Two-piece system and method for electronic management of offenders based on real-time risk profiles

A computer-implemented method and system for monitoring an offender includes establishing a communications link between a mobile phone and an offender monitoring unit. The mobile phone may receive geocoded signals that provide indoor location information. A communications link may then be established between the mobile phone and a computer server. The geocoded signals may be relayed from the mobile phone to the computer server. The computer server may generate a correlation matrix that tracks status information associated with the offender monitoring unit and provides one or more recommendations on how to manage the offender associated with the offender monitoring unit. The offender monitoring unit may detect if it has been compromised and it may also detect a battery status signal, as well as chemical sensing signals. The offender monitoring unit may relay this status information to the mobile phone, which may then relay this information back to the computer server.

BACKGROUND

Some communities leverage electronic monitoring (“EM”) systems to supplement, or even replace, traditional community supervision programs of offenders that require proactive communication with a probation officer or other government official. Because electronic monitoring systems, in many ways, provide more reliable monitoring of a participant offender than traditionally structured programs, offenders who would not normally be candidates for traditional community supervision programs can be released back into the community and effectively monitored and managed without significant risk of recidivism.

The cost of EM programs is largely attributable to initial connection rates and daily rates for monitoring an offender. There are a number of systems and methods generally available at the time of this writing for electronically monitoring offenders in a community supervision plan. For offender participants with a low risk profile, radio frequency (“RF”) based systems can be cost effective. However, for those offender participants associated with a higher risk profile, global positioning system (“GPS”) based technologies provide the more comprehensive functionality required to assure program compliance but usually at a significantly higher cost (at approx. five times) than traditional RF based systems.

The large gap in cost and supervision functionality between GPS and RF based systems force community supervision administrators to decline the inclusion of many offenders in a community supervision program. Though the cost of an RF based system is affordable, the minimal functionality presents ample opportunity for offender recidivism and, as such, only those offenders with the lowest risk profiles are candidates for its use.

On the other end of the spectrum, the GPS based systems offer robust monitoring, tracking and reporting functionality that is well suited for higher risk profile offenders, however, the cost of implementing a GPS system makes it overkill for medium and low risk offenders (although the functionality is desirable). To further complicate the application of current EM systems and methods, the risk profile of a typical offender is subject to change multiple times over the course of any given day.

One significant cost in EM systems may be the unit worn by the offender. If the unit supports GPS features, the hardware and software that are needed may be costly components of the system.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for a system and method that may be cost effective and appropriate for a community supervision program to monitor and track participant offenders associated with a range of profile risk levels. Further, there is a need in the art for a system and method that can be cost effective in a community supervision program to provide comprehensive and customizable reporting of historical activity data of participant offenders associated with a range of profile risk levels.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A computer-implemented method and system for monitoring an offender includes establishing a communications link between a mobile phone and an offender monitoring unit. The mobile phone may receive geocoded signals that provide indoor location information. A communications link may then be established between the mobile phone and a computer server. The geocoded signals may be relayed from the mobile phone to the computer server. The computer server may generate a correlation matrix that tracks status information associated with the offender monitoring unit and provides one or more recommendations on how to manage the offender associated with the offender monitoring unit. The offender monitoring unit may detect if it has been compromised and it may also detect a battery status signal, as well as chemical sensing signals. The offender monitoring unit may relay this status information to the mobile phone, which may then relay this information back to the computer server.

According to another exemplary aspect, an offender monitoring system and method includes a computer server for tracking and recording times and locations associated with an offender monitoring unit. A portable computing device communicates with the computer server over a wireless telephone network. The portable computing device may include a global satellite positioning module for ascertaining a geographical location of the portable computing device. The portable computing device may also include a geocode module for receiving geocoded signals that comprise location information for one or more indoor locations. The portable computing device may be associated with only a single offender monitoring unit.

Each offender monitoring unit may be coupled to the portable computing device via a wireless communication channel. Each offender monitoring unit may operate without any global satellite positioning software or hardware.

The portable computing device may include at least one of a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant, a pager, a smartphone, a navigation device, and a hand-held computer with a wireless connection or link.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects, features and advantages of several exemplary embodiments of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description in connection with the accompanying drawing(s). It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the described embodiments of the present invention provided herein are illustrative only and not limiting, having been presented by way of example only. All features disclosed in this description may be replaced by alternative features serving the same or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Therefore, numerous other embodiments of the modifications thereof are contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention as defined herein and equivalents thereto. Hence, use of absolute terms such as, for example, “will,” “will not,” “shall,” “shall not,” “must” and “must not” are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention as the embodiments disclosed herein are merely exemplary.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as exclusive, preferred or advantageous over other aspects.

As used in this description, the terms “component,” “database,” “module,” “system,” “processing component” and the like are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a computing device and the computing device may be a component. One or more components may reside within a process and/or thread of execution, and a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers.

In addition, these components may execute from various computer readable media having various data structures stored thereon. The components may communicate by way of local and/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with another component in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet and/or a telecommunications network with other systems by way of the signal).

In this description, the term “offender management unit” (“OMU”) is used to describe any device uniquely associated with an offender and operating on a limited capacity power supply, such as a rechargeable battery and/or a capacitor.

In this description, the terms “administrator” and “operator,” unless specifically defined otherwise, are used interchangeably to refer to the entity in control of the various tracking and monitoring schemes implemented by the system and method. As such, the “administrator” or “operator” is envisioned to be a law enforcement agency, government authority or contracted third party.

In this description, the terms “supervision plan,” “monitoring scheme,” and “tracking and monitoring scheme” and “mode” are used interchangeably.

The presently disclosed embodiments, as well as features and aspects thereof, are directed towards providing a system and method for flexible and cost efficient electronic monitoring and tracking of one or more geographically dispersed offender subjects.

Certain embodiments leverage an offender management unit (“OMU”) physically and uniquely associated with an offender subject. A given OMU may be multi-purposed such that it includes the requisite transceivers, associated hardware and software for communication by radio frequency (“RF”). Advantageously, a multi-purpose OMU in combination with a mobile phone or other portable computing device, which may be included in a given embodiment of the present invention, may be leveraged by a central monitoring application running on a server to monitor and track an associated offender.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the novel combination of GPS and RF functionality included with the OMU and mobile phone combination of the present system enables a range of monitoring and tracking capabilities, and thus a range of cost/benefit options, for an administrator of an EM system.

