US 6,853,304 B2
`(10) Patent No:
`a2) United States Patent
`Reismanetal.
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Feb. 8, 2005
`
`
`US006853304B2
`
`(54) MONITORING DEVICE
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Yoav Reisman, Raanana (IL); Natan
`Galperin, Zoran (IL); Gil Gemer, Nirit
`(IL); Guy Lerner, Zur Igeal (IL); Anka
`Levin, Kfar-Saba (IL)
`
`(73) Assignee: Dmatek Ltd., Tel Aviv (IL)
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`US.C. 154(b) by 233 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 10/139,634
`(22)
`Filed:
`May7, 2002
`(65)
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2003/0210149 Al Nov. 13, 2003
`7
`
`5,828,306 A * 10/1998 Curran ou... 340/573.4
`5,831,535 A * 11/1998 Reismanetal. .......... 340/573.4
`
`5,841,352 A * 11/1998 Prakash ........ ee 340/573.4
`5,883,576 A *
`3/1999 De La Huerga......... 340/573.1
`6,166,639 A * 12/2000 Pierce et al. eee 340/573.1
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner—AnhV. La
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Crowell & Moring LLP
`
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A monitoring device, such as a watch, for monitoring, at a
`remote location, movements and activities of a person, the
`device is worn around the wrist of the
`person bein
`:
`:
`wo
`<P
`8
`monitored, the device comprising, a housing, a strap con-
`nected to the housing for fastening the device around the
`wrist of the person being monitored, a tamper sensor for
`
`an te a ee340/573.kana detecting tampering with or the removal of the device from
`(52)
`US.
`Cd neerserent
`7” 340/539 31
`the person’s wrist. It further includes electronic circuitry
`(58) Field of ae3031.533.687.one {8 processor and a memory device for receiving and processing
`~~
`,
`,
`™”
`,
`689
`data and a transmitter for periodically transmitting data to a
`remote location and a time display, coupled to a clock
`mechanism, mounted in the housing so as to be displayed at
`the front face of the housing.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`enclosed within the housing. The circuitry includes a micro-
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5,621,384 A *
`
`4/1997 Crimminset al.
`
`....... 340/539.3
`
`23 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets
`
`MONITORING
`UNIT
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` LOCA
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`1
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`APPLE 1012
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`APPLE 1012
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`1
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`U.S. Patent
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`Feb.8, 2005
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`Sheet 1 of6
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`US 6,853,304 B2
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`MONITORING
`UNIT
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`
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` LOCA
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`2
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Feb.8, 2005
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`Sheet 2 of6
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`US 6,853,304 B2
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`FIG.2B
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`FIG.2D
`FIG.2C
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`FIG.2A
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`U.S. Patent
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`Feb.8, 2005
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`Sheet 3 of 6
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`US 6,853,304 B2
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`FIG.3
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`U.S. Patent
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`Feb.8, 2005
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`Sheet 4 of6
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`US 6,853,304 B2
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` Am
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`ESSER
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`U.S. Patent
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`Feb.8, 2005
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`Sheet 5 of 6
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`US 6,853,304 B2
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`TAMPER
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`SENSOR
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`TRANSMITTER
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`MOVEMENT
`SENSOR
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`MEDICAL
`SENSORS
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`MEMORY
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`- TAG ID
`- OPERATION
`PROGRAM
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`FIGURE 4
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`6
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`U.S. Patent
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`Feb.8, 2005
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`Sheet 6 of 6
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`US 6,853,304 B2
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`TAMPER
`SENSOR
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`MOVEMENT
`SENSOR
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`MEDICAL
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`MEMORY
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`- TAG JD
`- OPERATION
`PROGRAM
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`FIGURE §
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`US 6,853,304 B2
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`1
`MONITORING DEVICE
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`invention generally relates to electronic
`The present
`monitoring systems and in particular to a monitoring device
`especially suitable for monitoring persons suffering from
`handicap dementia, down syndrome, autism, and other
`developmental problems.
