Abstract:
A system for monitoring a person&#39;s location in a defined area (“monitoring system”) according to the present invention includes a plurality of ID badges remote from a plurality of ID readers and a CPU. Each ID badge includes a badge transmitter and a badge receiver; each ID reader includes a reader transmitter and a reader receiver. An alarm and a plurality of kiosks are preferably included. The respective ID readers detect the presence of the ID badges and communicate their respective positions to the CPU. If an ID badge exits the defined area or is disabled, the alarm is activated. The kiosks may be used to add interactivity to the monitoring system, and the ID badges may also include interactive elements. The CPU may perform various additional functions, such as directing a wearer of an ID badge to a destination and conveying information to the kiosks.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to a monitoring device. In particular, the present invention relates to a system for monitoring a person&#39;s location in a defined area. 
     In the United States alone, amusement parks currently attract more than 300 million visitors a year. Countless other people visit large indoor casinos, shopping malls, and similar destinations. Safety and convenience are important to these visitors, and a system that provides or enhances these qualities in a user-friendly and cost-effective manner would be welcomed. In particular, a system that eliminates child abductions, tracks lost guests, and helps guests communicate, navigate, and reunite would solve many problems associated with these destinations. 
     Various proposals for systems that monitor people are found in the art, such as in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,742,233; 6,014,080; 6,243,039; 6,278,370; 6,362,778; 6,396,403; 6,569,011; and 6,606,556. While assumably effective for their intended purposes, none of the above proposals provide such an integrated and interactive system for monitoring people in a defined area that adds comparable safety and convenience. Therefore, it is desirable to have a system for monitoring a person&#39;s location in a defined area that is unobtrusive, can be used in a variety of settings, is able to monitor and distinguish between multiple people, activates an alarm when the system is disabled, adds convenience through such functions as mapping and directing, and is inexpensive. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A system for monitoring a person&#39;s location in a defined area (“monitoring system”) according to the present invention includes a plurality of ID badges remote from a plurality of ID readers and a CPU. Each ID badge includes a badge transmitter and a badge receiver; each ID reader includes a reader transmitter and a reader receiver. An alarm and a plurality of kiosks are preferably included. The respective ID readers detect the presence of the ID badges and communicate their respective positions to the CPU. If an ID badge exits the defined area or is disabled, the alarm is activated. The kiosks may be used to add interactivity to the monitoring system, and the ID badges may also include interactive elements. The CPU may perform various additional functions, such as directing a wearer of an ID badge to a destination and conveying information to the kiosks. 
     The monitoring system may be employed in any defined area. A wearer of a respective ID badge may be automatically located and identified as follows. A respective ID reader transmitter sends a query signal to search for all nearby ID badges, and the respective wearer&#39;s ID badge receiver receives the query signal. The respective wearer&#39;s ID badge transmitter then sends a reply signal that includes a badge transmission identifier corresponding to the respective ID badge. The reply signal is received by the respective ID reader receiver. The respective ID reader then sends the reply signal along with a reader transmission identifier corresponding to the respective ID reader to the CPU. When the CPU receives the respective reply signal, it uses its programming or circuitry to recognize the respective badge and reader transmission identifiers and to associate these respective identifiers with the corresponding ID badge and ID reader. Thus, the location of the respective ID badge is known to the CPU. 
     These functions may be implemented using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. Essentially, a stationary reader sends out a radio signal of a particular frequency. A “tag” or “badge” responds to this signal by “replying” in a way that alerts the reader that the tag has just entered its range. This information can then be used to draw conclusions about the location of the tagged object. In passive RFID systems, the tag does not require a battery. Instead, the energy of the reader signal provides the energy necessary to reply. The circuitry required is exceedingly small—not much bigger than a grain of rice. These devices can also be very unobtrusive and have lengthy life-spans. The largest disadvantage of passive systems is that the reader must provide a powerful transmission in order to power the tag. This results in large power requirements and limits the signal range. Generally the tag must be within a few feet of the reader to be “seen”. 
     Active RFID systems are powered by a battery onboard the tag. When the tag detects the reader signal, it transmits a reply. Some active systems have a range of hundreds of feet, but more importantly multiple tags can be identified simultaneously. The tag can also respond independently of the reader, such as activating if an attempt is made to disable it. 
     Therefore, a general object of this invention is to provide a system for monitoring a person&#39;s location in a defined area that affords security by protecting against abductions. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide a system for monitoring a person&#39;s location in a defined area, as aforesaid, that adds convenience for the system&#39;s users. 
     Still another object of this invention is to provide a system for monitoring a person&#39;s location in a defined area, as aforesaid, that can be used in a variety of conditions, such as inside, outside, etc. 
