Tracking and monitoring apparatus and system

Abstract

A programmable mobile unit for a portable host, such as a person, comprising a microcontroller in communication with each of a detachable freespace communication module for communication with a control centre, a GPS unit for communication with at least a GPS satellite system and a biometric sensor for monitoring and identifying the host.

1 . A programmable mobile unit for a portable host, such as a person, comprising a microcontroller in communication with each of 
 a detachable freespace communication module for communication with a control centre,    a GPS unit for communication with at least a GPS satellite system, and a biometric sensor for monitoring and identifying the host  3 .    
   
   
       2 . A programmable mobile unit as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the detachable freespace communication module is selectable from a set of communication modules and each module is configured to interface with different freespace communication protocols.  
   
   
       3 . A programmable mobile unit as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the microcontroller has a database of acceptable behaviour parameters for the host stored in a memory of the unit.  
   
   
       4 . A programmable mobile unit as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the database defines the boundaries of acceptable geographical locations and acceptable biological values as a function of time for the host.  
   
   
       5 . A programmable mobile unit as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the database is remotely programmable to take new activities and routines of the host into account.  
   
   
       6 . A programmable mobile unit as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the biometric sensor and microcontroller are configured to identify the host from biological data specific to the host.  
   
   
       7 . A programmable mobile unit as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the original identification takes place when the biometric sensor is first attached to the host and the mobile unit is initially powered up.  
   
   
       8 . A programmable mobile unit as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the identification provides a reproducible, identifiable biometric signature for the host.  
   
   
       9 . A programmable mobile unit as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the biometric sensor comprises a power source and a flexible multi-sensor patch which continuously monitors the host's ECG, body temperature and respiration rate.  
   
   
       10 . A programmable mobile unit as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the biometric sensor is provided with flexible circuitry allowing the sensor to adapt to the shape of the host's body.  
   
   
       11 . A programmable mobile unit as claimed  claim 1 , wherein the biometric sensor and the microcontroller communicate using bluetooth technology.  
   
   
       12 . A programmable mobile unit as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the microcontroller is pre-programmed to periodically monitor and download up-to-date information from the GPS unit and the biometric sensor.  
   
   
       13 . A system for monitoring and tracking a host, such as a person, comprising a control centre in freespace communication with a mobile unit and a GPS satellite system, the mobile unit comprising a microcontroller in communication with each of a detachable freespace communication module for communication with the control centre, a GPS unit for communication with at least a GPS satellite system and a biometric sensor for monitoring and identifying the host.  
   
   
       14 . A system as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the mobile unit and the control centre periodically communicate with each other using freespace communication protocols.  
   
   
       15 . A system as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein an acceptable behaviour database is stored at the control centre and on the mobile unit.  
   
   
       16 . A system as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the system includes a web-based interface to a database driven secure environment for dynamic creation and modification of the acceptable behaviour database stored in the control centre and the mobile unit.  
   
   
       17 . A system as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the control centre of the system and third parties are in communication using predetermined communication protocols.  
   
   
       18 . A system as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the control centre includes means for alerting custodians and third parties of exception values via predetermined communication protocols.  
   
   
       19 . A system as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the third parties and the control centre have means for contacting the mobile unit via predetermined communication protocols.  
   
   
       20 . A control program for controlling the operation of the monitoring and tracking system as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the control program has means for generating and transmitting signals, interrogation means for receiving signals from a plurality of input means, interpretation means for analysing signals received from the interrogation means and alarm generating means operable in response to identification of exception values by the interpretation means.  
   
   
       21 . A control program as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein the signals received from the input means include GPS input data and biometric input data.  
   
   
       22 . A control program as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein the interpretation means comprises a database of acceptable biological and geographical data for a specific host as a function of time and a set of encoded instructions specifically scripted for processing information captured from the GPS input signals and biometric input signals against the database to check for biological and geographical exception values falling outside acceptable tolerances defined by the database.  
   
   
       23 .- 25 . (canceled)  
   
   
       26 . A programmable mobile unit as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the biometric sensor comprises a power source and a flexible multi-sensor patch which continuously monitors the host's ECG, body temperature and respiration rate.