.

In another embodiment of the present application, the tag periodically sends information to the base unit without receiving a query signal from the base unit. Information related to the received information is sent to the ASP by the base unit. In another embodiment according to the invention, the base unit sends information to the ASP in response to a particular environment being monitored by the device.

For example, processing of data related to the physical location and / or parameters of the monitored object may take place in a tag, base unit, ASP, or any combination thereof. For example, the base unit can receive location data from a GPS satellite. The base unit itself can process the data before sending the calculated physical location to the ASP. In another method, the position data received by the base unit can be sent to an ASP, which processes the information and calculates the physical location of the object. Moreover, the present invention contemplates a distributed processing architecture in which a portion of the processing of information received by the device is partially processed by a combination of tags, base units, and / or ASPs. Finally, the tag may be preprogrammed with position data or preprogrammed with an identification feature to allow the ASP to determine its location without or with GPS data.

Access censorship

In this application of the present invention, the wristwatch type device includes a radio transceiver which transmits an activated and stored ID to the ASP when accessing the local receiver and stores information received from the station for later access application. The ASP either grants access or releases the item, and records the ID time and location for later data mining. The location of the device can be detected and remotely deactivated if lost. The device allows access only to authorized individuals to automate and secure item pickup, and allows traffic data mining with greater security than cards. Prospective customers may include businesses, governments, schools and schools, hotels, banks, retailers, entertainment facilities, stadiums / open-air theatres, sports teams, performance halls, theaters, ski resorts, casinos, airlines, and more.

Use censorship

In this application of the present invention, a wristwatch-like device includes a radio transceiver that transmits an activated and memorized ID to the equipment when accessing the receiver driven equipment. The equipment allows for use. The location of the device can be detected and remotely deactivated if lost. The device can be used to only allow the use of the device by an authorized person by sending an ID. Potential customers will include telecommunications companies, PC markers, office equipment manufacturers, automarkers, firm arm manufacturers, and PDA manufacturers.

pay

In this application of the present invention, a wristwatch type device includes a radio transceiver for transmitting account information to a point-of-sale (POS). The location of the device can be detected and remotely deactivated if lost. Potential customers will include financial facilities and retailers.

Blind Location Detector

In this embodiment of the present invention, the wristwatch type device includes a GPS receiver and a radio transceiver which are worn by the blind and provide their location information to the blind. The device sends a signal to the ASP when the user requests it. End users can request information through the CMC or the system web site. The device can be used to allow visually impaired people to know their whereabouts immediately. Potential customers will include blind people.

Parole Monitors and Locators

In this embodiment of the present invention, the wristwatch type device includes a GPS receiver, a radio transceiver and a biosensor worn by a parole person. The device will signal the GPS location to the ASP when required by law enforcement. Law enforcement agencies may request information through the system website or the CMC. If the parole removes the device, an alarm will be issued to law enforcement in the absence of life signs. The devices can be used to detect their location immediately without the risk of parolees removing the device. Prospective clients will include law enforcement.

Alzheimer's Disease Locator

In this embodiment of the present invention, the wristwatch type device includes a GPS receiver and a radio transceiver worn by an Alzheimer's disease patient that needs to be monitored. The device will send a signal to the ASP periodically or at the caregiver's request in the manner described above. Caregivers can request information through the system website or the CMC. This application field can be used to instantly detect the location of any missing person. Prospective clients may include people with Alzheimer's disease or caregivers.

Child Locator and Monitor

In this embodiment of the present invention, a child may wear a wrist watch type device including a GPS receiver, a wireless transceiver and a biosensor. The device sends signals of location and vital signs to the ASP as required by the parent. Parents can request information through the system website or the CMC. The device sends a warning signal to the ASP when no vital signs are recorded. Next, the ASP initiates a call to the parent either automatically or through the CMC. The device can be used to immediately detect the location of a lost child. Potential clients include parents, grandparents, other relatives or authorized guardians.

kidnapping

In this application of the present invention, a person at risk of abduction may wear a wrist watch type device including a GSP receiver, a wireless transceiver and a biosensor. The device sends out location signals to ground stations according to the needs of relatives and / or users. Relatives can request information through the system website or the CMC. This device can be used to detect the location of an abducted person. Potential customers include high net-worth families.

Protection Group Monitors & Locators

In this application of the present invention, an agent requiring monitoring and location tracking may wear a wristwatch-type device including a GPS receiver, a wireless transceiver and a biosensor. The device sends a location signal to the ASP upon request of the headquarters / branch. Headquarters may request information through the system web site or the CMC. The device can be used to immediately detect the location of an at-risk operator and remotely read its vital signs. Prospective customers include federal, state and local protection agencies such as the FBI, CIA, police departments, fire departments and the military (such as the army, navy and air force).

Female Safety Monitor and Locator

In this application of the present invention, a woman at potential risk may wear a wrist watch type device that includes a GPS receiver, a wireless transceiver and a biosensor. The device sends a location signal to the ASP when the vital signs show a pre-programmed hazard pattern. Local police departments can be notified immediately and rescue the wearer. The device also allows users to quickly determine their location by sending a "SOS" signal to local police when they are in danger. Potential customers include parents of women and young girls.

Elderly monitor and locator

In this application of the present invention, an elderly person may wear a wrist watch type device including a GPS receiver, a wireless transceiver and a biosensor. The device sends a GSP location signal to the ASP at the caregiver's request or when vital signs indicate the need for emergency treatment. Caregivers can request information through the system website or the CMC. Emergency signals are sent to 911 paramedics for emergency dispatch. This device can be used for emergency treatment and location tracking on demand. Prospective clients include, for example, relatives or caregivers of elderly people aged 70 or older.

Extreme Sports Participant Monitor and Locator

In this application of the present invention, extreme sport participants can wear a wrist watch type device that includes a GPS receiver, a radio transceiver and a biosensor. The device sends a location signal to the ASP at the request of an official / team member or when a vital sign indicates the need for emergency care. Stakeholders / team members can request information through the system website or the CMC. Emergency signals are sent to 911 paramedics for emergency dispatch. The device can be used to immediately detect the location of a lost participant and remotely read its vital signs. Prospects include torrent rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, rock / mountain climbing, skydiving and hang glider participants.

Jogger monitor

In this application of the present invention, a jogger who wants to monitor his or her vital signs during exercise may wear a wristwatch-type device that includes a radio transceiver and a biosensor. The device sends a read signal for it to the ASP. The ASP station records the information in the PD database for later retrieval at the request of the jogger, doctor or trainer through the system website or CMC. The device is used to monitor vital signs during exercise, acting as a test that requires repeated effort, replacing it and helping the trainer. Potential customers include joggers and / or long distance runners, sports teams and / or trainers.

Patient Monitors and Locators with Respiratory Diseases

In this embodiment of the present invention, a patient with a respiratory disease may wear a wrist watch type device including a GPS receiver, a wireless transceiver and a biosensor. The device sends a GSP location data signal to the ASP when vital signs indicate the need for emergency treatment. Emergency signals are sent to the 911 paramedics for emergency dispatch, and signals are also provided to officials. This device can be used to perform appropriate emergency care. Potential clients include patients with respiratory disease.

Glucose monitor

In this embodiment of the present invention, a person in need of glucose monitoring may wear a wrist watch-type device that includes a wireless transceiver, a glucose reader, and an LC display and reads the glucose level and shows it as a display. . The device sends the data to the ASP and activates the output unit to inject insulin into the wearer. The device can be used to increase the frequency of glucose testing at home and to reduce the side effects of it. Potential customers include diabetics.

Endangered Species

In this embodiment of the present invention, devices including GPS receivers, transceivers, data storage devices, and self-powered biosensors can be attached to mammals and other large animals to protect various exploration projects and endangered species. Can be. The device can be used for tracking purposes for exploration purposes, tracking paths for hunting, and other search applications. Potential customers include governments, wildlife associations, and universities.

Theft recovery

In this application of the present invention, theft prevention / location detection type device of an aftermarket installation including a GPS receiver, a transceiver and a battery can be installed in a vehicle for the recovery of theft vehicle. The vehicle owner notifies the ASP that the vehicle has been stolen through the system website or the CMC. The CMC agent may detect the location of the vehicle and notify the police at the request of the vehicle owner, or the police may access the application directly. The device can be used to detect the location of the vehicle and notify the police at the request of the vehicle owner. Such an application of the present invention may be sold at a lower price than the LoJack system (currently sold for about $ 650). Additional vehicle related services may be provided, namely medical alarms, crash notifications, remote door door opening and closing and engine deactivation. Potential customers include car owners, car rental shops or other fleet managers.

Valuables Tracking

In this application of the present invention, a device comprising a GPS receiver, a transceiver and a battery can be placed in a valuable art or merchandise mail. The device can provide a location detection service through the system website or the CMC. The device can be used to detect the location of art and goods at the owner's or carrier's request. Potential customers include transport companies, art owners, museums, galleries, private secure carriers or armed car transport companies.

Cordless telephone handset

In this application of the invention, the GPS receiver and transceiver devices can be integrated into the handset. The location of the caller or receiver can be indicated via the caller ID. The handset can automatically send a location signal when calling 911 and other emergency services. The person's location can be detected through the interface, i.e. the system web site or the CMC. These applications will be particularly useful for crowd managers, sales agents, real estate brokers, and so on. The device can be used to improve the handset's characteristics to differentiate the manufacturer's product offerings. The manufacturer may provide "location ID" services free of charge or optionally for a surcharge. Potential customers include wireless manufacturers.

Truck flock tracking

In this application of the present invention, an aftermarket installation tracking device comprising a GPS receiver and a transceiver can be installed on a truck. This technology is "horizontally" scalable and can be integrated into possible vertical applications. The device can be used to constantly detect the location of trucks. Such applications can help herd owners and manufacturers improve logistics management. Many "vertical" applications may be employed, such as real-time route determination, Just In Time (JIT) production applications, and delivery scheduling improvements. Potential customers include herd owners, manufacturers, distribution companies, utilities, other companies and governments.

The above-described methods and systems of the present invention have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the principles of the methods and systems disclosed herein may be changed, and such variations, modifications, and substitutions may be made by the appended claims. It will be appreciated that it is included within the scope of the present invention as described in the claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Application / operation method

Hereinafter, another device implementation method will be described for any particular design application for any device of the present invention. Applications for such devices are extensive and infinite. A number of representative examples of a system implementing the apparatus of the present invention are described below. While the devices of the present invention are generally applicable to systems and methods for remote monitoring, location detection and / or response, the following embodiments according to the present invention are specific applications, which limit the scope of the device of the present invention. It should not be construed as.

Student monitoring system

This particular application is for the location detection, monitoring and / or tracking of children. In particular, these applications are for the location, monitoring and / or tracking of children when they get on and off the specially equipped school buses. The basic components of such a system are shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 10, such a system includes a school bus 1140 having an entrance or door 1160 with an RF receiver 1380. The school bus also has a receiving / transmitting device 1120 mounted or mounted thereon. The receiving / transmitting device 1120 includes a wireless positioning receiver 1400 such as a GPS receiver and a wireless transceiver 1420.

In this particular application, the student or child 1180 is equipped with RFID 1200, or otherwise. The RFID 1200 is programmed to uniquely identify the child 1180 in a manner known in the art. RFID is well known in the art, and many companies, such as Knogo Corp. Or commercially available from Video Sentry Corporation, which inherits the company. When the child 1180 rides on the bus 1140, the RF receiver 1380 queries the RFID 1200 in a manner known in the art to confirm that the child 1180 has boarded the bus 1140. This information may then be transmitted to the receiving / transmitting device 1120 or otherwise used by the receiving / transmitting device 1120. The time the child 1180 boarded the bus may also be stored in the receiving / transmitting device 1120 or otherwise used by the receiving / transmitting device 1120. The time at which data can be collected from the GPS receiver can be determined by another board clock system, or in other ways known in the art. In any case, the system determines whether the child 1180 has boarded the bus 1140 and remembers the time the child 1180 has boarded with this information. The system also monitors whether or not the child has boarded the bus 1140, and if so, records the fact and time that the child got off the bus 1140. This information may also be stored in the receiving / transmitting device 1120 or otherwise used by the receiving / transmitting device 1120. In a preferred embodiment, the bus 1140 driver 1240 is also equipped with an RFID 1260, or otherwise. Data from the RFID 1260 may be transmitted to the receiving / transmitting device 1120, or in some other way, so that the system can determine who is driving the bus 1140 at any time. Can be used to.

The receiving / transmitting device 1120 is in two-way wireless communication with the ASP 1280. Bi-directional communication between the receiving / transmitting device 1120 and the ASP 1280 can be made, for example, via a ground station (not shown). ASP 1280 is in bidirectional communication with a computer network, such as the Internet 1300. The Internet 1300 is in two-way communication with a number of individual networks, computers, or other devices such as schools 1320, individual parents 1340, and parking lots 1360. The communication between the various systems (ie, ASP 1280, Internet 1300, school 1320, parents 1340, and parking lot 1360) may be wireless or direct connection, depending on the particular design application selected. In any case, various systems may connect and communicate with the ASP 1280 and the receive / transmit device 1120 on the bus 1140.

The basic operation of the system will now be described. When the student 1180 boards the bus 1140, the RF receiver 1380 asks the RFID 1200 to confirm that the student 1180 boards the bus 1140. The system records, or otherwise stores, the facts and times the student 1180 boarded the bus, and in a preferred embodiment, from a particular location (GPS signal) in which the student 1180 boarded the bus 1140. Record or otherwise remember. The system also identifies the bus 1140 driver 1240. Such information, for example, the time and location of the student 1180 on the bus, the person driving the bus 1140, and the like, are stored in the receiving / transmitting apparatus 1120 or the receiving / transmitting apparatus by other means. 1120, and may be wirelessly transmitted to the ASP 1280 by the transceiver 1420 of the receiving / transmitting apparatus 1120. In a preferred embodiment, the RFID 1200 and / or student 1180 may also have a sensor, such as a temperature sensor, to confirm that the RFID is attached to the body of the student 1180. Such sensor information may also be transmitted to the receiving / transmitting device 1120 and the ASP 1280, or otherwise used by the receiving / transmitting device 1120 and the ASP 1280.

Such information may be sent to the ASP 1280, for example, periodically, at the request of the end user, at the request of the driver 1240, or in an emergency (eg, when an airbag or other crash sensor on the bus 1140 operates). have. Other data, such as the location, speed, and other conditions of the measured or determined bus, such as temperature, humidity, etc., may also be used for the ASP 1280.

Preferably, parents and / or authorized school officials can track or monitor the time and place where many students board or get off the bus. The system of the present invention provides such a means. For example, the parent 1340 of the child 1180 who has received the appropriate password or other security device may log on to the ASP 1280 via a computer network, such as the Internet 1300. The parent 1340 may determine in real time the fact that the child 1180 boarded the bus 1140. Parent 1340 may also determine the fact and location of child 1180 getting off bus 1140. The parent 1340 may also verify via sensor data whether the child 1180 is still wearing or owning the RFID 1200. That is, for example, if the parent 1340 ascertains that a child is on the bus 1140, as described above, the parent 1340 needs to know the location of the bus 1140 at a particular moment, such as through the ASP 1280. You can ask for information. Such information may be obtained from GPS data received and transmitted by the receiving / transmitting device 1120 to the ASP 1280. Such a capability may also be valid for school officials authorized at school 1320. Of course, various security measures need to be implemented in the system to ensure that only authorized persons have access to such personal information. In any case, the system of the present invention is a convenient and low cost system for detecting and tracking the location of students in a real time manner, which will bring considerable peace of mind to parents and school officials.

The system also provides additional benefits to the school system. For example, when the bus 1140 returns to the parking lot 1360, various data may be analyzed to determine whether all students who boarded the bus also got off the bus. If a child is lost, the school can check the records to find out the fact, where and when the child boarded and / or got off the bus. The school may also monitor the driving pattern of the driver 1240 by, for example, checking or monitoring the speed of the bus 1140 along the driver's route of the day. By using various data collected and stored by the above-described system, a detailed record can be automatically generated.

The above-described components may be variously modified, added, or substituted without departing from the spirit of the present invention described above. For example, the system has been described as a system for monitoring children on school buses, but any person or other object entering and leaving a restricted area (e.g., a tourist on a sightseeing bus, an inmate who moves between two places, is transported between two places). It will work very evenly as a system for monitoring the entry and exit of parcels, etc.).

Food quality monitoring system

This particular application is for the location detection, monitoring and / or tracking of food. In particular, these applications are for the location detection, monitoring and / or tracking of foods when they are in transit. The basic components of such a system are shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 11, such a system includes a truck or other food container 2140 with a food item 2180 therein. The truck has a receiving / transmitting device 2120 mounted or mounted thereon. In this particular application, the receiving / transmitting device 2120 includes a wireless positioning receiver 2400 such as a GPS receiver, a wireless transceiver 2420 and a sensor 2440. Sensor 2440 may be any type of sensor, such as a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, or gas sensor, which may be applied to measure, track, or verify a parameter relating to the quality of food item 2180. The sensor 2440 may be connected to the transceiver 2420 of the receiving / transmitting device 2120, in particular the receiving / transmitting device 2120 to transmit such information there, or otherwise be used there.

Receiving / transmitting device 2120 is in two-way wireless communication with a base station or ground station 2200, which in two-way communication with ASP 2280. ASP 2280 communicates bidirectionally with a computer network, such as the Internet 2300. The Internet 2300 communicates bidirectionally with a number of individual networks, computers, or other devices, such as transportation companies 2320, food manufacturers 2340, customers 2360, or government agencies 2380. Communication between various systems (ie, transportation company 2320, food manufacturer 2340, customer 2360, or government agency 2380) may be wireless or direct connection, depending on the particular design application selected. In any case, various systems may connect and communicate with the ASP 1280 and the receive / transmit device 2120 on the truck 2140.

The basic operation of the system will now be described. Food item 2180 is placed in truck 2140 or another shipping container. The receiving / transmitting device 2120 is disposed at or near the food item 2180. As long as the sensor 2440 of the receiving / transmitting device 2120 can properly monitor the desired parameter for the food item 2180, the actual physical location of the receiving / transmitting device 2120 for the food item 2180 is It doesn't matter. Sensor 2440 collects or otherwise determines sensor data relating to the parameter to be monitored. Such sensor data may be stored in the receiving / transmitting device 2120, in particular the transceiver 2420, or otherwise used by the receiving / transmitting device 1120, in particular the transmitting / receiving 2420. The GPS receiver 2400 receives data from the GPS satellites 2100. In addition to the sensor data, the GPS data may be wirelessly transmitted to the ground station 2200 and used by the transceiver 2420. The ground station 2200 provides this information to the ASP 2280, the Internet 2300, and authorized end users connected to the Internet.

Such information may be sent to the ASP 2280, for example, in some words periodically, at the request of the end user, or at the request of the driver or driver of the truck 2140. Other data, such as the location, speed, distance traveled, time of departure, arrival time, etc. of truck 2140 may also be used for ASP 2280.

Preferably, various end users and / or authorized officials can track or monitor the safety and / or quality status of the food in transit. The system of the present invention provides such a means. For example, a customer 2360 of food item 2180 that has received the appropriate password or other security device may log on to ASP 2280 via a computer network, such as the Internet 2300. The customer 2360 can determine where to ship food shipments in real time, check or monitor the status or quality of food items in transit, monitor the distance traveled of food items in real time, and food items The arrival time of can be estimated in real time. Similarly, the shipping company 2320 can monitor the quality of food items, track the amount of time trucks and / or drivers have shipped, monitor the speed of trucks on the move, and the trucks are at customer locations. It is possible to estimate in real time the time that must arrive at. Similarly, food manufacturer 2340 may monitor the quality of food in transit that may cause controversy with customer 2360 or shipping company 2320 or others. In fact, the system allows each party to document the quality of the food item at each stage of the delivery process. This deed may serve as a "stamp of approval" to prove that the food item was in a stable state in possession. Finally, a suitable government agency 2380 may also In addition to monitoring quality in real time, it is possible to monitor the time the particular driver and / or vehicle has been transported if any problems or accidents occur. In any case, each party involved can monitor the quality of the food in transit in real time.

The above-described components may be variously modified, added, or substituted without departing from the spirit of the present invention described above. For example, the system has been described as a system for monitoring food on trucks, but will work very equally as a system for monitoring the quality of food on trains or airplanes. Similarly, the system can monitor several parameters, where humidity and temperature in the container can be important factors, which can be very important to the transporter of various valuables such as a work of art.

Sleep monitoring system

Another example application of the system described herein relates to monitoring the arousal and sleep states of a person. Hereinafter, such an application will be described with reference to FIG. 12. As shown, an automobile driver, an infant or a person with a sleep disorder is wearing an EEG sensor. The output from the EEG sensor is connected to the portable unit by several means. The portable unit sends the output from the EEG sensor to the antenna and the ASP computer system.

The ASP may analyze the output of the EEG sensor to determine whether the person wearing the EEG sensor is in an awake or sleeping state. "The Quantification of Sleep and Wakefulness in 2 Second Epochs of EEG" by Alberto, Claude et al., Alberto, Claude et al. As described in "Computerized Quantification of Sleep and Wakefulness in the EEG" (both of which form part of the invention by reference herein), the function of the EEG sensor output value corresponds to a human condition. As described in Alberto's literature cited above, a positive output indicates that a person is in an awake state, and a negative output indicates that a person is in a sleep state. Thus, the ASP includes a programmed computer capable of calculating the relevant function of the EEG signal and monitoring the function of the EEG signal being switched between positive and negative values (conversion typically occurs over several minutes).

As soon as a transition from the awake state to the sleep state is detected, the ASP provides feedback to the portable unit, which in an embodiment of the invention, the portable unit is a vibrating device, such as an audible alarm, a visual alarm, an electronic shock. Alarms and the like.

In addition, ASP provides EEG signals to end users through secure websites on the secure Internet. The ASP also provides on the website an analysis of the EEG signal, including information about whether the person is awake or in sleep, historical data about the EEG signal, frequency information about the EEG signal, and the like.

End users can include many individuals and small groups. For example, the wearer may choose to periodically access the ASP website to view information about his own EEG signal pattern. The wearer's doctor or physician can also access the website to further analyze the EEG signal. Re-analysis by such physicians is particularly useful when the person wearing the device has a sleep disorder or an infant at risk for infant sudden death syndrome.

And in another embodiment of the present invention, the physician can control the type of feedback provided to the wearer. For example, the physician may choose to activate the alert notification device at regular intervals or at specific times based on the individual's EEG signal pattern.

In alternative embodiments, it can be seen that the portable unit can perform, in whole or in part, the analysis performed by the ASP. For example, the portable unit may include a microprocessor programmed to detect a transition between the positive EEG signal and the negative EEG signal and transmit a signal to the ASP based thereon. In yet another embodiment, the portable unit detects the transition between the alert state and the sleep state as well as automatically provides the alert notification stimulus through the alert notification device.

Waste monitoring system

Another application of the system described herein relates to toxic waste monitoring, which will be described with reference to FIG. 13.

As shown in Figure 13, the system can be applied to monitor the location of toxic waste, such as contained in moving or stationary containers or landfills. Specifically, the portable device may be attached to a drum for conveying waste, and may include sensors on the outside and inside of the drum. An external sensor detects waste coming out of the drum, and an internal sensor detects atmospheric conditions seeping into the drum, which identifies either as a leak. In addition, when the waste container is removable, the portable unit includes a positioning element such as the GPS receiver described above. The type of sensor used depends on the waste being monitored, for example a sensor that detects a particular chemical, gas, radiation or the like.

The positioning information and the output from the sensor are sent to the ASP via the antenna. ASP monitors its position and sensor output. In one embodiment, the ASP provides this location and sensor information over a secure website on a secure website. Potential end users who access such websites include local and federal regulatory agencies, residents, and other end users.

The ASP can also perform various analyzes with location and sensor information. For example, an ASP can store a threshold in memory, which when triggered sends an alarm to someone at the end user. Regarding the location, the ASP can determine whether the waste is within or outside the particular jurisdiction. For example, the state may hire an ASP to track waste to ensure that it does not leave the state without permission, and conversely, certain states may hire ASPs to notify them when any waste enters the state. Can be. In short, the ASP can track any type of movement of waste and can notify any end user of this movement. Regarding the sensor output, the ASP can determine whether there are leaks from any container and whether such leaks have exceeded the limits set by, for example, federal agencies. If there is a leak above a certain threshold, the ASP will automatically contact and quickly dispatch containment and cleaning personnel to a specific location.

In addition, as shown in the figure, the portable unit may be disposed in and around a landfill or other fixed containment area. In such an embodiment, the portable unit may include a sensor both above and below ground. Moreover, the portable unit may comprise identification means such as flags, lights, car sounds, and the like. In this embodiment, the ASP monitors the location and sensor output of the portable unit to determine whether approved waste has been landfilled, whether unacceptable leakage of contaminants has occurred, and the like. In one embodiment, the ASP mounts portable units and sensors in the vicinity of a private residence that includes or has a residential water supply in place of such a resident monitor for any contaminants. As with the devices described above, the ASP can produce monitor information available via the Internet or other devices and can notify the information to any predetermined individual or small group by detection of a given level of contaminants.

In any of the aforementioned waste monitor systems, the ASP may identify which device and sensor detected an alarm condition, record the location of the device (provided to the end user), and generate audible beacons, visible beacons or Other location beacons can be preferably activated. This activation is accomplished by sending the interrogation signal with the ID of the particular device that the ASP is modulated within. The device in turn receives the interrogation signal and determines a modulated ID that matches the stored ID of the device based on local logic and activates the beacon.

Guidance / training system

In yet another embodiment, the system described herein may be used to provide feedback to a user for general purposes to guide, train and protect the user. As schematically illustrated in FIG. 14, a tourist, jogger or other travel entity includes one or more sensors such as known sensors for reading pulse rate, temperature, blood oxygen, etc. and feedback devices such as headphones, digital displays, and the like. A portable unit according to the present invention, wherein both the sensor and the feedback device are coupled to the portable unit. As mentioned above, the portable unit also includes a location tracking circuit.

In operation, the ASP receives location tracking information and sensor output continuously or periodically, thereby tracking the user's location and various biological variables. Upon receiving this information, the ASP preferably stores the information and makes it available to the user through a secure website on the Internet. In an alternative embodiment, the ASP communicates with the end user via any number of communication paths including LAN, WAN, voice / cellular, and the like. Particularly preferably, the ASP not only provides both real-time location and sensor data, but also historical information such as average speed (based on changes in location over time), average blood oxygen content and other data available from the sensor and location. To provide. These averages may be obtained over various time periods, such as months, days, times, etc., or may be taken over discrete events, such as running intervals of running athletes, or over time periods in which a user is at a particular location.

The ASP may further perform certain analysis on the received location and sensor data and make this analysis available through the website. This analysis may preferably be performed by software execution on a general purpose computer and may include comparing the location and sensor data with predefined thresholds. In one such embodiment, the ASP compares the actual location and time data with predetermined location and time data to determine whether the user is at "front of the schedule" or "back". This information is particularly useful for delivery services and training of athletes. Another analysis performed by the ASP includes determining whether location and / or sensor data exceeding a predetermined threshold is within a certain range, and the like. For example, the ASP may determine whether a runner training for a race will maintain a heart rate within a range or blood sugar level within a range.

As mentioned above, the system of the present invention further includes a feedback device. Thus, any information received by, leaked by, or stored by the ASP can be sent back to the user via cellular or other communication means and received by the feedback device. In one embodiment, the user is a jogger and the feedback is provided through the earphone in comparison with an optimal or predetermined level as information related to training such as actual speed, heart rate, blood sugar level. In another embodiment, the feedback includes information related to the location and the environment surrounding the user. In this embodiment, the ASP maintains a database of interesting sites, such as attracting tourists, restaurants, museums, and the like, and automatically provides the user with this information based on the user's preferences and / or user location. In particular, the ASP's computer system may be programmed to track the user's location, obtain an indication of user preferences from memory, retrieve stored information related to all sites, filter the information according to user preferences, and provide the resulting information to the user. do. The information provided to the user may be from a number of forms, including voice over earphones (such as "the nearest western restaurant is two blocks west") and a map surrounding the user's current location with highlighted points of interest on the digital display. It may be in any form. In brief, any type of information is stored by the ASP and provided to the user.

Other design specific applications and devices are described within the accompanying materials, the details of which will become apparent as the attached material is read and understood by those skilled in the art.

Marine Cross Cargo Tracking

Another embodiment means shipping container tracking. The device a) determines which containers have been shipped on board, b) receives location information from the GPS satellites, and c) wirelessly connects to an ASP connected to a computer network, such as the Internet, where the end user can access the information. Can be used to transmit the collected data.

The apparatus typically includes a radio identifier (RFID) reader comprising an antenna or coil, a transceiver and a decoder, and a GSP receiver and a radio transceiver. Another important embodiment of the present invention is a FRID tag placed on or in each shipping container to be tracked and preferably having a unique ID code. These tags also preferably contain unique information about each container. Information programmed in the tag may be different. One option is to store the unique number identifying the container and keep the shipping company with a list indicating what container it is in. Another option is to store details of what was shipped. It would be more efficient to use the old method and reuse containers or tags than to use a tag once or use a more expensive rewritable tag.

Although not required, the device has the feature that it can include a power source or can be connected to a power source to power elements of the device. Strong electromagnetic fields may be necessary to reach all containers on the ship. Since the power required is proportional to the strength of the electromagnetic field to be generated, in all likelihood an external power source will be employed.

The basic operation of the device will now be described. The tag programmed with unique information is placed in the shipping container, on the shipping container or assembled in the shipping container. The device is somewhere on the ship and is preferably on the deck because the GSP signal is interrupted by obstacles. If the device has an internal power source, it can be independent, and if there is no internal power source, it must be connected to a power source. The GSP receiver receives location data from a GSP satellite. The antenna or coil in the reader creates an electromagnetic field. The tag detects an active signal of the reader. The reader determines the data encoded in the tag. The transceiver transmits the collected data (location data and data from the tag) to the cellular satellite. Cellular satellites send data to the ASP. The end user can access information regarding the shipping location via the Internet.

The electromagnetic field can be provided constantly, but power can be wasted. This field can be generated on demand. That is, it can be activated by someone in the ASP. Another option is for the electromagnetic field to be generated periodically. The problem with periodically creating the electromagnetic field is the fact that the end user cannot know in real time when there is a shipment of him. If the correct location is not obtained, a mistake may occur. If an electromagnetic field is generated at the urging, anyone can determine its shipping location at any time.

Further details of the various components of the system as well as other applications are described below.

The device may be disposed on or near the surface of the object (ground or underground), or may be disposed directly below or within the surface of the object. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device may be adjusted to be positioned close to the object. However, other configurations and deployments can be planned as content of design specific applications.

For example, various wireless transceivers such as Axiom's FMS-2100 analog system are commonly available. On the other hand, in a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the subject application wirelessly receives and transmits data as the content of application specific design parameters, and this data transmission can be achieved through a wire-to-wire direct connection.

The term sensor as used herein includes any number of commonly available sensors in the market, including, for example, biosensors, magnetic sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors pH sensors, air quality sensors, radiation sensors, mechanical sensors, and the like. .

The device of the present invention also includes an ocean energy self-charging battery, a multi-channel A / D converter and a microprocessor. The battery can be used to power various components of the device such as GPS receivers and microprocessors. The A / D converter can be used to convert sensor data for transmission to a transceiver. The microprocessor may, for example, be a MEM or ASIC based DSP and is for storing sensor data and / or location data for transmission to a transceiver.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments described above may use any number of different antennas. The antenna used in the above-described embodiments is preferably efficient and effective in receiving location signals such as GPS signals, and receiving and transmitting wireless communication signals such as cellular telephone signals with other antennas without interference. Moreover, an effective antenna design has been found that can receive a wide frequency band that provides a high level of focusing and provides low capacity allowing easy tuning.

The preferred basic operation of the device is now described. The receiver on the device is in unidirectional communication with a GPS satellite system and receives location data from the GPS satellites. The sensor receives data regarding specific parameters of the object that it wishes to be monitored. The location data and sensor data may be transmitted or otherwise available to a transceiver for transmission to a computer or base station. On the other hand, in a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the subject application wirelessly receives and transmits data as content of an application specific design parameter, and this data transmission can be achieved through a wire-to-wire direct connection.

The base station transmits a query signal wirelessly to the device, and the base station is in two-way wireless communication with the device. In response to the question signal, the device wirelessly transmits information relating to physical location (location data) and / or parameters of the monitored object (sensor data). For example, additional information stored in the device, such as identification object information, may be transmitted. The base station transmits information related to the information received from the device to the central unit. For example, the information received by the central unit may be finally stored, displayed, printed, processed or transmitted to another central unit in the network or the Internet.

The central unit may be located in the monitoring center and may, for example, make a request for information periodically or aperiodically, for example by manual intervention or a command triggered by a particular situation. The central unit may also communicate with the base station in wire-to-wire or wireless communication. On the other hand, a preferred embodiment of the subject invention may plan the transmission of data from the device to the base station next to a central unit, which transmission of application specific design choices to a computer, control room or other central unit type of device. Can be sent directly as content.

In view of the information received by the control center, an automatic, semi-automatic or manual response may be needed. For example, by reviewing the information received by the control center, the technician may authenticate the irrigation of a tree (group of trees) or other plant or monitored object. Alternatively, after analyzing the information received by the control center, the program executed by the control center can confirm the specific condition and automatically authenticate the irrigation to the location. The control center can also perform various analyzes on location information and sensor information. For example, the control center may have some constant threshold stored in memory, the discovery of which causes the control center to send an alert to any end user or automatically irrigate the object.

In another embodiment according to the invention, the device periodically sends information to the base station without receiving a query signal from the base station. Information related to the received information is transmitted by the base station to the central unit. In another embodiment according to the invention, the device sends information to the base station in response to a particular situation monitored by the device.

Processing of data relating to, for example, the physical location and / or parameters of the monitored object may occur within the device, the base station, the central unit, or any combination thereof. For example, the device may receive location data from the GPS. The data is processed by the device itself before sending the calculated physical location to the base station. Alternatively, the location data received by the device may be transmitted to a base station, the transmitted location data processing the information and calculating the physical location of the object and the calculated physical location of the object Sent to the central unit. In another alternative, the location data is sent to the device, the device sends the information to the base station, which in turn sends the information to a central unit. In this embodiment, the central unit processes the location data and calculates the physical location of the object. Moreover, the present invention contemplates a distributed processing scheme in which the processing portion of the information received by the apparatus is partially processed by a combination of the apparatus, the base station and / or the central unit. Finally, the device may be preprogrammed with location data or preprogrammed with identification characteristics so that the central computer can determine the location without requiring GPS data or cooperating with the GPS data.

MICRO-IRRIGATION SYSTEM

The embodiment of FIG. 15 provides an apparatus for remotely monitoring an environmental parameter indicating or indicating an object such as an olive tree requiring irrigation or fertilization. As a non-limiting example, such environmental parameters may be moisture content, humidity, temperature or the pH of the soil or air in the vicinity of the tree. The device can be placed in the vicinity of a tree. The apparatus comprises a) a receiver for receiving position data from the GSP, b) a sensor (s) for measuring or determining environmental parameters, and c) the position data and parameter data such as a computer, control station, base station or ground station, or the like. And a transceiver for transmitting to the central unit. The user can access this information to determine whether this particular tree requires watering and soil fertilization. Moreover, the device of the present invention may also be part of a system for providing automatic irrigation of trees. That is, the device can be integrated into an overall irrigation system to provide automated and precise micro irrigation of isolated plants and / or areas. For example, the device can be used to determine whether a particular tree needs water. If so, the device can transmit this information wirelessly (or directly with a wire-to-wire connection) to the control location. In addition, the device can transmit the precise location of the tree through the GPS data received by the device. Thus, at the control location or control station, the user can know whether the tree needs to be irrigated and also know the precise location of the tree. The user can then irrigate the particular tree and save valuable water by not irrigating the other tree. The system can also be programmed to automatically irrigate the tree without user intervention.

The apparatus may be integrated into a system for monitoring irrigation needs for plants, trees, or other objects requiring irrigation periodically or aperiodically, as described, for example, in a system database. In particular, the device may be arranged near a tree and may include a sensor s for detecting a condition or series of conditions indicating that irrigation (or fertilization) is required for the tree or group of trees. It will be appreciated that the particular form of sensor s is used depending on the particular state being monitored and includes, for example, a sensor for detecting temperature humidity, pH and the like. The sensor s may be disposed above and below the ground. The device may also include a location tracking component, such as the GPS receiver described above, or the device may be preprogrammed with location data or preprogrammed with identification characteristics, such that a central computer may combine GPS data without or with GPS data. The position can be determined without having to.

Position determination information and output from the sensor are transmitted to the control center directly (not shown) wirelessly or via a wire-to-wire connection via an antenna. The control center in turn determines the sensor output to monitor or otherwise determine the location of the device and to monitor or otherwise monitor the environmental parameters required.

Specific applications of the system will now be described. Device A monitors the environmental parameters s near tree A and the information is transmitted wirelessly to the control center. The control center may determine which particular tree to monitor by receiving GPS data from device A or other pre-programmed data or identification code from device A identifying device A in the vicinity of tree A. have. The apparatus also includes identification means such as flags, lights, automatic sounds, and the like. If the control center determines that tree A requires irrigation, the control center can automatically open the remote control valve A to irrigate tree A. Of course, since the system can also be operated manually, the technician can manually open the remote control valve A by being told or advised that the tree A needs attention. The system is adapted to irrigate the tree A for a certain time, dependent only on the parameter data received from the device A, or in combination with other data received by the control center or programmed into the control center from the device A. It may be adapted to deliver a certain amount of water depending on the received parameter data.

For example, if the control center determines that trees A and D need irrigation, the control center may open the remote valves A and D. Similarly, if the control center determines that all trees in the whole area 11 need irrigation, the control center opens the area control valve 11 to irrigate the trees A, B, C, and D. can do. Similarly, the control center may open the zone control valves 12, 13 to irrigate the zone [12, 13, not shown]. Thus, the system of the present invention can save valuable water resources by providing micro-irrigation for the tree. In addition, the system can save valuable manual resources by providing automatic monitoring and irrigation for each tree and / or area.

The following typical application will detail additional features and applications to the various embodiments of the foregoing apparatus and auxiliary system. After a person of ordinary skill in the art has read and understood the present invention disclosed herein, how the devices and auxiliary networks disclosed herein can be applied, further modified, removed or replaced to operate in conjunction with the specific applications disclosed below. You will recognize if you can.

Access authorization

The wristwatch device includes a radio transceiver that activates upon access to the local receiver, transmits the stored ID to the ground station, and stores information received from the ground station for future access applications. The ground station either grants access or releases the item and records the ID time and location for future data mining purposes. The wristwatch device can be remotely detected or deactivated in case of loss. Wristwatch-type devices allow access only to authorized persons, automating and securing pickup of items, and enabling traffic data mining. It can be more secure than a card. Potential customers will include businesses, governments, schools and colleges, hospitals, hotels, banks, retail stores, amusement parks, stadiums / stadiums, sports clubs, performance halls, movie theaters, ski resorts, casinos and airlines.

Licence

The wristwatch-type device includes a radio transceiver that activates upon access to the receivable device and transmits the stored ID to the receivable device. Receivable devices are available. The wristwatch device can be remotely detected or deactivated in case of loss. Wristwatch-type devices can be used to transmit a device to use the receivable device only by authorized persons. Potential customers will include telecommunications companies, PC manufacturers, office equipment manufacturers, automotive manufacturers, weapons manufacturers, and PDA manufacturers.

payment

The wristwatch type device includes a wireless transceiver for transmitting account information to a receivable POS. The wristwatch device can be remotely detected or deactivated in case of loss. Potential customers will include financial institutions.

Alzheimer's Location Detector

Wristwatch devices include a GPS receiver and a radio transceiver worn by a person who needs to detect material. The wrist watch type device will send the address to the ground station at the request of the administrator. The guardian will ask for information via a website or call center. Wristwatch devices can be used to immediately detect whereabouts of a missing person. Prospective customers will include Alzheimer's patients or caregivers.

Location detector for the blind

Wristwatch devices include GPS receivers and radio transceivers that allow the visually impaired to wear the device and provide them with their own location information. The wrist watch type device will send the address to the ground station at the user's request. The user will request information through the call center. This wristwatch device can be used to allow a visually impaired person to know his own location immediately. Potential customers will include blind people.

Parole Monitors and Locators

Wristwatch devices include GPS receivers, radio transceivers, and biosensors worn by parole users. The wristwatch device will transmit the location to the ground station upon request from law enforcement. Law enforcement will ask for information through a website or call center. If the parole removes the wristwatch device, the lack of life signs triggers a warning signal to law enforcement. The wristwatch device can be used to immediately detect the location of the parole without the risk of the parole removing the wristwatch. Potential customers will include law enforcement.

Child Locator and Monitor

Wrist-watch devices include GPS receivers, radio transceivers, and biosensors that children wear. The wristwatch type device will send the location and vital signs to the ground station upon request from the parent of the child. Parents will request information through a website or call center. The wristwatch device will send a warning signal to the ground station if no vital signs are recorded. The ground station will call the parent. This wristwatch device can be used to immediately detect the location of missing children. Prospective clients may include parents and grandparents or other relatives or authorized caregivers.

kidnapping

Wristwatch-type devices include GPS receivers, radio transceivers, and biosensors that are worn by people who may be abducted. The wrist watch-type device will send the address to the ground station at the request of a friend and / or user. Relatives will request information through a website or call center. This wristwatch device can be used to detect the location of a kidnapped person. Potential customers will include a high net-worth family.

Protection force monitors and location detectors

Wristwatch devices include GPS receivers, radio transceivers and biosensors that are worn by agents that need to be monitored and located. The wrist watch type device will transmit the location to the ground station upon request from headquarters / camp. Headquarters will request information through a website or call center. The wristwatch device can be used to immediately locate the at-risk agent and remotely read his / her vital signs. Potential customers will include security agencies (FBI, CIA, fire department) and military (army, navy, air force).

Female Safety Monitor and Locator

Wristwatch devices include GPS receivers, radio transceivers, and biosensors worn by women at potential risk. The wristwatch device will transmit the location to the ground station if the vital sign indicates a pre-programmed dangerous pattern. The local police department will be advised to rescue her immediately. This wristwatch device can be used to speed up the decision by sending SOS signals to the police when in danger. Potential customers will include parents of 20-60 year old women and 10-20 year old girls.

Elderly monitor and locator

Wristwatch devices include GPS receivers, radio transceivers, and biosensors worn by the elderly. The wristwatch type device will transmit the location to the ground station if the caregiver's needs or vital signs indicate the need for emergency care. Caregivers will request information through a website or call center. Emergency signals will be sent to the 911 ambulance to dispatch the ambulance. This wristwatch device can be used for emergency treatment and immediate location detection. Prospective customers will include relatives or caregivers of the elderly (presumably older than 70).

Extreme Sports Participant Monitor and Locator

Wristwatch devices include GPS receivers, radio transceivers and biosensors worn by intense sports participants. The wristwatch device will send the address to the ground station if a request from a relative / team member or a vital sign indicates the need for emergency treatment. Relatives / team members will request information through the website or call center. Emergency signals will be sent to the 911 paramedics for emergency dispatch. The wristwatch device can be used to instantly detect whereabouts of missing participants and to remotely read vital signs. Potential customers will include whitewater rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, rock / mountain climbing, skydiving and hand gliding participants.

Jogger monitor

Wristwatch devices include a wireless transceiver and a biosensor worn by a jogger who wants to monitor his / her vital signs during exercise. The wrist watch type device will send a readout signal to the ground station. The ground station will then record the information in a database for immediate retrieval from a jogger, doctor or trainer through a website or call center. This wristwatch device can be used to monitor vital signs during exercise, replace testing of routine effects, and assist trainers. Potential customers include joggers and / or long distance runners, sports teams and / or trainers.

Heart Disease Patient Monitors & Locators

Wristwatch devices include GPS receivers, radio transceivers, biosensors, and ECGs worn by people with heart disease. The wristwatch device will transmit the location to the ground station if the vital signs indicate the need for emergency treatment. Emergency signals will be sent to 911 paramedics for emergency dispatch and sent to relatives. The ground station will record the ECG results for future access by the physician. The physician will have access to the record results through the website. This wristwatch device can be used to enable emergency treatment and post an accident diagnosis. Potential customers include heart disease patients.

Respiratory Disease Patient Monitors and Locators

Wristwatch devices include GPS receivers, radio transceivers, and biosensors worn by people with respiratory illness. The wristwatch type device will transmit the location to the ground station if the vital signs indicate the need for emergency treatment. Emergency signals will be sent to 911 paramedics for emergency dispatch and sent to relatives. This wristwatch device can be used to enable proper emergency care. Potential customers include patients with respiratory diseases.

Glucose monitor

Wrist-watch devices include a wireless transceiver, a glucose reader and an LC display that reads glucose levels, displays the readings on the display, and sends the readings to ground stations and / or insulin pumps. This wristwatch device can be used to increase the frequency and reduce the permeability of glucose testing at home. Potential customers include diabetics.

Pets & Livestock

As shown in FIG. 16, a wristwatch-sized device attached to a pet's neck includes a GPS receiver, a transceiver, a data storage device, and a battery of its own power supply. The owner of the pet can notify the DA about the lost pet through the call center or web page. The agent at the call center can detect the pet's whereabouts after the owner's request and notify the owner or notify the agency that will bring the pet to the owner. This wristwatch-sized device can be used to detect the whereabouts of a pet after the owner's request. The agent in the call center will detect the pet's whereabouts and notify the owner. The DA may inform the agency to physically locate the pet and provide other associated services, such as identifying the pet in the event of a dispute. Potential customers include the owner of the pet.

Similarly, devices attached to monitor and identify cattle and pigs throughout the rearing / production chain to production facilities include GPS receivers, transceivers, data storage devices, self-powered and biosensors. This device can be used to increase the range of tracking and identification systems to farms and production facilities. It offers additional possibilities for applications such as disease control, inventory management, and tracking cattle and pigs to specific farm production facilities.

Endangered Species

The devices attached to mammals and other large animals for research projects and to protect endangered species include GPS receivers, transceivers, data storage, self-powered and biosensors. The device can be used to track travel routes for survey purposes, track routes to prevent hunting and be used for other survey applications. Potential customers include governments, wildlife federations, and universities.

Stolen vehicle recovery

The anti-theft / location identification device installed at the time of purchase for the recovery of stolen vehicles includes a GPS receiver, transceiver and battery. The vehicle owner notifies the DA of the missing vehicle through the call center. The call center agent can detect the location of the vehicle after the owner's request and notify the police, or the police can have direct access to the application. The device can be used to detect the location of the vehicle and notify the police after the owner's request. DA devices are available for sale at lower prices than LoJack (currently sold for approximately $ 650 per device). The device may provide additional services such as medical warnings, crash notifications, remote opening / closing of doors and engine shutdown. Potential customers include vehicle owners and vehicle leasing companies or other fleet managers.

Valuables Tracking

Devices that are located on precious art works and placed in the mail of the product include GPS receivers, transceivers and batteries. Provide location services through a call center or website. The device can be used to detect the material of art and products after the owner's request or through the demand of the shipper. Potential customers will include shipping companies, art owners, private safe shipping companies, and armored vehicle shipping companies.

Cordless phone headset

Integrate GPS receiver and transceiver devices into the handset. The caller's or recipient's location can be displayed through the calling party's phone number verification service (caller ID), and the handset can automatically transfer the location when calling 911 paramedics and other emergency service centers, and people can call the call center and the web. Material can be detected through interfaces such as pages. In particular, this apparatus is useful for herd managers, sales agents, and real estate brokers. The device can be used to enhance the handset's features to differentiate the manufacturer's product offerings. The manufacturer may offer a "location ID" service for free or as an optional additional charge. Potential customers will include wireless device manufacturers.

Baggage tracking

As shown in Fig. 17, a wristwatch-sized device attached to a bag received after a baggage request at a checkout counter includes a GPS receiver, a transceiver and a data storage device. In the short term, the device can be used to detect the location of lost baggage. In the long term, the device will replace the airline's current tracking system. This device can be used to replace current airline baggage tracking and identification systems such as, for example, bar code systems. In addition, GPS technology will detect the location of lost bags. Potential customers will include airlines.

Similarly, a wristwatch-sized device attached to the baggage to detect the location of the bag after the owner's request includes a GPS receiver, transceiver, data storage device and battery. The device will be sold directly to the passengers from the airline via the website or by mail. The device can be used to detect the material of the bag after the owner's request. The owner of the bag may request to detect the bag's whereabouts through a call center or website. The call center may notify the airline of the location of the bag. Potential customers will include passenger and baggage manufacturers.

Truck flock tracking

The tracker installed in the truck at the time of purchase includes a GPS receiver and transceiver. This technology is "horizontally" scalable and can also be integrated into possible vertical applications. This device can be used to detect the location of a truck at any time. This device will help ship owners and manufacturers improve logistics management. Many "vertical" applications can be improved: real-time routing decisions, just-in-time production applications, and delivery scheduling. Prospective customers will include herd owners, manufacturers, distribution companies, utilities, other businesses and governments.

In the foregoing description, the methods and systems of the present invention have been described with reference to specific embodiments. It should be recognized and anticipated that modifications to the principles of the methods and systems described herein may be performed by those skilled in the art, and various changes, modifications, and substitutions are within the scope of the present invention, as set forth in the appended claims. It should be recognized that it is intended. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims (1)

A system for detecting and detecting the whereabouts of an object to alert a user. A plurality of remote location detection and detection devices associated with the object, Each remote location detection and detection device, A location detection receiver for receiving a location detection signal, One or more sensors to provide sensor data, Memory for storing alarm thresholds and locations associated with the one or more sensors; A processor configured to transmit an alert by determining a location based on the location detection signal and comparing the location detection signal and sensor data with the alarm threshold value; A modem for delivering the alert, the location, and the sensor data to an ASP; A plurality of user alarm devices for receiving the alarm, the location and the sensor data; A plurality of user interface devices for receiving an indication of the alarm threshold value from the user; An application service provider (ASP) for receiving the alert threshold from the user interface device, The ASP, Associating each user with a particular remote location detection and detection device, associating the specific remote location detection and detection device with a specific alarm threshold and associating the particular remote location detection and detection device with the group of the plurality of alarm devices. Database for A processor for communicating the specific alert threshold to the specific remote location detection and sensing device; An alert generated by the particular remote location detection and sensing device, and a processor for delivering sensor data from the particular remote location detection and sensing device to the particular alarm device according to a predetermined priority.