Monitoring system

A processor implemented monitoring system includes a sensor coupled to the processor for sampling a physiological parameter of a subject which may comprise a subject unique identification parameter. Also coupled to the processor is a physical location determining device. Subject location as well as parameter status data are input to the processor which is programmed to determine whether the parameter and/or location data falls within prescribed boundaries stored in a memory. Upon determination of an out of boundary condition, e.g. subject entered proscribed geographic area, monitored medical parameter, e.g. blood pressure, out of limit or an unauthorized person attempting to operate a vehicle, etc., the processor transmits information pertaining to the subject, the off limit condition and the specific geographic location of the subject to a central monitoring station for implementation of appropriate action.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system for monitoring a remote subject and more particularly to a system for ascertaining an out of boundary condition and transmitting to a central station information pertaining to the condition as well as the location of the subject.

Various monitoring devices for promotion of safety and security of persons and property have been described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,825,283 entitledSystem for the Security and Auditing of Persons and Property, issued to Applicant herein on Oct. 20, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference.

While the previously known monitoring systems were capable of ascertaining the physical location of a subject as well as monitoring the status of vehicular functions and the like, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 5,450,321, and were further capable of reducing the number of out of boundary condition reports by, for example, providing a time window within which an out of boundary condition may be corrected, as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,430,432 entitledAutomotive Warning and Recording System, issued Jul. 4, 1995 to Applicant herein, there was a perceived need to provide a monitoring system capable of both monitoring a physiological parameter condition associated with the subject and thereafter conveying information pertaining to such condition as well as identifying the specific location of the subject for initiating corrective action.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A processor implemented monitoring system includes a mobile unit comprising a sensor capable of monitoring, on a continuous, predetermined interval or random basis, a physiological parameter of a subject such as heart function, e.g. blood pressure, pulse, blood oxygen level, as well as unique subject identifying physiological parameters such as DNA characteristics obtained from sampling of blood or other fluids such as saliva, perspiration, etc., a retinal scan, a fingerprint scan, voice recognition and the like, coupled with a location ascertaining system, e.g. a GPS system. The mobile unit is coupled via radio, cellular telephone or other wireless or wired communications link with a central station.

The system may be employed to determine, for example, whether an operator of specified equipment is an authorized individual by sampling the identifying physiological parameter and comparing the sampled data with boundary data stored in a processor memory. If an off-limit physiological parameter is detected, e.g. a truck driver has been driving for more than the permitted hours, the monitoring system communicates with the central station to identify the off limit condition and specify the geographic location of the subject for the purpose of summoning help or alerting the proper authorities.

Optionally the physiological parameter boundary data may be stored in a memory at a remote location, e.g. the central station; a central station processor receives the sampling data and determines if an off limit condition exists.

The central station is also capable of signaling the monitoring system processor to implement a corrective action output device such as a vehicle disabling device or, if the monitored parameter is a medical parameter, actuating an implanted pump or transdermal patch for the administration of medication, or other appropriate devices capable of providing assistance in alleviating the emergency physiological condition detected. The processor is also capable for actuating the corrective action output device on its own initiative.

The monitoring system may also be implemented in conjunction with the transport of persons in need of supervision, such as children, handicapped and elderly people on a school bus, ambulette, passenger van, etc.

It should be understood that the terms “student, child and children” as employed hereinafter should be interpreted to encompass elderly, handicapped and any other persons in need of supervision, the terms “school bus” and “vehicle” should be interpreted to include any vehicle or other mode of group transport and the terms “parent and guardian” should be interpreted to include any persons having a supervisory capacity or responsibility for the whereabouts or well being of the child.

The monitoring system may be carried on the bus and ascertains the identity of each child entering the bus for verification of children boarding. The processor then signals the central station when the bus enters the geographic region of a child's bus stop, for example, and the central station thereafter telephones the parent or guardian advising that the child is about to be dropped off. The system also identifies the child when leaving the bus to verify that all children left at their designated stops.

Further implementation, in conjunction with transport of children, is to signal the central station upon each child's entering the bus with the central station telephoning the parent or guardian to confirm that their child is on the bus or the parent accessing such information by telephoning the central station.

From the foregoing compendium, it will be appreciated that it is an aspect of the present invention to provide a monitoring system of the general character described which is not subject to the disadvantages of the antecedent history aforementioned.

It is a feature of the present invention to provide a monitoring system of the general character described which monitors a physiological parameter of a subject, ascertains the location of the subject and transfers information to a central station when the monitored parameter or location are out of predetermined boundary limits.

A consideration of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system of the general character described which monitors a unique identity parameter of a subject and ascertains the location of the subject for verification of the subject's whereabouts.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system of the general character described which is capable of administering corrective action in the event a monitored parameter is out of its boundary limit.

A further feature of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system of the general character described which is capable of administering medication when a monitored medical status parameter of a subject is out of normal boundary limits.

Another aspect of the present invention to provide a monitoring system of the general character described which monitors a physiological parameter of a subject, ascertains the location of the subject and transfers information to a central station for a determination when the monitored parameter is out of a predetermined boundary limit.

A further consideration of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system of the general character described for auditing school bus occupancy.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system of the general character described which is capable of communicating with parents or guardians to advise them when a school bus is about to discharge their child at a bus stop.

A still further feature of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system of the general character described which assures that only authorized personnel are operating monitored equipment.

Yet another consideration of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system of the general character described which ascertains the identity of vehicle operators and precludes an operator from operating a vehicle under unsafe conditions, such as exceeding a prescribed number of operating hours without sleep.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system of the general character described which provides a sense of security and well being to those in need of supervision and to those responsible for the well being of such persons.

Other aspects, features and considerations of the present invention in part will be obvious and in part will be pointed out hereinafter.

With these ends in view, the invention finds embodiment in various combinations of elements, arrangements of parts and series of steps by which the above-mentioned aspects, features and considerations and certain other aspects, features and considerations are attained, or with reference to the accompanying drawings and the scope of which will be more particularly pointed out and indicated in the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now in detail to the drawings, the reference numeral10denotes generally a monitoring system constructed in accordance with and embodying the invention. The system10includes a processor12and an associated memory14.

Input peripherals such as a location determining device16, e.g. a GPS based unit, and a sensor18are also coupled to the processor12. A further peripheral such as an output device20operates under the control of the processor.

In accordance with the invention, the processor12is in communication with a central station22through a communications link24.

Typical components suitable for employment as the processor12, the memory14, the location determining device16, the sensor18, the output device20and the communications link24are described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,825,283, which has been incorporated herein by reference.

Pursuant to the invention, the sensor18monitors a physiological parameter of a human or animal subject such as blood pressure, pulse, etc. and/or a subject identification physiological parameter such as DNA characteristics obtained from a bodily fluid sample, a retinal scan, a fingerprint scan, voice recognition, visual scan image recognition of facial features, etc.

The sensor18and the location determining device16input information relating to the monitored parameter and the specific location of the subject respectively to the processor12. The processor12thereafter accesses the memory14to ascertain whether or not the monitored physiological parameter data and/or the location data falls within predetermined limits of stored physiological parameter boundary data and stored geographic location boundary data.

In the event either or both types of input data do not fall within the stored boundary limits, the processor12generates a signal for initiating corrective action and a signal representative of the specific geographic location of the subject to a central station22through the communications link24.

The processor12is capable of initiating corrective action through the output device20upon receipt of an appropriate signal from the central station22or upon its own initiative. The processor12is also programmed to store the monitored data readings in the memory14for later review.

The processor12can be programmed to constantly or periodically transmit the sensor and location determining device input data directly to the central station22through the communications link24. In such instance, a central station processor26accesses a memory28in which are stored the physiological parameter boundary data and geographic location boundary data limits.