     Yet another object of this invention is to provide a system for monitoring a person&#39;s location in a defined area, as aforesaid, that is able to monitor and distinguish between multiple people. 
     A further object of this invention is to provide a system for monitoring a person&#39;s location in a defined area, as aforesaid, that activates an alarm when the system is disabled. 
     A still further object of this invention is to provide a system for monitoring a person&#39;s location in a defined area, as aforesaid, that is cost-effective. 
     Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, embodiments of this invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an ID badge according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a kiosk and two ID readers according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing the components of the monitoring system according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing the components of the monitoring system according to another aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating one operation of the monitoring system as in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart supplementing the flow chart in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart supplementing the flow chart in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart supplementing the flow chart in  FIG. 5 ; and 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating another operation of the monitoring system as in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     A system for monitoring a person&#39;s location in a defined area according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 9  of the accompanying drawings. More particularly, a system for monitoring a person&#39;s location in a defined area (“monitoring system”)  100  includes a plurality of ID badges  110  remote from a plurality of ID readers  120  and a CPU  140  ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ). 
     Each respective ID badge  110  has a badge receiver  114  for receiving query signals  182  from a respective ID reader  120  and a badge transmitter  112  for transmitting reply signals  184  and alarm signals  186  ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ). Each respective badge transmitter  112  has a predetermined badge transmission identifier different from a predetermined badge transmission identifier of any other badge transmitter  112 , and each respective ID badge  110  includes means  116  ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ) for including a respective badge transmission identifier in respective reply and alarm signals  184 ,  186 . The tag transmission identifier is preferably a unique modulation, though other identifiers are of course possible. This unique modulation may be obtained by including a respective modulator in each respective ID badge  110 , though other devices known in the art may be used. 
     Each respective ID badge  110  preferably includes a microcontroller  118  in communication with a power source  111  and a display  119  for conveying information to a wearer of the respective ID badge  110  ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ). The display  119  is preferably a LED  119   a  array or a LCD screen  119   b  ( FIG. 1 ), though other types of displays would also be appropriate, including audio displays  119   c  ( FIG. 3 ). Each microcontroller  118  preferably includes programming or circuitry to actuate the transmission of an alarm signal  186  by the respective badge transmitter  112  if the respective ID badge  110  is disabled. 
     While other technologies may be used, the plurality of ID readers  120  is preferably a plurality of RFID readers  120  and the plurality of ID badges  110  is preferably a plurality of RFID badges  110 . To be more specific, each respective RFID badge  110  is preferably an active RFID badge  110  having the power source  111  for powering the respective ID badge transmitter  112 . 
     Each respective ID reader  120  has a reader transmitter  122  for transmitting query signals  182 , other unprocessed signals  180 , and processed signals  190  and a reader receiver  124  for receiving respective unprocessed and processed signals  180 ,  190  ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ). The processed signals  190  include all signals originating from the CPU  140 , and the unprocessed signals  180  include all signals not originating from the CPU  140 . Each respective ID reader  120  has a predetermined reader transmission identifier different from a predetermined reader transmission identifier of any other ID reader  120  and circuitry or other means for including the respective reader transmission identifier in communications with the CPU  140 . 
     The CPU  140  may be in communication with a data input device  146  for inputting data to the CPU  140  ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ). A data storage unit  147  is in communication with the CPU  140  for maintaining ID badge information ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ). The CPU  140  may also be in communication with a CPU transmitter  142  for transmitting respective processed signals  190  to the respective ID reader receivers  124  and a CPU receiver  144  for receiving respective unprocessed signals  180  from the respective ID reader transmitters  122  ( FIG. 4 ). 
     The CPU  140  is programmed to recognize a respective badge transmission identifier included in respective reply and alarm signals  184 ,  186  and to associate the respective badge transmission identifier with a corresponding ID badge  110 . The CPU  140  is also programmed to recognize a respective reader transmitter identifier included in communications from respective ID readers  120  and to associate the respective reader transmitter identifier with a corresponding ID reader  120 . The CPU  140  may also be programmed to selectively associate together respective ID badges  110  for allowing a wearer of one associated ID badge to access information about a wearer of another associated ID badge  110 . The CPU  140  may of course include circuitry for completing the above-mentioned tasks instead of being programmed to do so. 
     While the means for communicating between the CPU  140  and the plurality of ID readers  120  preferably includes the CPU transmitter  142 , the CPU receiver  144 , the ID reader transmitter  122 , and the ID reader receiver  124  as described above ( FIG. 4 ), other means for communicating are possible. There may be an electrical connection between the CPU  140  and the plurality of ID readers  120 , for example ( FIG. 3 ). 
     The monitoring system  100  may also include a plurality of kiosks  130  ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ). The respective kiosks  130  may be remotely positioned in a spaced-apart relationship relative to the CPU  140  for allowing a respective wearer of a respective ID badge  110  to access information from the CPU  140  that is pertinent to himself. Each respective kiosk  130  may include a kiosk input device  136  for inputting data ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ), a kiosk display  138  for displaying information ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ), a kiosk transmitter  132  for transmitting respective unprocessed signals  180  ( FIG. 4 ), and a kiosk receiver  134  for receiving respective processed signals  190  ( FIG. 4 ). At least one kiosk  130  may also include a money acceptor  137  ( FIG. 3 ). The kiosk transmitter  132 , the kiosk receiver  134 , the ID reader transmitter  122 , and the ID reader receiver  124  may be cooperatively used to communicate respective unprocessed and processed signals  180 ,  190  between the kiosk  130  and the ID reader  120 . Other means of communicating are of course possible, however. There may be an electrical connection between a respective kiosk  130  and a respective ID reader  120 , for example. A respective ID reader  120  may be positioned adjacent each respective kiosk  130  for detecting the presence of a respective ID badge  110 . 
     If at least one kiosk  130  includes a money acceptor  137 , the CPU  140  may be programmed to associate a respective amount of money with a respective ID badge  110  and to update the respective amount of money associated with a respective ID badge  110  according to an amount of money accepted by the money acceptor  137 . The CPU  140  may of course include circuitry for completing the above-mentioned tasks instead of being programmed to do so. 
     The CPU  140  may include circuitry or programming for guiding an ID badge  110  wearer to a destination determined by the wearer at a respective kiosk  130 . This preferably includes selectively actuating a respective ID badge display  119 . In the preferred embodiment, respective ID badge displays  119  include a plurality of LEDs  119   a  positioned in an array to indicate direction, each respective LED  119   a  having a respective position in the array indicative of a respective direction. The array is preferably a circular array ( FIG. 1 ). Actuating a respective ID badge display  119 , then, includes selectively actuating a respective LED  119   a  according to the position of the respective LED  119   a  in the array. 
     An alarm  148  may be electrically connected to the CPU  140  ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ). Each respective ID badge  110  may contain circuitry or programming for actuating transmission of a respective alarm signal  186  on demand and if the respective ID badge  110  is removed or disabled. The CPU  140  may include circuitry or programming for actuating the alarm  148  when the CPU  140  receives a respective alarm signal  186 . 
     In use, the monitoring system  100  may be employed in any defined area, such as an amusement park. At an entrance point or some other predetermined point, respective ID badges  110  are attached to respective wearers. Fees may of course be charged for using the monitoring system  100 . The CPU  140  associates the respective ID badges  110  with their wearers and may also selectively associate together respective ID badges  110  to correspond to groups or parties. This information is stored in the data storage unit  146 . 
     The respective ID readers  120  are strategically located throughout the defined area. Respective ID readers  120  are ideally located adjacent all path bottlenecks, adjacent all entrances and exits to the defined area, adjacent at least one attraction, and as further required to maintain broad (though not necessarily comprehensive) coverage. If a respective ID reader  120  is positioned adjacent at least one attraction, the CPU preferably includes programming or circuitry for determining a wait time at the attraction based upon the number of ID badges  110  detected at the attraction. This wait time may be determined very accurately because the number of ID badges  110  in line may be precisely known. 
     The respective kiosks  130  may also be strategically located throughout the defined area, with the emphasis being on locating the respective kiosks  130  conveniently for the respective wearers and away from path bottlenecks to keep from hindering traffic flow. As noted above, a respective ID reader  120  is preferably located adjacent each respective kiosk  130  so that when a respective wearer approaches a respective kiosk  130  he may be automatically identified and information pertinent to him may be automatically displayed on the respective kiosk display  138  ( FIG. 2 ). This means the respective wearer does not have to manually input his identification through the kiosk input device  136 . 
     A respective wearer may be automatically located and identified as follows. The respective ID reader transmitter  122  sends a query signal  182  to search for a nearby ID badge  110 , and the respective wearer&#39;s ID badge receiver  114  receives the query signal  182  ( FIG. 3 ). The respective wearer&#39;s ID badge transmitter  112  then sends a reply signal  184  that includes the badge transmission identifier corresponding to the respective ID badge  110  ( FIG. 3 ). The reply signal  184  is received by the ID reader receiver  124  ( FIG. 3 ). The ID reader  120  then sends the reply signal  184  along with the reader transmission identifier corresponding to the respective ID reader  120  to the CPU  140 . This may be accomplished using the respective ID reader transmitter  122  and the CPU receiver  144  ( FIG. 4 ) or through an electrical connection as noted above ( FIG. 3 ). When the CPU  140  receives the respective reply signal  184 , it uses its programming or circuitry to recognize the respective badge and reader transmission identifiers and to associate these respective identifiers with the corresponding ID badge  110  and ID reader  120 . Thus, the location of the ID badge  110  is known to the CPU  140 , and corresponding location information is maintained in the data storage unit  146 . 
     When at a respective kiosk  130 , the wearer of a respective ID badge  110  may use the respective kiosk input device  136  to request information from the CPU  140 . An example of steps performed by the monitoring system  100  at an amusement park is shown in the flowcharts of  FIGS. 5 through 8 . It is understood that these steps correspond to a respective ID badge  110  and a respective kiosk  130 . 
     In process step S 1 , the respective ID reader  120  adjacent the kiosk  130  detects an ID badge  110  as described in detail above. The process then proceeds to step S 2 , where the CPU  140  communicates personal data corresponding to the ID badge  110  to the kiosk  130 . The process then proceeds to step S 3 , where the kiosk display  138  exhibits a park map with the location of the ID badge  110  and any associated ID badges  110  indicated. The wearer of the respective ID badge  110  then makes a selection using the kiosk input device  136 . The process then proceeds to step S 4 . 
     In process step S 4 , the kiosk  130  determines whether the wearer of the ID badge  110  is selecting a ride. If so, the process is directed to step S 5 . If not, the process is directed to step S 6 . 
     In process step S 5 , the kiosk display  138  exhibits the ride description and other general information for the selected ride. The kiosk display  138  also exhibits an estimated wait time for the ride as communicated to the kiosk  130  by the CPU  140 . The process then proceeds to step S 5   a  ( FIG. 6 ). In process step S 5   a , the kiosk display  138  inquires whether the wearer wishes to begin a search. If the wearer uses the kiosk input device  136  to indicate that he does wish to begin a search, the process is directed to step S 5   b . If the wearer uses the kiosk input device  136  to indicate that he does not wish to begin a search, the process is directed to step S 6  ( FIG. 5 ). 
     In process step S 5   b , the kiosk display  138  exhibits the shortest course through the park from the wearer&#39;s current location to the ride being sought. The process then continues to step S 5   c , where the kiosk display  138  instructs the wearer to exit the kiosk  130  and follow the directions on his ID badge display  119 . The process then continues to step S 6  ( FIG. 5 ). 
     In process step S 6 , the kiosk  130  determines whether the wearer of the ID badge  110  selected a show venue in step S 3 . If so, the process is directed to step S 7 . If not, the process is directed to step S 8 . 
     In process step S 7 , the kiosk display  138  exhibits general information, available showtimes, and ticket information as communicated to the kiosk  130  by the CPU  140 . The process then continues to step S 7   a  ( FIG. 7 ). 
     In process step S 7   a , the kiosk display  138  inquires whether the wearer wishes to begin a search. If the wearer uses the kiosk input device  136  to indicate that he does wish to begin a search, the process is directed to step S 7   b . If the wearer uses the kiosk input device  136  to indicate that he does not wish to begin a search, the process is directed to step S 7   d.    
     In process step S 7   b , the kiosk display  138  exhibits the shortest course through the park from the wearer&#39;s current location to the venue being sought. The process then continues to step S 7   c , where the kiosk display  138  instructs the wearer to exit the kiosk  130  and follow the directions on his ID badge display  119 . The process then continues to step S 7   d.    
     In process step S 7   d , the kiosk display  138  inquires whether the wearer wishes to purchase tickets. If the wearer uses the kiosk input device  136  to indicate that he does wish to purchase tickets, the process is directed to step S 7   e . If the wearer uses the kiosk input device  136  to indicate that he does not wish to purchase tickets, the process is directed to step S 8  ( FIG. 5 ). 
     In process step S 7   e , the kiosk display  138  prompts the wearer to enter information on desired showtimes and number of tickets using the kiosk input device  136 , and the wearer does so. The tickets may be purchased using money stored in an account corresponding to the respective ID badge, a credit or debit card, or cash accepted by the kiosk money acceptor  137 . The process then continues to step S 8  ( FIG. 5 ). 
     In process step S 8 , the kiosk  130  determines whether the wearer of the ID badge  110  selected an associated ID badge  110  in step S 3 . If so, the process is directed to step S 9 . If not, the process is directed to step S 10 . 
     In process step S 9 , the kiosk display  138  exhibits the name of the wearer of the associated ID badge  110  and the location of the associated ID badge  110 . The process then continues to step S 9   a  ( FIG. 8 ). 
     In process step S 9   a , the kiosk display  138  inquires whether the wearer wishes to begin a search. If the wearer uses the kiosk input device  136  to indicate that he does wish to begin a search, the process is directed to step S 9   b . If the wearer uses the kiosk input device  136  to indicate that he does not wish to begin a search, the process is directed to step S 9   d.    
     In process step S 9   b , the kiosk display  138  exhibits the shortest course through the park from the wearer&#39;s current location to the wearer being sought. The process then continues to step S 9   c , where the kiosk display  138  instructs the wearer to exit the kiosk  130  and follow the directions on his ID badge display  119 . The process then continues to step S 9   d.    
     In process step S 9   d , the kiosk display  138  inquires whether the wearer wishes to send a text message to the associated ID badge  110 . If the wearer uses the kiosk input device  136  to indicate that he does wish to send a message, the process is directed to step S 9   e . If the wearer uses the kiosk input device  136  to indicate that he does not wish to send a message, the process is directed to step S 10  ( FIG. 5 ). 
     In process step S 9   e , the kiosk display  138  prompts the wearer to enter the message using the kiosk input device  136 , and the wearer does so. The process then continues to step S 10  ( FIG. 5 ). 
     In process step S 10 , the CPU  140  determines whether the wearer of the respective ID badge  110  is still in the respective kiosk  130  by using information communicated from the adjacent ID reader  120 . If so, the process is directed to step S 3 . If not, the process is directed to step S 11 , where the process is ended. 
     As shown above, a respective wearer may use the monitoring system  100  to guide the respective wearer in the defined area. A destination may be chosen using a kiosk  130 , as described in steps S 5   a , S 7   a , and S 9   a  above, for example. An example of steps performed by the monitoring system  100  in order to guide and direct a respective wearer to a destination is shown in the flowchart of  FIG. 9 . 
     In process step S 20 , a respective ID reader  120  detects the respective ID badge  110  by sending out query signals  182  using the respective ID reader transmitter  122 . The respective ID badge receiver  114  receives these query signals  182 , and the respective ID badge transmitter  112  transmits a reply signal  184  including its badge transmission identifier to the respective ID reader receiver  124  ( FIG. 3 ). The process then continues to step S 21 , where the respective ID reader  120  communicates the location of the respective ID badge  110  to the CPU  140 . The process then continues to step S 22 . 
     In process step S 22 , the CPU determines whether the respective ID badge  110  has any undelivered messages. If so, the process is directed to step S 23 . If not, the process is directed to step S 24 . 
     In process step S 23 , the CPU communicates any undelivered message to the respective ID reader  120 , which in turn transmits the undelivered messages to the respective ID badge  110  using the respective ID reader transmitter  122  and the respective ID badge receiver  114 . The respective ID badge  110  then displays the undelivered messages using the respective ID badge display  119  ( FIG. 1 ). The process then continues to step S 24 . 
     In process step S 24 , the CPU  140  determines whether the respective ID badge  110  is associated with a search. If so, the process is directed to step S 25 . If not, the process is directed to step S 30 . 
     In process step S 25 , the CPU derives a route from the current location of the respective ID badge  110  to the destination. The process then continues to step S 26 , where the CPU  140  determines whether the respective ID badge  110  has reached the destination. If so, the process is directed to step S 28 . If not, the process is directed to step S 27 . 
     In process step S 27 , the CPU  140  communicates the proper direction of travel to the respective ID badge  110  using the respective ID reader  120 . The respective ID badge display  119  conveys this direction to the wearer. The process then continues to step S 30 . 
     In process step S 28 , the CPU  140  cancels the search, and the process continues to step S 29 . In step S 29 , the CPU  140  communicates the fact that the wearer has reached his destination to the respective ID badge  110  using the respective ID reader  120 . The process then continues to step S 30 . 
     In process step S 30 , the process is ended. 
     In addition to providing convenience as described above, the monitoring system  100  may be used to provide safety. The respective ID readers  120  located adjacent entrances and exits as described above detect any ID badge  110  attempting to leave the defined area. Furthermore, each respective ID badge microcontroller  118  notifies the CPU  140  by actuating the transmission of an alarm signal  186  by the respective ID badge transmitter  112  if the respective ID badge  110  is disabled. This protects against the abduction of the wearers of the respective ID badges  110  and keeps the wearers from wandering off. 
     It is understood that while certain forms of this invention have been illustrated and described, it is not limited thereto except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims and allowable functional equivalents thereof.