Remote tracking and communication device

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The field of the present invention is remote tracking and communication devices.

[0003] 2. Background

[0004] Many different devices are known for the remote tracking of individuals, cars, or the like and/or for remotely communicating with individuals. For example, standard cellular telephones allow two-way voice communication, but they are often incapable, or at least inefficient, at tracking the movement of the operating user. On the other hand, remote tracking devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,652,570, 5,731,757, 5,867,103, 6,072,396, and 6,100,806. Each of these mobile tracking devices enable the remote tracking of the unit (and the user operating or wearing the device), but they do not have two-way voice communication capabilities or have implementations of two-way voice communication capabilities which are at best awkward and require additional devices for implementation of full voice communication.

[0005] Moreover, the database systems which support such mobile tracking devices generally pass all location data obtained from the tracking devices directly through to the administrative user who requires analysis of the data. This places the task of sorting through the mountain of location data directly on the administrative user. Placing such a heavy burden on the administrative user, however, is generally undesirable and a waste of resources.

[0006] The present invention is directed towards a remote tracking and communication device and a method of processing data generated by such a device. In a first separate aspect of the present invention, the remote tracking device comprises a housing which encloses a processor, a memory, a position locator, and first and second transmitters. Each of the latter components are electronically coupled to the processor. The first transmitter is adapted to send and receive wireless voice and data signals in a digital format. The second transmitter is also adapted to send and receive wireless voice and data signals in a digital format. The device further comprises a first battery, which is removably affixed to the housing, a speaker, a microphone, and a button for activation of voice communications with a call center using the first transmitter.

[0007] The remote tracking device may include a second battery, this one being enclosed within the housing, which is provided as a backup to the first battery. The charge on the second battery is maintained by the first battery. The remote tracking device may also include an optical transmitter and an optical receiver disposed within the housing. A strap, which includes an optical fiber and a conductor, may then have both ends affixed to the housing such that one end of the optical fiber is in alignment with the optical transmitter and the other end of the optical fiber is in alignment with the optical receiver. With this configuration, the processor may monitor optical continuity through the fiber using the optical transmitter and the optical receiver and may also monitor electrical continuity through the conductor.

[0008] In a second separate aspect of the invention, the method of processing data generated by a remote tracking device includes processing the data at the remote tracking device; initiating an alert notification at the remote tracking device when the data includes first predetermined characteristics; transmitting the data from the remote tracking device to a call center when the data includes second predetermined characteristics; directly providing notification to an administrator of the remote tracking device when the data includes third predetermined characteristics; and providing a report to the administrator which includes data generated during a predetermined time period having first or second predetermined characteristics. The third characteristics may be, and preferably are, defined by the administrator.

[0009] In a third separate aspect of the present invention, any of the foregoing aspects may be employed in combination.

[0010] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved remote tracking and communication device and an improved method of processing data generated by a remote tracking and communication device. Other objects and advantages will appear hereinafter.

[0024] Turning in detail to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a remote tracking and communication device 10. The device 10 includes a housing 12 with a battery 14 removably affixed thereto. The single housing is configured to contain all electrical components necessary for tracking and communicating with the individual wearing the device 10. The battery 14 provides power to the electronic circuitry within the housing 12, as described below, and is preferably rechargeable. The top side 16 of the housing 12 includes a first set of through ports 18. Another side 20 of the housing 12 includes a second set of through ports 22. The first set of through ports 18 are configured to allow sound to pass through to a microphone (not shown) disposed within the housing 12, while the second set of through ports 22 are configured to allow sound to pass outward from a speaker (not shown) which is also disposed within the housing 12. The top side 16 of the housing 12 also includes two panels 24, 26, at least one of which is configured as a rocker button to activate one or more of the electronic components described below.

[0025] The back side 28 of the device 10 are shown in perspective in FIG. 2. The back side 28 includes an appropriate curvature so that the device 10 can be attached to a person's body, preferably to an ankle. The battery 14, which forms the bottom side of the device 10, includes a lever 30 which is movable to release the battery 14 from the housing 12. Each side 32, 34 of the housing includes a wing extension 36, 38, respectively. Each end of a strap 40 (partially shown) is secured within one of the wing extensions 36, 38.

