Abstract:
A process and apparatus for tracking a deceased body. The apparatus includes a processor and at least one remote computer system adapted to read and store a unique biometric input from a deceased body. The biometric input is catalogued with a unique identifier. Prior to cremation of a deceased body at a crematorium, the biometric input is scanned and matched to stored data to verify the identity of the deceased body. The deceased body is cremated in a retort furnace, processed in cremains processor and stored in a locking urn with a keepsake including the identifier such that the identity of the remains is shown.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention is generally related to the field of tracking a deceased body through a cremation and more specifically to a system and method for confirming the identity of a deceased body prior to and after cremation and creating keepsakes thereon. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention is directed to a system for tracking a deceased body. The system comprises a cremation furnace, a first visual recording device, a first computer system, and a second computer system. The first visual recording device is located proximate the cremation furnace and adapted to generate a visual record of input of the deceased body into the cremation furnace. The first computer system comprises a first data entry mechanism and a first biometric input scanner to generate a first biometric input, a processor and a database. The processor is adapted to assign a unique alphanumeric identifier to the deceased body and the biometric input. The database is adapted to receive and store the first biometric input corresponding to the alphanumeric identifier, and the visual record of input of the deceased body into the cremation furnace. The second computer system is disposed proximate to the cremation furnace. The second computer system comprises a second biometric input scanner adapted to generate a second biometric input and a processor adapted to query the first biometric input to substantially match the first biometric input, the second biometric input, and the alphanumeric identifier. 
         [0003]    In another embodiment, the invention is directed to a crematorium. The crematorium comprises a cremation furnace, a computer system, a fingerprint scanner, at least one camera in communication with the computer system, and a database. The fingerprint scanner is in communication with the computer system wherein the fingerprint scanner is adapted to send a fingerprint image to the computer system. The at least one camera is adapted to generate a visual record comprising generation of the fingerprint image and input of a deceased body into the cremation furnace. The database is in communication with the computer system for storing and matching the fingerprint image and the visual record. 
         [0004]    In yet another embodiment, the invention is directed to a method for identifying a deceased body. The method comprises the steps of recording a biometric characteristic of an identified deceased body, generating a unique identifier corresponding to the recorded biometric characteristic, transporting the deceased body to a crematorium, scanning the biometric characteristic of the deceased at the crematorium, retrieving the identifier that matches the biometric characteristic, placing a deceased body in a cremation furnace to generate cremains, processing the cremains, recording input of the deceased body into a crematory furnace, removal of the cremains from the crematory furnace, and processing of the cremains, and placing the cremains in the urn. 
         [0005]    In still another embodiment, the invention is directed to a method for tracking a deceased body. The deceased body has a stored biometric characteristic and a unique identifier assigned to it. The method comprises receiving the deceased body at a crematorium, scanning the unique biometric characteristic of the deceased body, and matching the scanned biometric characteristic to the stored biometric characteristic to confirm the identity of the body. Thereafter, the method comprises processing the deceased body to generate cremains and placing the cremains in an urn. 
         [0006]    The stored characteristic can be placed on a keepsake, through etching or 3D printing of the keepsake. 
         [0007]    Another embodiment for the invention is directed to a method for cataloguing identifying data for cremains. The method comprises scanning a fingerprint of a previously identified deceased body to generate a fingerprint record, matching the fingerprint record to a pre-assigned urn identifier, cremating the deceased body, creating a visual record of the identifier, and creating a visual record of the step of cremating the deceased body. 
         [0008]    Yet another embodiment of the invention is directed to a lockable cremation urn. The lockable cremation urn comprises a container, a flange, a top, at least one post, and a slot. The container has an opening. The flange defines a perimeter of the opening. The top is receivable in the flange. The at least one post extends radially from the top or the flange. The slot is in the flange when the post extends from the top, or in the top when the post extends from the flange. The slot is adapted for receiving the at least one post such that the cylindrical top is movable between an unsecured position and a secured position. 
         [0009]    Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for identifying a deceased body. The method comprises receiving a unique pre-assigned identifier and a corresponding first biometric input, receiving personal data corresponding to the pre-assigned identifier, storing the personal data and unique pre-assigned identifier, receiving a second biometric input, matching the second biometric input to the first biometric input, and sending the pre-assigned identifier upon confirmation that the second biometric input and first biometric input match. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic representation of a first location comprising a funeral home showing several components of a system used for tracking a deceased body. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic representation of a second location comprising a crematorium and components comprising the system for tracking a deceased body proximate a cremation furnace, or retort. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an urn having a lockable opening and a locking mechanism which contains a unique serial number. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the locking mechanism of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic representation of the tracking process of the present invention for tracking multiple deceased bodies. 
           [0015]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are representative screenshots from a first computer system preferably operated by funeral home staff. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a representative screenshot from a second computer system of the present invention located at the crematorium. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a representative screenshot from the second computer system of the present invention showing an interface for use by a crematorium operator to control a visual recording device. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a flow chart illustrating a method for tracking a deceased body throughout a cremation process in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a flow chart showing a method for providing information for tracking a deceased body in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0020]    Following the death of an individual the decisions made by the next-of-kin regarding funeral arrangements are often made under extreme emotional conditions and in a severely compressed amount of time. The emotional strain placed on loved ones of the deceased may be compounded if the deceased is accidentally cremated where the family is expecting to bury the deceased body. Thus, a need exists for easy and accurate tracking of a deceased body. The present invention provides a system and method for the positive tracking of a deceased body from identification of the deceased body by the next of kin or family until delivery of the urn containing the cremains to the family or next-of-kin. 
         [0021]    Turning now to the Figures in general, and specifically to  FIG. 1 , a system for tracking a deceased body is shown. The system of  FIG. 1  comprises the components of the system used to intake the deceased body. The system may be located at a coroner, morgue, funeral home or funeral director&#39;s facility. The system of  FIG. 1  comprises a first computer system  10 . The first computer system  10  comprises a first data entry mechanism such as a keyboard, mouse, or scanner, a first biometric input scanner  12 , a processor (not shown), and a database  14 . The biometric input scanner  12  is adapted to generate a first biometric input and may comprise a fingerprint scanner, dental imager, or an iris scanner. The first biometric input therefore comprises a unique characteristic of the deceased body, such as a fingerprint, toeprint, dental impression, or iris image. The biometric input scanner  12  may be connected to the computer system  10  via a wire-line  28 . Alternatively, the biometric input seamier  12  may communicate with the computer system  10  via a wireless connection method such as Wi-Fi or 
         [0022]    Bluetooth connection. A signature capture pad (not shown) may be provided at the first computer system  10  for verification of an identity of the deceased body  16  by one or more witnesses. 
         [0023]    The processor is designed to generate a unique identifier corresponding to the first biometric input. Preferably, the unique identifier is a multi-character alphanumeric identifier. As will be described later with reference to  FIG. 5 , the database  14 ,  102  may be located at a central location apart from the rest of the elements of the first computer system  10 . The database  14  is designed to receive and store the first biometric input, the unique identifier, to identifying personal information entered by the data entry mechanism, and a visual record including a visual record of input of the deceased body  16  into a cremation furnace, also known to one skilled in the art as a retort  24  ( FIG. 2 ). 
         [0024]    A visual recording device  20  may also be connected to the first computer system  10  and used to generate a visual record (not shown) of a physical characteristic of the deceased body  16 . The visual record may comprise a video recording and may be sent to the database  14  for storage. The visual recording device  20  may comprise a video camera or a still camera programmed to record images at a predetermined interval. In a preferred embodiment the visual recording device  20  may record a photograph at an interval of at least two (2) frames per minute. 
         [0025]    Turning now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown therein the portion of the system of the present invention located at the cremation facility, or crematorium. The system shown in  FIG. 2  comprises a visual recording device  22  located proximate a retort  24  and connected to a second computer system  26  also disposed proximate to the retort. The retort  24  is adapted to operate at temperatures in excess of  1400  degrees Fahrenheit and sized to receive the deceased body  16 . The visual recording device  22  is adapted to generate a visual record of input of the deceased body into the retort  24 . The visual recording device  22  may comprise a video camera or still camera connected to the computer system via a wire-line  28 . Alternatively, the visual recording device  22  may transmit the visual record of input of the deceased body  16  into the retort  24  via a wireless communication link (not shown). 
         [0026]    The second computer system  26  comprises a second biometric input scanner  30  and a processor (not shown). The second biometric input scanner  30  may be adapted to generate a second biometric input comprising a fingerprint, toeprint, iris scan, or other unique biometric characteristic of the deceased body  16 . The second biometric input therefore comprises a corresponding data, such as a fingerprint, toeprint or iris image. The processor is adapted to query the first biometric input from the database  14  to substantially match the first biometric input, the second biometric input, and the alphanumeric identifier assigned by the first computer system  10 . As discussed hereinafter, the second computer system  26  may be configured to access the first biometric input and the alphanumeric identifier stored by the database  14 . 