FIG. 2illustrates an embodiment of the invention suitable for monitoring an individual who is confined to or restricted from certain geographic areas, such as a person under house arrest, a person subject to a protective order or an individual who is restricted pursuant to a limited release program, on bail or parole. In this embodiment, like numerals have been employed to denote like components as theFIG. 1embodiment, however, bearing the suffix “a”.

In theFIG. 2embodiment, a monitoring system10aincludes a processor12ahaving an associated memory14a. Coupled to the processor12ais a location determining device16a, a sensor18aand an output device20a. A central station22ais interconnected to the processor12athrough a communications link24a.

The sensor18ais configured to monitor the identity of the subject as by bodily fluid sampling, retinal scan, fingerprint scan and the like. Preferably, such monitoring is conducted on a random basis so that the subject can not anticipate when the next sampling will be required. The output device20amay include an annunciator25awhich will advise the subject when to provide a sample for identity verification, however, automatic sampling as by infrared analysis, is also within the preview of the invention. The sensor18amay additionally monitor the subject for verification that the subject is not in violation of any further restrictions, e.g. alcohol consumption, utilizing a controlled substance, failing to take prescribed medication, etc.

Upon the processor12adetecting that the subject is beyond his permitted geographic confines through comparison with location data received from the location determining device16aand the geographic boundaries stored in the memory14a, the processor may implement the annunciator26ato provide an audible or visual warning to the subject simultaneous with or followed by a communication of such out of boundary condition to the central station22a, in the event the subject does not correct the out of boundary condition within a specified time interval.

Upon the processor12adetermining that the input data from the sensor pertaining to the identification of the subject and/or other physiological parameters such as, the use of a controlled substance, levels of prescribed medication, is not within the boundaries stored within the memory14a, the processor12afurnishes such information to the central station22a, together with data pertaining to the geographic location of the monitoring system. As with the prior embodiment, the parameter boundary data limits may be stored in a memory28aassociated with the central station for access by a central station processor26a.

TheFIG. 3embodiment of the monitoring system illustrates a configuration for monitoring the operation of potentially dangerous equipment and assures that it is being operated only by authorized operators who are not subject to impairment.

In this embodiment, a monitoring system10bincludes a processor12bcoupled through a communications link24bto a memory14b, a location determining device16b, a sensor18b, an output device20band to a central station22b.

The memory14bcarries stored boundary data pertaining to the identification of authorized operators of the equipment as well as each authorized operator's logged hours of operation and data pertaining to time of day restrictions on specified operators, e.g. young or night vision impaired operator's restrictions on time of day hours of operation. Also stored in the memory14bis boundary data pertaining to permitted ranges of physiological parameters representative of unhampered operation of the equipment, such as permitted blood alcohol level, urine analysis levels and other medical status levels.

The processor12breceives operator physiological parameter data from the sensor18band compares such data with the boundary data stored in the memory to ascertain that the operator of the equipment is authorized, has not exceeded his permitted hours of continuous operation, is otherwise authorized to operate and that the operator's monitored physiological parameters are within limits.

In the event an out of boundary condition is detected, the processor conveys such information to the central station22b, together with the location of the equipment. In this regard, additionally stored in the memory14bare permitted equipment location boundaries as would be employed, for example, if the equipment were a tractor trailer.

The processor12bis capable of controlling an output device20bfor implementing corrective action upon its own initiative in the event an out of boundary condition is detected or upon instruction from the central station22b.

Depicted inFIG. 4is a further embodiment of the monitoring system configured for implementation in monitoring a subject potentially in need of medical assistance. In this embodiment, like numerals have been employed to denote like components of the prior embodiments, however bearing the suffix “c”. A monitoring system10cincludes a processor12cinterconnected to a memory14c, a location determining device16c, a sensor18cand an output device20c. The processor also communicates with a central station22cthrough a communications link24c.

The monitoring system10cof this embodiment detects an out of boundary medical parameter condition of a subject, communicates with a central station22cin the event such out of boundary condition is detected and provides for administration of corrective medication and/or stimulation for the purpose of alleviating the condition while help is being summoned.

The sensor18cof this embodiment comprises a medical status sensor for monitoring any one or more of a number of physiological medical parameters such as pulse, blood pressure, EKG, blood sugar, etc. Data signals from the sensor18care received at the processor12cfor comparison with permitted boundary limits of the monitored parameters stored in the memory14c. Upon detection of an out of boundary condition, the processor12csignals the central station22cwith identification of the out of boundary condition as well as the location of the subject.

Upon signal from the central station22cor upon its own initiative, the processor12ccan actuate a suitable output device20cfor the administration of corrective medication or corrective action such as actuation of an implanted left ventricular assist system pump, actuation of a transdermal patch, an implanted insulin or other medication dispensing pump, TENS stimulation, etc.

The output device20ccan be actuated while awaiting emergency assistance summoned by the central station22and/or continued monitoring of an out of boundary condition to determine whether the corrective action instituted by the output device will suffice to alleviate the condition without the need for outside assistance.

FIG. 5illustrates a further embodiment of the invention wherein a monitoring system10dis configured to monitor the transportation of children on a school bus. In this embodiment, like numerals have been employed to denote like components of the previous embodiments, however, bearing the suffix “d”.

The monitoring system10dincludes a processor12dcoupled to a memory14d, a location determining device16d, a sensor18dand an output device20d. The processor12dis in communication with a central station22dthrough a communications link24d.

The monitoring system10dis preferably carried within the transport vehicle, in lieu of being carried on each student.

Pursuant to the invention, the sensor18daccesses personal identification data with respect to each student entering the vehicle and inputs such data to the processor12dfor comparison with identification data stored in the memory14dand confirmation of the identity of students who are authorized to board the vehicle.

In the event an unauthorized student attempts to enter the vehicle, the processor12dis programmed to communicate with the central station22dwhich, in turn, will verify any overriding authorization for the student's presence through a telephone link29dwith officials at a school30dand/or telephone communication with the home of the student for parent authorization. Once such authorization is obtained, the central station will communicate with the processor12dto program such student's identity parameters in the memory14deither on a temporary override or permanent basis.

The processor12dalso stores in the memory14dan attendance record of all students carried on the vehicle with such information being transmitted to the school30dthrough the central station22d.

The sensor18dadditionally obtains personal identification data of each student exiting the vehicle for comparison with the trip attendance record maintained in the memory14dand verification that no students remain in the vehicle after the morning and afternoon drop off.

Pursuant to the invention, the sensor18dis utilized to obtain the personal identification data of each student entering the vehicle for the return trip home and information received from the location determining device16dis inputted to the processor12dwhich then compares such information with location parameter data stored in the memory14dpertaining to the designated drop of point, e.g., home or local bus stop, of each student occupant of the vehicle.

Upon the processor detecting that the vehicle is about to enter the student's home area drop off point or local bus stop area, the processor12dcommunicates to the central station22dor directly communicates via an output device20dsuch as, a cellular telephone system, to the respective student's homes32d,34d,36dand38dadvising the student's parent and/or guardian that their child is about to be dropped off.

It should also be appreciated that the processor12dcan be programmed to utilize the output device20dto communicate directly with a student's home upon detecting that an unauthorized student is boarding the vehicle. In such instance, the memory14dwould include home identification data pertaining to all students enrolled at the school30drather than only the students authorized for boarding the particular vehicle.

Additionally, all of the embodiments encompass the monitoring system processor12,12a,12b,12cand12dtransmitting sensor and/or location data to the central station processor26,26a,26b,26cand26dwhich accesses parameter limit data stored in its associated memory28,28a,28b,28cand28dto determine if an out of boundary condition exists.

The central station processor may also access and download further data bases, e.g. state driver license restriction records, for determining boundary limits to be stored in its associated memory.

Thus it will be appreciated that there is provided a monitoring system which achieves the various aspects, features and considerations of the present invention and which is well suited to meet the conditions of practical usage.

Since various possible embodiments might be made of the present invention and since various changes might be made in the exemplary embodiments shown herein without departing from the spirit of the invention, it should be understood that all matter herein described or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.