(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2003/0151506A1
`Luccketti
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Aug. 14, 2003
`
`US 2003O151506A1
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`(54) METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LOCATING (57)
`MISSING PERSONS
`(76) Inventor: Mark Luccketti, Middletown, NY (US)
`Correspondence Address:
`Sir PLAZA
`NEW YORK, NY 10112
`(21) Appl. No.:
`10/073,454
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Feb. 11, 2002
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl. .................................................... G08B 1/08
`(52) U.S. Cl. ................................... 340/539.13; 340/995.1
`
`
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A System for locating a perSon including a mobile transmit
`ter removably Secured to the perSon and a portable moni
`toring unit carried by a user monitoring the location of the
`perSon. The mobile transmitter receives GPS ranging Signals
`from GPS satellites. Each of the GPS ranging signals
`includes an offset proportional to the distance of the mobile
`transmitter from the respective GPS satellite broadcasting
`the GPS ranging Signal. The GPS ranging Signals, including
`the respective offsets, are transmitted to the portable moni
`toring unit. The portable monitoring unit comprises a GPS
`circuit which determines the location of the mobile trans
`mitter based on the GPS ranging Signals received by the
`mobile transmitter, and Superimposes the location of the
`mobile transmitter on a map displayed on the portable
`monitoring unit.
`
`Petitioner Uber Ex-1007, 0001
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 14, 2003 Sheet 1 of 8
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`Petitioner Uber Ex-1007, 0002
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 14, 2003 Sheet 2 of 8
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`US 2003/015150.6 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 14,2003 Sheet 3 of 8
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`US 2003/0151506 A1
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`Petitioner Uber Ex-1007, 0004
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 14, 2003 Sheet 4 of 8
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 14, 2003 Sheet 5 of 8
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`Petitioner Uber Ex-1007, 0006
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 14, 2003 Sheet 6 of 8
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 14, 2003 Sheet 7 of 8
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`Petitioner Uber Ex-1007, 0008
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 14, 2003 Sheet 8 of 8
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`Petitioner Uber Ex-1007, 0009
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`US 2003/O151506 A1
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`Aug. 14, 2003
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`METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LOCATING
`MISSING PERSONS
`
`BACKGROUND
`0001) 1. Field of the Invention
`0002 This invention relates to personal monitoring and
`locating Systems using incorporating Global Positioning
`System (GPS) technology, and more particularly to a System
`including a portable transmitting unit worn by an individual
`that receives GPS ranging signals from the GPS satellite and
`relays them to a portable monitoring unit which determines
`the location of the portable transmitting unit with GPS and
`displays the location on a display Screen on the portable
`monitoring unit.
`0003 2. Background of the Related Art
`0004. There has been increasing demand for systems
`which allow parents to monitor the location of their children,
`particularly in public places. Such Systems are also useful
`for tracking other individuals, Such as Alzheimer's patient,
`who may become disoriented or lost. If the child or the
`patient becomes Separated from the parent, Several Systems
`have been developed to assist the parent in locating the
`child.
`0005 For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,748,087 to Ingargiola
`et al. describes a System having a receiver worn by a child
`or an Alzheimer's patient and a transmitter carried by a
`parent or a guardian. The parent or guardian may use the
`transmitter to emit a “find” signal if the child or patient is
`missing. Upon receipt of the “find Signal, the receiver
`generates an auditory alarm via Speakers and a visual alarm
`via illuminated LEDs.
`0006 Adisadvantage of such a system is that the receiver
`does not provide location coordinates of the child or patient
`to the parent or guardian. Consequently, the parent or
`guardian is required to be within audible or visual range of
`the alarm in order to locate the child or patient. This proceSS
`of locating the Source of the alarm may be especially difficult
`in locations having large crowds and a high level of ambient
`noise or bright lighting.
`0007 GPS technology has been used by other systems to
`provide the location coordinates of the child to the parent or
`guardian. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,742,233 to Hoffman
`et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,031,460 to Banks, U.S. Pat. No.
`6,014,080 to Layson, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,731,785 to Lemel
`son et al. describe systems which include a portable GPS
`receiver for use with a mobile Subject Such as a child,
`patient, criminal offender, or a vehicle. The portable GPS
`receiver receives GPS ranging signals from the GPS satel
`lites and determines its location coordinates from these
`signals. The GPS receiver then transmits its location coor
`dinates to a central Station. The central Station makes the
`location coordinates available to individuals that are inter
`ested in locating the child, patient, criminal offender,
`vehicle, etc.
`0008. The GPS systems described herein overcome some
`of the limitations of the 087 system by providing the child's
`location coordinates. However, there are Several shortcom
`ings that are not addressed by the GPS systems known in the
`art. For example, the calculation of the child's location is
`performed by a GPS circuit provided in the remote device
`
`worn by the child. Providing the capability of determining
`location in the device worn by the child introduces addi
`tional complexity and weight. This additional bulk is espe
`cially undesirable when the GPS receiver circuit is worn by
`a small child.
`0009. An additional shortcoming of known systems is the
`inconvenience of relaying the child's coordinates to a central
`tracking Station. In many instances when a child is likely to
`become Separated from the parent, both the child and the
`parent are away from home, and therefore typically do not
`have access to a home computer and/or detailed maps with
`latitude and longitude coordinates. Without access to Such
`detailed maps, the parent may be unable to relate the child's
`coordinates, which are provided by the central tracking
`Station, to recognizable geographical features, Such as local
`Streets or buildings.
`0010. There exists a need to provide the coordinates of a
`lost child to a parent that includes a lightweight transmitter
`worn by the child and a portable monitoring unit carried by
`the parent, in which the location of the child is calculated
`and Superimposed on detailed maps displayed on the por
`table monitoring unit that a parent can carry with them at all
`times.
`0011. It is an object of the invention to provide a system
`for monitoring a child's location including a mobile trans
`mitter worn by the child which relays the GPS ranging
`Signals to the portable monitoring unit carried by the parent.
`0012. It is another object of the invention to provide a
`System for monitoring a child’s location including a portable
`monitoring unit carried by the parent which receives the
`GPS ranging signals from the mobile transmitter worn by
`the child, and which portable monitoring unit determines the
`location of the mobile transmitter by use of the GPS ranging
`Signals and Standard GPS techniques.
`0013. It is a further object of the invention to provide a
`system which displays the child's location on the portable
`monitoring unit, with the child's location Superimposed on
`a detailed local map.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`0014. These and other objects of the invention, which
`will become apparent with respect to the disclosure herein,
`are accomplished by a System for monitoring the location of
`a perSon, comprising a mobile transmitter configured to be
`removably secured to the person. The mobile transmitter
`comprises a GPS antenna and a GPS receiver circuit con
`figured to receive a plurality of GPS ranging Signals from
`GPS satellites. The mobile transmitter also comprises a first
`transceiver and a first antenna configured to re-transmit the
`GPS ranging Signals.
`0015. A portable monitoring unit is also provided which
`comprises a portable case, a Second transceiver and a Second
`antenna configured to receive the re-transmitted GPS rang
`ing signals from the mobile transmitter. A GPS receiver
`circuit is configured to receive GPS ranging Signals from the
`mobile transmitter and to determine the location of the
`mobile transmitter. A display Screen is provided on the
`portable monitoring unit to Superimpose the location of the
`mobile transmitter on a local area map.
`0016. According to one embodiment, the first antenna
`and the first transceiver of the mobile transmitter and the
`
`Petitioner Uber Ex-1007, 0010
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`

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`US 2003/O151506 A1
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`Aug. 14, 2003
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`Second antenna and the Second transceiver of the portable
`monitoring unit are configured to operate on a radio fre
`quency, and the re-transmitted GPS ranging Signals are
`transmitted on a radio frequency.
`0017 Advantageously, the portable monitoring unit fur
`ther comprises a panic button, which actuates the Second
`transceiver and the Second antenna to broadcast a Second
`radio frequency Signal to the mobile transmitter. The mobile
`transmitter may also comprise a Speaker that is configured to
`produce a high-decibel Sound when the Second radio fre
`quency signal is received by the first antenna and the first
`transceiver.
`0.018. According to another embodiment, the first antenna
`and the first transceiver of the mobile transmitter, and the
`Second antenna and the Second transceiver of the portable
`monitoring unit are configured to operate on a cellular
`telephone network, and the GPS ranging Signals are re
`transmitted on the cellular telephone network.
`0019. In accordance with this embodiment, the mobile
`transmitter may further comprise a third transceiver, a third
`antenna, and a speaker, and the portable monitoring unit may
`further comprise a fourth transceiver, a fourth antenna, and
`an input Switch, which actuates the fourth transceiver and
`the fourth antenna to broadcast a radio frequency signal to
`the mobile transmitter. The Speaker is configured to produce
`a high-decibel Sound when the radio frequency Signal is
`received by the third antenna and the third transceiver.
`0020. According to a further embodiment, the mobile
`transmitter further comprises a memory unit Storing a first
`identification code, and the portable monitoring unit com
`prises a memory unit Storing a Second identification code.
`The Second transceiver and the Second antenna are config
`ured to transmit a request Signal comprising the Second
`identification code. The first transceiver and the first antenna
`are configured to receive the request Signal comprising the
`Second identification code and to re-transmit the GPS rang
`ing Signals to the portable monitoring unit if the first
`identification code matches the Second identification code.
`0021. In accordance with the invention, the objects as
`described above have been met, and the need in the art for
`a System which provide the coordinates of a lost child to a
`parent that includes a lightweight transmitter worn by the
`child and a portable monitoring unit carried by the parent in
`which the location of the child is Superimposed on detailed
`maps has been Satisfied. Further features of the invention, its
`nature and various advantages will be more apparent from
`the accompanying drawings and the following detailed
`description of illustrative embodiments.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0022 FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic view of the system
`in accordance with the invention.
`0023 FIG. 2 is a simplified view of a mobile transmitter
`in accordance with the invention.
`0024 FIG. 3 is simplified block diagram of the mobile
`transmitter illustrated in FIG. 2 in accordance with the
`invention.
`0.025
`FIG. 4 is a simplified view of a portable monitor
`ing unit in accordance with the invention.
`
`0026 FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the portable moni
`toring unit of FIG. 4 in accordance with the invention.
`0027 FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of the portable
`unit of FIG. 4 in accordance with the invention.
`0028 FIG. 7 is another embodiment of the mobile trans
`mitter illustrated in FIG.3 in accordance with the invention.
`0029 FIG. 8 is another embodiment of the portable unit
`of FIG. 6 in accordance with the invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
`0030 The system in accordance with the invention is
`illustrated in FIG. 1, and generally denoted by reference
`number 10. A portable, mobile transmitter 100 is removably
`Secured to the Subject 12 being monitored, for example, a
`young child. A portable monitoring unit 200 is carried by or
`otherwise maintained in the vicinity of a user 14, Such as a
`parent or a guardian, who is monitoring the location of the
`subject 12. In the exemplary embodiment, GPS technology
`is used, which includes a constellation of at least 24 Satel
`lites, also referred to as space vehicles (SVs), that are
`distributed over the earth Such that at least four SV's are
`Visible at any location on the earth's Surface. AS illustrated
`in FIG. 1, the SV's 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d transmit microwave
`ranging Signals 16a, 16b, 16C, 16d, which are received by
`the mobile transmitter 100. The ranging signals 16a, 16b,
`16c, 16d include an L-band signal modulated with a Pseu
`dorandom Noise (PRN) Code known as the “C/A code
`Sequence.” The C/A code Sequence repeats each millisecond
`and has a unique PRN code for each of the 24 SV’s orbiting
`the earth. The ranging signals 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d also
`contain a navigation message, which is a 50 HZ signal that
`provides data to Support the position determination process.
`The navigation message consists of time-tagged data bits
`used to determine, e.g., Satellite time of transmission, Sat
`ellite position, Satellite clock correction, and other System
`parameterS.
`0031. The mobile transmitter 100 receives the ranging
`signals 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d from three to four SV's 18a, 18b,
`18c, 18d with a GPS antenna 118 (see FIG. 3). The ranging
`signals of all of the GPS SVs are synchronized to a
`reference time, i.e., “GPS time.” The amount of time it takes
`for each ranging Signal 16a, 16b, 16C, 16d to arrive at the
`mobile transmitter 100 is indicative of the distance of the
`transmitting SV 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d from the mobile trans
`mitter 100. Each ranging signal 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d will
`implicitly have an offset (delay) from GPS time that is
`proportional to the distance traveled by the ranging Signal
`16a, 16b, 16c, 16d. The mobile transmitter 100 includes a
`GPS receiver circuit 120 (see FIG. 3) which identifies the
`ranging signals 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d. The mobile transmitter
`100 then re-transmits the ranging Signals to the portable
`monitoring unit 200. (Communications from the mobile
`transmitter 100 to the portable monitoring unit 200 are
`illustrated generally by reference number 20.) The GPS
`ranging Signals which are transmitted from the mobile
`transmitter 100 to the portable monitoring unit 200 may be
`referred to as "re-transmitted GPS ranging Signals.”
`0032. The portable monitoring unit 200 receives the
`ranging signals 16a, 16b, 16c, 1.6d from the mobile trans
`mitter 100. A GPS receiver circuit 246 (see FIG. 6) receives
`
`Petitioner Uber Ex-1007, 0011
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`

`

`US 2003/O151506 A1
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`Aug. 14, 2003
`
`the ranging Signals 16a, 16b, 16C, 16d and generates a
`reference C/A code signal which is also Synchronized to
`GPS time. AS described above, each ranging Signal implic
`itly contains an delay proportional to the distance of the
`respective SV 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d from the mobile transmit
`ter 100, which originally received the ranging Signals 16a,
`16b, 16c, 16d. The GPS receiver circuit 246 then determines
`the offset (delay) between the reference code signal gener
`ated by the GPS receiver circuit 246 and the code signal in
`the ranging signal 16a, 16b, 16c, 1.6d as received by mobile
`transmitter 100. This offset is referred to as the Time of
`Arrival (“TOA”) or the “pseudo-range,” since corrections,
`Such as atmospheric effects, need to be made to this value to
`determine the actual range, as is well known in the art.
`0033. The location of all 24 SV’s in operation is known
`to the GPS receiver circuit 246, as this information is
`periodically transmitted by the SV’s in the ranging Signals.
`The use of trilateration, as is known in standard GPS
`technology, allows the GPS receiver circuit 246 to determine
`the geographical location of the mobile transmitter 100 once
`the locations and distances of SV's 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d have
`been determined. (It is noted that system 10 operates in a
`Substantially identical manner with other, Similar ranging
`systems, such as GLONASS, which use signals from a
`plurality of SV’s to determine geographical location.)
`0034.
`In the exemplary embodiment, the mobile trans
`mitter 100 continuously receives the carrier signals 16a,
`16b, 16c, 1.6d from the SV's 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d. The
`portable monitoring unit 200 allows the user 14 to locate the
`mobile transmitter 100 (and consequently, the Subject 12) by
`Sending a request signal including a unique user ID code to
`the mobile transmitter 100. (Communications from the
`portable monitoring unit 200 to the mobile transmitter 100
`are illustrated generally by reference number 21.) The
`mobile transmitter 100 receives the request signal from the
`portable monitoring unit 200, and determines whether the
`unique user ID code transmitted by the portable monitoring
`unit 200 corresponds to the unique userID code stored in the
`mobile transmitter 100. If the ID codes are matched, the
`mobile transmitters 100 transmits the carrier signals 16a,
`16b, 16c, 1.6d to the portable monitoring unit 200.
`0035). As described above, the GPS receiver circuit 246
`of the portable monitoring unit 200 determines the geo
`graphical location of the mobile transmitter 100 and Super
`imposes its location on a display Screen 202 by reference to
`a database of maps Stored on the portable monitoring unit
`200. Displaying the location on the screen 202 of the
`portable monitoring unit 200 allows the user 14 to view the
`location of the mobile transmitter 100 (and consequently the
`subject 12) wherever the user 14 is located, especially if the
`user 14 is away from home and has no access to a computer
`System or detailed maps capable of displaying the location
`of the mobile transmitter 100 and adjacent local streets or
`other geographic features.
`0.036 The portable monitoring unit 200 is able to transmit
`a “panic' signal to the mobile transmitter 100 when the user
`14 depresses a “panic button'204. In response to the panic
`button 204, the portable monitoring unit 200 transmits the
`panic signal to the mobile transmitter 100, which causes a
`speaker 102 on the mobile transmitter 100 to emit a high
`decibel noise. This Sound is intended to alert perSons adja
`cent the Subject 12 of a possible emergency situation, Such
`as a lost child or kidnapping situation.
`
`0037. In accordance with another embodiment of the
`invention, described below, the system 10 may also include
`a cellular network 30 (See FIG. 1). According to this
`embodiment, the mobile transmitter 100 dials into to a
`cellular network 30 (signal 40) to transmit the ranging
`signals 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d. The cellular network 30, in turn,
`transmits the ranging Signals 16a, 16b, 16C, 16d to the
`portable monitoring unit 200 (signal 50). The portable
`monitoring unit 200 may transmit the request Signal to the
`cellular network 30 (signal 51), which in turn relays the
`request Signal to the mobile transmitter (signal 41).
`0038. The mobile transmitter 100 is illustrated in greater
`detail in FIG. 2. The mobile transmitter 100 includes a case
`104 and a strap 106 for removably securing the case 104 to
`the subject 12. In the exemplary embodiment, the mobile
`transmitter 100 is removably secured near the ankle of the
`subject 12 (see FIG. 1). Alternatively, the mobile transmitter
`100 is secured the subject’s wrist or waist. The mobile
`transmitter 100 is also capable of being secured to the
`Subject's clothing or Shoes or Secured thereto by the use of
`clips or pins.
`0039. In the exemplary embodiment, the mobile trans
`mitter 100 may be used for a young child, and the case 104
`may be configured, as shown in FIG. 2, with an ornamental
`shape or surface detail. The case 104 may be molded of
`plastic or resin material, and is preferably waterproof. The
`strap 106 and clasp 108 are used to removably secure the
`mobile transmitter 100 to the subject 12. The strap 106 is
`fabricated from a flexible, durable material, Such as leather,
`nylon, plastic, acrylic or rubber. The clasp unit 108 is
`attached to secure the free ends of the strap 106 together
`about the subjects ankle or wrist. The strap 106 is preferably
`adjustable in order to provide a secure fit. (It is noted that the
`clasp unit 108 may alternatively be a buckle or may incor
`porate a lock to prevent accidental opening of the clasp unit
`108.) The clasp unit 108 may also incorporate childproof
`features to discourage the Subject 12 from opening the clasp
`unit 108 and removing the mobile transmitter 100 without
`assistance from the adult user 14. The mobile transmitter
`100 also incorporates a speaker unit 102, described above,
`which emits an audible signal when a panic button 204 is
`depressed on the portable monitoring unit 200. The speaker
`unit 102 and a microphone 110 provide the capability of
`two-way verbal communication between the subject 12 and
`the user 14 with the portable monitoring unit 200.
`0040. Additional features of the mobile transmitter 100
`are illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 3. Power for the
`mobile transmitter 100 is supplied by a battery 112. The
`battery 112 is preferably a long life battery, such as a lithium
`or similar watch battery. It is also noted that the battery 112
`may be a rechargeable battery. In Such a case, a Separate
`battery charger unit 114 may be Supplied to recharge the
`battery 112, and is connected to the mobile transmitter 100
`by terminals 116.
`0041) A GPS antenna 118 receives the GPS ranging
`signals 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d transmitted from the GPS SV’s
`18a, 18b, 18c, 18d positioned in the sky above the mobile
`transmitter 100 (see FIG. 1). GPS antenna 118 may be any
`GPS antenna configured for use in remote portable unit. GPS
`antenna models MK-4, which is a miniature GPS antenna,
`and RA-45, which is a re-radiating GPS antenna that allows
`the mobile transmitter 100 to receive the GPS ranging
`
`Petitioner Uber Ex-1007, 0012
`
`

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`US 2003/O151506 A1
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`Aug. 14, 2003
`
`Signals indoors, both of which are manufactured by San Jose
`Navigation, Inc., of Taipei, R.O.C., are useful for this
`application. AS described above, at least three ranging
`Signals are necessary for a GPS receiver to determine a
`geographical location. However, ranging Signals from four
`SVS are preferable to correct possible timing errors, as is
`well known in the art. The GPS receiver circuit 120 receives
`the GPS signals 16a, 16b, 16c, 1.6d from the GPS antenna
`118. GPS receiver 120 may be a simplified circuit which
`does not require position determination capability. A Suitable
`GPS receiver circuit for this purpose is the REB-2000 series
`miniature GPS receiver circuit manufactured by Royaltek
`Company Ltd., of Tao Yuan City, R.O.C. GPS receiver 120
`receives the GPS ranging Signals and re-transmits them to
`the portable monitoring unit 200. No location determination
`calculations are performed by GPS receiver circuit 120.
`0.042 Communication between the mobile transmitter
`100 and the portable monitoring unit 200 may be performed
`by a radio transceiver 124 and radio antenna 126. Radio
`transceiver 124 and radio antenna 126 preferably operate on
`a VHF band. The radio transceiver 124 is configured to
`receive at least three types of Signals from the portable
`monitoring unit 200. A first type of Signal is a request Signal
`which requests that the mobile transmitter 100 begin to
`transmit the ranging Signals 16a, 16b, 16C, 16d. A Second
`type of Signal is Speech communication from the user 14. A
`third type of Signal is a panic Signal.
`0043. The radio transceiver 124 is also configured to
`transmit two types of Signals to the portable monitoring unit
`200. The first signal is the GPS ranging signals 16a, 16b,
`16C, 16d, and the Second type of Signal is speech commu
`nication from the Subject 12. In another embodiment, radio
`transceiver 124 is replaced by up to four radio transceivers,
`Such that one transceiver is dedicated to the reception of the
`request signal from the handheld monitoring unit 200,
`another transceiver is used for the transmission of GPS
`ranging Signals to the handheld monitoring unit 200, a third
`transceiver is dedicated to reception of the panic Signal, and
`a fourth transceiver is dedicated to the two-way speech
`communication.
`0044) The request signal transmitted from the portable
`monitoring unit 200 typically includes a unique userID code
`to identify the particular mobile transmitter 100 to be
`located. Typically, a mobile transmitter 100/portable moni
`toring unit 200 will comprise a matched pair having the
`Same unique user ID code. The unique user ID code for each
`mobile transmitter 100 is stored in memory 128, preferably
`a non-volatile memory, Such as ROM. Typically, a decoder
`circuit 130 receives the request signal from the portable
`monitoring unit 200, and identifies an ID code being trans
`mitted with the request signal. If the decoder circuit 130
`determines that the ID codes match for the portable moni
`toring unit 200 and mobile transmitter 100, then the mobile
`transmitter 100 begins transmitting the ranging Signals 16a,
`16b, 16c, 1.6d by use of the radio transceiver 124 and radio
`antenna 126. Once the userID code on the request Signal has
`been identified, the mobile transmitter 100 will continue to
`broadcast the GPS ranging Signals to the handheld monitor
`ing unit to update the position of the mobile transmitter 100
`(if it is moving), approximately once every minute.
`0.045. Two-way speech communication may be provided
`between the mobile transmitter 100 and the portable moni
`
`toring unit 200 by use of the radio transceiver 124, operating
`on the Same or a different frequency than the request signal.
`The Signals containing the Speech communication from the
`user 14 are received by the radio antenna 126 and the radio
`transceiver 124 and reproduced by the speaker unit 102. The
`Subject 12 may respond by Speaking into the microphone
`110, and the subject's speech is subsequently transmitted by
`the radio transceiver 124.
`0046) When the portable monitoring unit 200 transmits
`the panic Signal and the unique user ID code to the mobile
`transmitter 100, that panic signal is also received by the
`radio antenna 126 and the radio transceiver 124, causing the
`speaker 102 to emit a high decibel alarm signal if the ID
`codes match. The panic Signal may be on the same or a
`different frequency than the request signal or the GPS SV
`Signals.
`0047 According to another embodiment, the mobile
`transmitter is provided which performs certain functions
`described above, and may be manufactured at a lower cost.
`In particular, the mobile transmitter comprises a GPS
`antenna and a GPS receiver circuit, Such as GPS antenna 188
`and GPS receiver circuit 120 described above. The GPS
`antenna and GPS receiver circuit receive the GPS ranging
`Signals, which are transferred to a radio transceiver and radio
`antenna, Such as radio transceiver 124 and radio antenna
`126, described above. In operation, the radio transceiver 124
`would periodically transmit the GPS ranging Signals to the
`handheld monitoring unit 200, where location determination
`would be performed. Power would be provided by a battery,
`such as battery 112, described above.
`0048. The portable monitoring unit 200 is illustrated in
`greater detail in FIGS. 4-5. The portable monitoring unit 200
`includes a case 206 and a screen 202 for displaying the
`location of the mobile transmitter 100. In the exemplary
`embodiment, the portable monitoring unit 200 is portable
`and may be carried by the user 14 interested in monitoring
`the location of the mobile transmitter 100 (and consequently
`the subject 12). Thus, the case 206 is compact in dimensions
`and the entire portable monitoring unit 200 is lightweight.
`As illustrated in FIG. 5, the case 206 is provided with a clip
`208 which allows the unit 200 to be secured to a belt of the
`user 14 or to the Sun visor of a vehicle. The Screen 202 is
`preferably a color LCD monitor having a hinged and piv
`otable mount 210 that allows the screen to be rotated through
`Several degrees of freedom. For example, as illustrated in
`FIG. 5, the screen 202 is configured to rotate about axis 212
`as indicated by arrow A. This permits the screen 202 to be
`viewed by the user 14 when the portable monitoring unit 200
`is worn near the user's waist on a belt. In addition, the
`pivoting portion of the mount 210 (not visible in FIG. 4)
`permits the screen 202 to be pivoted about axis 214 as
`indicated by arrow B to the location denoted by dashed lines.
`0049. With continued reference to FIG. 4, the case 206 is
`provided with Several user-accessible controls. A locate
`button 220, as will be described below, initiates the request
`signal to the mobile transmitter 100, which requests that the
`mobile transmitter 100 transmit the ranging signals 16a,
`16b, 16c, 16d. When the GPS receiver circuit 246 (described
`below) determines the location of the mobile transmitter
`100, the screen 202 displays its location by use of an
`indicator, Such as a cursor 222. The Streets and other
`geographical features adjacent the location are displayed on
`
`Petitioner Uber Ex-1007, 0013
`
`

`

`US 2003/O151506 A1
`
`Aug. 14, 2003
`
`a map on Screen 202. In order to Scroll about the map on
`screen 202, a cursor control 224 is provided. In addition,
`Zoom keys 226 allow the user 14 to magnify or reduce the
`map displayed on the screen 202. The panic button 204,
`described above, is provided on the case 206 and causes a
`panic signal to be transmitted to the mobile transmitter 100.
`The panic Signal persists until the panic button 204 is
`released by the user 14. In an exemplary embodiment, the
`panic button 204 is provided with a detent. When the panic
`button 204 is first depressed, it is retained in the detent such
`that the panic Signal continuously transmitted. When the
`panic button 204 is depressed again, it is released from the
`detent, and the panic Signal is terminated.
`0050 Additional features of the portable monitoring unit
`200 are illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 6. Power for the
`portable monitoring unit 200 is supplied by a battery 236.
`The battery 236 is preferably a long life battery, such as a
`lithium or similar watch battery. It is also noted that the
`battery 236 may be a rechargeable battery. In Such a case, a
`Separate battery charger unit 238 may be Supplied to
`recharge the battery 236, and is connected to portable
`monitoring unit 200 by terminals 240. The portable moni
`toring unit 200 may also be used in an automobile, in which
`case the battery charger unit 238 may be replaced by an 12
`V power Source (not shown).
`0051. A radio transceiver 242, operating on a VHF band,
`receives the Signals transmitted from the mobile transmitter
`100 by use of a radio antenna 244. As described above, the
`mobile transmitter 100 relays the ranging signals 16a, 16b,
`16c, 16d. The GPS receiver circuit 246 computes the geo
`graphical location of the mobile transmitter 100 by the
`process of trilateration. The GPS receiver circuit 246 relies
`on an almanac, preferably Stored in a database in memory
`248, that indicates the location of each one of the GPS SV's
`18a, 18b, 18c, 18d at a given time. The information in the
`almanac is updated is periodically updated in the navigation
`message of the ranging Signals 16a, 16b, 16C, 16d.
`0.052 The GPS receiver circ