`2. Discussion of the Related Art
`
`Electronic monitoring systems for monitoring and super-
`vising moving objects, and in particular for monitoring
`persons, are knownin the art. Such systems are employed
`for a wide range of applications in a variety of fields,
`including security, law enforcement, medical and more. An
`electronic monitoring system typically comprises one or
`more portable transmitting devices, known as “tags”,
`attached to a monitored object, one or more local monitoring
`units for receiving signals from said tags, and optionally a
`central monitoring station where information from local
`monitoring units is collected and optionally further pro-
`cessed. A transmitting tag typically broadcasts identification
`information and may further include additional information
`regarding activities or state of the monitored object. When
`used for monitoring persons,
`the portable tag is usually
`strapped around a limb of the person being monitored and
`typically includes various sensors for sensing tampering
`with the tag and other activities of the monitored person.
`However, when a monitoring system is used for monitoring
`patients and especially patients who suffer from dementia
`related diseases, such as Alzheimer, special considerations
`should be taken into account.
`
`Dementia is a chronic or persistent disorder of behavior
`and higherintellectual function due to organic brain disease.
`It is marked by memory disorders, changes in personality,
`deterioration in personal care, impaired reasoning and dis-
`orientation. Although more abundant with aged people,
`various dementia related disorders also occur in young or
`middle age people. The most common cause of dementia is
`Alzheimer’s disease. Other causes of dementia include suc-
`cessive strokes (vascular dementia), severe or repeated head
`injury, cardiac arrest, toxic ingestion and chronic infections
`of the central nervous system. Alzheimer disease is a pro-
`gressive form of dementia, characterized by loss of short-
`term memory, deterioration in behavior and intellectual
`performance, confusion and slowness of thought. Dementia
`usually begins slowly and worsens over time at a progres-
`sive rate, which varies with different people. Although most
`dementias are incurable, supportive environment is very
`important for patients’ optimal functioning. Patients with
`early to intermediate dementia usually function best
`in
`familiar surroundings, 1., at home, but as a patient’s
`condition deteriorates, a nursing home may providethe best
`care.
`
`One of the main problems associated with Alzheimer
`disease and other dementia disorders is disorientation in
`both time and space, which too often results in patients
`wandering away and losing their way back. Such incidents
`might put
`the patients in life-threatening situations.
`Consequently, dementia patients need to be under continu-
`ous monitoring supervision for their own safety. However,at
`all stages, and especially during early and intermediate
`stages, the balance between patients safety and indepen-
`dence is very important.
`Due to their mental condition, dementia patients do not
`cooperate easily with their caretakers. Moreover, dementia
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`disorders are often accompanied with paranoia-like
`symptoms, making it even more difficult to supervise the
`patients. Dementia patients tend to get agitated easily and a
`too noticeable supervision might worsen their condition,
`especially at earlier stages of the disease. Similar symptoms
`can be seen in patients with autism, mental retardation and
`other patients in need of personal care or who become
`disoriented or incapacitated and the like. In addition, such
`symptomscan be seen in patients suffering from psychiatric
`disorders, such as schizophrenia and the like. For these
`reasons, an electronic wireless monitoring system may be a
`good solution for monitoring patients in need of personal
`care or who become disoriented or incapacitated (such as
`incapacitation of the higher cerebral function) or of need of
`nursing. However, current monitoring systems, and in
`particular, current tags, suffer from a number of drawbacks
`in this respect. Due to memory deterioration and disability
`of patients to learn new material, it is almost impossible for
`patients to get used to new devices. Thus, current tags appear
`to patients as unfamiliar and intimidating objects, which
`might arouse their rejection, causing the patients to tamper
`with the tag either by trying to take them off or to destroy
`them. Furthermore, current tags draw attention from the
`surrounding and might draw curious questions which might
`put patients in embarrassing and intimidating position.
`Thus, a monitoring system for monitoring and supervising
`dementia patients should take into consideration the special
`behavior and sensitivities of this population. In particular,
`there is a need for a better monitoring transmitting tag,
`which would not draw special attention, neither by the
`patient himself, nor by others. Preferably, the tag should
`assume the form of a very familiar object, which would not
`require from the patient any new learning or adaptation.