[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates the manner of securing an end of the strap 40 to the wing extension 36. The strap 40 includes an optical fiber 42 and a conductive material 44 embedded throughout its length, each of which is exposed at either end of the strap 40. Each end of the strap 40 is inserted into a strap seal 46. The strap seal 46 seals the wing extension 36 against water and other external undesirable contaminants when the device 10 is fully assembled and the strap seal is compressed by the pressure block 50. The strap seal 46, with the end of the strap 40 inserted therein, is seated into the open wing extension 36 area as shown. When seated in this manner, each end is aligned with one of a light emitter/receiver (see FIG. 5), and the conductive material 44 is seated into a contact fork 48. The pressure block 50 is placed over the seated strap seal 46 and is held in place by tamper-resistant screws 52. Depending upon the application for which the device 10 is used, the screws 52 may be replaced by other appropriate fasteners. The pressure block 50 pushes a fork 54 into the optical fiber 42 to hold the optical fiber 42 in place against the light emitter/receiver. Lastly, a cover 56 is placed over the assembled wing extension 36.

[0027] The cover 56 includes designed imperfections and is configured to provide visual evidence of tampering, through breaking, visible deformity, or discoloration, and helps maintain an overall uniformity of look for the device 10. FIG. 4A illustrates the cover 56, which includes locking tabs 58 to prevent removal of the cover 56 once installed in place. Referring to FIG. 4B, each tab 58 includes a cut-out portion 60 near the end flange 62. Once the cover 56 is initially affixed to the housing 12 of the device 10, removal of the cover 56 will generally cause the end of the tabs 58 to break at the cut-out portion 60. The cover 56 also includes grooves 64 on the inside portion thereof as structural weak points. These grooves 64 are designed to break or become visibly deformed upon any force to remove the cover 56 once it is installed in place. Both of these features provide visible evidence of attempted efforts to tamper with the cover 56 once it is securely attached to an individual.

[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates the connection between the strap and the internal electronic components of the remote tracking and communication device. Internal to the device is a main PCB 70, to which the light emitter 72, the light receiver 74, an electrical signal emitter 76, and an electrical signal receiver 78 are affixed. Other electrical components within the housing are also affixed to the main PCB 70, or alternatively, may be affixed to one or more secondary PCBs that are electrically connected with the main PCB 70. As shown, the optical fiber 42 included in the strap (not shown) runs from the light emitter 72 to the light receiver 74 when the strap is secured to the device. With such a configuration, a “light circuit” is created between the PCB 70 and the strap, and this “light circuit” can be monitored for optical continuity to ensure that the strap remains in place and has not been tampered with by the wearer. Likewise, the conductive material in the strap runs from the electrical signal emitter 76 to the electrical signal receiver 78. This configuration creates a more common electrical circuit which can be monitored for electrical continuity to detect tampering.

[0029] Additional tamper detection may be achieved through monitoring all externally accessible fasteners, e.g., the screws affixing the pressure block to the housing, the external battery, and the like, for electrical continuity by using each fastener to complete, or as part of, an electrical circuit.

[0030] Turning to FIG. 6, the electronic components of the remote tracking and communication device are communicably and electronically connected as illustrated. The type of connection between the various components is a matter of design choice, and may vary depending upon the specific component chosen to perform for a particular function. Further, where a specific component is indicated, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the indicated component may be substituted with other, functionally equivalent components that are readily available in the marketplace.

[0031] The microprocessor 90 controls overall operation of the device according to programming stored in the SRAM memory 92. One or more switches (or buttons) 94 are included for activation of pre-designated functionality of the microprocessor 90 and other electronic components. Preferably, no more than two switches are included, with one of the two switches being dedicated for activation of voice communications with a call center. LEDs 96 are also included as function indicators. The programming stored in the SRAM memory may be placed there at the time of manufacture, or it may be uploaded to the device using a wired connection via the included diagnostic interface 98 or the user interface 100, or wirelessly via the cellular transceiver 102 and the associated antenna 104. As shown, the cellular transceiver 102 is of the GSM/GPRS variety, and thus includes a SIM card 106. The cellular transceiver 102 enables two-way voice and data communications between the remote device and a call center. Voice communications are further enabled by a direct connection between the cellular transceiver 102 and the audio codec 108, which encodes and decodes the digital audio signal portion of the wireless transmission, and the associated speaker 110 and microphone 112. Speaker 110 may be also be used as a siren or a separate siren 132 may be employed. Tamper Detection circuitry 134, as described with reference to FIG. 5 is also connected to microprocessor 90. Data communications are preferably enabled using the cellular data channel and/or the cellular control channel, via short message service (SMS). This provides redundancy for cellular systems in which service for both types of data communication is supported. Also, for those cellular systems in which the voice channel cannot be used simultaneously with the data channel, or in which the data channel is simply unavailable, the control channel provides a data link between the call center and the device.

[0032] A short range wireless transceiver 114 and associated antenna 116 are included for short range wireless voice and data communications with peripheral devices. Preferably, this second wireless transceiver 114 utilizes the wireless communications standard published by the ZigBee Alliance, information about which may be found at www.zigbee.org. The second wireless transceiver 114, however, may be designed and implemented using alternative wireless communication standards. The microprocessor 90 is programmed to pass through voice communications received by the cellular transceiver 102 to a voice-capable peripheral when such a peripheral is employed in conjunction with the remote tracking and communication device and is activated. Likewise, voice communications received from the peripheral are passed through to the cellular transceiver 102 for retransmission. Data received from such a peripheral, if any, may be stored by the microprocessor 90 in the serial flash memory 118 until additional processing is required by the microprocessor 90 or until retransmission occurs.

[0033] A GPS receiver 120 and associated GPS antenna 122 are included for establishing the geographical location of the remote tracking and communication device (and its wearer/user). Data from the GPS receiver 120 is received and passed through to the microprocessor 90, which in turn processes the data as required by the programming (described in more detail below) and stores it in the serial flash memory 118 pending transmission via the cellular transceiver 102. The cellular transceiver 102 may also be used to geographically locate the device through well known methods of cell tower triangulation. Geographical location using the cellular transceiver 102 may be performed in addition to or as a substitute for the GPS receiver 120. Other known ground-based methods for geographically locating the device may also be employed.

[0034] Power to the processor and other electronic components is provided through a power controller 124 by an external battery 126, and if necessary, an internal battery 128. The external battery 126 is external to the housing (see FIG. 1) in which the other electronic components are enclosed. This battery is removable and is preferably rechargeable by a separate recharger unit. The internal battery 128 is internal to the housing. Power levels on the internal battery 128 are maintained and recharged using power from the external battery 126 and a battery recharger 130, which is also internal to the device. In this configuration, the internal battery 128 provides power backup during times when the external battery 126 is disconnected or depleted. Preferably, every remote tracking and communication device is associated with one or more spare external batteries so that the internal battery need only power the device during the short times, e.g., no more than one or two hours, the external batteries are exchanged. This eliminates the need to have an internal battery with a large power storage capacity.

[0035] The external battery recharging unit 140 is illustrated in FIG. 7. This battery recharging unit 140 is configured so that two external batteries may be simultaneously charged. As shown, one external battery 142 is coupled to one side of the recharging unit 140. Coupling flanges 144 are included on the sides of the recharging unit 140 so that the batteries may be attached and recharged.

[0036] The circuitry within the external battery recharging unit is illustrated in FIG. 8. The power regulator 150 powers each of two battery recharging terminals 152, 154. LEDs 157 are provided to indicate the charging status of the batteries. A microprocessor 156 is also powered by the power regulator 150. A short range wireless transceiver 158 and associated antenna 160 communicate with the microprocessor 156. The short range wireless transceiver is configured to use the same wireless communications standard as the remote tracking and communication device to enable wireless voice and data communications between the device and the battery recharging unit. Voice and/or data communications received by the short range wireless transceiver 158 are passed through to the modem 162 for retransmission over an incoming POTS line terminal 164. For convenience, the modem passes through the incoming POTS line to an outgoing POTS line terminal 166 so that a telephone may remain connected to the POTS line. When the battery recharging unit and the associated remote tracking and communication device are used in a location where no cellular service exists, the device may be programmed to utilize its own internal short range wireless transceiver to establish voice and/or data communications with the call center through the POTS line connected to the battery recharging unit.

[0037] FIG. 9 illustrates a peripheral 170 which may be used in conjunction with the remote tracking and communication device. This peripheral 170 has the form factor of a watch and includes an internal speaker, an internal microphone, and an internal short range wireless transceiver, each component in electronic communication with the other components. The microphone and speaker are positioned opposite through ports 172, 174, respectively, in the housing of the peripheral to better enable voice communications using the peripheral 170. The short range wireless transceiver is configured to use the same wireless communications standard as the remote tracking and communication device to enable wireless voice and data communications between the device and the peripheral. A button 176 is included which, when pressed, causes a command signal to be sent to the remote tracking and communication device. This command signal instructs the remote tracking and communication device to initiate two-way voice communications with the call center. When the peripheral 170 is used for such voice communications, the peripheral 170 communicates wirelessly with the device using the respective short range wireless transceiver of each respective unit, and the device uses the included cellular transceiver to connect the voice communications with the call center.

[0038] Using the electronics configuration described above, the remote tracking and communication device may be programmed with a variety of useful features. One such feature is the ability to track the geographical location the individual wearing the device. Most frequently, the GPS receiver is used to determine the location of the device (and thus the wearer) at the time indicated in the GPS signals received from GPS network satellites. When the GPS is unable to determine location, the cellular transceiver may be used to determine the location of the device using well-known cellular tower triangulation techniques. Once identified, the location of the device is passed to the microprocessor, which processes the data according to its programming and stores the data in the flash memory. The stored data is periodically transmitted to a central server.

[0039] Where the device is used to track the location and movement of an individual the microprocessor is programmed to compare location data against rules which establish curfews, inclusion zones, exclusion zones. A curfew is defined by a geographical area within which the device (and thus the wearer) needs to be physically located during specified times. Examples of curfew rules include requiring the wearer to be at a home area during the evening and overnight hours or at a work area during work hours. An inclusion zone is a geographical area within which the wearer is required to remain at all times. An exclusion zone is a geographical area outside of which the wearer is required at all times. The rules are generally established for any particular device at the time of initialization, however, the rules may be changed, or even temporarily suspended, at any time through revisions to the programming stored within the device. Such revisions may be implemented through direct connections to the diagnostic or user interface components of the device, or through the wireless data connection provided by the cellular transceiver.

[0040] In another such feature, the SRAM memory is utilized to store prerecorded voice messages or other audio which provide feedback during operation of the device. Prerecorded voice messages, however, are preferred because they do not require a reference manual or other crib sheet for interpretation. Voice message feedback may be advantageously utilized during initial setup of the device in that it provides step-by-step instructions for the setup routine, including directing the administrative user to input information about the device and user into the database via the web application described below. Voice message feedback may be similarly utilized during the detachment process to ensure that the device is removed by an authorized individual. During the removal process, if the audible instructions are not followed, i.e., inputting requested information into the database, then the device is preferably programmed to generate an alarm, which is processed as described below.

[0041] Following the initial power-up sequence, the device may be programmed to establish a data connection with a central server to which the device provides device-specific identification data. This eliminates any need for the administrative user to connect the device to a local computer or terminal for the initialization process. The central server is programmed to maintain a data base of data sent by tracking and communication devices. Upon initial contact, the central server creates a database entry using the device-specific identification data.

[0042] The administrative user is provided access to data on the central server via a computer or terminal. In instances where the device is used as a tracking device for offenders, the administrative user may be the supervision officer or other authority figure. For other service applications, the administrative user and the wearer may be the same individual. Access to the database may be advantageously implemented as a web application, or it may be implemented as a stand alone application. The administrative user accesses the database entry for the specific device by entering an identification code for that device. The administrative user is then presented with the opportunity to create an association in the database between the administrative user's account and that specific device. Thereafter, when accessing the database, the administrative user is preferably presented with a list of associated devices and no longer needs to enter device identification data to retrieve device-specific data. Once the administrative user has established the association with the device, the pre-recorded voice messages provide instructions for additional data for entry into the database. This additional data may include detailed personal and medical information about the individual wearing the device and, in the case where the wearer is an offender, detailed information regarding the rules for curfews, inclusion zones, exclusion zones, or any other information which is time and/or location related and is useable to control the activities of the offender. The rules established for a particular device are stored in the database and downloaded to the device so that the device can actively monitor for rule violations. Methods of designating rules for purposes of tracking are well-known, see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,652,570, 5,731,757, 5,867,103, 6,072,396, and 6,100,806, and thus not discussed in detail herein.

[0043] In addition, prerecorded voice messages may also walk the administrative user through affixing the device to the wearer using the tamper resistant strap. As the strap is affixed, the device audibly confirms successful service operation, e.g. that optical continuity is established through the optical fiber in the strap and that electrical continuity is established through the conductive material in the strap.

[0044] Once the initialization process is complete, the GPS receiver begins identifying the geographical location of the device, and the microprocessor processes and stores that location data according to its programming. The device may be programmed such that geographical location is continuously monitored or monitored at specified intervals. With an appropriate peripheral, the device may also be programmed to monitor physiological conditions of the wearer. In addition, the microprocessor actively monitors other components of the device for indications of tampering, battery exchanges/replacements, and equipment failure. FIG. 10 illustrates the process with which the microprocessor processes monitored conditions. The microprocessor is programmed to collect and store location data and data related to other monitored conditions in the flash memory 190. The microprocessor is further programmed to perform additional functions based upon application of the rules to the data collected, upon occurrence of a particular condition (such as, e.g., when tampering is detected or when the wearer's heartbeat is irregular or no longer detectable, the latter requiring a separate peripheral), or at predetermined intervals 192. When an alarm condition is raised or action is otherwise required 194, whether because the action is preprogrammed or the action is the result of a command received from the central server, the call center, or the administrative user, the microprocessor proceeds through a series of steps to determine the reaction. It should be noted that the reaction of the microprocessor is preferably entirely programmable by the administrative user through the web application or through a direct interface connection to the device. Options for the reaction include immediately initiating a data connection with the central server to transmit data relating to an alarm or data that is stored in memory 196, producing an audible alert using the pre-recorded audio stored in memory 198, playing one of the pre-recorded messages 200, initiating voice communications with the call center 202, or take some other action 204. Other actions may include, among other things, storing data related to an alarm in memory for transmission at a later time, storing updated rules data to memory, or suspending rule violations notification for a period of time.

[0045] In instances where the location data indicates the device is located outside of a geographical location permitted by the rules, the microprocessor preferably provides audio feed back, in the form of a siren or a prerecorded message, to the wearer of the rule violation and immediately sends notice of the rule violation to the central server for additional processing. Such a notice preferably includes the geographical location of the device, the time of the location, and an indicator of the rule violated.

[0046] FIG. 11 illustrates the method of processing data from the device when it is received at the central server. Initially, the central server determines if the data includes information that was expressly requested by an operator at the call center or by the administrative user 210, and if so, the data is relayed to the operator or administrative user for display at a computer or terminal 212. Next, the central server determines if the data includes a standard tracer record 214, which may include self-identification of the device, self-diagnostic reports, upload audit logs, component version identification, confirmation of parameter changes such as volume control, suspending audible alarms at the device, activating or deactivating the speaker, and the like. Standard tracer records are processed as necessary and noted in the database 216. If the data does not include a tracer record, the central server determines if the data is an indicator of an alarm condition 218. If the data is indicative of an alarm condition, the central server determines if the alarm is a repeat of an alarm which was previously received and reported 220. For alarms that were not previously received, the central server takes the appropriate notification action as programmed by the administrative user 222. If the data is not indicative of an alarm condition, the central server determines whether the individual wearing the device is subject to geographical location rules 224, such as proximity rules. In such instances, the central server determines whether a rule has, in fact, been violated 226 and determines if an alarm condition exists 228. When an alarm condition is raised, the central server first determines if the alarm is a repeat of a previous alarm 230, if not the central server takes the appropriate notification action as programmed by the administrative user 232. When immediate administrative user notification is not required, or no alarm condition is raised, the data is stored in the database 234 and reported to the administrative user in periodic reports which at least lists all alarm conditions received since provision of the last report. All recorded data may optionally be included in the report.

[0047] The notification actions are fully configurable by the administrative user through the web application. The administrative user may designate specific types of alarms for immediate notification, and notification may be arranged through one or more methods including fax, email, text messaging to a pager, text messaging to a cellular phone, or through a direct call from the call center, or the like. In addition, the administrative user may also designate that some specific types of alarms result in direct notification to local authorities for immediate action.

[0048] The web application also provides the administrative user with the ability to temporarily suspend reactions to specific types of alarms. During suspension, the device will suspend localized reactions only (i.e., pre-recorded voice messages, siren, initiating voice communications with the call center). The device will still transmit all alarms identified during suspension to the central server, which will in turn include all identified alarms in the periodic reports (e.g., weekly) to the administrative user.

[0049] The web application also provides the administrative user and call center operators with the ability to enter and store notes. Notes may be in the form of personal daily monitoring logs, calendared appointments or action items, case management directives, or contextual notations related to particular alarms saved within the database.

[0050] Another feature of the central server is to enable the call center or the administrative user, through the web application, to send commands or other data to the device. Such commands may include playing a pre-recorded message to the wearer, instructing the microprocessor to transmit data to provide a current status of the location and status of the device, and the like. The administrative user may also use the web application to instruct the call center to initiate voice communications with the wearer. The call center then contacts the wearer by placing a cellular call to the cellular transceiver. Once the wearer is contacted, the call center then initiates a call to the administrative user and conferences the two calls.

[0051] Preferably, all voice communications with the device are made through the call center so that all calls can be recorded and saved within the database. This enables the call center and the administrative user to access the recorded calls at a later time as needed. To ensure that all calls are recorded, the cellular transceiver blocks all incoming calls that do not originate from the call center. Alternatively, the cellular transceiver may selectively block incoming calls by utilizing the area code and telephone prefix to identify the origin of the call, allowing calls only from selected area codes and prefixes. Alternatively, the cellular transceiver may selectively block all calls except those from list of phone numbers that is stored in memory.

[0052] The wearer may also initiate voice communications with the call center. At least one of the buttons on the exterior of the device housing is configured to activate voice communications using the cellular transceiver. When pressed, the device is programmed such that cellular transceiver only contacts the call center. The device preferably has stored in memory a primary number for the call center and a secondary number in case a connection cannot be achieved on the primary number. Further, the device is programmed to attempt make a predetermined number of attempts to contact the call center, first at the primary number, then at the secondary number. Should all attempts fail, the device is preferably programmed to sound an alert condition to the wearer as an indication that the device is out of a cellular service area or requires service for an internal fault.

[0053] FIG. 12 shows a system 300 for tracking remote tracking devices as described herein. Each remote tracking device (RTD) 304, 306, 308 and 316 communicate with a locationing network, such as GPS network 318 to determine their position. Additionally, RTDs 304, 306 and 308 communicate over a communications network, such as cellular network 310 and communications network 312 to send position, status, and other data, to call center 302. Call center 302 may also send data to RTDs 304, 306 and 308 over the cellular network 310, 312, and voice communications may be established between the call center and any of the RTDs using the same. Call center 302 can also communicate with RTDs, as shown here by RTD 316, using a recharging unit, such as is described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. Recharging unit 314 communicates wirelessly with an RTD in range and then can use a plain old telephone (POTS) line to communicate with call center 302. Peripheral 330, such as is described with reference to FIG. 9, can be used with any RTD. Call center 302 may communicate with the administrators, as is illustrated by administrators 320, 322 and 324, of the RTDs over communications network 326.

[0054] Thus, an improved remote tracking and communication device and an improved method of processing data generated by a remote tracking and communication device are disclosed. While embodiments of this invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The invention, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the following claims.