(12) United States Patent
`Jacobsen et al.
`
`USOO6198394B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 6,198.394 B1
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Mar. 6, 2001
`
`(54) SYSTEM FOR REMOTE MONITORING OF
`PERSONNEL
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`(76) Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen; Roland Wyatt;
`SE C. Peterson; Tomasz J.
`etelenz, all of 360 Wakara Way, Salt
`Lake City, UT (US) 84108
`-
`0
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`(21) Appl. No.: 08/760,855
`(22) Filed:
`Dec. 5, 1996
`(51) Int. Cl." ..................................................... G08B 25/10
`(52) U.S. C. .340,573.1; 340,539; 340,825.15;
`340/825.36; 340/825.54; 364/551.01
`(58) Field of Search ..................................... 340/573, 539,
`340/825.06, 825.15, 825.36, 825.49, 825.54,
`573.1; 364/551.01
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3/1971 Vogelman et al. .
`3,572,316
`3,646,606 * 2/1972 Buxton et al. .
`3,846,704 * 11/1974 Bessette ......
`
`:
`
`9/1992 Kuo et al. ............................ 219/211
`5,148,002
`5,153,584 * 10/1992 Engira ...
`... 34.0/573
`5,204,670 * 4/1993 Stinton ......
`... 340/825.54
`s : E. R al.
`- - - 192,
`5,335,664
`8/1994 Nagashima ........................... 128/696
`5,416,468 * 5/1995 B
`2 : --- Y-2
`allillalll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340/573
`5,515,858
`5/1996 Myllymäki
`... 600/301
`5,544,651
`8/1996 Wilk ..................................... 600/310
`5,724,025
`3/1998 Tavori ............................... 340/573.1
`5,771,001 * 6/1998 Cobb ............
`... 340/539
`5,778,882
`7/1998 Raymond et al. ................... 600/513
`cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner-Glen Swann
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm Thorpe, North & Western
`(7)
`ABSTRACT
`A System for remotely monitoring perSonnel Status includes
`plurality of Sensors disposable on a Soldier or other perSon
`for developing Signals which may be used to determine the
`physiologicalal Status. The Sensors communicate with a
`Soldier unit which can process the information to ensure that
`the Sensor data falls within acceptable ranges and commu
`nicate with remote monitors. The soldier unit also includes
`a global positioning System. By using the Sensor data and the
`180/437
`global positioning System, leaders and medics can quickly
`... 600/483
`and accurately track and treat casualties in battle. The
`340/870.28
`System enables more rapid location of the casualty, as well
`: E. E. E", "MCE as remote triage initial diagnosis, thereby assuring that those
`who are most in need of treatment are attended to first.
`600/484
`6/1981 Steffen et al.
`4270547
`4,312.358
`1/1982 Barney ................................. 128,670
`Typically, the System monitors both body Surface and ambi
`4,331,154 * 5/1982 Broadwater et al. ................ 128/677
`ent temperature, heart rate, Shivering, motion status and
`4,494,553 * 1/1985 Sciarra et al. ........
`128/721
`body condition. Additional Sensors can be provided to
`4,531,527
`7/1985 Reinhold, Jr. et al.
`600/509
`Supply information on other physiologicalal parameter
`4,608,994
`9/1986 Ozawa et al. ...
`128/670
`which may be desired for more thorough diagnosis. The
`4,867,170 : 9/1989 Takahashi ...
`128,677
`physiologicalal information may be stored and kept with the
`4,867,442
`9/1989 Matthews ................................. 482/8
`Soldier to enable improved care as the Soldier is moved to
`4,909,260
`3/1990 Salem et al. ......................... 128/721
`higher levels of care
`4,966,154 * 10/1990 Cooper et al. ....................... 128/671
`9.
`5,022.402 * 6/1991 Schieberl et al...
`128/671
`5,027,824
`7/1991 Dougherty et al. .................. 600/515
`
`24 - -2
`
`OO ...
`
`- - -
`
`91 Claims, 11 Drawing Sheets
`
`tea
`8
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`Shea
`E. da se
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`Contrier
`RCW
`fg 22
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`5.
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`Management
`Battery Packs 268
`- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -------------
`
`:
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 6, 2001
`
`Sheet 1 of 11
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`US 6,198.394 B1
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`U.S. Patent
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`Mar. 6, 2001
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`Sheet 3 of 11
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`US 6,198.394 B1
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`U.S. Patent
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`US 6,198.394 B1
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`
`
`
`
`
`
`
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`
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`U.S. Patent
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`Mar. 6, 2001
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`Sheet 6 of 11
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`US 6,198.394 B1
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`U.S. Patent
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`US 6,198.394 B1
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`IPR2020-00783
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 6, 2001
`
`Sheet 8 of 11
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`US 6,198,394 B1
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`4f6
`
`Command Unit (CU)
`---------------
`
`----------------------
`rica
`HData storage
`
`424
`
`Display Maps,
`foons, Data
`
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`ystem
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`412
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`
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`Keypad.
`
`- - - - - - - - - -
`N- Other
`- - -
`Barcode
`---
`Medical Card
`Reader
`
`Voice
`
`48O
`
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`Connection
`432
`at
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`- - - Single Fill
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`Management
`9.
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`
`454
`45O
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`U.S. Patent
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`Mar. 6, 2001
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`Sheet 9 of 11
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`US 6,198.394 B1
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`U.S. Patent
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`Mar. 6, 2001
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`Sheet 11 of 11
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`US 6,198.394 B1
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`

`1
`SYSTEM FOR REMOTE MONITORING OF
`PERSONNEL
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention relates to a System for remote
`monitoring of perSonnel, and especially to a System for
`monitoring the well-being of military perSonnel on the
`battlefield and during training exercises. AS will be apparent
`from the accompanying Specification, the military version of
`the device can easily be modified for use in civilian medical
`care and medical monitoring of perSonnel working under
`adverse environmental conditions, Such as firefighters,
`Seamen, field maintenance perSonnel, etc.
`During battle there are numerous causes of mortality, both
`direct and indirect, which, if avoided, would spare many
`lives. These include, but are not limited to:
`1) fratricide (deaths from friendly fire);
`2) deaths resulting from extreme environmental condi
`tions,
`3) deaths of medics and others during attempts to rescue
`those who are already dead or who are mortally
`wounded;
`4) delay in locating casualties beyond the short period
`during which treatment most likely will be effective;
`5) inadequate data to guide optimum initial evaluation by
`medical perSonnel in the field;
`6) difficulty interpreting the available data in the stress of
`battle;
`7) difficulty in maintaining consistent reevaluation during
`transport to and through higher levels of care; and
`8) difficulty during peacetime in acquiring and maintain
`ing combat trauma treatment skills by medical perSon
`nel.
`It is believed that if some or all of these problems were
`adequately addressed, a considerable number of lives could
`be saved during combat Situations. By providing accurate
`information about location and the physiological Status of
`each individual, as well as communications equipment to
`convey the information to remote locations, a System for
`monitoring personnel could Save many lives. During
`peacetime, monitoring physiological variables and location
`could be beneficial for people exposed to hazardous occu
`pational and/or environmental conditions, Such as law
`enforcement, firefighters, Sailors, mountaineers and the like.
`Furthermore, such monitors could be extremely valuable for
`military and law enforcement perSonnel, Such as the Special
`forces, e.g. Rangers, who commonly train under extreme
`weather conditions, and in other dangerous environments.
`By monitoring physiological variables, those overseeing
`exercises can monitor the Soldier, etc., and withdraw him/her
`from the exercise if it appears that harm is likely.