Turning now toFIG. 1A, an exemplary two-piece system101for electronic management of offenders based on real-time risk profiles includes an offender monitoring unit (“OMU”)/presence unit100, the offender or monitored person88, a portable computing device107B (i.e. such as a mobile phone), a satellite tracking system109, a communications network142, a computer monitoring system107A, and one or more remote computers107C may run various client applications for communicating with the computer system107A. The OMU100may receive signals from and send signals to the portable computing device107B, which may include a mobile phone or a tablet personal computer with a wireless connection.

Many of the system elements illustrated inFIG. 1Aare coupled via communications links103to the communications network142A and cellular network142B (seeFIG. 1C). The links103illustrated inFIG. 1Amay comprise wired or wireless couplings or links. Wireless links include, but are not limited to, radio-frequency (“RF”) links, infrared links, acoustic links, and other wireless mediums. The communications network142A may comprise a wide area network (“WAN”), a local area network (“LAN”), the Internet, a Public Switched Telephony Network (“PSTN”), a paging network, or a combination thereof.

The communications network142may comprise a cellular telephone network as understood by one of ordinary skill the art. The cellular telephone network which may also be characterized as a mobile phone network may comprise a radio network distributed over land areas, usually called cells. Each cell is served by at least one fixed-location transceiver, known as a cell site or base station. In a cellular network, usually each cell uses a different set of frequencies from neighboring cells to avoid interference and provide guaranteed bandwidth within each cell.

The cellular network that is part of the communications network142may include, but is not limited to, the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), 3GSM, Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), Digital AMPS (IS-136/TDMA), and Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN), as well as future generations not yet implemented. The cellular network may form a portion of or it may be part of the communications network142.

The communications network142, having the cellular network, may be established by broadcast RF transceiver towers (not illustrated). However, one of ordinary skill in the art recognizes that other types of communication devices besides broadcast RF transceiver towers are included within the scope of this disclosure for establishing the communications network142that may include a cellular network.

The OMU/presence unit100and portable computing device107B may have RF antennas so that each element may establish wireless communication links103with each other. The portable computing device107B may also establish links103with the communications network142via RF transceiver towers (not illustrated). Alternatively, the portable computing device107B may be directly coupled to the communications network142with a wired connection.

The OMU/presence unit100may comprise a waterproof enclosure, such as a casing that looks like a watch or timepiece, and that protects a microprocessor or microcontroller120A (SeeFIG. 1B) that may be coupled to various onboard sensors. The microprocessor120A of the presence unit100may send wireless messages to the portable computing device107B. The microprocessor120A may transmit these messages to the portable computing device107B using a protocol that has one or more authentication techniques and/or one or more encryption techniques as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

For example, any one of standard (and/or non-standard) encryption techniques such as RSA 128 bit may be employed for encrypting messages that are exchanged between the presence unit100and the portable computing device107B. In addition to encryption techniques, the microprocessor120A and the portable computing device107B may exchange messages utilizing a wireless protocol as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, such as, but not limited to, the BLUETOOTH™ wireless protocol. The presence unit100and computing device107B may communicate over any number of different wireless mediums such as, but not limited to, radio-frequency (“RF”) links like Near Field Communication (“NFC”) links; infrared links; acoustic links; and other wireless mediums.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the portable computing device107B upon receiving any data from the presence unit/OMU100immediately relays the data to the computer monitoring system107A. The portable computing device107B and/or its corresponding software for communicating with OMU/presence unit100may be designed to not store any of the data received from the OMU/presence unit100so that the portable computing device107B only relays data it receives from the OMU/presence unit100.

The remote computer107C running client applications allows the remote computer107C to communicate with the portable computing device107B via the computer monitoring system107A in order to track the OMU100and the corresponding monitored person88. Further details about the client applications that may be executed by remote computers107C will be described below.

The satellite tracking system109may comprise anyone of the existing satellite-based global positioning systems that include, but are not limited to, the U.S.-based GPS, the Russian GLObal NAvigation Satellite System (GLONASS), the European Union Galileo positioning system, the Chinese Compass navigation system, and the Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System. The satellite tracking system109may communicate directly with the portable computing device107B (typically taking the form of a mobile telephone) and/or through the communications network142. The satellite tracking system109may emit signals that are received and relayed by the portable computing device107B to the communications network142.

Similar to the satellite tracking system109, a geo-coding system111may communicate directly with the portable computing device107B. The geo-coding system111may take on many different types of hardware and/or software. The geo-coding system111may comprise an indoor tracking system that emits a wireless signal (such as a BLUETOOTH™ signal) that is intended for the portable computing device107B, such as a mobile phone. This wireless signal may comprise a geocode or “tag” that identifies the longitudinal and latitude coordinates for the indoor space that contains the geo-coding system111.

Such geocoded wireless signals from geo-coding systems111, as of this writing, are usually designed for generating target advertising associated with the portable computing device107B. A message module205(SeeFIG. 2B) of the portable computing device107B may receive, track, and extract such geocoded wireless signals and relay them to the server107with a geocode/tag module215.

The geocoded wireless signals from geo-coding systems111may be very helpful when GPS signals from satellites are blocked by structures such as buildings and/or other objects, such as trees, high mountains, etc. The geocoded wireless signals from geo-encoding systems111allow an operator of the system101to accurately track the movements of an offender when they are traveling indoors such as in a building, that could include a shopping mall, a department store, and other similar structures which may be vast in size and which may block signals that are transmitted from satellites of the satellite tracking systems109.

In other exemplary embodiments, the geo-coding system111may comprise a local area network or “WIFI” network which also has some form of geocode in its service set identifier (“SSID”) as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In addition to the geocode generated by the geo-coding system111within an indoor space, such geo-coding systems111may also provide identifiers which indicate the type of business or owners of the indoor space. The server107A may crosscheck information relayed from the portable computing device107B with another server107or system that may indicate the type of business or owners of the indoor space based on the wireless signals being received by the portable computing device107B from the systems111present within a particular indoor space. For example, the wireless signals emitted by systems111within particular indoor spaces may indicate that the portable computing device107B has entered into a retail establishment which sells alcohol like a package store or a bar associated with entertainment, etc.

This context information becomes important for the server107A if the goods or services provided within the indoor space have a potential for the offender88to violate some provisions of government or court based documents that restrict or limit an offender's actions. For example, if the offender88has been identified as an alcoholic on court based documents, then the offender88may violate a parole order if he or she enters an establishment which serves alcohol.

FIG. 1Bis a functional block diagram of an exemplary offender monitoring unit/presence unit100that is part of the system101illustrated inFIG. 1A. This OMU100may be worn on the offender's person, such as on an extremity like an ankle, wrist, or neck of an offender88. The offender monitoring unit100may have a waterproof housing99(SeeFIG. 5C) with a fastening mechanism. The housing99for the OMU100may contain various hardware and software elements.

The hardware and software elements within the housing99include, but are not limited to, a communication module105, an antenna279A, a memory storage unit110, a microcontroller and/or a central processing unit (CPU)120A, a charging power supply unit130A, a rechargeable power source135like a battery module, an accelerometer140, strap light emitting diodes145A, light emitting diodes145B, an audio device150, strap sensors155, a vibrator160, a presence switch165, and a substance (drug and/or alcohol) detector151.

The microcontroller/CPU120A may be characterized as the “brain” of the offender monitoring unit/presence unit100. The microcontroller and/or CPU120A may comprise a standard ARM processor or it may comprise a standard central processing unit (CPU). The microcontroller120A issues commands to the communication module105, the memory storage unit110, and the cellular telephone network modem (not shown).

The microcontroller120A may communicate with another microcontroller (not illustrated) that is part of the charging power supply unit130A. The microcontroller (not illustrated) in the charging power supply unit130A may control a switch to the rechargeable power comprising a battery and/or capacitor135when the charging power supply unit130A receives a direct current input. This direct current input may originate from a transformer that is plugged into a standard alternating current electrical outlet for providing power to the OMU100. The direct current may originate from any other power source that is capable of supplying the required DC input voltage and current.

The microcontroller (not illustrated) within the charging power supply unit130A may turn the rechargeable power source135, like a battery and/or capacitor, “OFF” or in a low-power state so that it is removed from powering the electronics of the OMU100when direct current is received by the charging power supply130A for recharging the rechargeable power source135. The rechargeable power source135may comprise a battery, a capacitor, or a combination thereof as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

The microcontroller120A may monitor the accelerometer140and the strap sensors155. The accelerometer140may provide signals such as movement of the OMU100as well as signals for detecting vibration or tampering with the housing99. The strap sensors155may comprise a combination of light emitting diodes, photonic sensors, and fiber optics for detecting changes with an attachment mechanism that may comprise a strap.

One or more fiber optic cables may circumnavigate the attachment mechanism. Light signals are emitted into the fiber optic cables by the strap light emitting diodes145A and are received with the photonic sensors (not illustrated). If an offender or another person cuts the attachment mechanism, such as a strap, containing the fiber optic cables, then this would disrupt the light signals propagating through the fiber optic cables and trigger an alarm condition which is monitored by the microcontroller120A and possibly transmitted to computer server107via the communication module105.

The microcontroller120A may also be coupled to an audio device150that may comprise a speaker or a siren. The microcontroller120A may also be coupled to a vibrator160and light emitting diodes (LEDs)145B that may communicate device conditions to the offender or the operator. The LEDs145B are not typically used by the operator to communicate to the offender. LEDs145B may communicate system setup conditions to the operator.

For the offender, the LEDs145B may communicate battery status and charging status that may be visible to the offender or an operator who programs the OMU100. The vibrator160(and/or the audio device150) may be used to communicate conditions to the offender wearing the OMU100. In other words, the microcontroller120A may also be coupled to an audio device150and/or a vibrator160and or an array of LEDs145B which may be used to communicate multiple system conditions to the offender wearing the OMU100or to the operator who programs the OMU100.

The microcontroller120A may also be coupled to a presence switch165. The presence switch165is not usually accessible to the offender. It is mechanically triggered automatically if the offender removes or attempts to alter the as-installed condition of the device mounted to the offender's appendage. The presence switch165is usually not a mechanism for the offender to send a response.

The memory storage unit110may comprise flash memory but other types of memory devices may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The memory storage unit110may be used by the microcontroller120A to store past locations of the offender monitoring unit100. The microcontroller120A may also store dates and times associated with these locations within the memory storage unit110.

The memory storage unit110may also be used by the microcontroller120A to store tables that track data associated with a “geo-fence” program module. This geo-fence program module may work with a zone processing module217of the PCD107B as will be described below in connection withFIG. 2B. The microcontroller120A may execute the geo-fence program module for tracking movement of the offender88who is wearing the offender monitoring unit100.

The geo-fence program module executed by the microcontroller120A may track at least three different types of zones: an inclusion zone, an exclusion zone, and a neutral zone. The inclusion zone is one in which the microcontroller120A understands that the offender88must be located within this zone or if the offender88leaves this zone, then the OMU100is required to signal an alert condition back to the server107A via the portable computing device107B.

An exclusion zone is one in which the microcontroller120A understands that the offender88may not be located within and it is required to signal an alert condition when the offender88enters such a zone. A neutral zone is one in which the microcontroller120A understands that the offender88may enter or leave without signaling any alarm condition. Specifically, a neutral zone is basically set up for monitoring so the microcontroller120A notes this as a zone of interest where entries and exits will be recorded/communicated but where the entries and exits are not to be acted upon by creation of alarm conditions.

In addition to or in the alternative to using a geo-fence program module, the microcontroller120A may also work with the remote computer server107A for tracking “virtual fences” that are established and maintained by the remote computer server107A. Similar to the geo-fence program module running within the OMU100, the remote computer server107A may maintain tables for tracking the location of an offender88wearing the OMU100. If the offender88wearing the OMU100enters into a geographical region that the offender88is excluded from or if the offender88leaves a geographical region in which the offender88is required to stay within, then the remote computer server107may generate an alert signal. The microcontroller120A is coupled to a base unit communication module105that has its own antenna279A.

Unlike other conventional offender monitoring units (OMUs)100, the OMU100ofFIG. 1Bdoes not contain or comprise any GPS hardware and/or software. The absence of GPS hardware and/or software provides the OMU100with at least one advantage over the conventional art: power savings. As of this writing, GPS hardware and/or software are very power intensive for a rechargeable device that only uses batteries and/or capacitors. GPS hardware and software may consume significant amounts of power for rechargeable devices like portable computing devices107B and OMUs100.

Turning now toFIG. 1C, a high level architecture of an exemplary two-piece system101for providing offender management schemes will be described. A central monitoring module, administering various offender management schemes, may reside within computer server107A. The central monitoring module may be configured to run a predetermined, rules-based algorithm for application of offender management schemes or it may be accessible for adjustment by an administrator via a tracking and monitoring interface rendered by a web server107E.

Also, generally included in the computer server107A is a fax server107F for receiving communications and rendering reports to an operator of the remote computer107C. A mapping server107H may also be included in some embodiments and configured to communicate with web server107E and either internal or third party mapping services for tracking and monitoring the location of a subject offender88associated with a given OMU100. A message gateway300may be leveraged to enable the computer server107A to send and receive communication via a virtual private network (“VPN”)280and a cellular network142B with the portable computing device107B, that typically comprises a mobile phone.

Each of the various components included in a given embodiment of computer server107A, including a reporting server107D, may be in communication with a database120. The database120may contain, but is not limited to, records related to individual offender participants including historical tracking data, exclusionary and/or inclusionary rules, monitoring schemes, etc. Computer server107A may also, in some embodiments, receive data from geo-coding modules107G that may comprise databases for geocodes. These databases for geocodes may have tables which may translate geocodes received from a signal to longitude and latitude coordinates as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As noted previously, the geocodes from wireless signals of geo-coding systems111may be very helpful when GPS signals from satellites are blocked by structures such as buildings and/or other objects, such as trees, high mountains, etc. The geocoded wireless signals from geo-coding systems111allow an operator of the system101to accurately track the movements of an offender when they are traveling indoors such as in a building, that could include a shopping mall, a department store, and other similar structures which may be vast in size and which may block signals that are transmitted from satellites of the satellite tracking systems109.

The PCD107B typically is in constant communication, in many embodiments, with the GPS system109(SeeFIG. 1A) for receiving global coordinates of the OMU100and the Geocode systems111for receiving geocoded signals containing location data. Such GPS data received from GPS system109and/or geocode data may be logged in the PCD107B and uploaded to computer server107A at a later date or simply retransmitted to computer server107A in real-time (depending on mode and monitoring scheme that has been selected on the computer server107A).

As described above, when the OMU100is within a certain proximity the PCD107B, in some embodiments the OMU100may pair with the PCD107B. The pairing may be accomplished by any number of short distance communication protocols including, but not limited to, WiFi, BLUETOOTH™ or other short wave radio frequency protocols. By communicating with the PCD107B, it can be deduced that the subject offender88associated with OMU100is also in proximity with PCD107B and, consequently, if the PCD107B conveys appropriate GPS coordinates, then the offender88may be in compliance with a given community service program condition.

The administrator operating a remote computer107C may receive confirmation of actions taken by an offender88through user interface220by way of email service410, SMS420, fax services430or the like. Moreover, a third party recipient, such as a law enforcement officer operating a portable computing device107(not illustrated) for example, may also be alerted to changes made to monitoring schemes, adjustments in risk profiles, etc.

Referring now toFIG. 1D, this figure is a functional block diagram of a general purpose computer107that may form part of or fulfill the role of a server107A/C-H illustrated in the system ofFIGS. 1A-1C. This server107may comprise a general-purpose computing device in the form of a conventional computer as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Generally, the computer forming a server107includes a central processing unit121, a system memory122, and a system bus123that couples various system components including the system memory122to the processing unit121.

The system bus123may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The system memory122includes a read-only memory (“ROM”)124and a random access memory (“RAM”)125. A basic input/output system (“BIOS”)126, containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within a computer, such as during start-up, is stored in ROM124.

The computer107can include a hard disk drive127A for reading from and writing to a hard disk, not shown, a USB port128for reading from or writing to a removable USB drive129, and an optical disk drive130for reading from or writing to a removable optical disk131such as a CD-ROM, a DVD, or other optical media. Hard disk drive127A, USB drive129, and optical disk drive130are connected to system bus123by a hard disk drive interface132, a USB drive interface133, and an optical disk drive interface134, respectively.

Although the environment described herein employs hard disk127A, removable USB drive129, and removable optical disk131, it should be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that other types of computer readable media which can store data that is accessible by a computer, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital video disks, Bernoulli cartridges, RAMs, ROMs, and the like, may also be used in the operating environment without departing from the scope of the system101. Such uses of other forms of computer readable media besides the hardware illustrated will be used in internet connected devices such as in a portable computing device, like a laptop computer or a handheld computer.

The drives and their associated computer readable media illustrated inFIG. 1Dprovide nonvolatile storage of computer-executable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for computer107. A number of program modules may be stored on hard disk127, USB drive129, optical disk131, ROM124, or RAM137, including, but not limited to, a client application module287, correlation matrix modules300/400, and other modules. Program modules may include, but are not limited to, routines, sub-routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.

A user may enter commands and information into the computer107through input devices, such as a keyboard140and a pointing device142. Pointing devices may include a mouse, a trackball, and an electronic pen that can be used in conjunction with an electronic tablet. Other input devices (not shown) may include a joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like. These and other input devices are often connected to processing unit121through a serial port interface146that is coupled to the system bus123, but may be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, game port, a universal serial bus (USB), or the like.

The display147may also be connected to system bus123via an interface, such as a video adapter148. As noted above, the display147can comprise any type of display devices such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, and a cathode ray tube (CRT) display.

A camera175may also be connected to system bus123via an interface, such as an adapter170. The camera175may comprise a video camera. The camera175can be a CCD (charge-coupled device) camera or a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) camera. In addition to the monitor147and camera175, the client device107B, comprising a computer, may include other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as a printer.

The computer107may also include a microphone (not shown) that is coupled to the system bus123via an audio processor (not shown) as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The microphone may be used in combination with a voice recognition module in order to process audible commands received from an operator.

The computer forming the server107A may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as a web server107E. A remote computer107C may be another personal computer, a server, a mobile phone, a router, a networked PC, a peer device, or other common network node. While the web server107E or a remote computer107C typically includes many or all of the elements described above relative to the server107A, only a memory storage device127E has been illustrated in thisFIG. 1D. The logical connections depicted inFIG. 1Dinclude a local area network (LAN)142and a wide area network (WAN)142. Such networking environments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, and the Internet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer forming the server107A is often connected to the local area network142through a network interface or adapter153. When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer107A typically includes a modem154or other means for establishing communications over WAN142, such as the Internet. Modem154, which may be internal or external, is connected to system bus123via serial port interface146. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the server107A, or portions thereof, may be stored in the remote memory storage device127A. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are just examples and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers107may be used.

Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the system101may be implemented in other computer system configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor based or programmable consumer electronics, network personal computers, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. The system101may also be practiced in distributed computing environments, where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Referring now toFIG. 2A, this figure is a functional block diagram of a portable computing device or mobile phone107B ofFIG. 1Awhich may communicate with the OMU/presence unit100. The pocket-sized portable computing device (“PCD”) may include an on-chip system222that includes a multicore CPU202. The multicore CPU202may include a zeroth core210, a first core212, and an Nth core214.

As illustrated inFIG. 2A, a display controller228and a touch screen controller230are coupled to the multicore CPU202. In turn, a display/touchscreen208external to the on-chip system222is coupled to the display controller228and the touch screen controller230. An NFC antenna272B may be coupled to the CPU202.

FIG. 2Afurther shows that a video encoder234, e.g., a phase alternating line (“PAL”) encoder, a séquentiel couleur à mémoire (“SECAM”) encoder, or a national television system(s) committee (“NTSC”) encoder, is coupled to the multicore CPU202. Further, a video amplifier236is coupled to the video encoder234and the touch screen display208. Also, a video port238is coupled to the video amplifier236. As shown inFIG. 2A, a universal serial bus (“USB”) controller240is coupled to the multicore CPU202. Also, a USB port242is coupled to the USB controller240. Memory203and a subscriber identity module (“SIM”) card246may also be coupled to the multicore CPU202.

Further, as illustrated inFIG. 2A, a camera248may be coupled to the multicore CPU202. In an exemplary aspect, the camera248is a charge-coupled device (“CCD”) camera or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (“CMOS”) camera.

As further illustrated inFIG. 2A, a stereo audio coder-decoder (“CODEC”)250may be coupled to the multicore CPU202. Moreover, an audio amplifier252may coupled to the stereo audio CODEC250. In an exemplary aspect, a first stereo speaker254and a second stereo speaker256are coupled to the audio amplifier252.FIG. 2Aalso shows that a microphone amplifier258may be also coupled to the stereo audio CODEC250. Additionally, a microphone260may be coupled to the microphone amplifier258. In a particular aspect, a frequency modulation (“FM”) radio tuner262may be coupled to the stereo audio CODEC250. Also, a FM antenna279D is coupled to the FM radio tuner262. Further, stereo headphones266may be coupled to the stereo audio CODEC250.

FIG. 2Afurther illustrates that a radio frequency (RF) transceiver268may be coupled to the multi core CPU202. An RF switch270may be coupled to the RF transceiver268and an RF antenna272B. As shown inFIG. 2A, a keypad274may be coupled to the multi core CPU202. Also, a mono headset with a microphone276may be coupled to the multi core CPU202. Further, a vibrator device278may be coupled to the multi core CPU202.FIG. 2also shows that a power supply280may be coupled to the on-chip system222. In a particular aspect, the power supply280is a direct current (DC) power supply that provides power to the various components of the PCD107B that require power. Further, in a particular aspect, the power supply is a rechargeable DC battery and/or capacitor or a DC power supply that is derived from an alternating current (AC) to DC transformer that is connected to an AC power source.

FIG. 2Afurther shows that the PCD107B may also include a network card288that may be used to access a data network, e.g., a local area network, a personal area network, or any other network. The network card288may be a BLUETOOTH™ network card, a WiFi network card, a personal area network (PAN) card, a personal area network ultra-low-power technology (“PeANUT”) network card, or any other network card well known in the art. Further, the network card288may be incorporated into a chip, i.e., the network card288may be a full solution in a chip, and may not be a separate network card288.

As depicted inFIG. 2A, the display208, the video port238, the USB port242, the camera248, the first stereo speaker254, the second stereo speaker256, the microphone260, the FM antenna279D, the stereo headphones266, the RF switch270, the RF antenna272B, the keypad274, the mono headset276, the vibrator device278, NFC antenna272B, and the power supply280are external to the on-chip system222.

The PCD107B may comprise a GPS module289. The GPS module289may comprise hardware and/or software and it may be designed to communicate with any of the existing satellite-based global positioning systems. Such global positioning systems include, but are not limited to, the U.S.-based GPS, the Russian GLObal NAvigation Satellite System (GLONASS), the European Union Galileo positioning system, the Chinese Compass navigation system, and the Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System.

In a particular aspect, one or more of the method steps described herein may be stored in the memory203of the PCD107B, as well as in the server107A, the remote PCDs107, the OMU100, and/or other storage devices as computer program instructions. These instructions may be executed by the multicore CPU202, server107A, the CPU120of the OMU100, and/or the remote PCDs107C in order to perform the methods described herein. Further, the multi core CPU202of PCD107B, the CPU/microcontroller120A of the OMU100, server107A, and remote PCDs107, other storage devices, and memory203of the PCD107B, and memory110of the OMU100or a combination thereof may serve as a means for executing one or more of the method steps described herein.

Referring now toFIG. 2B, this figure is functional block diagram of some software modules that may be executed by the mobile phone ofFIG. 2Aand which may be stored in memory203and executed by CPU202. The modules may include, but are not limited to, a message module205, an encoder module219, a strap alert module211, a presence module207, a low battery alert213, a zone processing module217, a housing tamper alert module209, a geocode module215, and a user interface module505.

In addition to encryption techniques, the encoder219may follow a wireless protocol as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, such as, but not limited to, the BLUETOOTH™ wireless protocol. The presence unit100and computing device107B may communicate over any number of different wireless mediums such as, but not limited to, radio-frequency (“RF”) links like Near Field Communication (“NFC”) links; infrared links; acoustic links; and other wireless mediums.

The message module205may log calls as well as any text generated with a simple messaging system (SMS). The message module205may send this log information back to the server107.

The message module205may be responsible for tracking various conditions associated with the presence unit100. For example, the message module205may track signals such as a presence signal produced by the presence module207, the housing tamper alert signal produced by the housing or tamper alert module209, a strap tamper alert signal produced by the strap alert module211, and a low battery signal produced by the low battery alert module213. The presence module207may be coupled to the presence switch165described above. Similarly, the strap alert module211may be coupled to the strap sensors155and the strap LEDs145A as described above. The low battery alert module213may be coupled to the charger power supply130A.

With respect to the presence module207, the message module205alone or in combination with the presence module207may be adaptive/evolving and/or periodic. For example, the message module205alone or in combination with the presence module207may generate a presence signal ping about every twenty seconds for a minute and then back off to decrease this frequency to about once every minute or about every five minutes. Such a shift in this period may be characterized as adaptive/evolving.

In other situations, the message module205alone or in combination with the presence module207may generate a presence signal ping periodically for about once every minute or about once every two minutes in which the portable computing device107B conducts handshake verification with the presence unit100. The handshake verification may comprise a very simple message that may positively identify the presence unit/OMU100by its unique identifier, which may be assigned at the end of manufacturing for the presence unit100.

The unique identifier of the OMU/presence unit100may be mated/coupled/paired to a unique identifier assigned to the portable computing device107B. The unique identifier assigned to the portable computing device107B may comprise the international mobile equipment identity (IEMI) under the GSM standard or the identifier used under CDMA. The message module205of the portable computing device107B may then relay the unique identifier of the presence unit/OMU100and the unique identifier of the portable computing device107B back to the server107A.

Messages from the portable computing device107B may comprise encrypted Internet protocol messages that are sent over the cellular telephone network142and then over the Internet142to the server107B. Communications between the portable computing device107B and the server107A may be randomly set in order to conserve power while also preventing an offender88from determining the frequency and/or duration of these messages that are exchanged between these two system elements. The server107A may “push” data or “ping” the portable computing device107B at any time in order to retrieve information such as current location and if the presence unit100is within range of the portable computing device107B.

The server107A may collect the data from the presence unit/OMU100and the portable computing device107B in order to determine a status of the offender (i.e. is the offender working or not working, and the location of the offender relative to those contexts) and an intent (what action an offender might take given his current location and context). The location of the portable computing device107B may be calculated by a satellite positioning system which is already part of the portable computing device107B, such as with the GPS module289(SeeFIG. 2A), or a location of the portable computing device107B may be triangulated if the portable computing device107B operates within a CDMA as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

The geocode module215may work with the geo-coding system111described above. It may comprise software and/or hardware which decipher(s) signals from indoor geo-coding systems111which emit a wireless signal (such as a BLUETOOTH™ signal) that is intended for the portable computing device107B, such as a mobile phone. As mentioned previously, this wireless signal may comprise a geocode or “tag” that identifies the longitudinal and latitude coordinates for the indoor space that contains the geo-coding system111.

Such geocoded wireless signals from geo-coding systems111, as of this writing, are usually designed for generating target advertising associated with the portable computing device107B. The message205alone or in combination with the geocode module215of the portable computing device107B may receive, track, and extract such geocoded wireless signals and relay them to the server107A.

In other exemplary embodiments, the geo-coding system111may comprise a local area network or “WIFI” network which also has some form of geocode in its service set identifier (“SSID”) as understood by one of ordinary skill the art. In addition to the geocode generated by the geo-coding system111within an indoor space, such geo-coding systems111may also provide identifiers which indicate the type of business or owners of the indoor space.

The server107A, after receiving the geocode message from the PCD107B via the geocode module215, may crosscheck this information with another server107or system that may indicate the type of business or owners of the indoor space based on the wireless signals being received by the portable computing device107B from the systems111present within a particular indoor space. For example, the wireless signals emitted by systems111within particular indoor spaces may indicate that the portable computing device107B has entered into a retail establishment which sells alcohol like a package store or a bar associated with entertainment, etc.

The zone processing module217of the PCD107B may work with the geo-fence program module executed by the micro controller120A of the OMU100. The zone processing module217alone or in combination with the geo-fence program module of the OMU100may track the at least three different types of zones described above which include an inclusion zone, an exclusion zone, and a neutral zone. In some exemplary embodiments of the system101in which it is desired that the OMU100have as simple software and/or hardware as possible, the zone processing module217of the PCD107B may completely track the three different zones described above such that the OMU100does not have any geo-fence program modules/geo-fence functionality as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

The user interface module505may manage any one of several interfaces that may be presented on the PCD107B for managing the function and operation of the presence unit/OMU unit100. Exemplary user interfaces are illustrated inFIGS. 5A-5Cdescribed below. The user interface module505may interrupt regular processing of any application running on the PCD107B so that a user interface for managing the presence unit/OMU unit100may be displayed and may receive input from an operator of the PCD107B.

For example, if a phone call is being made from an officer or manager responsible for the offender88, then the user interface module505may interrupt and suspend any operation of an application program running on the PCD107B so that the offender88may receive the call with the PCD107B. This allows an operator of the system101to communicate with the offender88who wears the presence unit100that is coupled to the portable computing device107B.

When the system101generates an alert based on the data contained within the correlation matrix300, an operator of the system101may communicate with the offender88via the user interface505. The user interface may support alphanumeric text messages and the like so that the operator of the system101may communicate with the offender88via the portable computing device107B. The user interface505may support SMS messages as well as e-mails as well as any other similar electronic messages as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Further details on this example are described below in connection withFIGS. 5A-5B.

Referring now toFIG. 3, this figure is a diagram of a correlation matrix300which may be produced by the server107A ofFIGS. 1A and 1D. The server107A tracks all of the data relayed to it from the portable computing device107B. This data may comprise GPS data, geocode data, as well as alert/alarm data from the OMU's sensors and geo-fence data. The server107A may conduct adaptive verification for the offender88wearing the presence unit/OMU100. The server107A may correlate all this information in order to accurately track and predict actions of offenders.

Specifically, the server107A may generate a correlation matrix300that is weighted based on certain criteria as will be described in further detail below. The weighting against values within the matrix300as well as the information contained within the correlation matrix may change over time. This change in weighting and the information over time is associated with the “adaptive” nature of this offender verification.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3, the correlation matrix300may track one or more various offender monitoring parameters. These exemplary parameters may include, but are not limited to, last voice communications established with the offender305, the last location tracked310, an offender's work history315, and an offender's possible treatment320.

Each of these offender monitoring parameters may be tracked over time. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3, these parameters have been tracked at time T1 and at time T2. Each parameter may be assigned a weighted percentage based on a history of records kept for a particular parameter and for a particular offender88.

For example, the last voice communications parameter305may track the number of times and/or how recent an offender has been contacted by the operator of the system100over the telephone. As the weight percentage increases, in this particular exemplary embodiment, this may indicate the parameter's importance relative to the other parameters being tracked.

So when the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3, at time T1, the weight percentage for the last voice communication parameter305is at 60% while at time T2 the weight percentage for this parameter has decreased down to 30%. Such a decrease may be attributed to an operator using a remote computer107C and reaching an offender88over the telephone between time T1 and time T2, in which time, this telephone call is then logged at time T2 and impacting the weight percentage by lowering it down to the 30% value illustrated.

Similarly, for the location tracked parameter310which has a relative weight percentage of 20% at time T1 and which later increases to 50% of time T2. This increase in weight percentage for the location tracked parameter310may correspond with the offender entering or exiting an improper zone and/or if the system100lost communication with the portable computing device107B after several requests made from the server107were not answered by the presence unit/OMU100.

With respect to the status of the offender at time T1, the magnitude of the relative weight percentage of any given parameter may trigger an action required from the operator of the system100. For example, for any parameter being tracked which has a magnitude greater than 50%, such a magnitude may be coupled or associated with an action that is required from an operator.

The correlation matrix300ofFIG. 3may be associated with a status monitoring table and/or system400as illustrated inFIG. 4. Each offender may be rated with one or more categories of status in which each category may also be associated with an action that should be taken by an operator the system101.

Referring now toFIG. 4, this figure is a diagram of a color coding system used in the correlation matrix ofFIG. 3. The status monitoring system400may comprise three color coded levels: red level405, yellow level410, and green level415. The red level405may require immediate and direct action from an operator the system100. For example, the red level405may require an operator to call an offender88. This red level405may correspond with the relative weight percentage of 60% at time T1 in the correlation matrix300ofFIG. 3. In other words, with the 60% value for the last voice communication parameter305in the correlation matrix300, then the system101may assign the offender with the red status level405in the status monitoring system400.

At time T2, the offender may be downgraded from the red level status405to the yellow status level410because the last voice communication parameter305changed from 60% at time T1 to 30% at time T2 while the location tracked parameter310increased from 20% at time T1 to 50% at time T2. The yellow status level410may require an action of the operator to send a text message to the portable computing device103in order to verify that a text message will be received from the offender88.

Other values and types of parameters, weight percentages, and status levels for the correlation matrix300and the status levels of the status monitoring system400are possible and are included within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the red status level405may require other actions besides calling an offender, such as requiring a drug test from the offender which may correspond to the treatment parameter320of the correlation matrix300. Similarly, the yellow status level410may also be associated with a different action besides sending a text message.

For example, the yellow status level410of the system400at another time T3 (not illustrated) could comprise an action requiring an operator to send a request for an operational status of the presence unit100, etc. The status monitoring system400instead of using color coded levels may use numeric coded levels such as values between the numbers 1 and 10.

FIG. 5Aillustrates a graphical user interface500A that illustrates how regular operations of the portable computing device (i.e. mobile phone)107B may be interrupted according to one exemplary embodiment. The user interface module505which produces the interface500A ofFIG. 5Aand the corresponding message module205may have priority over all other applications running on the portable computing device107B.

In other words, the user interface505and message module205may dominate or have the highest level of priority to respect to any processing of other applications by the portable computing device107B. Further, the user interface505and the message module205may be allowed to interrupt any other application running on the portable computing device107B. This means that if the offender88was running another application program, such as gaming software, the user interface505and/or the message module205may interrupt the gaming software in order to relay any messages that have been sent from the server107A, such as by an operator wishing to remind the offender of an important counseling date and/or the operator of the system101advising the offender88that he/she may be committing a geo-fence zone violation (SeeFIG. 5C).

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 5A, an offender88was in the middle of a e-mail application in which the offender88was composing an e-mail that had address information510A and message body content510B. The user interface module505produced the screen message505A that alerts the offender88that he or she has an important call from an operator of the system101.

FIG. 5Billustrates a graphical user interface500B corresponding to the graphical user interface ofFIG. 5Athat illustrates how regular operations of the portable computing device (i.e. mobile phone)107B may be interrupted according to one exemplary embodiment. This exemplary embodiment a second message505B with call controls is displayed by the user interface module505. In the specific embodiment illustrated, the call controls allow the offender88to accept the incoming call originating from an operator of the system101.

FIG. 5Cillustrates some of the key components of the two-piece system according to one exemplary embodiment as well as some exemplary data corresponding to the graphical user interfaces500A, B ofFIGS. 5A and 5B. This figure illustrates how the presence unit/OMU100having a housing99may communicate with the PCD107B. This figure also illustrates how the PCD107B may be in constant communication with the satellite tracking system109and the geocoding system111.

FIG. 5Cfurther illustrates a message525that may be produced by the user interface module505and/or the message module205. The message525may comprise longitudinal and latitude coordinates that were determined by the PCD107B and it may contain information from the operator of the system101that is advising the offender88that he or she is getting close to a zone violation and also remind the offender88that there is a meeting that must be attended by the offender88on the next day.

FIG. 5Cillustrates one perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of a housing99and corresponding appendage fastening mechanism for an offender monitoring unit100. The housing99has been illustrated having a size and shape like a standard wrist watch or time piece. However, the housing99may take on other shapes or designs as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. As the electronics contained by the housing99become smaller and the electronic packaging schemes more compact, the housing99may be reduced in size by several form factors. As exemplary embodiments, housing99may take on the form such that the housing99looks like a standard smaller devices such as pin, necklace, bracelet, or the like.

The housing99may also provide a region or area on a display539for the LEDs145described above in connection withFIG. 1B. A fastening mechanism for the housing may comprise a strap or other type of mechanical fastener as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

According to one exemplary embodiment as described above in connection withFIG. 1B, the fastening mechanism for the housing99may include or comprise optical fibers (not shown) that work in conjunction with a-strap sensors155described above. The strap sensors155may detect if there is any tampering or altering of the fastening mechanism. While the fastening mechanism has been illustrated to have a width that is substantially similar to the width of the housing99, one of ordinary skill the art will recognize that the fastening mechanism may also comprise a sleeker design when the housing99has a reduced form factor necklace or bracelet.

FIG. 6is a logical flowchart illustrating a method600for monitoring status of a person88having a presence unit100and a portable computing device107B according to one exemplary embodiment. Block605is the first step of method600. At block605, the microcontroller/CPU120A of the OMU100may check with its charger power supply130A periodically in order to determine the status of the rechargeable power source135which may comprise a battery and/or capacitor. The CPU120A may then relayed messages about the status to the PCD107B.

Next, in block610, the OMU100may detect one or more tamper signals and generate tamper messages as appropriate which are relayed to the PCD107B. The OMU100may constantly monitor its strap sensors155, strap LEDs145, as well as the accelerometer140to determine if an offender88is compromising the OMU100in some fashion.

In block615, the OMU100may detect chemicals associated with the offender88using the drug/alcohol detector sensors151as described above. At block620, the OMU100may transmit the presence, tamper, battery, and chemical status information as appropriate to the PCD107B. The OMU100may transmit this information periodically and/or in response to pings made by the PCD107B. As described above, the communications between the OMU100and PCD107B may be encrypted as described above in connection with the encoder219housed in the PCD107B. The OMU100may also include a corresponding encoder (not illustrated).

In block625, the PCD107B may receive and store the information transmitted from the OMU100which may include the presence status of the OMU100, tamper status, battery status, and chemical status signals as described above. In block630, the PCD107B may detect the location of the PCD107B using its positioning system that may work with a satellite positioning system109and/or the triangulation of cellular phone towers as understood by one of ordinary skill the art.

Next, in block635, the PCD107B may detect indoor locations and indoor context information from geocoded signals originating from geo-coding systems111described above. The PCD107B may determine its location (geographical coordinates) from the geocoded signals and/or it may relay the geocoded signals to the server107A for subsequent decoding to obtain indoor location information. Next, in block640, the PCD107B may relay the location data, presence data, tamper data, battery data, and chemical status data over the communications network142, which usually includes a cellular telephone network, in order to reach the server107A.

In block645, the server107A and/or PCD107B may determine if the presence unit/OMU100has violated any zone restrictions as described above. Such zones may include, but are not limited to, an inclusion zone, an exclusion zone, and a neutral zone. The server107A alone or the PCD107B alone, or these two devices in combination may determine if the OMU100has violated any one of the aforementioned zones established for an offender88.

Similarly, in block650, the server107A and/or PCD107B may determine if the presence unit/OMU100has violated any indoor location context information. That is, the server107A alone or the PCD107B alone, or these two devices in combination may determine if the OMU100has violated indoor restrictions such as those applicable to certain types of establishments/businesses. For example, if an offender88was restricted from consuming alcohol, and any establishment/business serving alcohol or selling alcohol may constitute a violation of an indoor location restriction.

Next, in block655, the server107A may generate an adaptive correlation matrix300as described above in connection withFIG. 3. As described above, the correlation matrix300may comprise weighted information on offender verifications based on certain criteria. The weighting against values within the matrix300as well as the information contained within the correlation matrix may change over time. This change in weighting and the information over time is associated with the “adaptive” nature of this offender verification.

Next, in block660, the server107A may generate one or more recommendation(s) for action(s) to take against an offender88. Such actions may include, but are not limited to, placing a telephone call to the offender88and sending a text based message to the offender88.

Subsequently, in block665, the user interface module505may receive one or more messages over the communications network142from the computer server107A that cause the user interface module505to interrupt one or more applications that may be running on the PCD107B, such as illustrated inFIG. 5C. In block670, the computer server107A may establish communications with the PCD107B as appropriate. Such communications may include, but are not limited to, a cellular telephone call, a voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) call, an e-mail, a text message, a video chat, and other like communications as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 7illustrates a graphical user interface700for mapping locations of one or more offenders88according to one exemplary embodiment. A series of flags1100representing GPS data points taken by an OMU100as an offender88moves through a geographic area are depicted. Notably, when the offender88entered an exclusion zone1110, the frequency of the data points collected was increased compared to the number of data points taken outside of the exclusion zone1110. This graphical user interface700may be generated by the server107A and it may be transmitted to one or more remote computers107C over the computer communications network142for display on display devices147.

Systems, devices and methods for the electronic management of offenders based on real-time risk profiles have been described using detailed descriptions of embodiments thereof that are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The described embodiments comprise different features, not all of which are required in all embodiments of a system and method for electronic management of offenders based on real-time risk profiles. Some embodiments of a system and method for electronic management of offenders based on real-time risk profiles utilize only some of the features or possible combinations of the features. Variations of embodiments of a system and method for electronic management of offenders based on real-time risk profiles that are described and embodiments of a system and method for electronic management of offenders based on real-time risk profiles comprising different combinations of features noted in the described embodiments will occur to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Further, certain steps in the processes or process flows described in this specification naturally precede others for the invention to function as described. However, the invention is not limited to the order of the steps described if such order or sequence does not alter the functionality of the invention. That is, it is recognized that some steps may be performed before, after, or parallel (substantially simultaneously with) other steps without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. In some instances, certain steps may be omitted or not performed without departing from the invention. Further, words such as “thereafter,” “then,” “next,” etc. are not intended to limit the order of the steps. These words are simply used to guide the reader through the description of the exemplary method.

Additionally, one of ordinary skill in programming is able to write computer code or identify appropriate hardware and/or circuits to implement the disclosed invention without difficulty based on the flow charts and associated description in this specification, for example.

Therefore, disclosure of a particular set of program code instructions or detailed hardware devices is not considered necessary for an adequate understanding of how to make and use the invention. The inventive functionality of the claimed computer implemented processes is explained in more detail in the above description and in conjunction with the drawings, which may illustrate various process flows.

Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (“DSL”), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium.