WO2009063094A2

WO2009063094A2 - Monitoring apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2009063094A2
Application number: PCT/EP2008/065698
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yvonne Peralta
Original assignee: Buddie Worldwide Limited
Priority date: 2007-11-15
Filing date: 2008-11-17
Publication date: 2009-05-22
Also published as: GB2454694A; GB0722436D0; WO2009063094A3

Abstract

Apparatus (10) for monitoring the whereabouts of a person (86) comprising: a circuit (22) comprising a power supply (32) and a telecommunication means (36) for connecting to, and registering on, a mobile telephony network, and support means (44) adapted to be worn on, or about, the body of the person (86), wherein the circuit (22) comprises a plurality of discrete circuit elements (26) connected to one another by one or more flexible connectors (24), the flexible connectors (24) being arranged to pass at least partially through the interior of the support means (44). At least one of the flexible connectors (24) may comprise a flexible circuit board.

Description

Title: Monitoring apparatus

Description:

This invention relates to a monitoring apparatus and in particular, but without limitation, to a monitoring apparatus for monitoring the whereabouts of a person.

It is often desirable, and indeed necessary, to monitor the whereabouts of people. Various systems are available including so-called "tagging" devices which can be worn on or about the body of a user and which can be tracked using a remote monitoring system. Known tracking systems utilise a Global Positioning System (GPS) and a transceiver, which continuously monitors and transmits the location of the tracking device to a central monitoring station. The central monitoring station usually comprises a computerised system which is able to receive the transmitted position data from a number of tracking devices and to plot the positions on a map. This enables the location of each tracking device to be ascertained by visual inspection. More often than not, such tracking devices are used for monitoring the whereabouts of adults, in particular monitoring the whereabouts of criminals post prison release, or on curfew.

Additionally, tracking devices are known to be used for monitoring the whereabouts of mobile items such as vehicles.

A problem with known tracking devices is that they tend to be relatively bulky, which makes them first difficult to conceal, and second, difficult to be worn by children. In recent years, unfortunately, a need has arisen for a tracking device for children. However, the known tracking devices, as previously stated, are not designed to be worn by children, and are thus, too bulky/cumbersome to wear, and/or visually unattractive. Additionally, since known tracking devices are overt, a would-be abductor is likely to notice the tracking device and attempt to remove it, thereby significantly diminishing the device's effectiveness.

The present invention aims to overcome one or more of the above problems. In the invention also aims to provide an improved tracking device.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for monitoring the whereabouts of a person comprising: a circuit comprising a power supply and telecommunication means for connecting to, and registering on, a mobile telephony network; and support means adapted to be worn on, or about, the body of a person; wherein the circuit comprises a plurality of discrete circuit elements connected to one another by one or more flexible connectors, the flexible connectors being arranged to pass at least partially through the interior of the support means.

Advantageously, by providing a plurality of discrete circuit elements, as opposed to a single circuit element, the overall size and/or configuration of the monitoring apparatus can be significantly reduced and/or changed.

Additionally, since the discrete circuit elements are connected to one another by one or more flexible connectors, and the flexible connectors pass at least partially through the interior of the support means, it can be easier to adapt and/or miniaturise the apparatus for wearing on or about the body of a small child. The flexible connectors may comprise wires that extend between the discrete circuit elements. Additionally or alternatively, the flexible connectors may comprise flexible circuit boards.

Preferably, the support means comprises a wrist, or ankle, band. The support means is preferably discontinuous - having two ends that are connectable to each other using connectors. One or both of the connectors may comprise a switch means arranged to switch the circuit on or off when the connectors are connected to, or disconnected from, one another. Such a configuration may allow the circuit to be activated when the ends of the wrist band are connected to one another, i.e. when the wrist band is worn about the wrist of a user. Advantageously, this configuration can automatically switch the device on when in use and off when not in use, which can help to conserve battery life.

The connectors of the support means, where provided, may comprise locking means. The locking means, where provided, is preferably key-operated to prevent, or inhibit, authorised and/or unintentional connection and/or disconnection of the connectors, i.e. switching the device on/off and/or removal of the device. The key-operated lock may be operable using a hexagonal Allen key, or using a bespoke key.

The wrist band may additionally comprise a reinforcing means, for example, a high strength metal wire, that prevents/inhibits the monitoring apparatus from being easily cut-off the wrist of the wearer. A high tensile strength, woven steel wire may be used for this purpose. A spacer eiement may be provided whose ends can connect to the connectors of the monitoring apparatus. By varying the length of the spacer element, the size of the wrist band can be increased and/or decreased. Additionally or alternatively, the size of the wristband can be adjusted using a size-adjustable fastener, for example a buckle, hook and loop tapes, inter- engaging apertures and mushroom-shaped protrusions, etc. The spacer and/or size-adjustable fastener may advantageously allow the monitoring apparatus to be expanded as the child grows. The size-adjustable fastener is preferably lockable.ln a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support means is flexible. The support means can be manufactured of a polymeric or elastomeric material, such as rubber, polyurethane, or poly vinyl chloride. In a most preferred embodiment of the invention, the discrete circuit elements, the flexible connectors and/or the flexible circuit boards are hermetically sealed within the support means. Such a configuration can render the monitoring apparatus more robust and less susceptible to impregnation by water and/or dirt. This can significantly increase the durability and longevity of the apparatus, which aspect is particularly important where the monitoring apparatus is to be worn by children. The flexible connectors and/or the flexible circuit boards can be hermetically sealed by encapsulating them, e.g. in a polymeric casing, and/or they can be placed inside a packet (e.g. a tube) that can be heat-shrunk and/or adhered onto/over the components. Where a heat-shrink tubing is used, it may be beneficial to additionally use a flexible sealant, such as silicone sealant or a settable adhesive to ensure a seal where the internal walls of the tubing meet. The monitoring apparatus may have one or more engagement means thereon for engaging one or more removable fascias. One advantage of providing removable fascias may be that the appearance of the monitoring apparatus can be modified to suit different circumstances and/or tastes. The removable fascias, where provided, preferably clip-fit onto the engagement means. This may be achieved by providing inter-engaging formations on the engagement means and fascias that can resiliency engage with one another.

The telecommunication means may comprise a transceiver, i.e. a device for transmitting and receiving radio signals. The radio signals are preferably radio telephony signals. The telecommunication means may comprise a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), which may contain unique identifying data relating to a particular user or monitoring apparatus. In one possible embodiment of the invention, the subscriber identity module may comprise a SIM card reader and/or a SIM card, similar to that used in a GSM mobile telephone.

The telecommunication means may comprise a mobile telephony module, for example a Global Specification for Mobile communications (GSM) transceiver. The GSM transceiver, where provided, may enable the monitoring apparatus to connect to, and register on, a GSM mobile telephony network.

Additionally, the monitoring apparatus may further comprise a Global Positioning System (GPS) module, which GPS module can obtain position data of the monitoring apparatus using satellite positioning. Where the monitoring apparatus comprises a GPS module, it may be configured to transmit instantaneous, or past/historic, position data to the mobile telephony network. The monitoring apparatus may further comprise a Central Processing Unit (CPU) for controlling the operation of the monitoring apparatus and/or its interaction with the mobile telephony network.

The transceiver may be adapted to receive poll signals from the mobile telephony network and to transmit a response signal in response thereto. The response signal may be generated by the CPU. The response signal may comprise identity data characteristic of the Subscriber Identity Module. Additionally or alternatively, the response signal may comprise an instantaneous position data signal generated by the GPS module, where provided. The response signal may additionally comprise past/historic position data generated by the GPS module and logged by the CPU.

The monitoring apparatus may additionally comprise a memory module for storing/logging any one or more of the poll requests, position data and response signal. Preferably, the memory module, where provided, comprises a non-volatile memory circuit.

Since the monitoring apparatus comprises a plurality of discrete circuit elements, it may be convenient for each of those elements to comprise, respectively, the transceiver, the subscriber identity module, the central processing unit, the GPS, and the power supply.

The power supply may comprise a battery. The battery, where provided, is preferably rechargeable. Additionally, or alternatively, the power supply may comprise a photovoltaic cell, which, where provided, may be adapted to recharge the rechargeable battery. An induction loop circuit may additionally or alternatively be provided for wirelessly recharging a rechargeable battery. Such configurations may, advantageously, mean that the monitoring apparatus can be hermetically sealed.

A second aspect of the invention provides a telephony network adapted to monitor the whereabouts of a person comprising a plurality of transmitters and receivers in communication with at least one portable transceiver, means for transmitting a poll signal from at least one transmitter to the portable transceiver, means for receiving an automatic response signal transmitted by the transceiver upon receipt of the poll signal, and means for processing, and acting upon, the response signal.