         [0027]    The system shown in  FIG. 2  may further comprise a cremains processor  32  and a visual recording device  34  positioned to record the cremains processor. The visual recording device  34  records the operator&#39;s placement of the cremains from the retort  24  into the cremains processor and placement of the processed cremains into an urn  50  ( FIG. 3 ). Alternatively, one camera can be placed such that the functions of the retort  24  and cremains processor  32  can be viewed by one visual recording device. One skilled, in the art can appreciate that the second biometric input scanner  30  and an input device, such as a touchpad (not shown), for the second computer system  26  may be located proximate, or attached to, the retort. In this way, the visual recording device  26  may record all the intake procedures and the placement of the body  16  into the retort  24 . Visual recording device  20  may comprise a video camera or a still camera programmed to record images at a predetermined interval. A preferred interval may be at least two frames per minute. 
         [0028]    With reference now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , shown therein is a preferred embodiment of the urn. Many types of urns may be used with this system, but to provide adequate tracking of the deceased body, a lockable urn  50  should be used and recorded by the visual recording device  34 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the lockable cremation urn  50  comprises a container  52 , a flange  54 , a top  56 , at least one post  58  ( FIG. 4 ), a slot  60  ( FIG. 4 ), a lock  62  and an identification tag  64  which may have a unique serial number. 
         [0029]    With reference to  FIG. 4 , the container  52  defines an enclosure  66  and an opening  68 . Preferably, the opening  68  is located such that when the container  52  is stored, the opening is on the bottom of the urn  50 . The flange defines a perimeter  70  of the opening  66 , and is adapted to receive the top  56 . Preferably, the flange  54  includes a pair of holes  72  for receiving a wire  74 . The top  56  is receivable in the flange  54  such that when the top is received within the flange, the opening  66  is closed and the container  52  is substantially sealed. The top  56  may be cylindrical and may include a pair of holes  76  corresponding to the pair of holes  72  in the flange  54  for receiving the wire  74 . 
         [0030]    Several embodiments for receiving the top in the flange  54  are envisioned, two of which are disclosed below. In the first embodiment as shown in  FIG. 4 , the top  56  comprises at least one post  58  extending radially from the top. In the first embodiment, the flange  54  comprises the slot  60  adapted for receiving the at least one post  58 . The flange  54  further comprises a keyway  78  that provides a narrow entry for the post  58  into the slot  60 . The top  56  is rotatable when the post  58  of the top passes into the slot  60  through the keyway  78 , such that the post is movable along the slot away from the keyway. Thus, when the post  58  is in the slot  60  apart from the keyway  78 , the top  56  is in a “secured” position, and when the post is in the slot at the keyway, the top is in an “unsecured” position. As shown, the keyway  78  is axially aligned. 
         [0031]    One skilled in the art will appreciate the top  56  may comprise a slot adapted for receiving the at least one post supported on the flange. The top  56  further comprises a keyway that provides a narrow entry for the post into the slot. When the post of the flange  54  passes into the slot through the keyway, the top  56  may be rotated, moving the slot relative to the post such that the keyway is away from the post. Thus, when the post is in the slot apart from the keyway, the top  56  is in a “secured” position, and when the post is in the slot at the keyway, the top is in an “unsecured” position. 
         [0032]    Returning to  FIG. 3 , the lock  62  comprises a wire  74  and a wire lock  80 . The wire  74  comprises a first end  82 , a middle section  84 , and a second end  86 . The wire lock  80  comprises a means for securing the first end  82  and the second end  86  of the wire  74 . The urn  50  may be locked by placing the top  56  and flange  54  in the “secured” position such that the holes  72  on the flange correspond to the holes  76  on the top. Preferably, the first end  82  of the wire  74  is secured to the wire lock  80 . The middle section  84  of the wire  74  is placed through the holes  76  in the top  56  and the holes  72  in the flange  54 . The urn is locked when the second end  86  of the wire  74  is secured to the wire lock  80  with the wire  74  through the holes  72 ,  76 . Accordingly, the contents of the urn  50  may not he accessed or tampered with without destruction of the urn removal of the lock  62 . 
         [0033]    The identification tag  64  is attached to the lock  62 . The identification tag  64  preferably comprises identifying information concerning the cremains of the deceased body  16  within the urn  50 . More preferably, the identifying information comprises the unique identifier. This may be etched with a fingerprint or other unique identifier. The lockable urn  50  and process to lock the urn may be utilized in conjunction with the system and method for tracking a deceased body as disclosed herein. Alternatively, the urn  50  itself may be etched with the identifier. 
         [0034]    Turning now to  FIG. 5 , a system  100  for tracking multiple deceased bodies  16  ( FIG. 1 ) using the present invention is shown. The system comprises the database  102 , a plurality of first computer systems  10  located at a plurality of funeral homes, and a plurality of second computer systems  26  located at a plurality of crematoriums. The plurality of first computer systems  10  communicates with a server  101  on which the database  102  is stored by means of the internet  108 , or other communication method. As discussed with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 10 , each of the plurality of first computer system  10  is adapted to transmit information including a pre-assigned unique identifier, personal data and corresponding biometric input to the database  102 . The database  102  stores the biometric input and deceased body information with the unique Identifier. As discussed with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 5 , the database  102  is adapted to receive a second biometric input from one of the plurality of second computer systems  26  by means of the internet  108  or other communication method. The database  102  is adapted to match the biometric input to those transmitted from the plurality of first computer systems  10 . When a match is found, the database  102  transmits the corresponding unique identifier to the querying second computer system  26 . 
         [0035]    With reference now to  FIG. 6A , a first screenshot  500  of the system as seen on the first computer system  10  is shown. The first screenshot  500  comprises an input location  502  for the first biometric input. The first screenshot  500  further comprises prompts  504  to assist an operator in scanning the correct fingerprint of the deceased body  16  in a systematic manner using the biometric input scanner  12  ( FIG. 1 ) and a biometric input viewing location  506  An activated prompt  508  indicates which digit should be scanned. As shown, the left thumb is indicated by an activated prompt  508 . In the event fingerprints are not available, bypass of the first screenshot  510  is available by providing an explanation of why a biometric input is unavailable at location  509 . 
         [0036]    With reference now to  FIG. 6B , a second screenshot  510  of the first computer system  10  is shown. The second screenshot  510  comprises an input field  512  to receive the identity of the deceased body. Preferably, the screenshot  510  comprises at least one space  514  to sign, acknowledge the identity of the deceased body. The second screenshot  510  may further comprise a second space  515  for acknowledgement by a second witness. As shown, the screenshot  510  further comprises spaces for funeral home information  516  and spaces for contact information for the acknowledger  518 . Preferably, the identifying individual affirms the deceased body&#39;s identity using the first data entry mechanism. Preferably, screenshot  510  is unavailable until screenshot  500  of  FIG. 6A  is completed in full. 
         [0037]    With reference now to  FIG. 7 , a third screenshot  600  of the system as seen, on the second computer system  26  is shown. The third screenshot  600  generally follows the second screen shot in the method of the present invention and comprises a biometric input prompt  602  and a unique identifier display  604 . The third screenshot  600  comprises a button  605  for activating a camera such as the visual recording device  34 . The third screenshot  600  further comprises a button  606  marked “Match Record” such that when the biometric input is received by the second computer system  26 , the button is pressed to transmit the biometric input to the server  101 . The server  101  searches the database  14  to match the biometric input to a record of many biometric inputs. Upon finding a match, the database  14  transmits the unique identifier to the second computer system  26  for display on the third screenshot  600 . 
         [0038]    With reference now to  FIG. 8 , a fourth screenshot  700  of the system as seen on the second computer system  26  ( FIG. 2 ) is shown. The fourth screenshot  700  comprises the unique identifier  702  and deceased body information  704  such as Last Name and First Name fields. The fourth screenshot  700  also comprises a series of progress fields  706  concerning progress of the deceased body through the cremation process. As shown, the checklist comprises the inputs “Start Cremation”, “Cremation Complete”, “Start Cremains Processing”, “Processing Complete” and “URN Ready and Stored.” The inputs on the progress fields  706  are shaded according to a legend  708 , indicating whether each task is complete, pending, or incomplete. As shown, the step “Start Cremation” is pending. These inputs comprise steps of the method of tracking a deceased body  16  described further with reference to  FIG. 9 . 
         [0039]    With reference now to  FIG. 9 , a process flow diagram of the method for tracking a deceased body  16  is shown. The method starts at Step  800 . A deceased body  16  is entered at the first location at Step  802 . Preferably, the first location is a funeral home or morgue. Deceased body  16  information concerning the deceased body is entered into the first computer system  10  at Step  804 . Preferably, the deceased body  10  information is provided at Step  804  by a person having knowledge of the deceased body  16  and acknowledged. A unique identifier is assigned to the recorded biometric characteristic and displayed on the first computer system  10  at Step  806 . A biometric characteristic of the deceased body  16  is recorded at Step  808  using the first biometric input scanner  12 . Preferably, the recorded biometric characteristic is transmitted via a wireless communication link at Step  808 . More preferably, the biometric characteristic scanned at Step  808  comprises a fingerprint. Data representing the biometric identifier and corresponding identifier is sent from the first computer system  10  to the server  101  and stored by the database  14  at Step  809 . In accordance with the present invention, Steps  802 ,  804 , and  808  may optionally be recorded by the visual recording device  20  ( FIG. 1 ) at Step  812 . The deceased body  16  is transported to the second location at Step  814 . 
         [0040]    The deceased body arrives at the second location and the visual recording devices  22 ,  34  are activated at Step  816  to record intake of the deceased body at the crematorium. Upon arrival at the crematorium, the biometric characteristic is scanned at Step  818  using the second biometric input scanner  30 . The second computer system  26  connects to database  14  to retrieve the biometric characteristic to display the corresponding unique identifier at Step  820 . Preferably, the second computer system  26  communicates with the server  101  at Step  820  to display the corresponding identifier via the Internet. At Step  822 , an operator of the second computer system  26  matches the unique identifier displayed by the second computer system at Step  820  to the deceased body  16 . If the retrieved identifiers do not match at Step  822 , the operator ceases the cremation process and informs the first location of the discrepancy at Step  824 . The process is halted until the deceased body  16  can be successfully identified as approved for cremation or returned to the funeral director without cremation. Once Steps  818  and  820  are revealed to show matching identifiers at Step  822 , the process can continue. If the identifiers match at Step  822 , the operator at the second location proceeds to initiate the cremation process at Step  826 . The deceased body is placed in the retort  24  and cremated at step  828  to generate cremains. The visual recording device records placement of the deceased body into the retort  24  and records periodic images of the retort door during cremation. After the cremation (Step  828 ), the cremains are removed from the retort  24  at Step  830  and processed by the cremains processor  32  (Step  832 ). The processed cremains are placed into a locking urn  50  (Step  834 ), and the urn is locked and tagged with the identifier (Step  836 ). Preferably, the visual recording devices  22 ,  34  activated at Step  816  record Steps  818 ,  820 ,  828 ,  830 ,  832  and  834  to provide a tracking of the entire cremation process. One skilled in the art will appreciate a single camera may be positioned to create a visual record of the cremation process at at least a rate of two frames per minute. The visual record created by the visual recording device is transmitted to server  101  and stored in the database  14  (Step  838 ) along with the biometric characteristics recorded at Steps  806  and  818 , the identifier generated at Step  808  and the information entered at Step  804 . The process ends at Step  840 . 
         [0041]    The biometric characteristic, such as a fingerprint or DNA signature, may be used in a identifying ornament for the urn. This characteristic may be placed on a tag or on the side of the urn itself through etching, 3D printing or other means. 
         [0042]    A method for identifying a deceased body is shown by the flow diagram of  FIG. 10  and starts at Step  900 . A unique pre-assigned identifier and a corresponding first biometric input corresponding to a deceased body  16  are stored in the database  14  at Step  902 . Personal data corresponding to the pre-assigned identifier is received and stored in database  14  with the identifier and first biometric input at  906 . A second biometric input corresponding to the deceased body  16  is sent by the second computer system and received at server  101  at Step  908 . The second biometric input is analyzed to determine a snatching first biometric input stored in the database  14  at Step  910 . If the second biometric input does not match a stored first biometric input, the server  101  transmits a message to the second computer system  26  indicating the error at Step  911 . Upon determining that the second biometric input is equivalent to a stored first biometric input, the pre-assigned identifier is transmitted to the second computer system transmitting the second biometric input at Step  912 . A visual record of a deceased body  16  being placed into a retort  24  corresponding to the pre-assigned identifier is received from the visual recording device at Step  914 . The information is stored in the database (Step  916 ) and the method is complete (Step  918 ). 
         [0043]    Various modifications in the design and operation of the present invention are contemplated without departing from the spirit of the invention. Thus, while the principal preferred construction and modes of operation of the invention have been illustrated and described in what is now considered to represent its best embodiments it should be understood that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described.