`Currently, there are monitors which are used in athletic
`training and in hospitals So as to enable trainers or medical
`perSonnel to monitor the Vital signs of an athlete or a hospital
`patient. See e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,022.402; 4909,260; 4,494,
`553; 4,129,125; and 3,572,316. Typically, these monitors are
`placed in wrist bands or belts which may be quickly attached
`to and removed from the athlete or patient. However, these
`monitors are generally insufficient for use in combat Situa
`tions. For example, Such monitors typically monitor a single
`Vital sign, Such as heart rate, or temperature. A few may
`monitor combinations of Vital Signs with limited accuracy or
`averaged over long periods of time. While this information
`is of Some use for athletes, etc., it is insufficient for accurate
`determination of patients or casualties in need of immediate
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`2
`medical care or evaluation, and those who do not need or
`will not benefit from immediate care.
`The monitors which are currently available also generally
`do not provide location information, let alone location
`information which is Sufficiently accurate to quickly locate
`an injured perSon. By providing accurate information about
`the location of combat troops, a System for monitoring
`perSonnel prevents casualties due to friendly fire, i.e. combat
`forces accidentally injured by their colleagues, and enables
`medical Staff to quickly locate and treat casualties.
`Yet another problem with the presently available monitors
`is that they generally offer little, if any, diagnostic assistance.
`Rather than indicating that a particular physiological State
`has been reached, the presently available monitors typically
`only provide information about heart rate or other Vital signs
`and leave all diagnoses and medical decisions to medical
`perSonnel who may be unavailable or delayed.
`Still other problems with the presently available monitors
`are that they are not configured to withstand the rigors of
`military and other rugged environments, their communica
`tions configurations are not capable of integrating numerous
`different perSonnel within the System; and they do not
`readily adapt to frequent changes in the number of perSons
`which are monitored by the system.
`Thus there is a need for a monitoring System which may
`be worn by both military and nonmilitary personnel to
`monitor their Vital signs and independently determine when
`certain physiological conditions are present which require
`either corrective non-medical action, Such as withdrawal
`from extreme environments, and/or medical treatment. Such
`a System would preferably also provide a storage System for
`creating a medical record and enabling a continuous review
`of treatment as the injured person is passed to different levels
`of medical care. Such a system would further provide
`geolocation information So as to help prevent casualties
`from friendly fire, and to assist in location of casualties by
`medical perSonnel. In a civilian System, the geolocation
`information could be used to track the location of
`firefighters, Seaman, and law enforcement officials.
`The System may also include a means for transmitting,
`interpreting and displaying data at various locations. The
`monitoring System would thus comprise functional units
`deployed at different operational levels individual units (e.g.
`Soldier status units); leader/medic units, and command units.
`All of the units are interconnected via the communication
`System, via a network, individually, or in any other combi
`nation.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`It is an object of the present invention to provide a System
`for monitoring perSonnel which measures Selected physi
`ological variables and geolocation of a perSon during physi
`cal exercise/motion, Stores and interprets this information,
`and communicates with higher echelons of command and
`medical care.
`It is another object of the present invention to provide
`Such a System for monitoring perSonnel which is inexpen
`Sive and easy to operate.
`It is another object of the invention to provide a system for
`monitoring personnel which will not interfere with other
`communications equipment of the user.
`It is an additional object of the invention to provide a
`System for monitoring perSonnel which will not be interfered
`with by radio frequency communications, and electromag
`netic noise.
`It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
`a System for monitoring perSonnel which is ergonomically
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`3
`designed so it will not interfere or will minimally interfere
`with the ability of soldiers or other personnel in the perfor
`mance of their tasks and duties.
`It is yet another object of the invention to provide a
`System for monitoring perSonnel which can be attached to a
`Soldier to provide relatively continuous geolocation and
`physiological information about the Soldier/user.
`It is still another object of the present invention to provide
`such a monitoring system which will identify those who will
`and will not benefit from immediate treatment.
`It is yet an additional object of the present invention to
`provide Such a monitoring System capable of providing a
`history of physiological information about the Soldier to
`which it is attached for Subsequent retrieval, interpretation
`and, if necessary, medical treatment.
`Still an additional object of the present invention is to
`provide Such a monitoring System capable of developing
`data and feedback to assist in or regulate the administration
`of fluids, medications, and other therapies, e.g. ventilation.
`The above and other objects of the invention are realized
`in Specific illustrative embodiments of a System for moni
`toring perSonnel which include a plurality of Sensors for
`developing Signals which may be used to determine the
`physiological Status of military and/or non-military
`perSonnel, the Sensors being typically disposed in an inte
`grated Sensor unit. Typically, the integrated Sensor unit may
`contain Sensors to determine both Skin Surface and ambient
`temperature, heart rate, Shivering, motion Status and body
`position. Additional Sensors can be provided in the inte
`grated Sensor unit or in a separate platform to Supply
`information on other physiological factorS Such as oxygen
`Saturation, blood pressure or breathing rate which may be
`desired to provide a more thorough diagnosis of an indi
`vidual.
`The information collected by the integrated Sensor unit or
`other platforms is then forwarded to a perSonnel unit,
`hereinafter referred to as a Soldier unit. Either the integrated
`Sensor unit or the Soldier unit includes a microprocessor and
`Software/firmware which allow the Soldier unit to monitor
`the physiological State of the user. The Soldier unit also
`includes a communications System for transmitting Signals
`representative of the physiological Status obtained from the
`integrated Sensor unit and geolocation to a leader/medic unit
`and/or a command unit at a remote location(s). The Soldier
`unit may also contain a display and a means of Sending an
`alert Signal by a person wearing the unit, Such as an alert
`button. The display can be located at any convenient loca
`tion on the body, Such as the wrist, head, arm, etc., and or be
`detachable from the Soldier unit.
`Once the information received from the integrated Sensor
`unit has been processed, it is Sent by the Soldier unit to a
`remote leader/medic unit and/or a remote command unit.
`With the physiological information, the communications
`module also transmits information which enables geoloca
`tion of the military perSonnel.
`The soldier unit will also typically include software/
`firmware for determining certain physiological States which
`are common in battlefield conditions, or which are particular
`to the field of use (firefighting, etc.) of the unit. When one
`or more of the critical limits are reached, the Soldier unit
`Sends a warning Signal to the leader/medic unit and/or the
`command unit, thereby indicating that a Soldier is in need of
`immediate care. For example, if the temperature Sensors of
`the integrated Sensor unit indicate cold weather and that the
`Soldier's body temperature has begun to fall below a speci
`fied minimum, the Soldier Status unit will automatically
`
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`Signal the leader/medic unit and the command unit that the
`soldier is likely suffering from hypothermia. The leader or
`medic operating the leader/medic unit or a perSon operating
`the central control unit may then notify other Soldiers or
`medical perSonnel in the area that the Soldier should be
`treated for the condition as Soon as possible. Similarly, a
`wounded Soldier can be monitored for Symptoms and Sever
`ity of injury or shock ensuing from blood loSS.
`In accordance with one aspect of the invention, each
`Soldier unit is customized to the particular wearer. Thus, the
`Soldier unit may contain information about the individual
`Such as allergies to medications and other medical informa
`tion which would be important to medical perSonnel treating
`the individual. Additionally, the Soldier unit may typically
`keep a short physiological history, Such as the body
`temperature, heart rate, body positions, blood pressure,
`oxygen Saturation and movement for the last four hours or
`Some other time period. The information can be forwarded
`to a field leader/medic unit or the command unit upon
`request. This can be accomplished either by the remote
`communications System of the Soldier unit, or by a direct
`link-up between the Soldier unit and the leader/medic unit
`when a medic, etcetera, having a leader/medic unit, arrives
`to treat the user.
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
`Soldier unit or leader/medic unit could include Software/
`firmware for providing guidance and medical decision Sup
`port. Additionally, a microprocessor disposed therein, or in
`the Soldier unit, could be programmed to control fluid
`infusion, drug delivery, and ventilator Support for the
`patient, thereby enabling efficacious treatment even under
`battlefield conditions.
`In accordance with still another aspect of the invention,
`the Soldier unit communicates with the leader/medic unit or
`command unit either continuously or in brief bursts So as to
`prevent enemy combat forces from tracking the communi
`cations to locate the Soldier. The bursts may occur periodi
`cally on Schedule, or as indicated by the leader/medic
`control unit or command unit.
`In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the
`leader/medic unit is a portable device worn by medics and
`other leaders to allow each to monitor those for whom they
`are responsible. The leader/medic unit contains a commu
`nications System for communicating with the Soldier Status
`units and the command units, and contains a display which
`allows the user to graphically monitor the locations of
`perSonnel on the battlefield, and/or to view the physiological
`conditions of each Soldier within the command Structure for
`that leader. The leader/medic unit receives information as to
`the location of the injured Soldier, and receives medical
`information while the medic is relocating to the Site of the
`soldier. When used by a medic, this unit enables the medic
`to view Vital signs and other information about the injured
`Soldier prior to actually examining the Soldier. Thus, the
`medic is able to conduct an initial evaluation of the injured
`soldier while in transit to the soldier's location. Additionally,
`because the Soldier unit also communicates with the com
`mand unit, medical perSonnel at a central command post can
`instruct the medic on diagnosis and treatment options as the
`medic is en route to the casualty.
`The command unit comprises a command post base unit
`which is typically integrated with a portable computer. The
`command unit is able to View the locations of large groups
`of Soldiers to prevent fratricide Situations. The command
`unit also enables the monitoring of any individual Soldier
`and provides a more comprehensive physiological condition
`history to improve Subsequent treatment.
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`US 6,198.394 B1
`
`S
`By continually monitoring the location and Status of the
`Soldiers, Significant decreases in casualty rates can be
`achieved. Additionally, the technology used in the present
`invention can be modified slightly to maintain high levels of
`care in civilian medical applications while significantly
`decreasing the costs.
`In addition, all units may be equipped with a removable,
`nonvolatile memory module which contains relevant per
`Sonal records and acquired data. The Soldier units could
`include means to remove/exchange the memory modules,
`whereas other units of the System for monitoring perSonnel
`have appropriate provisions for retrieving information from
`the memory modules. The memory modules, the attachment
`means and the Sensors are Sufficiently rugged for the opera
`tional environment. Thus, for example, a card having a
`magnetic Strip for Storing information may be used to
`download needed information. Likewise, a bar code reader
`may also be included for rapid entry of pre-coded informa
`tion.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`The above and other objects, features and advantages of
`the invention will become apparent from a consideration of
`the following detailed description presented in connection
`with the accompanying drawings in which:
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a Soldier having an
`integrated Sensor unit attached about his chest and a Soldier
`unit disposed within a jacket in accordance with principles
`of the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a function block diagram of the integrated Sensor
`unit and the Sensors contained therein;
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a wrist sensor/display unit
`which may be used as part of the Soldier unit;
`FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a Vest/harneSS configured
`for holding the Soldier Status unit;
`FIG. 4A is a function block diagram of the interactive
`arrangement between the integrated Sensor unit, the wrist
`Sensor/display unit and the Soldier unit;
`FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a leader/medic unit for use
`by leaders and medics to locate and communicate with the
`Soldier units of the present invention;
`FIG. 5A is a function block diagram of the leader/medic
`unit of FIG. 5;
`FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a command unit of the
`present invention for locating and communicating with the
`Soldier Status units and leader/medic;
`FIG. 6A is a function block diagram of the command unit
`shown in FIG. 6;
`FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the system for monitoring
`perSonnel of the present invention, including numerous
`different forms of communication relayS,
`FIG. 7A is a function block diagram of the communica
`tion relays, etc. shown in FIG. 7; and
`FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a sensor probe which may
`be used with the System for remote monitoring of perSonnel
`to monitor battlefield conditions.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`Reference will now be made to the drawings in which the
`various elements of the present invention will be given
`numerical designations and in which the invention will be
`discussed So as to enable one skilled in the art to make and
`use the invention. Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a
`Soldier, generally indicated at 10, with an integrated Sensor
`
`6
`unit, generally indicated at 14, and a wrist Sensor/display
`unit 18 disposed thereon. The integrated sensor unit 14
`utilizes a Strap which wraps about the Soldier's body imme
`diately below the pectoral muscles, and preferably extends
`over one of the soldier's shoulders. The strap 20 is made
`from a flexible material which may be worn comfortably for
`extended periods of time. The use of the elastomeric mate
`rial Sold as SANTOPRENE has been found to work well
`under a wide range of conditions, and thus is believed to be
`a preferred material. However, those skilled in the art will
`appreciate numerous other materials which may be used.
`Additionally, further research in polymer technology will
`likely yield additional materials which are particularly Suited
`for Such an application.
`Disposed in the strap 20 of the integrated sensor unit 14
`are a plurality of sensors, identified in FIG. 1 at 22, 24, 26
`and 30. While shown in FIG. 1 to have a diameter equal to
`or greater than the strap 20, the sensors 22, 24, 26 and 30 are
`typically much Smaller, are for the most part embedded in
`the Strap, and would not be visible except upon closer
`examination of the strap 20.
`In the embodiment discussed with respect to FIG. 1, the
`sensors 22, 24, 26 and 30 of the integrated sensor unit 14
`include Sensors for determining the ambient temperature
`(i.e. the temperature under the Soldier's clothing, the Sol
`dier's body Surface temperature, the Soldier's heart rate, the
`Soldier's breathing rate, the Soldier's position (i.e. whether
`Standing or in a prone position), motion status (i.e. walking
`or Stationary), and whether the Soldier is Shivering.
`Additionally, Sensors may be included (e.g. blood pressure,
`breathing rate and oxygen Saturation) to determine if the
`Soldier is perspiring, or to detect other physiological data
`about the soldier. All of the sensors may be contained within
`the integrated Sensor unit 14. Alternatively, Some may use
`other platforms on the body, Such as an attachment mecha
`nism to the ear or neck, or disposed in the wrist band 32 of
`the wrist sensor/display unit 18.
`On the wrist of the Soldier 10, there is shown the wrist
`sensor/display unit 18. While sensors may be included as
`mentioned above, the wrist sensor/display unit 18 is used
`primarily for viewing information regarding the time and the
`geolocation of the soldier 10. The wrist sensor/display unit
`18 communicates with an executive controller which is
`discussed below.
`Physiological data is conveyed from the integrated Sensor
`unit 14, and wrist sensor/display unit 18 (if so used) to an
`executive controller of a Soldier unit, generally indicated at
`50, which is disposed within a harness 56, Such as a vest or
`jacket, of the uniform 58 worn by the soldier 10. Preferably,
`the harneSS 56 is part of the conventional load carrying
`equipment of the Soldier.
`The Soldier unit 50 contained within the harness 56 is
`responsive to the integrated Sensor unit 14 and wrist Sensor/
`display unit 18 in that it receives Sensor data and commu
`nicates the data to a remote monitoring unit, Such as the
`leader/medic unit and/or the command unit which are dis
`cussed in detail below.
`The soldier unit 50 is disposed in the uniform 58 to keep
`it from interfering with the soldier's normal duties. While
`the soldier unit 50 adds a small amount of weight (i.e.
`approximately 5 pounds) to the uniform 58, the added
`functionality of the System more than compensates for the
`weight. Preferably the soldier unit 50 is disposed in such a
`way that the Soldier will barely notice its presence and
`his/her performance will not be impaired.
`The soldier unit 50 includes an antenna 60 for sending and
`receiving data from remote locations. Typically, the infor
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`Fitbit, Inc. v. Philips North America LLC
`IPR2020-00783
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`Fitbit, Inc. Ex. 1005 Page 0015
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`7
`mation will be sent at defined intervals So that a remote
`monitoring unit, Such as a leader/medic unit or a command
`unit, (both discussed below), can keep track of the physi
`ological Status and geolocation of each Soldier. Each of these
`Systems, however, also typically includes a communications
`mechanism for causing the soldier unit 50 to provide the
`information on demand. Thus, for example, if the Sensors in
`the integrated Sensor unit 14 indicate a threat of
`hypothermia, the leader/medic unit or the command unit
`may instruct the soldier unit 50 to provide more frequent
`information about the physiological Status of the Soldier
`until the Situation is rectified.
`To assist in Subsequent treatment situations, the Soldier
`unit 50 can have a data Storage device which keeps a data
`record of physiological information for Some given length of
`time, e.g. the last 4 hours. This time period may be fixed or
`Selectable, e.g. mission dependent. Typically, a flash
`memory card or Some other Small, compact Storage mecha
`nism would be used to store the information. In the
`alternative, the leader/medic unit discussed below may be
`provided with Sufficient data Storage capacity to record Such
`data for all of the Soldier units 50 with which it communi
`CateS.
`Also disposed in the uniform is a global positioning
`System, generally indicated at 70. The global positioning
`system 70 is used for geolocation of the soldier 10. By being
`able to continually monitor the position of the soldier 10, the
`leader/medic control and the command unit can be used to
`rapidly find casualties—thus decreasing delay in the treat
`ment of injuries-and can avoid Situations in which Soldiers
`are fired upon by their own troops. By knowing the location
`of each Soldier with Specificity, the central command center
`can give instructions to other military units as to how to
`avoid “friendly fire".
`The global positioning system 70 communicates with the
`leader/medic unit and with the command unit through a
`communication System, which uses a radio and a Second
`antenna 74 which is typically disposed on the shoulder of the
`soldier's uniform 58. The radio preferably uses brief bursts
`of data to prevent enemies from accurately tracking the
`Soldier by monitoring the data transmissions. Those familiar
`with radio communications will be able to identify protocols
`which will assist in preventing the Signals from being used
`by enemy forces.
`As mentioned above, the antennas 60 and 74 are prefer
`ably mounted on or in the shoulders of the soldier's uniform
`58. To prevent them from being damaged and/or interfering
`with the soldier duties, the antennas preferably have a low
`profile. In addition to not interfering with the soldier duties,
`a low profile antenna will generally Suffer from leSS inter
`ference by the Soldier's body than will larger antennas.
`However, other configurations assuring good propagation/
`reception of Signals and minimizing interference by the
`Soldier's body are also acceptable.
`Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a diagram of the
`integrated Sensor unit 14 and the Sensors contained therein.
`This is an example of possible implementation of the
`integrated Sensor unit functionality and it should be appre
`ciated that other embodiments may be used within the Scope
`of the invention. Beginning at the lower left of the diagram,
`there is shown a first Sensor, generally indicated at 22. The
`Sensor 22 includes at least one accelerometer or acceleration
`Switch 100, the information from which is passed through
`three filters, indicated at 104,108 and 112. The first filter 104
`is used to determine if the Soldier is Shivering. The frequency
`range over which the Sensor 22 is monitored is typically
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`US 6,198.394 B1
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`8
`between 8 and 12 HZ, and frequency analysis is used to
`determine if Shivering occurs beyond Some threshold level.
`For example, the Soldier can be monitored to determine if
`any Shivering occurs for longer than 3 Seconds within any
`given minute interval. By mo