`The present invention by providing a monitoring trans-
`mitting device, which has the appearance, dimensions and
`functioning of a regular wristwatch, reduces patient poten-
`tial interference with the monitoring system and provides
`dementia patients and their caregivers safety, dignity and
`independence.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
`
`The present invention overcomesthe disadvantages of the
`prior art by providing an electronic monitoring device
`having,
`in addition to a transmitting and monitoring
`capabilities, the appearance, dimensionsand functionality of
`a common wristwatch. The device is used for monitoring,at
`a remote location, movements and optionally activities of a
`person, and is worn around a wrist of the person being
`monitored. The deviceis particularly suitable for monitoring
`patients suffering from dementia and other like or related
`disorders. The device is also suitable for patients showing
`symptomsof autism, mental retardation and other patients in
`need of personal care or who become disoriented or inca-
`pacitated. In addition, the device is suitable for patients with
`patients suffering from psychiatric disorders, such as schizo-
`phrenia. The device can be used for monitoring such patients
`at homeorat care centers.
`
`The electronic monitoring device of the invention com-
`prises: a housing having a front face and a back face;at least
`one strap connected to the housing for securing the device
`around the wrist of the person being monitored;
`tamper
`sensors for detecting cutting and removal of the device from
`the person’s wrist and detecting any damage to the device
`while still attached to the wrist; an electronic circuitry
`enclosed within the housing, the circuitry includes a micro-
`processor and a memory device for receiving and processing
`
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`US 6,853,304 B2
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`3
`data and a transmitter for periodically transmitting data to a
`remote location; and a time display, coupled to a clock
`mechanism, mounted in the housing so as to be displayed at
`the front face of the housing. The time display can be either
`analogue or digital.
`Preferably, securing the device around the wrist of the
`person being monitored closes an electrical conductivity
`circuit, wherein the tamper sensor, for detecting the removal
`of the device from the person’s wrist, is an open-closure
`sensor detecting absence of electrical continuity. Yet, addi-
`tionally or alternatively, the tamper sensor may comprise of
`sensors which detect removal of the device by sensing body
`or sensors which detect any damageto the device while still
`attached to the wrist, and the like. The tamper sensor may
`provide indication that a bodyis near or that damageis being
`inflicted to the device.
`The device includes an identification code stored in the
`memory device and carried by the signals periodically
`transmitted by the transmitter. The transmitter can be any
`transmitter suitable for wireless communication. Preferably,
`the transmitter is a radio frequency transmitter and the like.
`The device may further comprise sensors for sensing activi-
`ties and/or health state of the monitored person, including a
`movementsensor, a body temperature sensor, a pulse sensor,
`a blood pressure sensor and a blood oxygen sensor. The data
`collected by the at least one sensor can be carried by the
`transmitted signals. The device may further comprise a
`receiver for receiving data from a remote location, a local
`monitoring unit or another watch. For example: receiving
`data via an Infra Red device, receiving audio data, receiving
`data via a radio frequency device and the like.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The present invention will be understood and appreciated
`more fully from the following detailed description taken in
`conjunction with the drawings in which:
`FIG. 1 illustrates a person wearing the monitoring trans-
`mitting watch of the present invention;
`FIG. 2A is a frontal perspective view of a monitoring
`watch in accordance with one embodiment of the present
`invention;
`FIG. 2B is a backside perspective view of a monitoring
`watch of FIG. 2A;
`FIGS. 2C and 2D give perspective frontal and backside
`views, respectively, of a disassembled monitoring watch in
`accordance with FIGS. A and B;
`FIGS. 3, 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate a monitoring watch and
`assembly thereof in accordance with a second embodiment
`of the present invention;
`FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an electronic circuitry of a
`monitoring device in accordance with one embodimentof
`the present invention;
`FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an electronic circuitry of a
`monitoring device in accordance with another embodiment
`of the present invention.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
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`device is suitable for patients with patients suffering from
`psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia. In accordance
`with the present invention, the device comprises a monitor-
`ing module including a transmitter for transmitting signals
`and a time display coupled to a clock mechanism for
`displaying the time of day, and optionally the date. The
`device is as simple to wear as wearing a wristwatch. It is
`lightweight, waterproof, and is provided with tamperalerts,
`low battery indication and optionally with various sensors
`for sensing activities and medical parameters of the person
`being monitored. The device should be: 1) rugged, so that
`temporary or accidental application or use of force does not
`damageit; 2) properly secured to the person, so it doesn’t
`“fall off’ or easily removed (but can be removed using
`reasonable force if and when required); 3) “tamper moni-
`tored” so that if and when it is damaged oris taken off,
`notification or indication is provided, and 4) familiar, com-
`fortable and unobtrusive to the wearer. Reference is made
`
`throughout this invention to dementia patients include ref-
`erence to other patients showing symptomsof autism, men-
`tal retardation and other patients in need of personal care or
`who become disoriented or incapacitated, or to patients
`suffering from psychiatric disorders.