In one possible embodiment of the invention, the response signal may be received by a plurality of receivers and the telephony network may further comprise means for measuring the relative strength of the response signal at each of the receivers. Means may also be provided for triangulating a position of the transmitter based on the relative strengths of the received response signals and the known positions of the receivers. Such a system could enable the position of the monitoring apparatus to be triangulated to determine its approximate location.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the monitoring apparatus comprises a GPS module which can obtain accurate GPS position data of the transceiver and transmit that data to the mobile telephony network. The GPS module may comprise an S4E19863 chip, preferably, version 013F. In such a system, the mobile telephony network may need only poll the transceiver, whereupon the transceiver would transmit its instantaneous GPS position back to the mobiie telephony network. The position data could then be plotted to give a relatively accurate/exact location of the transceiver.

The telephony network may further comprise a user interface to enable users to request and/or download position data of specific portable transceivers. It may also be possible to "pair" a specific portable transceiver with another GPS plotting device. Pairing may provide that, upon receipt of a poll signal from the mobile telephony network, the portable transceiver transmits instantaneous position data back to the mobile telephony network, which would then relay that information on to the paired GPS system. The instantaneous position of the portable transceiver could then be plotted on the paired GPS device to enable the position thereof to be mapped accurately. The paired GPS system could then be configured to provide directions from its current location to the last known position of the mobile transceiver thereby facilitating relocation of the portable transceiver.

This particular aspect of the invention could be particularly advantageous in locating missing persons since, upon noticing that the person was missing, it could be possible to request instantaneous position data simply by polling the portable transceiver via the telephony network. The requestor could then receive GPS position data of a last known position of the portable transceiver, which position could be plotted on his/her paired GPS device.

Additionally or alternatively, the mobile telephony network may comprise a database for logging instantaneous position data of a plurality of portable transceivers. Thus, the mobile telephony network could be configured to poll on a periodic basis, say every half hour, all of the portable transceivers on the network, and to obtain from each transceiver an instantaneous position coordinate. Those instantaneous position coordinates could then be logged in the database and stored for future reference. Thus, in the event of a portable transceiver becoming deactivated, it could be possible to plot the historical position data of the device on a map to determine the last known position of the portable transceiver and/or to get an idea of a likely direction of travel or destination of the portable transceiver. This aspect of the invention may be particularly significant when trying to track/locate abducted children.

The invention may advantageously enable a child's position to be monitored without the child having to carry a mobile telephone. Since certain monitoring apparatuses in accordance with the invention provide for removable fascias, the appearance of the apparatus can be modified.

A preferred embodiment of the invention shall now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a monitoring apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention,

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a flexible circuit board incorporated into the invention,

Figure 3 is a cross section through figure 1 on Ill-Ill,

Figure 4 is a cross section through figure 1 on IV-IV, and

Figure 5 is a schematic showing how a monitoring apparatus in accordance with the invention could be tracked remotely.

In Figure 1 , monitoring apparatus 10 comprises a rubber wrist band 12 adapted to be worn about the wrist of a child. The wrist band 12 has a connector 14, 16 at each end and four integrally formed housings 18 distributed along its length. Each housing 18 is concealed behind a removable fascia 20 for aesthetic reasons.

In Figure 2 it can be seen that the circuitry 22 of the monitoring apparatus 10 is mounted on a flexible circuit board 24 manufactures of polyester or polyimide, whose shape closely mirrors that of the wrist band shown in Figure 1. The flexible circuit board 24 comprises four discrete circuit areas 26 that carry the actual circuitry of the monitoring apparatus. The circuit areas 26 are connected to one another by narrowed/waisted connector portions 28 that have electrically conductive tracks thereon (not shown) for carrying electrical currents between the circuit areas 26. The free ends 30 of the flexible circuit board comprise contact pads (not shown) for electrically connecting the flexible circuit board 28 to respective halves of a master power switch (not shown).

As previously stated, there are four circuit areas 26a, 26b, 26c and 26d. Circuit area 26a comprises a SIM card reader 30 into which a unique SlM card can be inserted. Circuit area 26b comprises connectors for connecting to the terminals of a rechargeable battery 32. Circuit area 26c comprises connections to an integrated circuit 34 that comprises a microprocessor that functions as a CPU for the monitoring apparatus 10 and as a GPS module. Circuit area 26d comprises connections for connecting the circuitry 22 to a GSM transceiver chip 36. Thus, the circuitry 22 is self-powered and able to connect to, and register on, a mobile telephony network. Some of the electrically conductive tracks (not shown) on the flexible circuit board serve as an antennae for the GSM transceiver 36 and GPS module 34.

Figures 3 and 4 show how the circuitry 22 of the monitoring apparatus 10 is integrated into the rubber wrist band 12 shown in Figure 1.

Referring to Figure 3, the wrist band 12 comprises a rectangular cross- section rubber support tube 40. The connector portions 28 of the flexible circuit board 24 pass through the internal cavity 42 of the support tube.

In Figure 4, the wrist band 12 also comprises a generally rectangular cross-section rubber support tube 40 having a larger internal cavity 44 than that shown in Figure 3 to accommodate the circuit areas 26 of the flexible circuit board 24. The internal surface of the cavity 44 comprises a base wall 46, side walls 48 oriented at right angles to the base wall 48 and an upper wall 50 parallel to, but spaced-apart from, the base wall 46.

The base wall-side wall junctions 52 comprise a rebate for receiving and resiliently gripping the side edges 54 of the flexible circuit board 24.

The various circuit components 56 (as described above) are surface- mounted on the flexible circuit board and are located within the cavity 44 of the support tube 40.

A protective cover 58 is placed over the components 56, which comprises a generally planar portion 60 and a peripheral lip 62 that extends away from the planar portion 60 at right angles. The edge 64 of the peripheral lip 62 abuts the surface of the flexible circuit board 24 all the way around its perimeter. The protective cover 58 also comprises a projection 66 that protrudes outwardly from the lip 62 to engage resiliently with a complimentary rebate 68 in the side wall-upper wall junction 70 of the support tube. Since the protective cover 58 is constrained by the support tube 40 so that its lip edge 64 presses onto the flexible circuit board, flexure of the flexible circuit board 24 in the circuit areas 26 thereof is inhibited. This reduces the likelihood of fatigue damage to the components 56 of the circuitry 22. The protective cover 58 can be secured to the surface of the flexible circuit board by a bead of sealant or adhesive (not shown).

The outer surface of the support tube 40 comprises a further rebate 72 for receiving an inwardly-projecting Np 74 of the fascia 20. The fascia 20 is manufactured of a resilient plastics material such that it clip-fits onto the support tube 40.

Figure 5 is a schematic showing how the monitoring apparatus operates.

A mobile telephony network comprises a plurality of transmitter/receiver masts 80 at fixed locations. Telecommunication signals can be sent to and from the masts 80 by a tracking server 82 within the network.

When a user 84 wishes to know the location of a child 86 who is wearing a monitoring apparatus 10 (as illustrated in Figures 1 to 4) he or she uses a mobile telephone 88 to contact the tracking server 82, whereupon the tracking server sends a poll signal to the monitoring apparatus 10. The monitoring apparatus 10 receives the poll signal and automatically transmits a response signal, which response signal is received by a number of masts 80 of the mobile telephony network. Since the strength of the response signal decreases with distance from the monitoring apparatus 10, the relative strengths of the response signal received by each mast can be used to yield an approximate distance 90, 92, 94 between the monitoring apparatus 10 and each mast 80. These distances 90, 92, 94 can be plotted as circles on a geographic map 96 of the area to yield a coordinate 98 of the monitoring apparatuses 10 location. The coordinate 98 can then either be viewed online by the user 84, or the map 96 and coordinate 98 can be sent as a multimedia message (e.g. comprising a graphical location map, a description of the location etc.) to the user's 84 mobile telephone 88.

In the case where the monitoring apparatus also comprises a GPS module, the location procedure might be a little different. Specifically, upon receipt of a poli signal from the tracking server 82, the monitoring apparatus will determine its location using GPS and transmit the coordinates for its location, in its response signal, to the tracking server 82. The tracking server can then either simply relay the coordinates 98 to the user 84 for further processing, or send a multimedia message as previously described.

Where the monitoring system 10 comprises a GPS module and the user 84 has a GPS-enabled mobile telephone or GPS device, the coordinates 98 of the monitoring apparatus 10 can be fed into the user's GPS device to be plotted thereon. The user 84 can then use the built-in functions of their GPS device to process the coordinates 98, e.g. to obtain directions or a route from his/her current location to the coordinates, or simply to display the coordinates 98 on a map 96.

The invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing embodiment. For example, the single flexible circuit board shown may be replaced by a plurality of flexible, or indeed rigid, circuit boards that are interconnected by flexible wires. The flexible wires preferably pass through the interior of the support means.

Claims

Claims:

1. Apparatus for monitoring the whereabouts of a person comprising: a circuit comprising a power supply and a telecommunication means for connecting to, and registering on, a mobile telephony network, and support means adapted to be worn on, or about, the body of the person, wherein the circuit comprises a plurality of discrete circuit elements connected to one another by one or more flexible connectors, the flexible connectors being arranged to pass at least partially through the interior of the support means.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein at least one of the flexible connectors comprises a flexible circuit board.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the support means comprises a wrist band.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the wrist band comprises a reinforcing means.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the reinforcing means comprises a high strength metal wire.

6. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support means is discontinuous, having two ends connectable to one another using connectors.

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the two ends are connectable to one another using an adjustable fastening means.

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein, the circuit is switched on when the connectors engage with one another and switched off when the connectors are disengaged from one another.

9. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims claim 4 to 8, further comprising a key-operated lock for inhibiting or preventing the unauthorised or unintentional engagement or disengagement of the connectors.

10.An apparatus as claimed in claim any preceding claim, wherein the support means is flexible.

11.An apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the support means is manufactured of a polymeric/elastometric material.

12.An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the discrete circuit elements and/or flexible circuit boards are hermetically sealed within the support means.

13.An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support means comprises engagement means for engaging one or more removable fascias.

14.An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, further comprising one of more fascias adapted to affix to the engagement means.

15.An apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the fascias are adapted to clip onto the engagement means.

16.An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the telecommunication means comprises a transceiver.

17.An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the telecommunication means comprises a subscriber identity module.

18.An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the telecommunication means comprises a Global Specification for Mobile Communications transceiver.

19.An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the circuit further comprises a Global Positioning System module.

20.An apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the Global Positioning Module comprises a S4E19863 integrated circuit.

21.An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a Central Processing Unit.

22.An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 16 to 21 , wherein the transceiver is adapted to receive poll signals from the mobile telephony network and to transmit a response signal in response thereto.

23.An apparatus as claimed in claim 22 when dependent on claim 21 , wherein the response signal is generated by the central processing unit.

24.An apparatus as claimed in claim 22 or claim 23 when dependent on claim 17, wherein the response signal comprises identity data characteristic of the subscriber identity module.

25.An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 22, 23 or 24 when dependent on claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the response signal comprises instantaneous position data generated by the global positioning system module.

26.An apparatus as claimed in claim 25, wherein the response signal comprises past position data generated by the global positioning system module and logged by the centra! processing unit.

27.An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a memory module.

28.An apparatus as claimed in claim 27, wherein the memory module comprises a non-volatile memory circuit.

29.An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the power supply comprises a battery.

30.An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the power supply comprises a rechargeable battery.

31.An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the power supply comprises a photovoltaic cell.

32.An apparatus as claimed in claim 31 when dependent on claim 30, wherein the photovoltaic cell is adapted to recharge the rechargeable battery.

33.A telephony network adapted to monitor the whereabouts of a person comprising: a plurality of transmitters and receivers in communication with at least one portable transceiver; means for transmitting a poll signal from at least one transmitter to the portable transceiver; means for receiving an automatic response signal transmitted by the transceiver upon receipt of the poll signal; and means for processing, and acting upon, the response signal.

34.A telephony network as claimed in claim 33, wherein the response signal is received by a plurality receivers, and the telephony network further comprises means for measuring the relative strength of the response signal at each of the receivers and means for triangulating a position of the transceiver based on the relative strengths of the received response signals and the known positions of the receivers.

35.A telephony network as claimed in claim 33 or ciaim 34, further comprising means for parsing the response signal to extract therefrom, GPS-obtained position data characteristic of the mobile transceiver's position.

36.A telephony network as claimed in any of claims 33, 34 or 35, further comprising a user interface to enable remote users to request and download position data for specific portable transceivers.

37.An apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as illustrated in, Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.

38.A telephony network substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as illustrated in, Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings.

39.A tracking/locating method substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as illustrated in, Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings.