O
`(12) United States Patent
`Kai], IV
`
`US006225901B1
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`([45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 6,225,901 B1
`*May 1, 2001
`
`(54) REPROGRAMMABLE REMOTE SENSOR
`MONITORING SYSTEM
`
`5,334,974
`5,389,934
`5,418,537
`
`...................... .. 340/990
`8/1994 Simms et al.
`2/1995 Kass ................................... .. 342/357
`5/1995 Bird ................................... .. 342/357
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: Karl A. Kai], IV, San Diego, CA (US)
`.
`.
`.
`.
`(73) Asslgnee Cardmnet’ Inc" San Dlego’ CA (US)
`.
`.
`1
`.
`.
`.
`( * ) Notice.
`Subject. to any disclaimer, the term of this
`Patel“ 15 extended 0‘ aellueted under 35
`by 0 days.
`
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis-
`daimer,
`
`,
`(21) APP1'N°"09/357589
`(22)
`Filed:
`Jul_ 20, 1999
`
`Int. Cl? .............................. .. G08B 1/08; A61N 1/37
`(51)
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`............. .. 340/539; 340/825.36; 340/825.49;
`340/5731; 340/1051; 128/903; 128/904;
`607/60; 702/19, 706/924; 706/911
`
`(58) Field of Search ............................... 340/539, 825.49,
`340/825.36, 825.54, 825.69, 825.72, 573.1,
`10.51; 342/457, 357; 607/17, 32, 60; 128/903,
`904; 702/19; 706/924, 911
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`_
`_
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`10/1973 Smith et al.
`5/1975 Kennedy
`,
`3/1937 Gray et a1,
`5/1988 Racklcy . . . .. . . .
`5/1983 Denekamp et a1~
`8/1990 CW0“ et 31-
`12/1992 Stanko ........ ..
`6/1993 Mansell et al.
`5/1994 Gallant et al.
`
`......................... 324/186
`128/2.05R
`342/457
`.. . .. 342/457
`340/825-35
`340/539
`.. 128/697
`. 342/357
`. 128/710
`
`
`
`. 342/457
`5/1994 S01'de11 et al.
`6/1994 Gessman ................................ 379/38
`
`3,768,014
`3,885,552
`4,551,157
`4,742,357
`4:750:97
`4351928
`5,172,698
`5,223,844
`9
`9
`5 309 920
`
`5,311,197
`5,321,618
`
`5424816
`5,470,233
`5,479,482
`5,497,149
`5,503,158
`5501491
`5,515,419
`575447661
`5,549,113
`5,568,814
`5,573,506
`5,579,775
`5,652,570
`5,678,562
`5,704,364
`5,720,770 *
`5,724,025
`.
`.
`5,731,757
`Related U'S' Apphcauon Data
`*
`..
`<63) aim./. 3634,1352:
`1997’ now Pat. No. 5,959,529.
`,
`,
`5,944,659 *
`5,959,529 *
`
`701/213
`6/1995 Sprague 61 a1
`434/112
`11/1995 Fruchterman et al
`12/1995 Grimes ............................... .. 455/556
`3/1996 Fast
`.................................... .. 340/426
`4/1996 Coppock et al.
`128/696
`411996 Chapman
`3421457
`5/1996 Sheffer ............................... .. 455/456
`8/1996 Davis et al.
`....................... N 12811700
`8/1996 Halleck etal.
`.
`600/484
`10/1996 Gallant et al.
`..
`128/672
`11/1996 Vasko ................................. .. 128/904
`12/1996 Dempsey et al.
`.................. .. 128/670
`7/1997 Lepkoikei
`340/573
`10/1997 seueis .............
`128/710
`1/1998 Saltzstcm ct al.
`................. .. 128/696
`2/1998 Nappholz etal.
`................... .. 607/32
`3/1998 ravoii
`........... ..
`.. 340/573
`3/1998 Layson, Ji.
`340/573
`_
`3/133: §:11:;:;,34°/233,2;
`.
`......................... ..
`1
`8/1999 Flaclietal.
`..
`600/300
`9/1999 Kail, IV ............................. .. 340/539
`
`
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`wo 97/00708
`1/1997 (W0).
`
`*
`
`,
`, d 1)
`3’ e"a"“"er
`‘me
`.
`.
`.
`Primary Examzner—Donn1e L. Crosland
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`
`An automated, real-time, reprogrammable monitoring and
`control system for portable, remote sensors and subjects
`lneltufie One eft mere Pefitablfl menltermg “H115 ealeh etffhe
`pora e monl Orlng unls
`avlng a Sensor; a 0Ca10n'
`determining device, and a sensor interface unit. Each sensor
`interface unit is separately configured to monitor its sensor
`and to transmit that sensor’s data, Via a digital Wireless
`communications network,
`to a central monitoring device.
`The portable unit is carried or Worn by a person or animal,
`or aflixed to an inanimate subject.
`
`.
`.
`22 Claims, 11 Drawing Sheets
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`U.S. Patent
`
`May 1, 2001
`
`Sheet 4 of 11
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`US 6,225,901 B1
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`U.S. Patent
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`May 1, 2001
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`U.S. Patent
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`May 1, 2001
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`May 1, 2001
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`May 1, 2001
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`U.S. Patent
`
`May 1, 2001
`
`Sheet 9 of 11
`
`US 6,225,901 B1
`
`F/G.6B
`
`9
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`9
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`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 1, 2001
`
`Sheet 10 of 11
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`US 6,225,901 B1
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`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 1, 2001
`
`Sheet 11 of 11
`
`US 6,225,901 B1
`
`F/G.7B
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`
`

`
`US 6,225,901 B1
`
`1
`REPROGRAMMABLE REMOTE SENSOR
`MONITORING SYSTEM
`
`This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
`08/813,846, filed Mar. 7, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,959,529
`for which priority is claimed.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`10
`
`15
`
`This invention relates to a portable, real-time, reprogram-
`mable sensor monitoring system.
`For over fifty years, governments have used both active
`and passive detection systems to track vehicles and troop
`movements.
`Intelligence communities have employed
`multi-million dollar satellite-based sensors including high-
`resolution cameras,
`infrared, and radio direction finding
`equipment
`to covertly monitor areas of interest. Only
`recently have the economies of scale and manufacturing
`breakthroughs permitted using derivatives of this technol-
`ogy for commercial applications.
`Early commercial applications were satellite-based '
`vehicle tracking systems using communications satellites in
`stationary (geosynchronous) orbits above the earth. These
`systems all employ terminal-antenna packages that are suit-
`case size and have healthy price tags, and consequently have
`been limited in use to large trucking firms. To reduce the
`price and terminal size for general consumer use, there have
`been two approaches. One employs wireless networks using
`low-earth orbiting satellites, and a second uses local cellular
`capabilities and other existing terrestrial wireless networks.
`With these new capabilities, the mobile asset monitoring and
`tracking market has grown to include all modes of surface
`transportation. The current major focus is in vehicle security
`and stolen vehicle recovery. The lower cost of communica-
`tions has also permitted the market to expand into small fleet
`management, as Well as navigation,
`traffic control, and
`roadside assistance.
`
`Although these capabilities are valuable, the inventor has
`recognized that they do not address from a personal per-
`spective a problem of increasing importance in society,
`which nearly everyone encounters during their lives. This
`problem is based upon the need to monitor a remotely
`located person or other subject that attempts to function
`normally but may or may be able to do so; and, if the subject
`does not function normally, notification must be made and
`corrective action taken.
`In a commonly encountered
`situation, an elderly or infirm relative attempts to lead a
`normal, independent life, but there is concern that, due to
`age or infirmity, the relative may not be able to do so. The
`concerned person may check from time-to-time by calling or
`visiting, but such checking may be unreliable because the
`relative may suddenly become ill long before the next check.
`Moreover, both the relative and the concerned person may
`be unable to recognize signs of impending distress. Too
`frequent a telephone call or visit may upset the relative.
`There is a need for an approach that will allow a subject
`to function normally but be monitored and maintain com-
`munication as needed for abnormal or emergency situations.
`The present invention fulfills this need, and further provides
`related advantages.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention provides an apparatus and a method
`for remotely monitoring the status of a living or an inanimate
`subject. The approach of thc invcntion pcrmits thc monitor-
`ing of the condition and location of the subject, with
`interaction by the subject in sorr1e cases. The nature of the
`monitoring may be varied as necessitated by circumstances.
`
`40
`
`45
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`In accordance with the invention, an apparatus for
`remotely monitoring and assessing the status of a subject
`includes a portable monitoring unit comprising at least one
`automatic sensor associated with the subject, a portable-unit
`location-determining device; and a sensor interface unit. The
`sensor interface unit includes a programmable microproces-
`sor having an active state and an inactive state. The micro-
`processor is operable to change from the inactive state to the
`active state responsive to the occurrence of any of a set of
`activating parameters for an activation condition including a
`preselected state of the at least one automatic sensor, a
`request signal from an external source, and, in the case of a
`human subject, a status signal by thc subject. The micro-
`processor is in communication with the at least one auto-
`matic sensor and the location-determining device. The sen-
`sor interface unit further includes a communications device
`
`interface in communication with the microprocessor, a first
`transceiver of a communications device in communication
`with the communication device interface, and a power
`supply that provides power to the microprocessor, the com-
`munication device interface, and the first terminal of the
`communications device, as well as any other components of
`tlie portable unit that require power.
`The one or more sensors are selected appropriately to the
`subject and the reasons for monitoring the subject. For
`example, the sensors could include an audio/visual sensor, a
`biological condition sensor, a chemical sensor, a meteoro-
`logical sensor, a motion sensor, an electromagnetic sensor, a
`seismic sensor, or an apparatus sensor.
`The location-determining device may either be selected to
`determine an absolute position of the portable monitoring
`unit or a relative position of the portable monitoring unit
`with respect
`to some other location. The location-
`determining device is preferably a global positioning system
`(GPS) receiver, but other types of devices such as triangu-
`lation devices or cellular-telephone-based devices may also
`be used.
`
`Additionally, there is a central monitoring device includ-
`ing a second terminal of the communications device, and,
`desirably, a display in communication with the second
`terminal of the communications device and a computer that
`receives through the communications device and processes
`information from the sensor interface unit. The central
`monitoring device is typically able to maintain the necessary
`communications with a number of the portable monitoring
`units. The central monitoring device may be portable and
`may include its own location-determining capability for
`either an absolute position or a position relative to each
`portable monitoring unit.
`In operation, the microprocessor is programmed with a set
`of activating parameters for the activation conditions and
`thereafter enters the inactive state. The microprocessor is
`activated responsive to the occurrence of the activating
`parameters of any of the activation conditions. The micro-
`processor obtains a status of the subject from the automatic
`sensor and the location of the portable unit from the
`location-determining device, and sends a status message,
`through the communications device, to the central monitor-
`ing device.
`The microprocessor of the sensor interface unit is con-
`figured with a unique unit identifier, central monitoring
`device addressing data, and the initialization data and r11les
`to bc cmploycd with cach scnsor cmbcddcd in or intcrfaccd
`to the unit. The sensor interface unit may be configured on
`a sensor-by-sensor basis to transmit all sensor data received
`once activated, or all data meeting certain predefined criteria
`
`

`
`US 6,225,901 B1
`
`3
`such as a time window, decibel level, or signal threshold.
`Data transmission from the sensor interface unit may be
`initiated manually, activated via a control signal from the
`central monitoring device, or automatically initiated in
`response to receipt of specified inputs from one or more of
`the interfaced sensors. In one embodiment, the sensor inter-
`face unit includes an audible tone or visible light generator
`feature that is activated by a call from the central monitoring
`device, and a means to activate/deactivate the feature.
`The central monitoring device includes the second termi-
`nal of the communications device that permits it to com-
`municate with any of a plurality of portable monitoring
`units, to uniquely identify each unit and the data relative to
`its configuration and use, to process the data received, and
`to display the processed data to an operator of the central
`monitoring device. The position data may be displayed on a
`map or referenced by distance and bearing relative to a
`known address or location. The central monitoring device
`includes the ability to forward the data received to other
`devices.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`Thus, the present invention deals with events from the '
`perspective of the subject being monitored. Events at the
`portable monitoring unit are sensed. The central monitoring
`device may make a periodic status query to the portable
`monitoring unit. The status inquiry may be made in an
`auto-response mode without the knowledge or participation
`of the subject, such as the periodic monitoring of sensors
`when the subject is sleeping or even when the subject is
`awake so as to be minimally intrusive. The portable moni-
`toring unit may be configured to call
`in to the central
`monitoring device either periodically or responsive to pre-
`selected sensor readings. The status inquiry may also be
`made so as to require the response of the subject, for
`example to determine if an awake subject
`is mentally
`capable of responding. In the case of a human subject, the
`subject may also send a signal such as an “I’m OK” signal
`to the central monitoring device, either responsive to a page
`from the portable monitoring unit or upon the subject’s own
`initiative. If the “I’m OK” signal is not received, the system
`determines the location of the portable monitoring unit,
`reviews available sensor data such as biological information
`from or sensor information on a medical device used by he
`person, for example an infusion pump, and provides t1e
`information to the concerned person or, as appropria e,
`summons medical assistance.
`
`40
`
`Asingle central monitoring device may monitor a number
`of different portable monitoring units, each configured d'f-
`ferently and reconfigurable as needed. An important feature
`of the invention is the ability to change (i.e., reprogram) t1e
`activating parameters and the functioning of the portable
`monitoring unit to varying needs. Some of the medical and
`status applications for human subjects were discussed in he
`preceding paragraph. The same device, but with different
`sensors, may be used to track and monitor inanimate objects
`such as valuable articles during shipment. In that case he
`sensors may indicate the condition of the article such as
`temperature, humidity, or movement, or associated equip-
`ment such as a refrigerator or heater.
`Other features and advantages of the present invention
`will be apparent from the following more detailed descrip-
`tion of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with
`the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of
`example, the principles of the invention. The scope of the
`invention is not, however, limited to this preferred embodi-
`ment.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`45
`
`60
`
`65
`
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of
`an apparatus for remotely monitoring a subject;
`
`4
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram of multiple-user architecture of
`the communications link of the present invention;
`FIG. 3 is a block flow diagram of a preferred method for
`practicing the invention; and
`FIGS. 4-7 are block flow diagrams of the operation of the
`apparatus.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an apparatus 10 for remotely
`monitoring and assessing the status of a subject includes a
`portable monitoring unit 12 and a central monitoring device
`14, which may communicate via by a wireless communica-
`tion link 16. FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the
`apparatus 10. FIG. 2 illustrates an architecture of the com-
`munications link wherein multiple portable monitoring units
`12 and central monitoring devices 14 are accommodated.
`The portable monitoring unit 12 includes a sensor inter-
`face unit 20 having a microprocessor 22 with multiple inputs
`and outputs, illustrated in a bus architecture. Communica-
`tion of the microprocessor 22 with the wireless communi-
`cation link 16, and thence with the central monitoring device
`14, is effected through a communications device interface 24
`and a first transceiver 26 of the wireless communication link
`
`16. Information is gathered by one or more sensors 28. It is
`preferred that
`the wireless communication link 16 be a
`digital wireless communication link, but an analog link may
`be used instead. The sensors 28 may include internal sensors
`28a embedded in the portable monitoring unit 12 and/or
`external sensors 28b that are connected to the portable
`monitoring unit through appropriate external interfaces 30.
`(In FIG. 1, the external interface 30 is illustrated as part of
`the portable monitoring unit 12, but it may be external to the
`portable monitoring unit.) The external sensors 28b may be
`any type that may be interfaced with the microprocessor 22
`through the interface 30. For example, the interface 30 may
`be a standard serial or parallel
`interface, a PCMCIA
`interface, or an Ethernet interface. An external programming
`device or other device may also be connected to micropro-
`cessor 22 through the appropriate external interface 30.
`An optional manual input device 32 communicating with
`the microprocessor 22 is accessible from the exterior of the
`portable monitoring unit 12, to allow a user or subject of the
`portable monitoring unit
`to provide information to the
`microprocessor 22. The manual input device 32 may be as
`simple as a switch such as a push button, or more complex
`such as a keypad. Optionally, a display 34, such as a liquid
`crystal display, and an audio and/or visual communicator 36,
`such as a tone generator, speaker, or flashing light, may be
`provided to signal the user of the portable monitoring imit 12
`to take responsive action. An external port 37, such as a
`serial or a parallel communication port, is provided to permit
`information or reprogramming instructions to be input to the
`microprocessor 22 at the site of the portable monitoring unit
`12. (A compatible sensor may also be connected through the
`external port 37.) The manual input device 32, the display
`34, the audio and/or visual communicator 36, and external
`port 37 are each optional features that may be provided for
`specific applications.
`The microprocessor 22 may be a Multi-Chip Package
`(MCP) such as the currently available Vadem VG330, the
`Advanced Micro Devices AMD Elan SC400,
`the NEC
`HHT-ASSP, or the ZF MicroSystcms SMX/386. The micro-
`processor includes a power management unit which permits
`the microprocessor to be placed into an inactive state or
`awakened to an active state by a proper signal. The power
`
`

`
`US 6,225,901 B1
`
`5
`management achieves conservation of the power of the
`power supply 42. The microprocessor is typically provided
`with memory 44, which may be a random access memory,
`a read-only memory, a mass storage device, or any combi-
`nation of these types of memory. This memory may be
`shared with other components of the portable monitoring
`unit 12. The first transceiver 26 may be a single-board digital
`wireless module such as a WIT915 or WIT2500M marketed
`by Digital Wireless Corporation, with the appropriate inter-
`face 24. The first transceiver 26 has its own power manage-
`ment unit that permits the transceiver to be placed into an
`inactive state or awakened to an active state by a proper
`signal.
`Alocation—determining device 38 is provided so that the
`location of the portable monitoring unit 12 may be deter-
`mined. The location-determining device 38 is preferably a
`global positioning system (GPS) receiver having an antenna
`40 shared with the antenna of the first transceiver 26. The
`
`GPS receiver may be a MicroTracker LP global positioning
`system receiver module available from Rockwell Semicon-
`ductor Systems. Other types of location-determining devices
`38 such as those based upon cellular cell-site position
`triangulations, LORAN, and the like, may also be used.
`Apower supply 42 such as a battery provides power for
`the components of the portable monitoring unit 12 requiring
`power, and optionally for the external sensor 28b and the
`external
`interface 30.
`In FIG. 1,
`the power connections
`between the powered components and the power supply 42
`are indicated by “PS” to avoid the need for drawing the
`interconnections that would obscure the data-
`communications paths.
`least a
`The central monitoring device 14 includes at
`second transceiver 50 of the wireless communication link
`16,
`to establish communications between the first trans-
`ceiver 26 of the portable monitoring unit 12 and the central
`monitoring device 14. Typically,
`the central monitoring
`device 14 further includes a terminal 52 having a commu-
`nications device interface 58 to the second transceiver 50,
`and connections to a display 54 that may be viewed by an
`operator 56. The terminal 52 may be a simple manual
`system, or, preferably, it may be more complex as illustrated.
`In this more complex terminal 52, there is a computer 60 that
`communicates with the display 54 and communicates with
`and oversees the operations of the portable monitoring unit
`12 in the manner to be discussed subsequently. The central
`monitoring device 14 may also be provided with a location-
`determining device 62, particularly if the central monitoring
`is movable or portable and its location must be determined.
`The location-determining device 62 has an antenna 64
`shared with the antenna of the second transceiver