`FIG. 1 illustrates a monitoring device 10 in accordance
`with the present invention, strapped around the wrist of a
`person 5, in particular a patient, for monitoring movement
`and other activities of the person. The data detected by
`monitoring device 10 is transmitted wirelessly to a local
`receiving monitoring unit 15 in the general area of the
`person being monitored. The unit 15 mayalso be configured
`to transmit messages to device 10. In accordance with the
`present invention, monitoring device 10 has the appearance
`of a regular wristwatch having a time display 12 on the front
`face. Device 10 not only appears as a regular watch, but also
`functions as such, displaying the time of day, and optionally
`the date, of day. Device 10 facilitates best performance of a
`monitoring system. Being a very familiar object, device 10
`does not evoke any negative emotions, which might cause
`the patient to attempt to removeor to tamper with the device.
`Also, device 10 does not draw any special attention from
`other people, which might embarrass or
`intimidate the
`patient. Therefore,
`the device allows the patient
`to live
`regular life as much as possible, keeping his self esteem and
`dignity, while at the same time allowing caregivers continu-
`ous monitoring of the patient. Furthermore, it is known that
`clocks and calendars in their immediate surrounding help to
`orient dementia patients by keeping a continuoustrack of
`time. Thus, having the monitoring device functioning as a
`clock imparts the device further beneficial effect in this
`respect as well. In accordance with the invention, the time
`display may be either analog or digital. The device may
`further have a vibrator, buzzer or a speaker device for
`alerting the patient. At a crises situation where the patient is
`unable to react or to communicate with the surroundings, the
`device can receive audio signals from a remote location in
`orderto alert and notify the people present aroundthe patient
`of the crises event. The device may also initiate prepro-
`grammed audio warnings to the patient during the crisis
`situation. One crisis situation can be an event whereby the
`patient has left a predetermined area or has tried to remove
`the device.
`
`The present invention provides a monitoring transmitting
`FIGS. 2A to 2D depict of a monitoring device 10 in
`device to be worn around the wrist of a monitored person,
`accordance with one embodimentof the present invention.
`especially suitable for patients who suffer from dementia
`related disorders, such as Alzheimer. The device is also
`In accordance with this embodiment, the device is having an
`analog time display 12. As can be seen, device 10 is having
`suitable for patients showing symptoms of autism, mental
`the appearance and dimensions of a common analog wrist-
`retardation and other patients in need of personal care or
`
`who become disoriented or incapacitated. In addition, the watch. Device 10 comprises a housing 20 andapair of straps
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`US 6,853,304 B2
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`5
`16 and 17, connected to opposite sides of housing 20 for
`strapping the device around the wrist. Housing 20 comprises
`a hollow flat cylindrical body closed at one open face,
`hereinafter referred to as the frontal face, by a transparent
`window 19 and at the second open face, hereinafter referred
`to as the back face, by cover plate 21. The body of the
`housing may take various shapes and sizes depending on the
`specific design used at any given time. It may have for
`example cylindrical body or rectangle body. A time display
`12 is mounted inside watchcase 20 facing transparent win-
`dow 19. Also encased within housing 20 are a clock mecha-
`nism 35 and a monitoring transmitting module 30, which
`includesan electronic circuitry responsible for the monitor-
`ing functioning of device 10. Parts 19, 20 and 21, when
`assembled, form a hermetically closed waterproof case. In
`the example shownhere,the central part of housing 20 is of
`a substantially cylindrical shape for accommodating a cir-
`cular time display table, but it will be easily realized that
`watchcase 20 can assume any other shape such as a
`rectangle, a square, an oval, etc. Housing 20 and coverplate
`21 can be fabricated from any suitable metal or plastic
`material Housing 20 is provided with two extensions 23
`extending from opposite sides thereof. Extensions 23
`include connecting means for connecting straps 16 and 17 to
`housing 20.
`Turning now to FIGS. 2C and 2D, there are shown in
`moredetail the components of device 10 and their assembly.
`In the embodiment shown here members 23 include a pin 24
`whichisfirst inserted into a corresponding loop 25 provided
`at one end of each of straps 16 and 17. After mounting the
`strap on pin 24, the two ends of pin 24 are inserted into
`recesses 27 provided on the opposite walls of extension 23,
`as is best seen in FIG. 2D. Straps 16 are 17 are provided with
`means to allow the use of the device with different size
`persons (not shown). Such means can be, for example, a
`plurality of holes perforated along the length of one or both
`straps, through which a closure member can be inserted for
`fixing the effective length of the straps. Straps 16 are 17 are
`preferably fabricated from flexible material such as rubber.
`In accordance with the embodiment shownhere, straps 16
`and 17 are fabricated from a conductive material, preferably
`from an electrically conductive rubber or similar material,
`for example, a rubber doped with carbon particles.
`In
`accordance with this embodiment, a metal connector 28
`(best seen in FIG. 2D) couples recesses 27 and the inner side
`of housing 20. Thus, when pin 24, being of a conductive
`materialby itself, is inserted into recesses 27, it is in contact
`with both the conductive strap and metal contacts 28,
`enabling a close electrical circuit when the free ends of the
`straps are engaged. The closure of the circuit is determined
`by the monitoring transmitting module 30 board (PCB).
`However,
`it will be easily realized that other connecting
`means, which enables electrical continuity between strap
`and housing 20, can be employed. It will be also realized that
`straps 16 and 17 can be made of a nonconductive flexible
`material wherein embedded electrical conductors are
`
`extending through the two straps such as to allow a closed
`electrical circuit when the free ends of the straps are
`engaged. Various fastening means for engaging the free ends
`of straps 16 and 17 for securing the device around the wrist
`can be employed. Where the straps are made of conductive
`material, any engaging buckle or other known fastening
`means for engaging the free ends of the straps can be used,
`providing it ensures a fixed contact between the two straps
`for maintaining a closed electrical circuit. Where the straps
`are embedded with electrical conductors, the electric circuit
`extending through the straps and housing should be con-
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`6
`structed such that it is open when the straps are disengaged
`or cut or tampered with and is closed upon their engagement.
`Such an arrangementis disclosed for example by US. Pat.
`No. 5,504,474, assigned to the same assignee of the present
`invention, where a separate closure memberis deployed for
`closing the device both mechanically and electrically. It
`should be emphasized that although, in accordance with the
`present invention, the closure means need not be such as to
`provide a permanentirreversible closure, still it is desirable
`to design the closure in a way which is not easily being
`opened. Unlike monitoring devices designed mainly for law
`enforcement, such as the device disclosed in the above cited
`US. Pat. No. 5,504,474, and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,831,535 and
`5,936,529,
`the device of the present invention, aimed at
`monitoring patients, is not likely to be exposed to sophisti-
`cated and malicious tampering attempts. However, dementia
`and like patients, unaware of the role of the device, might
`unintentionally take it off. It is therefore desirable to have
`the device provided with reversible closure means which
`will allow caregivers to open it for readjustment, or when
`circumstances require, but which will not be easily opened
`by the patient himself. Preferably, the arrangement of the
`closure is such that both hands are required to open the
`closure. In addition, While the lack or change in electrical
`conductivity is the preferred method for identifying and
`detecting a tamper,
`in accordance with another preferred
`embodimentof the present invention, the strap may contain
`optical fibers which continuously transmit signals, detecting
`a tamper when the sent signals do not reach the receiving
`end of the strap. An example of such closure means is
`described below in conjunction with FIG. 3. It should be
`emphasized that regardless of the closure means, an opening
`of the strap always results in opening the electrical circuit
`and consequently transmission of a corresponding tamper-
`ing signal to the receiving monitoring unit. Additionally, or
`alternatively, monitoring device 10 may include any other
`knownin the art tampering means. For example, in order to
`detect possible removal of the device as a whole, ie., by
`pulling the device over the hand without opening or break-
`ing the device (as might happen for example, if the device
`is not sufficiently tightened around the wrist) a removal
`sensor which senses body proximity might be employed.
`Another example, is a sensor that detects damage to the
`device.
`
`Housing 20 is a hollow case accommodating a battery 26,
`a monitoring transmitting module 30 and a clock module 35.
`Clock module 35 comprises a clock mechanism encased
`within case 36 and an analog time display plate 12. The
`clock module 35 is mounted inside watchcase 20 such that
`
`time display plate 12 is facing transparent window 19. A
`crown 29, coupled to the clock mechanism, protrudes from
`the side wall of housing 20 for allowing resetting the time
`and date. The monitoring transmitting module 30 includes
`an electronic circuitry, preferably a printed circuitry board
`(PCB)whichincludes a transmitter, for broadcasting data to
`a receiver (not shown) remote location. The transmitter and
`corresponding receiver may be of any type suitable for
`wireless communication. Preferably the transmitter is a
`radio frequency (RF) transmitter while the receiver at the
`remote location is a radio frequency receiver. However, the
`transmitter may be an Infra Red (IR) transmitter transmitting
`to one or more IR detectors disposed at remote locations.
`The electronic circuitry is described in more details below,
`in conjunction with FIGS. 4 and 5. Battery supply 52
`supplies power to module 30 and optionally to clock module
`35. Alternatively, clock module 35 is powered by a separate
`battery encased within case 36. Modules 30 and 35 are
`designed such as to allow a compact packaging within
`housing 20.
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`US 6,853,304 B2
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`7
`FIG. 3 depict yet another embodiment of the present
`monitoring device, in according to which the time display is
`digital. The main components of the device in accordance
`with this embodiment are similar to those of the analog
`embodiment described above. The device, generally desig-
`nated 110, comprises a housing 120 with two side extensions
`123 for connecting straps 116 and 117. Plate 121 (best seen
`in FIG. 3B) closes the open side of housing 120 in a manner
`which allows for hermetic and waterproof closure. Enclosed
`within housing 120 is a monitoring transmitting module 130
`comprising an electric circuitry 40 and powered by a battery
`(not shown). A digital clock 135, having a liquid crystal time
`display 112 is mounted on the front face of housing 120 in
`an accepting recess 124. Clock 135 is provided with reset-
`ting pushbuttons (nor shown) for time resetting. In the
`embodiment shownhere, straps 116 and 117 are of the type
`disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,504,474, having an electric
`circuitry extending through the straps and housing, when
`assembled together, which is electrically opened near the
`free end of strap 117 and terminates with external connectors
`118. Straps 116 and 117 are connected to housing 120 by
`means of connecting members 128 having each a pair of
`holes 129 complementary to a pair of holes 126 at one end
`of each of the straps. Correspondingly, extensions 123 are
`provided with hollow cylindrical protrusions 127 provided
`with helical grooves on their inner surface, for accepting
`screws 131. Extensions 123 are further provided with a pair
`of connectors 141 which electrically connects housing 120
`to the electrical conductors running through straps (not
`shown). As also disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,504,474 strap
`116 is provided with holes 132 along its length and strap 117
`is provided with a pair of holes 131 corresponding to the
`holes 132. Straps 116 and 117 are further provided with
`complementary ridges 133 and protrusions 134,
`respectively, for enhancing immobilization of the straps with
`respect to each other. A closure member comprising of two
`separate parts, 150 and 155, is provided for closing device
`10 around a person wrist both mechanically andelectrically.
`However, as explained above, unlike the closure member
`disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,504,474, the mechanical locking
`provided by the closure means of the present invention is
`preferably reversible such as to allow unfastening the device
`by caregivers. In the embodiment shown here,
`the base
`closure part 150 is provided with two protrusions 153, each
`terminating with a flexible tongue 154, while the cover
`closure member 155 is provided with two complementary
`openings 158. Protrusions 153 and openings 158 are located
`so as to correspond to each other, and are spaced so as to
`correspondto pair of holes 131 of strap 117 and to holes 132
`of strap 117. The device is fastened around a wrist by
`inserting protrusions 153 through pair of holes 131 in strap
`member 117 and through a suitable pair of holes in strap
`member116, such that the straps overlap, then tongues 154
`are forced through openings 158 of cover closure part 155.
`In their relaxed position, tongues 154 slide into a narrow
`portion of opening 158, thus providing mechanical locking
`which can be opened only byrelatively complex operation.
`In order to enhance immobilization of the two closure parts
`with respect each other, side walls 151 and 156 of parts 150
`and 155 can be shaped to have complementary shaped
`protrusion 152 and recess 157 for providing snapping
`locking-in-place means. According to the embodiment
`shown here, cover closure part 155 further includes means
`(not shown)forelectrically connecting the external connec-
`tors 118 such as for example the conductive element
`described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,504,474.
`It will be easily
`realized that the closure means described in conjunction
`
`8
`with FIG. 3 is only an example and that manyother closure
`means can be used without departing from the scope of the
`present invention. For example, base part 150 can be per-
`manently fixed or being an integral part of strap member
`117.
`
`Turning now to FIG. 4,there is shown a block diagram of
`the main components of electronic circuitry 40 packaged
`within monitoring transmitting module 30 (or 130). Elec-
`tronic circuitry 40 includes an electronic data microproces-
`sor 50 for receiving and processing data, and a transmitter 60
`for receiving, processing and transmitting via antenna 65,
`data regarding the activity of the person to which device 10
`is attached. Also included and coupled to microprocessor 50
`is amemory device 55 for storing the tag identification code
`and the operation program for controlling the tag’s opera-
`tion. The data input to microprocessor 50 includes data from
`at
`least one tamper sensor 42 for detecting cutting or
`removal of the device from the patient’s wrist. In one
`embodiment of the present invention at least two tamper
`sensors 42 provide data input to microprocessor 50. Thefirst
`tamper sensor may be an open-closure sensor detecting the
`opening of the electrical circuit running through device 10
`whenthe device is properly secured around the wrist of the
`monitored person, as explained above, the second tamper
`sensor may be a body sensor sensing body proximity as for
`example the short range transmitter-receiver couple dis-
`closed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,504,474. In the embodiment shown
`here, the electronic circuitry further includes a movement
`sensor (44) for sensing motion of the person, and might
`include other sensors (46) as well. Sensors 46 can be
`incorporated into various physical parts of device 10. In
`particular, sensors 46 may include sensors for providing
`information about the medical condition of the monitored
`
`person, such as body temperature sensor, pulse sensor, blood
`pressure sensor, blood-oxygen sensor, etc. Microprocessor
`50 is programmed to activate the various sensing means to
`take readings at predetermined timeintervals,to process said
`readings and to activate transmitter 60 to broadcast signals
`at predetermined timeintervals and at predetermined length
`and intensity of the signal. The transmitted signals may carry
`the tag identification code and other data regarding the
`activities or state of the monitored person in accordance with
`the sensors input. The microprocessor can be programmed
`with regard to various parameters in order to meet
`the
`requirements specific to the subject to whom the tag is
`attached. Thus, parameters such as sampling intervals, data
`transmission intervals, monitored time periods, permitted
`and barred locations, etc., can be selected according to
`specific needs. In addition the tag may also be programmed
`to change the time pattern of sampling and broadcasting
`when specific circumstances are detected by the sensing
`means. For example,
`the tag may, upon occurrence of a
`predetermined event, issue an alarm signal and increase or
`decrease the testing rate. Such an event can be an event
`involving the device operation, for example an attempt to
`removethe tag, low battery, failure of an electronic com-
`ponent or other componentof device 10, or can be an event
`involving the medical condition or the activities of the
`monitored person. For example, a temperature above or
`below predetermined values, lack of motion for a predeter-
`mined period of time,etc.
`FIG. 5 depicts another embodiment of an electronic
`circuitry in which the monitoring unit further includes a
`receiver 70 for receiving data from remote location or a
`similar close by device.
`In accordance with this
`