Abstract:
A method for monitoring fractional weight supported by one foot of a person, comprising the steps of adhering a movement monitor device underneath the foot such that the device is compressed when weight is applied to the foot; generating wireless signals representative of a target fractional weight of a total weight of the person; remotely receiving the wireless signals as information of the fractional weight. A method of monitoring weight of a person, comprising the steps of arranging one or more weight sensitive detectors underneath a foot of the person; processing signals from the detectors to determine weight; and wirelessly communicating the weight to a remote receiver.

Description:
[0001]     This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 11/358,508 filed Feb. 21, 2006, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/601,208 filed Jun. 20, 2003 and a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/297,270 filed Dec. 4, 2002, which claims priority to PCT Application No. PCT/US01/51620, filed Dec. 17, 2001 and to the following six U.S. provisional applications: U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/256,069, filed Dec. 15, 2000; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/257,386, filed Dec. 22, 2000; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/259,271, filed Dec. 29, 2000; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/261,359, filed Jan. 13, 2001; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/285,032, filed Apr. 19, 2001; and U.S. Application No. 60/323,601, filed Sep. 20, 2001. The foregoing applications are expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The invention relates to sensing systems monitoring applications in sports, shipping, training, medicine, fitness, wellness and industrial production. The invention specifically relates to sensing and reporting events associated with movement, environmental factors such as temperature, health functions, fitness effects, and changing conditions.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     The movement of objects and persons occurs continuously but is hardly quantified. Rather, typically only the result of the movement is known (i.e., object X moved from point A to point B; or, person Y ran to the store). Advances in technology have provided some quantification of movement. For example, GPS products now assist in determining the location of golf carts, vehicles and persons.  
         [0004]     However, the detail of movement, minute to minute, second to second, is still not generally determinable in the prior art. For example, the movement of tangible objects typically involves (a) the shipment or carrying of goods and (b) electro-mechanical or motorized apparatus (e.g., planes, trains, automobiles, robots). The exact movements of such objects, and the conditions that they are subjected to, from point to point, are only qualitatively known. By way of example, a package is moved from location to location through delivery services like FEDERAL EXPRESS or UPS; however what occurred during transportation, and what transpired to the package, is anyone&#39;s guess. Occasionally, an object within the package is broken, indicating that the package experienced excessive abuse; but whose fault it is, or how or when it happened, are not known. What environments the package experienced is also not readily known.  
         [0005]     The movement of persons, on the other hand, typically involves human-powered transportation, e.g., facilitated by biking, a wheelchair, or a motorized vehicle, e.g., a car. Body movement involved in transportation is subjected to many forces, some of which are dangerous. But the prior art does not provide for this knowledge; there is no effective way, currently, to efficiently quantify human movement. In sports, physical fitness, and training, precise information about movement would assist in many ways. By way of example, how effective a hand strike is in karate or boxing is, today, only qualitatively known. Quantitative feedback would be beneficial.  
         [0006]     It is, accordingly, one feature of the invention to provide systems and methods addressing the afore-mentioned difficulties. A further feature of the invention is to provide methods and devices to quantify movement in a number of applications. Another feature of the invention is to monitor and report meaningful environment information such as temperature and humidity. These and other features will be apparent in the description that follows.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0000]     Movement Monitoring Devices  
         [0007]     In one aspect, the invention provides a movement monitor device (“MMD”) including an adhesive strip, a processor, a detector, and a communications port. In another aspect, two or more of the processor, port and detector are combined in a single application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”). In one aspect the detector is an accelerometer, and preferably an accelerometer embedded into silicon within the ASIC. In other aspects, the detector is one of a strain gauge, force-sensing resistor, and piezoelectric strip. In still another aspect, the MMD includes a battery. In the preferred aspect of the invention, the MMD and battery are packaged in a protective wrapper. Preferably, the battery is packaged with the MMD in such a way that it does not “power” the MMD until the wrapper is removed. Preferably, the MMD includes a real time clock so that the MMD tags “events” (as hereinafter defined) with time and/or date information.  
         [0008]     In yet another aspect, the MMD with adhesive strip collectively take a form similar to an adhesive bandage. More particularly, the adhesive strip of the invention is preferably like or similar to the adhesive of the adhesive bandage; and the processor (or protective wrapper) is embedded with the strip much the way the cotton is with the adhesive bandage. Preferably, a soft material (e.g., cotton or cloth) is included to surround the processor so as to (a) soften contact of rigid MMD components with a person and/or (b) protect the processor (and/or other components of the MMD). In still another aspect, the battery is also coupled with the soft material. In still another aspect, the processor and other elements of the MMD are combined into a single system-on-chip integrated circuit. A protective cover may surround the chip to protect the MMD from breakage.  
         [0009]     In one aspect, one MMD of the invention takes a form similar to a smart label, with an adhesive substantially disposed with the label, e.g., on one side of the label. The adhesive strip of this MMD includes all or part of the back of the label with adhesive or glue permitting attachment of the label to other objects (or to a person).  
         [0010]     In still another aspect, the MMD of the invention takes the form of a rigid monolithic that attaches to objects through one of known techniques. In this aspect, the device has a processor, communications port, and detector. A battery is typically included with the MMD. The MMD is attached to objects or persons by one of several techniques, including by glue or mechanical attachment (e.g., a pin or clip). An MMD of this aspect can for example exist in the form of a credit card, wherein the communications port is either a contact transponder or a contactless transponder. The MMD of one aspect includes a magnetic element that facilitates easily attaching the MMD to metal objects.  
         [0011]     In operation, the MMD of the invention is typically interrogated by an interrogation device (“ID”). The MMD is responsive to the ID to communicate information within the MMD and, preferably, over secure communications protocols. By way of example, one MMD of the invention releases internal data only to an ID with the correct passwords and/or data protocols. The ID can take many forms, including a cell phone or other electronic device (e.g., a MP3 player, pager, watch, or PDA) providing communications with the MMD transmitter  
         [0012]     However, in another aspect, the MMD communicates externally to a remote receiver (“RR”). The RR listens for data from the MMD and collects that data for subsequent relay or use. In one aspect, the MMD&#39;s communications port is a one-way transmitter. Preferably, the MMD communicates data from the MMD to the RR either (a) upon the occurrence of an “event” or (b) in repeated time intervals, e.g., once every ten minutes. Alternatively, the MMD&#39;s communication port is a transceiver that handshakes with the RR to communicate data from the MMD to the RR. Accordingly, the MMD responds to data requests from the RR, in this aspect. In still another aspect, the RR radiates the MMD with transponder frequencies; and the MMD “reflects” movement data to the RR.  
         [0013]     Accordingly, the communications port of one aspect is a transponder responsive to one or more frequencies to relay data back to an ID. By way of example, these frequencies can be one of 125 kHz and 13.56 MHz, the frequencies common with “contactless” RFID tags known in the art. In other aspects, communications frequencies are used with emission power and frequencies that fall within the permissible “unlicensed” emission spectrum of part  15  of FCC regulations, Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations. In particular, one desirable feature of the invention is to emit low power, to conserve battery power and to facilitate use of the MMD in various environments; and therefore an ID is placed close to the MMD to read the data. In other words, in one aspect, wireless communications from the MMD to the ID occurs over a short distance of a fraction of an inch to no more than a few feet. By way of example, as described herein, one ID of the invention takes the form of a cell phone, which communicates with the MMD via one or more secure communications techniques. Data acquired from the MMD is then communicated through cellular networks, if desired, to relay MMD data to end-users.  
         [0014]     Or, in another aspect, the ID has a larger antenna to pick up weak transmission signals from a MMD at further distances separation.  
         [0015]     In another aspect, the communications port is an infrared communications port. Such a port, in one aspect, communicates with the cell phone in secure communication protocols. In other aspects, an ID communicates with the infrared port to obtain the data within the MMD.  
         [0016]     In yet another aspect, the communications port includes a transceiver. The MMD listens for interrogating signals from the RR and, in turn, relays movement “event” data from the MMD to the RR. Alternatively, the MMD relays movement “event” data at set time intervals or when the MMD accumulates data close to an internal storage limit. In one aspect, thereby, the MMD include internal memory; and the MMD stores one or more “event” data, preferably with time-tag information, in the memory. When the memory is nearly full, the MMD transmits the stored data wirelessly to a RR. Alternatively, stored data is transmitted to an IR when interrogated. In a third alternative, the MMD transmits stored data at set intervals, e.g., once per ½ hour or once per hour, to relay stored data to a RR. Other transmission protocols can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.  
         [0017]     In still another aspect, data from the MMD is relayed to an ID through “contact” communication between the ID and the communications port. In one aspect, the MMD includes a small conductive plate (e.g., a gold plate) that contacts with the ID to facilitate data transfer. Smart cards from the manufacturer GEMPLUS may be used in such aspects of the invention.  
         [0018]     In one aspect, the MMD includes a printed circuit board “PCB”). A battery—e.g., a 2032 or 1025 Lithium coin cell—is also included, in another aspect of the invention. To make the device small, the PCB preferably has multilayers—and two of the internal layers have a substantial area of conducting material forming two terminals for the battery. Specifically, the PCB is pried apart at one edge, between the terminals, and the battery is inserted within the PCB making contact and providing voltage to the device. This advantageously removes then need for a separate and weighty battery holder.  
         [0019]     In another aspect, the PCB has first and second terminals on either side of the PCB, and a first side of the battery couples to the first terminal, while a clip connects the second side of the battery to the second terminal, making the powered connection. This aspect advantageously removes the need for a separate and weighty battery holder.  
         [0020]     In still another aspect, a terminal is imprinted on one side of the PCB, and a first side of the battery couples to that terminal. A conductive force terminal connects to the PCB and the second side of the battery, forming a circuit between the battery and the PCB.  
         [0021]     By way of background for transponder technology, the following U.S. patents are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 6,091,342 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,541,604.  
         [0022]     By way of background for smart card and smart tag technology, the following U.S. patents are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 6,151,647; U.S. Pat. No. 5,901,303. U.S. Pat. No. 5,767,503; U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,773; U.S. Pat. No. 5,671,525; U.S. Pat. No. 6,043,747; U.S. Pat. No. 5,977,877; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,745,037.  
         [0023]     By way of background for adhesive bandages, the following U.S. patents are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 5,045,035; U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,917; U.S. Pat. No. 5,633,070; U.S. Pat. No. 4,812,541; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,612,265.  
         [0024]     By way of background for pressure and altitude sensing, the following U.S. patents are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,016; U.S. Pat. No. 4,317,126; U.S. Pat. No. 4,813,272; U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,016; U.S. Pat. No. 4,694,694; U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,016; U.S. Pat. No. 3,958,459.  
         [0025]     By way of background for rotation sensors, the following U.S. patents are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 5,442,221; U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,098; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,699. Magnetorestrictive elements are further discussed in the following patents, also incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,724 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,621,316.  
         [0026]     In accord with one aspect of the invention, the communications port is one of a transponder (including a smart tag or RFID tag), transceiver, or one-way transmitter. In other aspects, data from the MMD is communicated off-board (i.e., away from the MMD) by one of several techniques, including: streaming the data continuously off-board to get a real-time signature of data experienced by the MMD; transmission triggered by the occurrence of an “event” as defined herein; transmission triggered by interrogation, such as interrogation by an ID with a transponder; transmission staggered in “bursts” or “batches,” such as when internal storage memory is full; and transmission at predetermined intervals of time, such as every minute or hour.  
         [0027]     In one preferred aspect of the invention, the above-described MMDs are packaged like an adhesive bandage. Specifically, in one aspect, one or more protective strips rest over the adhesive portion of the device so as to protect the adhesive until the protective strips are removed. The strips are substantially stick-free so that they are easily removed from the adhesive prior to use. In another aspect, a “wrapper” is used to surround the MMD; the wrapper for example similar to wrappers of adhesive bandages. In accord with one preferred aspect, the battery electrically couples with the electronics of the MMD when the wrapper is opened and/or when the protective strips are removed. In this way, the MMD can be “single use” with the battery energizing the electronics only when the MMD is opened and applied to an object or person; the battery power being conserved prior to use by a decoupling element associated with the wrapper or protective strips. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that other techniques can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.  
         [0028]     The MMDs of the invention are preferably used to detect movement “metrics,” including one or more of airtime, speed, power, impact, drop distance, jarring and spin. WO9854581A2 is incorporated herein by reference as background to measuring speed, drop distance, jarring, impact and airtime. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,157,898, 6,151,563, 6,148,271 and 6,073,086, relating to spin and speed measurement, are incorporated herein by reference. In one aspect, the detector and processor of the MMD collectively detect and determine “airtime,” such as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,380, incorporated herein by reference. By way of example, one detector is an accelerometer, and the processor analyzes acceleration data from the accelerometer as a spectrum of information and then detects the absence of acceleration data (typically in one or more frequency bands of the spectrum of information) to determine airtime. In another aspect, the detector and processor of the MMD collectively detect and determine drop distance. By way of example, one drop distance detector is a pressure sensor, and the processor analyzes data from the pressure sensor to determine changes in pressure indicating altitude variations (a) over a preselected time interval, (b) between a maximum and minimum altitude to assess overall vertical travel, and/or (c) between local minimums and maximums to determine jump distance. By way of a further example, a drop distance detector is an accelerometer, and the processor analyzes data from the accelerometer to determine distance, or changes in distance, in a direction perpendicular to ground, or perpendicular to forward movement, to determine drop distance.  
         [0029]     In one preferred aspect, the accelerometer has “free fall” capability (e.g., with near zero hertz detection) to determine drop distance (or other metrics described herein) based, at least on part, on free fall physics. This aspect is for example useful in detecting dropping events of packages in shipment.  
         [0030]     In another aspect, the detector and processor of the MMD collectively detect and determine spin. By way of example, one detector is a magnetorestrictive element (“MRE”), and the processor analyzes data from the MRE to determine spin (rotation per second, number of degrees, and/or degrees per second) based upon the MME&#39;s rotation through the earth&#39;s magnetic fields. By way of a further example, another detector is a rotational accelerometer, and the processor analyzes data from the rotational accelerometer to determine spin. In another aspect, the detector and processor of the MMD collectively detect and determine jarring, power and/or impact. By way of example, one detector is an accelerometer, and the processor analyzes data from the accelerometer to determine the jarring, impact and/or power. As used herein, jarring is a function a higher power of velocity in a direction approximately perpendicular to forward movement (typically in a direction perpendicular to ground, a road, or a floor). As used herein, power is an integral of filtered (and preferably rectified) acceleration over some preselected time interval, typically greater than about ½ second. As used herein, impact is an integral of filtered (and preferably rectified) acceleration over a time interval less than about ½ second. Impact is often defined as immediately following an “airtime” event (i.e., the “thump” of a landing).  
         [0031]     In one aspect, the MMD continuously relays a movement metric by continuous transmission of data from the detector to a RR. In this way, a MMD attached to a person may beneficially track movement, in real time, of that person by recombination of the movement metrics at a remote computer. In one aspect, multiple MMDs attached to a person quantify movement of a plurality of body parts or movements, for example to assist in athletic training (e.g., for boxing or karate). In another aspect, multiple MMDs attached to an object quantify movement of a plurality of object parts or movements, for example to monitor or assess different components or sensitive parts of an object. For example, multiple MMDs can be attached to an expensive medical device to monitor various critical components during shipment; when the device arrives at the customer, these MMDs are interrogated to determine whether any of the critical components experienced undesirable conditions—e.g., a high impact or temperature or humidity.  
         [0032]     By way of background for moisture sensing, the following U.S. patents are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 5,486,815; U.S. Pat. No. 5,546,974; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,078,056.  
         [0033]     By way of background for humidity sensing, the following U.S. patents are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 5,608,374; U.S. Pat. No. 5,546,974; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,078,056.  
         [0034]     By way of background for temperature sensing, the following U.S. patents are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 6,074,089; U.S. Pat. No. 4,210,024; U.S. Pat. No. 4,516,865; U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,836; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,955,980.  
         [0035]     In accord with further aspects of the invention, the MMD measures one or more of the following environmental metrics: temperature, humidity, moisture, altitude and pressure. These environmental metrics are combined into the MMD with a detector that facilitates the monitoring of movement metrics such as described above. For temperature, the detector of one aspect is a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple or thermister. For altitude, the detector of one aspect is an altimeter. For pressure, the detector of one aspect is a pressure sensor such as a surface mount semiconductor element made by SENSYM.  
         [0036]     In accord with one aspect, a MMD monitors one or more movement metrics for “events,” where data is acquired that exceeds some predetermined threshold or value. By way of example, in one aspect the detector is a triaxial accelerometer and the processor coupled to the accelerometer seeks to determine impact events that exceed a threshold, in any or all of three axes. In another aspect, a single axis accelerometer is used as the detector and a single axis is monitored for an impact event. In another example, the detector and processor collectively monitor and detect spin events, where for example it is determined that the device rotated more than 360 degrees in ½ second or less (an exemplary “event” threshold). In still another aspect, the detector is a force detector and the processor and detector collectively determine a change of weight of an object resting on the MMD over some preselected time period. In one specific object, the invention provides for a MMD to monitor human weight to report that weight, on demand, to individuals. Preferably, such a MMD is in a shoe.  
         [0037]     In one aspect, the movement metric of rotation is measured by a MMD with a Hall effect detector. Specifically, one aspect of the Hall effect detector with a MMD of the invention monitors when the MMD is inverted. In one other aspect, the Hall effect detector is used with the processor to determine when an object is inverted or rotated through about 180 degrees. An “event” detected by this aspect can for example be one or more inversions of the MMD of about 180 degrees.  
         [0038]     In still another aspect, the MMD has a MRE as the detector, and the MMD measures spin or rotation experienced by the MRE.  
         [0039]     In one aspect, a plurality of MMDs are collated and packaged in a single container, preferably similar to the cans or boxes containing adhesive bandages. Preferably, in another aspect, MMDs of the invention are similarly programmed within the container. By way of example, one container carries 100 MMDs that each respond to an event of “10 g&#39;s.” In another example, another container carries 200 MMDs that respond to an event of “100 g&#39;s.” Packages of MMDs can be in any suitable number N greater than or equal to two; typically however MMDs are packaged together in groups of 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 500 or 1000. A variety pack of MMDs are also provided, in another aspect, for example containing ten 5 g MMDs, ten 10 g MMDs, ten 15 g MMDs, ten 20 g MMDs, ten 25 g MMDs, ten 30 g MMDs, ten 35 g MMDs, ten 40 g MMDs, ten 45 g MMDs, and ten 50 g MMDs. Another variety package can for example include groups of MMDs spaced at 1 g or 10 g intervals.  
         [0040]     In one preferred aspect, the MMD of the invention includes internal memory. Preferably the memory is within the processor or ASIC. Event data is stored in the memory, in accord with one aspect, until transmitted off-board. In this way, the MMD monitors and stores event data (e.g., an “event” occurrence where the MMD experiences 10 g&#39;s). Preferably, the event data is time tagged with data from a real-time clock; and thus a real time clock is included with the MMD (or made integral with the processor or ASIC). A crystal or other clocking mechanism may also be used.  
         [0041]     In one aspect, the MMD is programmed with a time at the initial time of use (i.e., when the device is powered). In one other aspect, the MMD is packaged with power so that real time clock data is available when the product is used. In this aspect, therefore, a container of MMDs will typically have a “stale” date when the MMD&#39;s battery power is no longer usable. In one aspect, the MMD has a replaceable battery port so that a user can replace the battery.  
         [0042]     The invention has certain advantages. A MMD of the invention can practically attach to almost anything to obtain movement information. By way of example, a MMD of the invention can attach to furniture to monitor shipping of furniture. If the furniture were dropped, an impact event occurs and is recorded within the MMD, or transmitted wirelessly, with an associated time tag. When the furniture is damaged prior to delivery, a reader (e.g., an ID) reads the MMD to determine when the damage occurred—leading to the responsible party who may then have to pay for the damage. In a further example, if furniture is rated to “10 g&#39;s”, a MMD (programmed and enabled to detect 10 g events) is attached to the furniture when leaving the factory, so that any 10 g event before delivery is recorded and time-stamped, again leading to a responsible party. Similarly, in other aspects, devices of the invention are attached to packages (e.g., FED EX or UPS shipments) to monitor handling. By way of example, fragile objects may be rated to 5 g; and an appropriately programmed MMD of the invention is attached to the shipment to record and time-tag 5 g events. In another aspect, fragile objects that should be maintained at a particular orientation (i.e., packages shipped within “This Side Up” instructions) are monitored by a MMD detecting inversions of about 180 degrees, such as through a Hall Effect detector.  
         [0043]     In one aspect, the MMD includes a tamper proof detector that ensures the MMD is not removed or tampered with once applied to an object or person, until an authorized person removes the MMD. In one aspect, the tamper proof detector is a piezoelectric strip coupled into or with the adhesive strip. Once the MMD is powered and applied to an object or person, a quiescent period ensues and the MMD continually monitors the tamper proof detector (in addition to the event detector) to record tampering activity. In the case of the piezoelectric strip, removal of the MMD from a person or object after the quiescent period provides a relatively large voltage spike, indicating removal. That spike is recorded and time stamped. If there are more than one such records (i.e., one record represents the final removal), then tampering may have occurred. Since date and time are tagged with the event data, the tamper time is determined, leading to identify the tampering person (i.e., the person responsible for the object when the tamper time was tagged).  
         [0044]     In one aspect, the invention provides an ID in the form of a cell phone. Nearly one in three Americans use a cell phone. According to the teachings of the invention, data movement “metrics” are read from a MMD through the cell phone. Preferably, data communicated from the MMD to the cell phone is made only through secure communications protocols so that only authorized cell phones can access the MMD. In one specific aspect, MMD events are communicated to a cell phone or cellular network, and from that point are relayed to persons or additional computer networks for use at a remote location.  
         [0045]     Miniature tension or compression load cells are used in certain aspects of the invention. By way of example, a MMD incorporating such cells are used in measuring and monitoring tension and/or compression between about fifty grams and 1000 lbs, depending upon the application. In one aspect, the MMD generates a warning signal when the load cell exceeds a preselected threshold.  
         [0046]     In accord with the invention, several advantages are apparent. The following lists some of the non-limiting movement events monitored and captured by select MMDs of the invention, in accord to varied aspects of the invention: 
        impact or “g&#39;s” experienced by the MMD that exceed a predetermined threshold, e.g., 10 or 50 g&#39;s     accumulated or integrated rectified acceleration experienced by the MMD over a predetermined time interval     rotations experienced by the MMD in increments of 90 degrees, such as 90, 180, 270, 360 degrees, or multiples thereof     frequency-filtered, rectified, and low-pass filtered acceleration detecting impact events, by the MMD, exceeding thresholds such as 5, 10, 20, 25, 50 and 100 g&#39;s, preferably after an airtime event     rotational velocities experienced by the MMD exceeding some preselected “degrees per second” or “revolutions per minute” threshold     airtime events experienced by the MMD exceeding ¼, ⅓, or ½ second, or multiples thereof     speed events experienced by the MMD exceeding miles per hour thresholds of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 mph (those skilled in the art should appreciate that other “speed” units can be used, e.g., km/hour, m/s or cm/s)     drop distance events experienced by the MMD exceeding set distances such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 feet (or inches, centimeters or meters)     altitude variation events between maximum and minimum values over a daily time interval     jerk variations proportional to V n  or ∂ n V/∂ n t, where V is velocity in a direction perpendicular to movement along a surface (e.g., ground), where n is some integer greater than or equal to 2, and where t is time        
 
         [0057]     The above movement events may be combined for a variety of metrics useful to users of the invention. For example, in one aspect, altitude variations are used to accurately gauge caloric burn through the variations. Such information is particularly useful for mountain bikers and in mountain sports.  
         [0058]     The invention of one aspect provides a quantizing accelerometer that detects one or more specific g-levels in a manner particularly useful as a detector in a MMD of the invention.  
         [0059]     There are thus several applications of the invention, including the monitoring of movement for people, patients, packages, athletes, competitors, shipments, furniture, athletes in training (e.g., karate), and industrial robotics. The benefits derived by such monitoring can be used by insurance companies and manufacturers, which, for example, insure shipments and packages for safe delivery to purchasers. Media broadcasters, including Internet content providers, can also benefit by augmenting information associated with a sporting event (e.g., airtime of a snowboarder communicated in real time to the Internet, impact of a football or soccer ball during a game, boxing glove strike force during a fight, tennis racquet strike force during a match). The MMD of the invention is small, and may be attached to practically any object—so ease of use is clearly another advantage. By way of example, an MMD can be mounted to the helmet or body armor of each football player or motocross competitor to monitor movement and jerk of the athlete. In such applications, data from the MMD preferably transmits event data in real time to a RR in the form of a network, so that MMD data associated with each competitor is available for broadcast to a scoreboard, TV or the Internet. Other advantages should be apparent in the description within.  
         [0000]     Event Monitoring Devices  
         [0060]     The invention also provides certain sensors and devices used to monitor and report temperature, humidity, chemicals, heart rate, pulse, pressure, stress, weight, environmental factors and hazardous conditions.  
         [0061]     In one aspect, the invention provides a event monitor device (“EMD”) including an adhesive strip, a processor, a detector, and a communications port. In another aspect, two or more of the processor, port and detector are combined in a single application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”). In one aspect the detector is an humidity or temperature sensor, and preferably that detector is embedded into silicon within the ASIC. In other aspects, the detector is one of an EKG sensing device, weight-sensing detector, and chemical detector. In still another aspect, the EMD includes a battery. In the preferred aspect of the invention, the EMD and battery are packaged in a protective wrapper. Preferably, the battery is packaged with the EMD in such a way that it does not “power” the EMD until the wrapper is removed. Preferably, the EMD includes a real time clock so that the EMD tags “events” with time and/or date information.  
         [0062]     In yet another aspect, the EMD with adhesive strip collectively take a form similar to an adhesive bandage. More particularly, the adhesive strip of the invention is preferably like or similar to the adhesive of the adhesive bandage; and the processor is embedded with the strip much the way the cotton is with the adhesive bandage. Preferably, a soft material (e.g., cotton or cloth) is included to surround the processor so as to (a) soften contact of rigid EMD components with a person and/or (b) protect the processor (and/or other components of the EMD). In still another aspect, the battery is also coupled with the soft material. In still another aspect, the processor and other elements of the EMD are combined into a single system-on-chip integrated circuit. A protective cover may surround the chip to protect the EMD from breakage.  
         [0063]     In one aspect, one EMD of the invention takes a form similar to a smart label, with an adhesive substantially disposed with the label, e.g., on one side of the label. The adhesive strip of this EMD includes all or part of the back of the label with adhesive or glue permitting attachment of the label to other objects (or to a person).  
         [0064]     In still another aspect, the EMD of the invention takes the form of a rigid monolithic that attaches to objects through one of known techniques. In this aspect, the device has a processor, communications port, and detector. A battery is typically included with the EMD. The EMD is attached to objects or persons by one of several techniques, including by glue or mechanical attachment (e.g., a pin or clip). An EMD of this aspect can for example exist in the form of a credit card, wherein the communications port is either a contact transponder or a contactless transponder. The EMD of one aspect includes a magnetic element that facilitates easily attaching the EMD to metal objects.  
         [0065]     In operation, the EMD of the invention is typically interrogated by an ID. The EMD is responsive to the ID to communicate information within the EMD and, preferably, over secure communications protocols. By way of example, one EMD of the invention releases internal data only to an ID with the correct passwords and/or data protocols. The ID can take many forms, including a cell phone or other electronic device (e.g., a MP3 player, pager, watch, or PDA) providing communications with the EMD transmitter  
         [0066]     However, in another aspect, the EMD communicates externally to a RR. The RR listens for data from the EMD and collects that data for subsequent relay or use. In one aspect, the EMD&#39;s communications port is a one-way transmitter. Preferably, the EMD communicates data from the EMD to the RR either (a) upon the occurrence of an “event” or (b) in repeated time intervals, e.g., once every minute or more. Alternatively, the EMD&#39;s communication port is a transceiver that handshakes with the RR to communicate data from the EMD to the RR. Accordingly, the EMD responds to data requests from the RR, in this aspect. In still another aspect, the RR radiates the EMD with transponder frequencies; and the EMD “reflects” the data to the RR.  
         [0067]     Accordingly, the communications port of one EMD is a transponder responsive to one or more frequencies to relay data back to an ID. By way of example, these frequencies can be one of 125 kHz and 13.56 MHz, the frequencies common with “contactless” RFID tags known in the art. In other aspects, communications frequencies are used with emission power and frequencies that fall within the permissible “unlicensed” emission spectrum of part  15  of FCC regulations, Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations. In particular, one desirable feature of the invention is to emit low power, to conserve battery power and to facilitate use of the EMD in various environments; and therefore an ID is placed close to the EMD to read the data. In other words, in one aspect, wireless communications from the EMD to the ID occurs over a short distance of a fraction of an inch to no more than a few feet. By way of example, as described herein, one ID of the invention takes the form of a cell phone, which communicates with the EMD via one or more secure communications techniques. Data acquired from the EMD is then communicated through cellular networks, if desired, to relay EMD data to end-users. Or, in another aspect, or sensitive or directional antenna is used to increase the distance to detect data of the EMD.  
         [0068]     In another aspect, the communications port is an infrared communications port. Such a port, in one aspect, communicates with the cell phone in secure communication protocols. In other aspects, an ID communicates with the infrared port to obtain the data within the EMD.  
         [0069]     In yet another aspect, the communications port includes a transceiver. The EMD listens for interrogating signals from the RR and, in turn, relays “event” data from the EMD to the RR. Alternatively, the EMD relays “event” data at set time intervals or when the EMD accumulates data close to an internal storage limit. In one aspect, thereby, the EMD include internal memory; and the EMD stores one or more “event” data, preferably with time-tag information, in the memory. When the memory is nearly full, the EMD transmits the stored data wirelessly to a RR. Alternatively, stored data is transmitted to an IR when interrogated. In a third alternative, the EMD transmits stored data at set intervals, e.g., once per ½ hour or once per hour, to relay stored data to a RR. Other transmission protocols can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.  
         [0070]     In still another aspect, data from the EMD is relayed to an ID through “contact” communication between the ID and the communications port. In one aspect, the EMD includes a small conductive plate (e.g., a gold plate) that contacts with the ID to facilitate data transfer. Smart cards from the manufacturer GEMPLUS may be used in such aspects of the invention.  
         [0071]     In one aspect, the EMD includes a printed circuit board “PCB”). A battery—e.g., a 2032 or 1025 Lithium coin cell—is also included, in another aspect of the invention. To make the device small, the PCB preferably has multilayers—and two of the internal layers have a substantial area of conducting material forming two terminals for the battery. Specifically, the PCB is pried apart at one edge, between the terminals, and the battery is inserted within the PCB making contact and providing voltage to the device. This advantageously removes then need for a separate and weighty battery holder. Flex circuit boards may also be used.  
         [0072]     In another aspect, the PCB has first and second terminals on either side of the PCB, and a first side of the battery couples to the first terminal, while a clip connects the second side of the battery to the second terminal, making the powered connection. This aspect advantageously removes then need for a separate and weighty battery holder.  
         [0073]     In still another aspect, a terminal is imprinted on one side of the PCB, and a first side of the battery couples to that terminal. A conductive force terminal connects to the PCB and the second side of the batter, forming a circuit between the battery and the PCB.  
         [0074]     In accord with one aspect of the invention, the communications port is one of a transponder (including a smart tag or RFID tag), transceiver, or one-way transmitter. In other aspects, data from the EMD is communicated off-board (i.e., away from the EMD) by one of several techniques, including: streaming the data continuously off-board to get a real-time signature of data experienced by the EMD; transmission triggered by the occurrence of an “event” as defined herein; transmission triggered by interrogation, such as interrogation by an ID with a transponder; transmission staggered in “bursts” or “batches,” such as when internal storage memory is full; and transmission at predetermined intervals of time, such as every minute or hour.  
         [0075]     In one preferred aspect of the invention, the above-described EMDs are packaged like an adhesive bandage. Specifically, in one aspect, one or more protective strips rest over the adhesive portion of the device so as to protect the adhesive until the protective strips are removed. The strips are substantially stick-free so that they are easily removed from the adhesive prior to use. In another aspect, a “wrapper” is used to surround the EMD; the wrapper being similar to existing wrappers of adhesive bandages. In accord with one preferred aspect, the battery electrically couples with the electronics of the EMD when the wrapper is opened and/or when the protective strips are removed. In this way, the EMD can be “single use” with the battery energizing the electronics only when the EMD is opened and applied to an object or person; the battery power being conserved prior to use by a decoupling element associated with the wrapper or protective strips. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that other techniques can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.  
         [0076]     In one aspect, the EMD continuously relays an environmental metric (e.g., temperature, humidity, or chemical content) by continuous transmission of data from the detector to a RR. In this way, a EMD attached to a person or object may beneficially track conditions, in real time, of that person or object by recombination of the environmental metrics at a remote computer. In one aspect, multiple EMDs attached to a person or object quantify data for a plurality of locations, for example to monitor sub-parts of an object or person.  
         [0077]     In accord with further aspects of the invention, the EMD measures one or more of the following environmental metrics: temperature, humidity, moisture, altitude and pressure. For temperature, the detector of one aspect is a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple or thermister. For altitude, the detector of one aspect is an altimeter. For pressure, the detector of one aspect is a pressure sensor such as a surface mount semiconductor element made by SENSYM.  
         [0078]     In accord with one aspect, an EMD monitors one or more metrics for “events,” where data is acquired that exceeds some predetermined threshold or value. By way of example, in one aspect the detector is a temperature sensor and the processor coupled to the temperature sensor seeks to determine temperature events that exceed a threshold. In another aspect, a humidity sensor is used as the detector and this sensor is monitored for a humidity event (e.g., did the EMD experience 98% humidity conditions). In another example, the detector and processor collectively monitor stress events, where for example it is determined that the EMD attached to a human senses increased heart rate of over 180 beats per minute (an exemplary “event” threshold). In still another aspect, the detector is a chemical (or pH) detector and the processor and detector collectively determine a change of chemical composition of an object connected with the EMD over some preselected time period.  
         [0079]     In one aspect, a plurality of EMDs are collated and packaged in a single container, preferably similar to the cans or boxes containing adhesive bandages. Preferably, in another aspect, EMDs of the invention are similarly programmed within the container. By way of example, one container carries 100 EMDs that each respond to an event of “5 degrees” variation from some reference temperature. In another example, another container carries 200 EMDs that respond to an event of “90 degrees” change absolute. Temperature sensors may be programmed to determine actual temperatures, e.g., 65 degrees, or changes in temperature from some reference point, e.g., 10 degrees from reference.  
         [0080]     Packages of EMDs can be in any suitable number N greater than or equal to two; typically however EMDs are packaged together in groups of 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 500 or 1000.  
         [0081]     In one preferred aspect, the EMD of the invention includes internal memory. Preferably the memory is within the processor or ASIC. Event data is stored in the memory, in accord with one aspect, until transmitted off-board. In this way, the EMD monitors and stores event data (e.g., an “event” occurrence where the EMD experiences 100 degree temperatures). Preferably, the event data is time tagged with data from a real-time clock; and thus a real time clock is included with the EMD (or made integral with the processor or ASIC). In one aspect, the EMD is programmed with a time at the initial time of use (i.e., when the device is powered). In one other aspect, the EMD is packaged with power so that real time clock data is available when the product is used. In this aspect, therefore, a container of EMDs will typically have a “stale” date when the EMD&#39;s battery power is no longer usable. In one aspect, the EMD has a replaceable battery port so that a user can replace the battery.  
         [0082]     The invention has certain advantages. An EMD of the invention can practically attach to almost anything to obtain event information. By way of example, an EMD of the invention can attach to patients to track health and conditions in real time and with remote monitoring capability.  
         [0083]     In one aspect, the EMD includes a tamper proof detector that ensures the EMD is not removed or tampered with once applied to an object or person, until an authorized person removes the EMD. In one aspect, the tamper proof detector is a piezoelectric strip coupled into or with the adhesive strip. Once the EMD is powered and applied to an object or person, a quiescent period ensues and the EMD continually monitors the tamper proof detector (in addition to the event detector) to record tampering activity. In the case of the piezoelectric strip, removal of the EMD from a person or object after the quiescent period provides a relatively large voltage spike, indicating removal. That spike is recorded and time stamped. If there are more than one such records (i.e., one record represents the final removal), then tampering may have occurred. Since date and time are tagged with the event data, the tamper time is determined, leading to identify the tampering person (i.e., the person responsible for the object when the tamper time was tagged).  
         [0084]     In one aspect, the invention provides an ID in the form of a cell phone. Nearly one in three Americans use a cell phone. According to the teachings of the invention, data event “metrics” are read from an EMD through the cell phone. Preferably, data communicated from the EMD to the cell phone is made only through secure communications protocols so that only authorized cell phones can access the EMD. In one specific aspect, EMD events are communicated to a cell phone or cellular network, and from that point are relayed to persons or additional computer networks for use at a remote location.  
         [0085]     In accord with the invention, several advantages are apparent. The following lists some of the non-limiting events monitored and captured by select EMDs of the invention, in accord to varied aspects of the invention:  
         [0086]     absolute or relative temperatures  
         [0087]     heart rate or other fitness characteristics  
         [0088]     stress characteristics  
         [0089]     humidity or relative humidity  
         [0090]     fitness or patient health characteristics  
         [0091]     The invention will next be described in connection with preferred embodiments. In addition to those described above, certain advantages should be apparent in the description which follows. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0092]      FIG. 1  shows a monitor device (e.g., a “MMD” or “EMD”) and receiver (ID or RR) constructed according to the invention;  
         [0093]      FIG. 1A  shows an alternative monitor device of the invention, and in data communication with a receiver via “contact” transponder technology;  
         [0094]      FIG. 2  shows a front view of one monitor device of the invention and formed with an adhesive strip and padding to soften physical connection to persons or objects;  
         [0095]      FIG. 2A  shows a cross-sectional top view of the monitor device and strip of  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0096]      FIG. 2B  shows a cross-sectional top view of one monitor device of the invention integrated with (a) a battery and (b) protective non-stick strips over the adhesive strip, all enclosed within a protective wrapper;  
         [0097]      FIG. 2C  shows a front view of the monitor device of  FIG. 2B , without a protective wrapper;  
         [0098]      FIG. 2D  shows an alternative monitor device of the invention and integrated directly with the adhesive strip to ensure detector contact;  
         [0099]      FIG. 2E  shows one monitor device of the invention used to detect and/or track heart rate, in accord with the invention;  
         [0100]      FIG. 3  shows a cross-sectional view (not to scale) of one monitor device of the invention for integrating a battery with a printed circuit board;  
         [0101]      FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional top view of part of the monitor device of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0102]      FIG. 3B  shows an operational view of the monitor device of  FIG. 3 , with a battery inserted between layers of the printed circuit board;  
         [0103]      FIG. 3C  shows a cross-sectional view (not to scale) of one monitor device of the invention for integrating a battery with a printed circuit board;  
         [0104]      FIG. 3D  shows an operational view of the monitor device of  FIG. 3C , with a battery attached to sides of the underlying printed circuit board;  
         [0105]      FIG. 3E  shows an operational view of another monitor device of the invention, with a battery attached to one side of the underlying printed circuit board;  
         [0106]      FIG. 3F  shows one battery attachment mechanism, including batteries, for use with a monitor device of the invention;  
         [0107]      FIG. 3G  shows the mechanism of  FIG. 3F  without the batteries;  
         [0108]      FIGS. 4 and 4 A illustrate one technique for powering a monitor device, in accord with the invention;  
         [0109]      FIGS. 5 and 5 A illustrate one monitor device integrated within a label, in accord with the invention;  
         [0110]      FIG. 6  shows a monolithic monitor device constructed according to the invention for attachment to an object by way of mechanical attachment;  
         [0111]      FIG. 7  shows one monitor device of the invention used to monitor patient health characteristics;  
         [0112]      FIG. 7A  shows a system of the invention used to monitor pulse characteristics for patient health, with the device of  FIG. 7 ;  
         [0113]      FIG. 7B  shows an alternative monitor device of the invention used to monitor respiratory behavior such as with the system of  FIG. 7A ;  
         [0114]      FIG. 8  illustrates application of a plurality of MMDs, of the invention, to athletes to facilitate training and/or to provide excitement in broadcast media;  
         [0115]      FIG. 8A  illustrates real time data acquisition, reconstruction and display for data wirelessly transmitted from the MMDs of  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0116]      FIG. 8B  illustrates a television display showing data generated in accord with the teachings of the invention;  
         [0117]      FIG. 8C  shows a one MMD applied to a human fist in accord with the invention;  
         [0118]      FIG. 9  shows a flow-chart illustrating “event” based and timed sequence data transmissions between a monitor device and a receiver, in accord with the invention;  
         [0119]      FIG. 10  shows a sensor dispensing canister constructed according to the invention;  
         [0120]      FIG. 10A  shows an array of sensors arranged for mounting within the canister of  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0121]      FIG. 10B  shows one sensor of the array of sensors of  FIG. 10A ;  
         [0122]      FIG. 10C  shows an interface between one sensor and a base assembly in the canister of  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0123]      FIG. 10D  shows an operational disconnect of one sensor from the base assembly in  FIG. 10C ;  
         [0124]      FIG. 10E  schematically illustrates canister electronics and a sensor as part of the canister of  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0125]      FIG. 10F  illustrates imparting time-tag information to a sensor through a canister such as in  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0126]      FIG. 10G  shows one receiver constructed according to the invention;  
         [0127]      FIG. 10H  shows one receiver in the form of a ski lift ticket constructed according to the invention;  
         [0128]      FIG. 10I  shows one ticket sensor constructed according to the invention;  
         [0129]      FIG. 11  schematically shows an electrical logic and process flow chart for use with determining “airtime” in accord with the invention;  
         [0130]      FIG. 12  schematically shows a state machine used in association with determining airtime in association with an algorithm such as in  FIG. 11 ;  
         [0131]      FIG. 13  graphically shows accelerometer data and corresponding process signals used to determine airtime in accord with preferred embodiments of the invention;  
         [0132]      FIG. 14  and  FIG. 14A  shows a state diagram illustrating one-way transmission protocols according to one embodiment of the invention;  
         [0133]      FIG. 15  schematically illustrates functional blocks for one sensor of the invention;  
         [0134]      FIG. 16  schematically illustrates functional blocks for one display unit of the invention;  
         [0135]      FIG. 17  shows a perspective view of one sensor housing constructed according to the invention, for use with a sensor such as a monitor device;  
         [0136]      FIG. 18  illustrates a sensor, such as a MMD, within the housing of  FIG. 17 ;  
         [0137]      FIG. 19  shows a top perspective view of another housing constructed according to the invention, for use with a sensor such as a MMD and for mounting to a vehicle;  
         [0138]      FIG. 20  shows one vehicle and vehicle attachment bracket to which the housing of  FIG. 19  attaches;  
         [0139]      FIG. 21  shows another vehicle and vehicle attachment bracket to which the housing of  FIG. 19  attaches;  
         [0140]      FIG. 22  shows a bottom perspective view of the housing of  FIG. 19 ;  
         [0141]      FIG. 23  shows a bracket constructed according to the invention and made for attachment between the housing of  FIG. 19  and a vehicle attachment bracket;  
         [0142]      FIG. 24  shows a top element of the housing of  FIG. 19 ;  
         [0143]      FIG. 25  shows a bottom element of the housing of  FIG. 19 ;  
         [0144]      FIG. 26  shows a perspective view of one housing constructed according to the invention;  
         [0145]      FIG. 27  shows a perspective view of a top portion of the housing of  FIG. 26 ;  
         [0146]      FIG. 28  shows a perspective view of a bottom portion of the housing of  FIG. 27 ;  
         [0147]      FIG. 29  shows a perspective view of one monitor device constructed according to the invention for operational placement within the housing of  FIG. 26 ;  
         [0148]      FIG. 30  shows a mounting plate for attaching monitor devices to flat surfaces in accord with one embodiment of the invention;  
         [0149]      FIG. 31  shows a perspective view of the plate of  FIG. 30  with a monitor device coupled thereto;  
         [0150]      FIG. 32  shows an end view of the plate and device of  FIG. 31 ;  
         [0151]      FIG. 33  shows, in a top view, a low-power, long life accelerometer sensor constructed according to the invention;  
         [0152]      FIG. 34  shows a cross-sectional view of one portion of the accelerometer sensor of  FIG. 33 , illustrating operation of the moment arm quantifying g&#39;s in accord with the invention;  
         [0153]      FIG. 35  shows a circuit illustrating operation of the accelerometer sensor of  FIG. 33 ;  
         [0154]      FIG. 36  illustrates a runner speedometer system constructed according to the invention;  
         [0155]      FIG. 37  illustrates an alternative runner speedometer system constructed according to the invention;  
         [0156]      FIG. 38  illustrates data capture and analysis principles for determining speed with the system of  FIG. 37 ;  
         [0157]      FIG. 39  illustrates one sensor for operation with a shoe in a speedometer system such as described in  FIG. 37 ;  
         [0158]      FIG. 40  shows another runner speedometer system of the invention, including a GPS sensor;  
         [0159]      FIG. 41  shows a biking work function system constructed according to the invention;  
         [0160]      FIG. 42  shows one race-car monitoring system constructed according to the invention;  
         [0161]      FIG. 43  shows one data capture device for operation with a racecar in a race monitoring system such as shown in  FIG. 42 ;  
         [0162]      FIG. 44  shows one crowd data device for operation with spectators in a race monitoring system such as shown in  FIG. 42 ;  
         [0163]      FIG. 45  shows one body-armor incorporating a monitor device in accord with the invention;  
         [0164]      FIG. 46  shows one system for measuring rodeo and/or bull riders in accord with other embodiments of the invention;  
         [0165]      FIG. 47  shows a representative television display of a bull and rider configured with a system monitoring characteristics of the bull and/or rider, in accord with the invention;  
         [0166]      FIG. 48  shows one EMD of the invention utilizing flex strip as the “PCB” in accord with the invention;  
         [0167]      FIG. 49  depicts one computerized gaming system of the invention;  
         [0168]      FIG. 50  schematically shows one flow chart implanting game algorithms in accord with the invention;  
         [0169]      FIG. 51  shows one speed detection system for a ski resort in accord with the invention;  
         [0170]      FIG. 52  shows one bar code reader suitable for use in the system of  FIG. 51 ;  
         [0171]      FIG. 53  shows one monitor device constructed according to the invention and incorporating a GPS receiver;  
         [0172]      FIG. 54  shows a system suitable for use with the device of  FIG. 53 ;  
         [0173]      FIG. 55  shows an infant monitoring system constructed according to the invention;  
         [0174]      FIG. 56  schematically shows a flow chart of operational steps used in the system of  FIG. 55 ;  
         [0175]      FIG. 57  shows one MMD of the invention used to gauge patient weight;  
         [0176]      FIG. 58  shows a weight monitoring system constructed according to the invention;  
         [0177]      FIG. 59  shows another weight monitoring system of the invention;  
         [0178]      FIG. 60  shows a force-sensing resistor suitable for use in the weight monitoring systems of  FIG. 58  and  FIG. 59  and in the MMD of  FIG. 57 ;  
         [0179]      FIG. 61  shows one weight-sensing device in the form of a shoe or shoe insert, in accord with the invention;  
         [0180]      FIG. 62  illustrates fluid cavities suitable for use in a device of  FIG. 61 ;  
         [0181]      FIG. 63  shows a wrestling performance monitoring system constructed according to the invention:  
         [0182]      FIG. 64  shows a representative graphic output from the system of  FIG. 63 ;  
         [0183]      FIG. 65  shows a surfing event system according to the invention;  
         [0184]      FIG. 66  shows a Green Room surfing event system according to the invention;  
         [0185]      FIG. 67  shows a personal item network constructed according to the invention;  
         [0186]      FIG. 68  shows a communications interface between a computer and one of items of  FIG. 67 ;  
         [0187]      FIG. 69  illustrates electronics for one of the items within the network of  FIG. 67 ;  
         [0188]      FIG. 70  and  FIG. 71  show an electronic drink coaster constructed according to the invention;  
         [0189]      FIG. 72  shows a package management system of the invention; and  
         [0190]      FIG. 73  shows a product integrity tracking system of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0191]      FIG. 1  shows a monitor device  10  constructed according to the invention. Device  10  can for example operate as a MMD or EMD described above. Device  10  includes a detector  12 , processor  14 , communications port  16 , and battery  18 . Preferably, device  10  also includes solid-state memory  20 . Memory  20  can be integral with processor  14  (or other element of device  10 , including port  16 ), or a stand-alone element within device  10 . As a MMD, for example, detector  12  senses movement experienced by device  10  and generates signals indicative of that movement. Processor  12  then processes the signals to extract desired movement metrics, as described herein. Typically, when the movement metrics exceed a predetermined threshold, processor  12  stores data as an “event” within memory  20 . Events are also preferably tagged with time information, typically date and time, as provided by clock  22 .  
         [0192]     As an EMD, for example, detector  12  senses temperature experienced by device  10  and generates signals indicative of temperature (either absolute, or relative). Processor  12  then processes the signals to extract desired data. Preferably, data such as temperature are time tagged with date and/or time information so that a limited recording is made of environmental conditions.  
         [0193]     Communications port  16  communicates event data from device  10  to a receiver  24  as wireless data  30   a . Port  16  typically performs such communications in response to commands from processor  14 . Communications port  26  receives wireless data  30   a  for use within receiver  24 . If desired, communications port  26  can also communicate with port  16  to transmit wireless data  30   b  to device  10 . In such an embodiment, ports  16 ,  26  are preferably radio-frequency, infrared or magnetically-inductive transceivers. Alternatively, port  26  is a transmitter that interrogates device  10 ; and port  16  is a transponder that reflects event data to receiver  24 . In one preferred embodiment, receiver  24  is part of the circuitry and packaging of a cell phone, which relays events (e.g., a movement event) to a remote storage facility. In other embodiments, receiver  24  is part of the circuitry and packaging of a MP3 player, pager, watch, or electronic PDA. Receiver  24  may connect with headphones (not shown) to provide information to a user and corresponding to “event” data.  
         [0194]     Data communication between device  10  and receiver  24  is preferably “secure” so that only a receiver with the correct identification codes can interrogate and access data from device  10 . In such a mode, receiver  24  is an interrogation device (“ID”); and wireless communications  30   a ,  30   b  between ports  16 ,  26  can be through one of several electromagnetic communications spectrums, including radio-frequencies, microwave frequencies, ultrasound or infrared. However, communications between device  10  and receiver  24  can also be one way, e.g., wireless data  30   a  from device  10  to receiver  24 ; and in such an embodiment receiver  24  preferably understands the communications protocols of data  30   a  to correctly interpret the data from device  10 . Receiver  24  in this embodiment “listens” for data transmitted from device  10 . Receiver  24  thus may function as a remote receiver (“RR”) stationed some distance (e.g., tens or hundreds of feet or more) from device  10 .  
         [0195]      FIG. 1A  shows an alternative communication scheme between device  10 ′ and receiver  24 ′. Like numbered items in  FIG. 1A  have like functions as in  FIG. 1 ; except that in  FIG. 1A , ports  16 ′,  26 ′ function to transfer data from device  10 ′ to receiver  24 ′ as a “contact” transponder. Device  10 ′ and receiver  24 ′ are separate elements, though they appear immediately adjacent. A conductive pad  17  with port  16 ′ facilitates communication with port  26 ′ via its conductive pad  19 . Accordingly, event data from device  10 ′ transfers data to receiver  24 ′ without “wireless” data  30  ( FIG. 1 ), but rather through the circuit formed between device  10 ′ and receiver  24 ′ when contact is made between pads  17 ,  19 , as shown in  FIG. 1A .  
         [0196]     A monitor device  10 ,  10 ′ of the invention preferably includes an adhesive strip that provides for convenient attachment of the device to an object or person. As shown in  FIG. 2 , one such device  10 ″ is shown coupled to adhesive strip  32  for just this purpose. Strip  32  is preferably flexible so as to bend and attach device  10 ″ to nearly any surface shape. Strip  32  includes an adhesive  34  that bonds strip  32  to a person or object, such that device  10 ″ attaches to that person or object in a substantially fixed location.  FIG. 2  also shows that device  10 ″ preferably resides adjacent to padding  36 , to protect device  10 ″ from physical harm and to provide a cushion interface between device  10 ″ and a person or object. Padding  36  can for example be cotton or other soft material; and padding  36  can be made from soft material typically found with adhesive bandages of the prior art. Device  10 ″ preferably includes a protective housing  11  ( FIG. 2A ) surrounding integrated circuits to protect the circuits from breakage.  
         [0197]      FIG. 2A  shows a top cross-sectional view of monitor device  10 ″ and strip  32 . As illustrated, strip  32  is a flexible such that it can conform to a surface (e.g., curved surface  37 ) for attachment thereto. Adhesive  34  is shown covering substantially all of the back of strip  32  to provide for complete attachment to surface  37 . Though padding  36  is not required, it preferably encapsulates device  10 ″ to provide for optimum protection for device  10 ″ when attached to surface  37 . Note that padding  36  also protects surface  37  from scratching by any rigid elements of device  10 ″ (e.g., battery  18 ,  FIG. 1 ). Those skilled in the art should appreciate that padding  36  can be formed partially about device  10 ″ to achieve similar goals and without departing from the scope of the invention; for example, padding  36  can reside adjacent only one side of device  10 ″.  
         [0198]     Those skilled in the art should appreciate that two or more of elements  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  22  ( FIG. 1 ) can be, and preferably are, integrated within an ASIC. Further, in one preferred embodiment, the detector  12  is also integrated within the ASIC as a solid-state accelerometer (e.g., using MEM technology). However, detector  12  can be a stand-alone element such as a piezoelectric strip, strain gauge, force-sensing resistor, weight sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, chemical sensor, or heart rate detector.  
         [0199]      FIG. 2B  shows one monitor device  10   z , with battery  18   z , coupled within a protective wrapper  27 . Protective non-stick strips  29  are also shown to cover adhesive (e.g., adhesive  34 ,  FIG. 2 ) on adhesive strips  32   z  until device  10   z  is operatively used and applied to a person or object. Preferably, wrapper  27  and non-stick strips  29  are similar in design to the wrapper and strips of a common adhesive bandage. Accordingly, users of device  10   z  intuitively know how to open and attach device  10   z  to an object or surface (e.g., surface  37 ,  FIG. 2A )—by opening wrapper  27 , removing device  10   z  by pulling adhesive strip  32   z  from wrapper  27 , and then removing non-stick strips  29  so that adhesive strips  32   z  are exposed for application to the object or surface.  FIG. 2C  illustrates device  10   z  in a back view with wrapper  27  removed, showing fuller detail of non-stick strips  29  covering and protecting the underlying adhesive (e.g., adhesive  34 ,  FIG. 2 ) on strip  32   z.    
         [0200]     A device  10  can also integrate directly with the adhesive strip, as shown in  FIG. 2D . Specifically, device  10 ″ of  FIG. 2D  couples directly with adhesive strip  32 ′. In addition, there is no padding with device  10 ″—as in certain circumstances it is desirable to have optimal fixation between device  10 ″ and strip  32 ′. A housing  11 ′ preferably protects device  10 ″ from breakage. In one example, when the detector of device  10 ″ is an accelerometer, direct coupling between device  10 ″ and strip  32 ′ provides for more accurate data capture of accelerations of the object to which strip  32 ′ is adhered. As such, adhesive  34 ′ preferably extends across the whole width of strip  32 ′, as shown, such that device  10 ″ is tightly coupled to the object adhered to by strip  32 ′.  
         [0201]      FIG. 2E  shows one heart-rate monitor  10   w  constructed according to the invention. Like device  10 ,  10 ″, device  10   w  preferably couples directly with an adhesive strip  32   w  with adhesive  34   w . Monitor  10   w  includes a heart rate detector  12   w  that may for example detect EKG signals. By way of background, the following heart rate monitoring patents are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 4,625,733; U.S. Pat. No. 5,243,993; U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,119; U.S. Pat. No. 5,738,104; U.S. Pat. No. 6,018,677; U.S. Pat. No. 3,807,388; U.S. Pat. No. 4,195,642; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,248,244. Two electrodes  15  electrically coupled to detector  12   w  with monitor  10   w  via conductive paths  13 . Electrodes  5  couple with human skin when adhesive strip  32   w  is applied to the skin such that electro-magnetic pulses from the heart are detected by detector  12   w . By way of example, detector  12   w  of one embodiment detects potential differences between electrodes  15  to determine heart rate. Once heart rate is detected, information is passed to other sections to process and/or retransmit the data as wireless data  17  to a remote receiver. For example, data from detector  12   w  may be transmitted to processor and/or communications port  14   w ,  16   w ; from there, data may be relayed off-board. In one embodiment, wireless data  17  is a signal indicative of the existence of heart rate—so that monitor  10   w  may be used in patient safety to warn of patient heart failure (i.e., the absence of a heart rate may mean that a patient went into cardiac arrest). In another embodiment, wireless data  17  is a signal indicative of actual heart rate, e.g., 100 beats per minute, such that monitor  10   w  may be used in fitness applications. Monitor  10   w  thus provides an alternative to “strap” heart rate monitors; users of the invention stick on monitor  10   w  via adhesive strip  32   w  to monitor heart rate in real time. Data  17  may be captured by a receiver such as a watch to display the data to the wearing user. Monitor  10   w  can also be used in patient monitoring applications, such as in hospitals, so that patient health is monitored remotely and efficiently. By way of example, a monitor  10   w  may be attached to each critical care patient so that a facility (e.g., a hospital) can monitor each patient at a single monitoring location (i.e., at the location receiving signals  17 ).  
         [0202]     As an alternative heart rate monitor, device  10  of  FIG. 1  has a detector in the form of a microphone. Processor  12  then processes microphone detector data to “listen” for breathing sounds to report breathing—or not breathing—as a health metric.  
         [0203]     The invention also provides for efficiently integrating battery  18  with a monitor device.  FIG. 3  illustrates one technique, wherein the monitor device (e.g., device  10 ) includes a printed circuit board (“PCB”)  40  that forms the back-plane forming the electrical interconnectivity with elements  42  (elements  42  can for example be any of items  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  20 ,  22 ,  FIG. 1 ). PCB  40  of  FIG. 3  is a multi-layer board, as illustrated by layer line  44 . Between two layers  46   a ,  46   b , PCB  40  is manufactured with two opposing terminals  48   a ,  48   b . Terminals  48   a ,  48   b  can for example be copper tracks in PCB  40 , or copper with gold flash to facilitate good electrical connection.  FIG. 3A  shows a top view of one terminal  48   a  with layer  46   a , illustrating that terminal  48   a  is typically larger than other tracks  50  within PCB  40 . Accordingly, terminal  48   a  is large enough to form good electrical connection with a battery inserted between layers  46 , such as shown in  FIG. 3B . Specifically,  FIG. 3B  shows PCB  40  separated between layers  46 , and a battery  52  inserted therebetween, to make powered connection to PCB  40  and its elements  42 . For purposes of clarity, only part of PCB  40  is shown in  FIG. 3B , and none of elements  42  are shown. Layers  46   a ,  46   b  may separated by prying layers  46  apart. Battery  52  can for example be a Li coin cell battery known in the art.  
         [0204]      FIG. 3C  shows another PCB  40 ′ for use with a monitor device of the invention; except, in  FIG. 3C , terminals  48   a ′,  48   b ′ are on opposing sides of PCB  40 ′, as shown. PCB  40 ′ can be a single layer board, or multi-layer board. Batteries  52 ′ are coupled to PCB  40 ′ as shown in  FIG. 3D ; and held to PCB  40 ′ by end clip  54 .  FIG. 3D  illustrates clip  54  as a stand-alone element  54 -A; and alternatively as element  54 -B holding batteries  52 ′ in place to PCB  40 ′. End clip  54  slides over PCB  40 ′ and batteries  52 ′ as illustrated by arrow  56 . End clip  54  is preferably conductive to complete the circuit to power PCB  40 ′ (at a contact point with PCB  40 ′) and its elements  42  for use as monitor device.  
         [0205]     Battery attachment to PCB  40 ″ can also be made as in  FIG. 3E , where battery (or batteries)  52 ″ is attached to one side of PCB  40 ″. To make overall circuit connectivity, battery  52 ″ connects to terminal  48   a ″, and end clip  54 ′ makes connection with terminal  48   b ″, as shown. A contact point with PCB  40 ″ can be made to complete desired circuit functions. End clip  54  is thus preferably conductive to complete the circuit to power PCB  40 ″ and its elements  42  for use as a monitor device.  
         [0206]     The battery integrations with PCBs of  FIGS. 3D and 3E  provide for simple and secure ways to mount batteries  52  within a package. Specifically, a housing  56  made to surround PCB  40  abuts end clip  54  and PCB  40 , as shown, to secure the monitor device for use in varied environments, and as a small package. Housing configurations are shown and described in greater detail below.  
         [0207]      FIG. 3F  shows another PCB  60  for use with a monitor device of the invention. A battery  62  couples to PCB  60 , as shown, and a connecting element  64  completes the circuit between battery  62  and PCB  60  to power the monitor device. Preferably, element  64  is tensioned to help secure battery  62  to PCB  60 .  FIG. 3G  shows PCB  60  and element  64  coupled together and without battery  62 . A terminal  66  (similar to terminals  48 ) is also shown in  FIG. 3G  to contact with one side of battery  62 .  
         [0208]      FIG. 4  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention, not to scale, where packaging associated with a monitor device “powers” the device upon removal of the packaging. Specifically, in  FIG. 4 , one monitor device  70 , with adhesive strips  72 , is shown with a protective wrapper  74  and non-stick strips  76 . One non-stick strip  76   a  has an extension  77  that electrically separates device  70  and a battery  78  so as to prevent electrical contact therebetween. Non-stick strip  76   a  is preferably thin, such as paper coated with non-stick material. Once strip  76   a  is removed by a user, connecting element  80  forces battery  78  to contact monitor device  70 , thereby powering the device. In this way, battery power is conserved until monitor device  70  is used operationally. Element  80  can for example take the form of element  64 ,  FIG. 3G .  FIG. 4A  shows monitor device  70  with wrapper  74  and non-stick strips  76  removed; as such, element  80  forces battery  78  to device  70  to make electrical contact therewith, powering device  70 . Those skilled in the art should appreciate that changes can be made within the above description without departing from the scope of the invention, including a monitor device with a single non-stick strip (instead of two) that has an extension to decouple the battery from device  70  until the strip is removed. Alternatively, the wrapper can couple with the extension to provide the same feature; so that when the wrapper is removed, the monitor device is powered.  
         [0209]      FIG. 5  shows a monitor device  82  formed within a label  84 . Instead of adhesive strips, device  82  is disposed within label  84  for attachment, as above, to objects and persons. Label  84  has an adhesive  86  over one side, and preferably a non-stick strip  88  covering adhesive  86  until removed. For purposes of illustration, strip  88  is not shown in contact with adhesive  86 , though in fact adhesive  86  is sandwiched in contact between strip  88  and label  84 . Device  82  and label  84  provide an alternative to the monitor devices with adhesive strips described above, though with many of the advantages.  FIG. 5A  shows a front view of device  82 , with adhesive  86  covering the one side of label  84 , and with strip  88  shown transparently in covering adhesive  86  until removed.  
         [0210]      FIG. 6  shows a monolithic monitor device  90  constructed according to the invention. A rigid outer housing  92  surrounds PCB  94  and internal elements  96  (e.g., elements  10 - 22 ,  FIG. 1 ), which provide functionality for device  90 . A magnetic element  98  couples with device  90  so that device  90  is easily attached to metal objects  100 . Accordingly, device  90  is easily attached to, or removed from, object  100 . Those skilled in the art should appreciate that alternative mechanical attachments are possible to couple device  90  to object  100 , including a mechanical pin or clip.  
         [0211]     The MMDs of the invention operates to detect movement “metrics.” These metrics include, for example, airtime, speed, power, impact, drop distance, jarring and spin; typically one MMD detects one movement metric, though more than one metric can be simultaneously detected by a given MMD, if desired (potentially employing multiple detectors). The MMD detector is chosen to provide signals from which the processor can interpret and determine the desired metric. For example, to detect airtime, the detector is typically one of an accelerometer or piezoelectric strip that detects vibration of an object to which the MMD is attached. Furthermore, the MMD of the invention preferably monitors the desired metric until the metric passes some threshold, at which time that metric is tagged with time and date information, and stored or transmitted off-board. If the MMD operates within a single day, only time information is typically tagged to the metric.  
         [0212]     By way of example, if the detector is an accelerometer and the MMD is designed to monitor “impact” (e.g., acceleration events that are less than about ½ second)—and yet impact data is not considered interesting unless the MMD experiences an impact exceeding 50 g&#39;s—the preferred MMD used to accomplish this task would continuously monitor impact and tag only those impact events that exceed 50 g&#39;s. The “event” in this example is thus a “50 g event.” Such a MMD is for example useful when attached to furniture, or a package, in monitoring shipments for rough treatment. The MMD might for example record a 50 g event associated with furniture shipped on Oct. 1, 2000, from a manufacturer in California, and delivered on Oct. 10, 2000 to a store in Massachusetts. If an event stored in MMD memory indicates that on Oct. 5, 2000, at 2:30 pm, the furniture was clearly dropped, responsibility for any damages can be assessed to the party responsible for the furniture at that time. Accuracy of the time tag information can be days, hours, minutes and even seconds, depending on desired resolution and other practicalities.  
         [0213]     Accordingly, data from such a MMD is preferably stored in internal memory (e.g., memory  20 ,  FIG. 1 ) until the data are retrieved by receiver  24 . In the example above, the interrogation to read MMD data occurs at the end of travel of the MMD from point A to point B. Multiple events may in fact occur for a MMD during travel; and multiple events are usually stored. Alternatively, a MMD may communicate the event at the time of occurrence so long as a receiver  24  is nearby to capture the data. By way of example, if each FEDEX truck contained a receiver integrated with the truck, then any MMD contained with parcels in the truck can transmit events to the receiver at the occurrence of the event.  
         [0214]     In another application, one or more monitor devices are attached to patients in a hospital, and one or more receivers are integrated with existing electronics at the hospital (e.g., with closed circuit television, phone systems, etc.). In operation, these device are for example used to detect “events” that indicate useful information about the patients—information that should be known. If for example the monitor device has a Hall Effect detector that detects when the device is inverted, then a device attached to the collar bone (or clothing) of a patient would generate an “event” when the patient falls or lays down. An impact detector may also be used advantageously, to detect for example a 10 g event associated with a patient who may have fallen. Accordingly, monitor devices applied to patients in hospitals typically transmit event data at occurrence, so that in real time a receiver relays important medical information to appropriate personnel.  
         [0215]     Movement devices of the invention can also transmit movement or other metrics at select intervals. If for example “impact” data is monitored by a MMD, then the MMD can transmit the maximum impact data for a selected interval—e.g., once per minute or once per five minutes, or other time interval. In this way, a MMD applied to a patient monitors movement; and any change in movement patterns are detected in the appropriate time interval and relayed to the receiver. A MMD may thus be used to inform a hospital when a patient is awake or asleep: when asleep, the MMD transmits very low impact events; when awake, the MMD transmits relatively high impact events (e.g., indicating that the patient is walking around).  
         [0216]      FIG. 7  shows one monitor device  120  constructed according to the invention. Similar to device  10 ″ of  FIG. 2  with regard to the adhesive bandage features of the device, device  120  has a detector in the form of a piezoelectric strip  122  disposed with the adhesive strip  124  (and, preferably, padding  121 ). Strip  124  has adhesive  125  such as described above so that device  120  is easily attached to a human, e.g., to human arm  130 . In operation, as shown by schematic  130  of  FIG. 7A , bending of strip  124  also bends piezoelectric strip  122 , generating voltage spikes  123  detected by device processor  126 . Device  120  may thus operate to detect the heart pulse of a person: the tiny physical perturbation of piezoelectric strip  122  caused by arterial pressure changes is detected and processed by device  120  as movement metric  127 , which is then transmitted by port  129  to remote receiver(s)  132  as wireless data  133 . The pulse data  127 , over time, is usefully reconstructed for analytical purposes, e.g., as data  134  on display  136 , and may indicate stress or other patient condition that should be known immediately. By way of example, an “event” determined by device  120  based on movement metric  127  can be the absence or variation of a pulse, perhaps indicating that the patient died or went into cardiac arrest. It is clear that if arm  130  moves, the voltage signal generated by piezoelectric detector  122  may swamp any signal from the patient&#39;s pulse; however, since pulse data is detected at approximately 50 to 250 times per second, the underlying signal can be recovered, particularly after arm  130  ceases movement. Device  120  can include an A/D converter and/or voltage-limiting device  121  to facilitate measurement of voltage signals  123  from piezoelectric strip detector  122 . A battery  138  such as a Lithium coin cell can be used to power device  120 .  
         [0217]     Device  120  may alternatively detect patient movement to provide real time detection of movement of a person or of part of that person. For example, such a device  120  may be used to monitor movement of an infant (instead of arm  150 ) or other patient.  
         [0218]     Note that the application of a monitor device  120  as described in  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 7A  can be expanded to detect respiratory behavior of a patient.  FIG. 7B  shows a simplified schematic of one device  120 ′ with a longer piezoelectric strip detector  122 ′. Detector  122 ′ circumferentially extends, at least part way, around the chest  150  of a patent; and movement of chest  150  during breathing generates voltage variations (e.g., similar to variations  133 ,  FIG. 7 ) in response to physical perturbations of detector  122 ′. Similar to pulse rate and pulse strength, therefore, device  120 ′ detects respiratory rate and/or strength. Pulse rate is determined by signal frequencies associated with movement metric  127 ; and pulse strength is determined by magnitudes associated with movement metric  127 . Note that strip detector  122 ′ may be attached about chest  150  by one of several techniques, including by an adhesive strip (not shown) such as described above. A strap or elastic member  152  may be used to surround chest  150  to closely couple detector  122 ′ to chest  150 .  
         [0219]     Devices such as device  120  or  120 ′ have additional application such as for infant monitoring. Attaching such a device to the chest (instead of arm  150 ) of an infant to monitor respiration, pulse and/or movement provides a remote monitoring tool and may prevent death by warning the infant&#39;s parents. A monitor device  10   w ,  FIG. 2E , may alternatively be used in such an application. Specifically, if for example a monitor device of the invention is attached to chest  150  of a child, processor  126  searches for “events” in the form of the absence of pulse, respiration and/or movement data. The device may thus track pulse or respiratory rate to synch up to the approximate frequency of the rate. When the device detects an absence in the repetitive signals of the pulse or respiratory rate, the device sends a warning message to an alarm for the parents. A system suitable for application with such an application is discussed in more detail in  FIGS. 55 and 56 .  
         [0220]     Data transmissions from a monitor device of the invention, to a receiver, typically occur in one of three forms: continuous transmissions, “event” transmissions, timed sequence transmissions, and interrogated transmissions. In continuous transmissions, a monitor device transmits detector signals (or possibly processed detector signals) in substantially real time from the monitor device to the receiver. Data reconstruction at the receiver, or at a computer arranged in network with, or in communication with, the receiver, then proceeds to analyze the data for desired characteristics. By way of example, by attaching multiple monitor devices to a person, all transmitting real-time data signals to the receiver, a reconstruction of that person&#39;s activity is determined.  
         [0221]     Consider for example  FIG. 8 . In  FIG. 8 , a plurality of MMDs  150  are attached to person “A” and person “B”. As shown, person A is engaged in karate training with person B. Data from MMDs  150  “stream” to a remote receiver, such as to the reconstruction computer and receiver  152  of  FIG. 8A . Each MMD  150  preferably has a unique identifier so that receiver  152  can decode data from any given MMD  150 . MMDs are placed on persons A, B at appropriate locations, e.g., on each foot and hand, head, knee, and chest; and receiver  152  associates data from each MMD  150  with the particular location. As data streams from MMD  150  to receiver  152 , data is reconstructed such as shown in plots  154  and  156 . Data plot  154  shows exemplary data from MMD  150   a  on the fist  160  of person A, and data plot  156  shows exemplary data from MMD  150   b  on the head  162  of person B. Each plot  154 ,  156  are shown in  FIG. 8A  as a function of time  164 . Other data plots for other sensors  150  (e.g., for illustrative sensors  2 ,  3 ,  4 ) are not shown, for purposes of clarity.  
         [0222]     Data plots  154 ,  156  have obvious advantages realized by use of the MMDs of the invention. For example, plot  154  illustrates several fist “strikes”  166  generated by person A on person B, and data plot  156  illustrates corresponding blows  168  to the head of person B. Data  154 ,  156  may for example be used in training, where person B learns to anticipate person A more effectively to soften or eliminate blows  168 .  
         [0223]     Data plots  154 ,  156  have further advantages for broadcast media; specifically, data  154 ,  156  may be simultaneously relayed to the Internet or television  170  to display impact speed and intensity for blows given or received by persons A, B, and in real time, to enhance the pleasure and understanding of the viewing audience (i.e., viewers of television, and users of the Internet). Moreover, MMDs of the invention remove some or all of the subjectivity of impact events: a blow to an opponent is no longer qualitative but quantitative. By way of example, the magnitude of strikes  166  and blows  168  are preferably provided in the data streamed from MMDs  150 , indicating magnitude or force of the blow or strike. Data  154 ,  156  thus represents real time movement metric data, such as acceleration associated with body parts of persons A, B. Data  154 ,  156  may thereafter be analyzed, at receiver  152 , to determine “events”, such as when data  154 ,  156  indicates an impact exceeding 50 g&#39;s (or other appropriate or desired measure).  
         [0224]      FIG. 8B  illustrates a representative display on television  157 , including appropriate event “data”  159  generated by a MMD system of the invention. Data  159  can for example derive from receiver  152 , which communicates the appropriate event data  159  to the broadcaster for TV  157 . Such event data  159  can include magnitude or power spectral density of acceleration data generated by MMDs  150 . Data  159  is preferably displayed in an easy to understand format, such as through bar graphs  161 , each impact detected by one or more MMDs  150  (in certain instances, combining one or more MMDs as data  159  can be useful). Bar graphs  161  preferably indicate magnitude of the impact shown by data  159  by peak bar graph element  161   a  on TV  157 .  
         [0225]     Those skilled in the art should appreciate that any number of MMDs  150  may be used for applications such as shown in  FIG. 8 . In boxing, for example, it may be appropriate to attach one MMD  150  per fist. One useful MMD in this application is for example monitor device  10  of  FIGS. 2, 2D . That is, such a device is easily attached to the boxer&#39;s fist  158   a  or wrist  158   b  and, if desired, prior to applying gloves and wrapping  158   c , as shown in  FIG. 8C . The device can alternatively be placed with wrapping  158   c —making the device practically unnoticeable to the boxer. Preferably, MMD  10 ′″ of  FIG. 8C  includes an accelerometer (as the MMD detector) oriented with a sensitivity axis  158   d  as shown: axis  158   d  being substantially aligned with the strike axis  158   e  of fist  158   a . Data from the MMD wirelessly transmits through the gloves and wrapping to receiver  152 . Alternatives are also suitable, for example applying the MMDs to the boxer&#39;s wrapping or glove. A MMD can also be integrated within the boxing glove, if desired. In the event that the detector of the MMD is an accelerometer, then the sensitive axis of the accelerometer is preferably arranged along a strike axis of the boxer.  
         [0226]     Data acquired from MMDs in sports like boxing and karate are also preferably collated and analyzed for statistical purposes. Data  154 ,  156  can be analyzed for statistical detail such as: impacts per minute; average strike force per boxer; average punch power received to the head; average body blow power; and peak striking impact. Rotational information may also be derived with the appropriate detector, including typical wrist rotation at impact, a movement metric that may be determined with a spin sensor.  
         [0227]     Other than continuous transmissions, such as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , data from monitor devices of the invention also occur via one of “event” transmissions, timed sequence transmissions, and/or interrogated transmissions.  FIG. 1  illustrates how interrogated transmissions preferably function: e.g., receiver  24  interrogates device  10  to obtain metrics. Event transmissions according to preferred embodiments are illustrated as a flow chart  170  of  FIG. 9 . Timed sequence transmissions according to preferred embodiments are also illustrated within flow chart  170  of  FIG. 9 . In  FIG. 9 , flow chart  170  begins in step  172  by powering the monitor device—either by inserting the battery, turning the device on, or removing a wrapper (or by similar mechanism) to power the device at the appropriate time. Once powered, the monitor device monitors detector signals, in step  174 , for metrics such as movement, temperature and/or g&#39;s. By way of example, to measure airtime or impact, the device processor monitors an accelerometer for the movement metric of acceleration. Step  176  assesses the metric for “events” such as airtime or “impact” (or, for example, for an event such as when temperature exceeds a certain threshold, or an event such as when humidity decreases below a certain threshold). Typically, though not required, all events are not reported, stored or transmitted. Rather, as shown in step  178 , events that meet or pass a preselected threshold are reported. By way of example, is an airtime event greater than ½ second—a magnitude deemed interesting by snowboarders? If so, such an event may be reported. If not, an airtime event of less than ½ second is not reported, and decision “No” from  178  is taken. If the event exceeds some threshold, decision tree “Yes” from  178  sends the event data to the communications port (e.g., communications port  26 ,  FIG. 1 ) in step  180 . The communications port then transmits the event to a receiver (e.g., receiver  24 ,  FIG. 1 ) in step  182 . As an alternative, decision tree Yes 2  sends the event data to memory such that it is stored for later transmission, in step  184 . The Yes 2  decision tree is used for example when a receiver is not presently available (e.g., when no receiving device is available to listen to and capture data transmitted from the monitor device). Eventually, however, event data is transmitted off-board, in step  186 , such as when memory is full (a receiver should be available to capture the event data before memory becomes full) or when the monitor device is scheduled to transmit the data at a preselected time interval (i.e., a timed sequence transmission). For example, event data stored in memory may be transmitted off board every five minutes or every hour; data captured within that time interval is preferably stored in memory until transmission at steps  180  and  182 .  
         [0228]     Note that timed sequence transmission of event data approaches “continuous” transmission of movement metric data for smaller and smaller timed sequence transmissions. For example, if data from the monitor device is communicated off-board each second (or less, such as each one tenth of a second), then that data becomes more and more similar to continuously transmitted data from the detector. Indeed, if sampling of the detector occurs at X Hz, and timed transmissions also occur at X Hz, then “continuous” or “timed sequence” data may be substantially identical. Timed sequence or event data, therefore, provides for the opportunity to process the detector signals, between transmissions, to derive useful events or to weed out noise or useless information.  
         [0229]      FIG. 10  shows a sensor-dispensing canister  200  constructed according to the invention. Canister  200  is shown containing a plurality of sensor  202 . A lid  204  may be coupled with canister  200  to enclose sensors  202  within canister  200 , as desired. Each of sensors  202  can for example be a monitor device such as described above; however canister  200  can be used for other battery-powered sensors. Although canister  200  is shown with two-dozen sensors  202 , a larger or smaller number of sensors may be contained within its cavity  200   a . As described in more detail below, canister  200  preferably contains one or both of (a) canister electronics and (b) a base assembly. Lid  204  preferably functions as a switch, to power the canister electronics when lid  204  is open, and to cause canister electronics to sleep when lid  204  is closed.  
         [0230]      FIG. 10A  shows sensors  202  with base assembly  206 , and, for purposes of clarity, without the rest of canister  200 . Each of sensors  202  is shown with a monitor device  202   a  and an adhesive strip  202   b ; however, canister  200  may be used with other sensors (i.e., sensors that are not MMDs or EMDs) without departing from the scope of the invention.  FIG. 10B  illustrates one sensor  202  in the preferred embodiment, and also illustrates a Mylar battery insulator strip  208  that keeps the sensor battery from touching its contact or terminal (not shown) within monitor device  202   a . Strip  208  can for example serve as the “non-stick” strip or extension  77  discussed above in connection with  FIG. 4 . Strip  208  preferably couples to base assembly  206  such as shown in  FIG. 10C . Accordingly, when a user removes a sensor  202  from canister  200 , strip  208  remains with base assembly  206 —and is no longer in contact with sensor  202 —and the monitor device&#39;s internal battery powers the device for use with its intended application, as shown in  FIG. 10D .  
         [0231]     In one preferred embodiment of the invention, a canister  200 ′ (e.g., similar to canister  200  but with internal electronics) has its own battery  210 , micro-controller  212 , sensor time tag interface  214   a , and real time clock  216  (collectively the “canister electronics”), as shown in  FIG. 10E . With such an embodiment, a sensor  202 ′ for use with canister  200 ′ has a mating time tab interface  214   b . In addition to time tag interface  214   b , sensor  202 ′ has a clock  218 , processor  220 , battery  222 , detector  224  and communications port  226 . In operation, sensor  202 ′ is generally not powered by battery  222  until removed from canister  200 ′, as described above. Accordingly, real time clock information (e.g., the exact date and time) cannot be maintained within sensor  202 ′ while un-powered (i.e., so long as insulator strip  208 ′ prevents battery  222  from powering sensor  202 ′) since clock  218  and other electronics require power to operate. However, in  FIG. 10E , the advantage provided by the canister electronics is that time tag information from real time clock  216  is imported to sensor  202 ′ through interfaces  214   a ,  214   b  after battery  222  powers device  202   a ′ but before interfaces  214   a ,  214   b  disconnect so that sensor  202 ′ can be used operationally. As such, in the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 10F , interface  214   a  takes the form of flex cable  230  that remains attached between canister electronics and device  202   a ′ until flex cable  230  extends to its full length, whereinafter sensor  202 ′ disconnects from cable  230 . Time tag relay  214   b  of device  202   a ′,  FIG. 10F , thus takes the form of a plug (not shown) to connect and alternatively disconnect with flex cable  230 . In  FIG. 10F , canister electronics (e.g., elements  210 ,  212 ,  216 ) are disposed within base assembly  206 ′ and therefore flex cable  230  appears to extend only to base assembly  206 ′ when in fact cable  230  extends to canister electronics disposed therein. When a user removes sensor  202 ′ from canister  200 ′, device  202   a ′ is powered when strip  208 ′, held with base assembly  206 ′ (or electronics therein) disconnects from sensor  202 ′; and at that time clock  218  is enabled to track real time. Before flex cable  230  disconnects from sensor  202 ′, time and/or data information is communicated between interfaces  214   a ,  214   b  to provide the “real” time to sensor  202 ′ as provided by clock  216 . Once real time is provided to sensor  202 ′, clock  218  maintains and tracks advancing time so that sensor  202 ′ can tag events with time and/or date information, as described herein.  
         [0232]     One advantage of sensor canister  200 ′ is that once used, it may be reused by installing additional sensors within the cavity. In addition, one canister can carry multiple monitor devices, such as 100 MMDs that each respond to an event of “10 g&#39;s.” In another example, another canister carries 200 MMDs that respond to an event of “100 g&#39;s.” A canister of MMDs can be in any suitable number that meets a given application; typically however sensors within the canister of the invention are packaged together in groups of 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 500 or 1000. A variety pack of MMDs can also be packaged within a canister, such as a canister containing ten 5 g MMDs, ten 10 g MMDs, ten 15 g MMDs, ten 20 g MMDs, ten 25 g MMDs, ten 30 g MMDs, ten 35 g MMDs, ten 40 g MMDs, ten 45 g MMDs, and ten 50 g MMDs. Another variety package can for example include groups of MMDs spaced at 10 g intervals. EMDs can also be packaged in variety configurations within canisters  200 ,  200 ′.  
         [0233]     Canisters  200 ,  200 ′ can also function to dispense one or a plurality of receivers. Specifically, each of elements  202  of  FIG. 10  may alternatively be a receiver such as receiver  24  of  FIG. 1 . In this way, a plurality of receivers may be dispensed and powered as described above.  FIG. 10G  shows one receiver  231  constructed according to the invention. Receiver  231  has a communications port  232 , battery  233  and indicator  234 . Receiver  231  can further include processor  235 , memory  236  and clock  237 , as a matter of design choice and convenience such as to implement functionality described in connection with  FIGS. 10G, 10H . Receiver  231  can for example be dispensed as one of a plurality of receivers—as an element  202 ,  202 ′ dispensed from canisters  200 ,  200 ′ above. In operation, battery  233  powers receiver  231  and receiver  231  receives inputs in the form of wireless communications (e.g., in accord with the teachings herein, wireless communications can include known transmission protocols such as radio-frequency communication, infrared communication and inductive magnetic communication) from a sensor such as a MMD. Communications port  232  serves to capture the wireless communications data such that indicator  234  re-communicates appropriate “event” data to a person or machine external to receiver  231 . Specifically, in one embodiment, receiver  231  operates to relay very simple information regarding event data from a movement device. If for example a MMD sends event data to receiver  231  that reported the MMD experienced an airtime event of five seconds, and it was important that this information was known immediately, then receiver  231  is programmed (e.g., through processor  235 ) to indicate the occurrence of that five-second airtime event through indicator  234 . Such data may also be stored in memory  236 , if desired, until a person or machine requiring the data acquires it through indicator  234 . By way of another example, receiver  231  can take the form of a ski lift ticket  238  shown in  FIG. 10H . Lift ticket  238  is thus a receiver with an indicator  239  in the form of a LED. Lift ticket  238  is preferably made like other lift tickets, and may for example include bar code  240 , indicating that a person purchased the ticket for a particular day, and ticket connecting wire  241  to couple ticket  238  to clothing. Lift ticket  238  may beneficially be used with a MMD having a speed sensor detector; and that MMD reports (by wireless communication) speed “events” that exceed a certain threshold, e.g., 40 mph. Lift ticket receiver  238  captures that event data and reports it though indicator  239 . A person wearing lift ticket receiver  238  with a speed sensing MMD will thus be immediately known by the ski lift area that the person skis recklessly, as a lift operator can view the speeding violation indicator LED  239 . Alternatively, indicator  239  is itself a wireless relay that communicates with a third receiver such as a ski ticket reader currently used to review bar code  240 . Lift ticket receiver  238  can further include circuitry as in monitor device  10  of  FIG. 1  so that it responds to wireless requests for appropriate “event data,” such as speed violation data. As such, indicator  239  may take the form of a transmitter relaying requested event data to the third receiver, for example. Event data may be stored in memory  236  until requested by the third receiver interrogating lift ticket receiver  238 .  
         [0234]     Preferably, canisters  200 ′ imparts a unique ID to the dispensed electronics—e.g., to each sensor or receiver taken from canister  200 ′—for security reasons. More particularly, in addition to communicating a current date and time to the dispensed electronics, canister  200 ′ also preferably imparts a unique ID code which is used in subsequent interrogations of the dispensed electronics to obtain data therein. Therefore, data within a monitor device, for example, cannot be tampered with without the appropriate access code; and that code is only known by the party controlling canister  200 ′ and dispensing the electronics.  
         [0235]      FIG. 10G  and  FIG. 10H  illustrate certain advantages of the invention. First, receivers in the form of lift tickets  238  may be packaged and dispensed to power the lift ticket upon use. Lift tickets are dispensed by the thousands and are sometimes stored for months prior to use. Accordingly, battery power may be conserved until dispensed so that internal electronics function when used by a skier for the day. Further, tickets  238  monitor a user&#39;s performance behavior during the day to look for offending events: e.g., exceeding the ski resort speed limit of 35 mph; exceeding the jump limit of two seconds; or performing an overhead flip on the premises. Whatever the monitor device is set to measure and transmit as “events” may be visually displayed (e.g., a LED or LCD) at indicator  234  or re-transmitted to read the offending information. Receiver  231  may incorporate transponders as discussed above to facilitate the indicator functionality, i.e., to relay data as appropriate.  
         [0236]     Batteries used in the above MMDs and devices like the lift ticket can benefit by using paper-like batteries such as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,522, incorporated herein by reference. Such batteries provide flexibility in several of the monitor devices described herein. Powering such batteries when dispensing a sensor or receiver still provides advantages to conserve battery power until the sensor or receiver is used. A device battery  18  of  FIG. 1  can for example be a paper-like battery or coin cell.  
         [0237]      FIG. 10I  shows yet another sensor  231 ′ constructed according to the invention. Like receiver  231 , sensor  231 ′ preferably conforms to a shape of a license ticket, e.g., a ski lift ticket. However sensor  231 ′ does not couple to a separate monitor device; rather, sensor  231 ′ is a stand-alone device that serves to monitor and gauge speeding activity. Like other sensors of the invention, an “event” is generated and communicated off-board (i.e., to a person or external electronics) when sensor  231 ′ exceeds a pre-assigned value. Typically, that value is a speed limit associated with the authority issuing sensor  231 ′ (e.g., a resort that issues a ski lift ticket). Sensor  231 ′ is preferably dispensed through one of the “power on” techniques described herein, such as by dispensing sensor  231 ′ from a canister  200 ,  200 ′. Typically, when sensor  231 ′ detects a speeding event, (a) data is communicated off-board (e.g., sensor  231 ′ generates a wireless signal of the speed violation), and/or (b) a visual indicator is generated to inform the authority (e.g., via a ski lift operator of the ski lift area) of the violation. In case (a), indicator  234 ′ may for example be a communications port such as port  16 ,  FIG. 1 ; in the case (b), indicator  234 ′ may for example be an LED or other visual indicator that one can visually detect to learn of the speeding violation. Indicator  234 ′ of one embodiment is a simple LED that turns black (ON), or alternatively white (OFF), after the occurrence of a speeding event. A quick visual review of sensor  231 ′ thus informs the resort of the speeding violation.  
         [0238]     Sensor  231 ′ also has a battery  233 ′ that is preferably powered when sensor  231 ′ is dispensed to a user (e.g., to a snowboarder at a resort). Optionally, position locator  243  is included with sensor  231 ′ to track earth location of sensor  23 ′; processor  235 ′ thereafter determines speed based upon movement between locations over a time period (e.g., distance between a first location and a second location, divided by the time differential defined by arriving at the second location after leaving the first location, provides speed). Clock  237 ′ provides timing to sensor  231 ′. Optionally, memory  236 ′ serves one of several functions as a matter of design choice. Data gathered by sensor  231 ′ may be stored in memory  236 ′; such data may be communicated off-board during subsequent interrogations. As discussed above, data may also be communicated off-board at the occurrence of a speeding “event.” As an alternative, indicator  234 ′ may be a transponder RFID tag to be read by a ticket card reader. In one embodiment, on slope transmitters irradiate sensor  231 ′ with a signal that reflects to determine Doppler speed; that speed is imparted to sensor memory  236 ′ and reported to the resort.  
         [0239]     Preferably, sensor  231 ′ operates in “low power” mode. Position locator  243  in one preferred embodiment is a GPS receiver. GPS receiver and processor  243 ,  235 ′ for example collectively operate to make timed measurements of earth location so as to coarsely measure speed. For example, by measuring earth location each five seconds, and by dividing the distance traveled in those five seconds by five seconds, a coarse measure of speed is determined. Other timed measurements could be made as a matter of design choice, e.g., ½, 1, 15, 20, 25, 30 or 60 seconds. By taking fewer measurements, and by reducing processing, battery power is conserved over the course of a day, as it is preferable that the ticket determines speeding violations for at least a full day, in Winter. Finely determining speed at about one-second intervals is useful in the preferred embodiment of the invention.  
         [0240]     Memory  236 ′ may further define location information relative to one or more “zones” at a resort, such that speed may be assigned to each zone. In this manner, for example, a resort can specify that ski run “X” (of zone “A”) has a speed limit of 35 mph, while ski run “Y” (of zone “B”) has a speed limit of 30 mph. Speeding violations within any of zones A or B are then communicated to the resort. The advantage of this feature of the invention is that certain slopes or mountain areas permit higher speeds, and yet other slopes (e.g., a tree skiing area) do not support higher speeds. The resort may for example specify speed limits according to terrain. GPS receiver  243  determines earth position—which processor  235 ′ determines is within a particular zone—and speed violations are then determined relative to the speed limit within the particular zone, providing a more flexible system for the ski resort.  
         [0241]     Position locator  243  of another embodiment is an altimeter, preferably including a solid-state pressure sensor. Altimeter  243  of one embodiment provides gross position information such as the maximum and minimum altitude on a ski mountain. For a particular resort, maximum and minimum altitude approximately correspond to a distance of “Z” meters, the distance needed to traverse between the minimum and maximum altitude. Processor  235 ′ then determines speed based upon dividing Z by the time between determining the minimum and maximum altitudes. Fractional speeds may also be determined. If for example a particular skier traverses between a maximum altitude and half-way between the minimum and maximum altitudes, then processor  235 ′ determines speed based upon dividing Z/2 by the time between determining (a) the maximum altitude and (b) the midpoint between the minimum and maximum altitudes.  
         [0242]     As discussed above, one MMD of the invention includes an airtime sensor.  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12  collectively illustrate the preferred embodiment for determining and detecting airtime in accord with the invention. A MMD configured to measure airtime preferably uses an accelerometer as the detector; and  FIG. 11  depicts electrical and process steps  250  for processing acceleration signals to determine an “airtime” event.  FIG. 12  illustrates state machine logic  280  used in reporting this airtime. By way of example,  FIG. 12  shows that motion is preferably determined prior to determining airtime, as airtime is meaningful in certain applications (e.g., wakeboarding) when the vehicle (e.g., the wakeboard) is moving and non-stationary.  
         [0243]     More particularly,  FIG. 11  depicts discrete-time signal processing steps of an airtime detection algorithm. Acceleration data  252  derive from a detector in the form of an accelerometer. Two pseudo-power level signals  266   a ,  272   a  are produced from data  252  by differentiating (step  254 ), rectifying (step  256 ), and then filtering through respective low-pass filters at steps  266  or  272 . More particularly, a difference signal of data  252  is taken at step  254 . The difference signal for example operates to efficiently filter data  252 . The difference signal is next rectified, preferably, at step  256 . Optionally, a limit filter serves to limit rectified data at step  258 . Rectified, limited data may be rescaled, if desired, at step  260 . The limiting and rescaling steps  258 ,  260  help reduce quantization effects on the resolution of power signals  266   a ,  272   a . Filtering at steps  266 ,  272  incorporate different associated time constants, and feed binary hysteresis functions with different trigger levels, to produce “power” signals  266   a ,  272   a.    
         [0244]     More particularly, data from step  260  is bifurcated along fast-signal path  262  and slow-signal path  264 , as shown. In path  262 , a low pass filter operation (here shown as a one pole, 20 Hz low pass filter) first occurs at step  266  to produce power signal  266   a . Two comparators compare power signal  266   a  to thresholds, at step  268 , to generate two signals  270  used to identify possible takeoffs and landings for an airtime event. In path  264 , a low pass filter operation (here shown as a one pole 2 Hz low pass filter) first occurs at step  272  to produce power signal  272   a . Three comparators compare power signal  272   a  to thresholds, at step  274 , to generate three “confidence” signals  276  used to assess confidence of takeoffs and landings for an airtime event. Finally, a state machine  280 , described in more detail in  FIG. 12 , evaluates signals  270 ,  276  to generate airtime events  278 .  
         [0245]     Those skilled in the art should appreciate that the airtime detection scheme of  FIG. 11  also may be used for other detectors, such as those in the form of piezoelectric strips and microphones, without departing from the scope of the invention.  
         [0246]      FIG. 12  schematically shows state machine logic  280  used to report and identify airtime events, in accord with the invention. State machine  280  includes several processes, including determining motion  282 , determining potential takeoffs  284  (e.g., of the type determined along path  262 ,  FIG. 11 ), determining takeoff confirmations  286  (e.g., of the type determined along path  264 ,  FIG. 11 ), determining potential landings  288  (e.g., of the type determined along path  262 ,  FIG. 11 ), and determining landing confirmations  290  (e.g., of the type determined along path  264 ,  FIG. 11 ). Logic flow between processes  282 ,  284 ,  286 ,  288 ,  290  occurs as illustrated and annotated according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.  
         [0247]     In summary, the relative fast signal from fast-signal path  262 ,  FIG. 11 , isolates potential takeoffs and potential landings from data  252  with timing accuracy (defined by filter  266 ) that meets airtime accuracy specifications, e.g., 1/100 th  of a second. The drawback of detections along path  262  is that it may react to accelerometer signal fluctuations that do not represent real events, which may occur with a ski click in the middle of an airtime jump by a skier. This problem is solved by confirming potential takeoffs and landings with confirmation takeoffs and landings triggered by a slower signal, i.e., along path  264 . The slower signal  272   a  is thus used to confirm landings and takeoffs, but is not used for timing because it does not have sufficient time resolution.  
         [0248]     An accelerometer signal described in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12  is preferably sensitive to the vertical axis (i.e., the axis perpendicular to the direction of motion, e.g., typically the direction of forward velocity, such as the direction down a hill for a snowboarder) to produce a raw acceleration signal (i.e., data  252 ,  FIG. 11 ) for processing. Other accelerometer orientations can also be used effectively. The raw acceleration signal may for example be sampled at high frequencies (e.g., 4800 Hz) and then acted upon by the algorithm of  FIG. 11 . With a stream of accelerometer data, the algorithm produces an output stream of time-tagged airtime events.  
         [0249]      FIG. 13  graphically shows representative accelerometer data  300  captured by a device of the invention and covering an airtime event  302 . Event  302  occurs between takeoff  304  and landing  306 , both determined through the algorithm of  FIG. 11 . Data representing power signals  266   a  and  272   a  are also shown. A ski click  310  illustrating the importance of signals  266   a ,  272   a  shows how the invention prevents identification of ski click  310  as a landing or second takeoff.  
         [0250]     Data transmission from a sensor (e.g., a MMD) to a display unit (e.g., a receiver) is generally at least 99.9% reliable. In the case of one-way communication, a redundant transmission protocol is preferably used to cover for lost data transmissions. Communications are also preferably optimized so as to reduce battery consumption. One way to reduce battery consumption is to synchronize transmission with reception. The “transmission period” (the period between one transmission and the next), the size of the storage buffer in sensor memory, and the number of times data is repeated (defining a maximum age of an event) are adjustable to achieve battery consumption goals.  
         [0251]     A state diagram for transmission protocols between one sensor and display unit, utilizing one-way transmission, is shown in  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 14A .  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 14A  specifically show the operational state transitions for the sensor (chart  273 ) and display unit (chart  274 ) with respect to transmission protocols, in one embodiment of the invention. The numerical times provided in  FIG. 14  are illustrative, without limitation, and may be adjusted to optimize performance. As those skilled in the art should appreciate, alternative protocols may be used in accord with the invention between sensors and receivers. With reference to  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 14A , the display unit is generally in a low power mode unless receiving data, to conserve power in the display unit. To accomplish this, transmissions between the sensor and display unit are synchronized such that the display unit knows when the sensor can next transmit. When the sensor has no data to transmit, there preferably is no transmission; however, synchronization is still maintained by short transmissions. Synchronization need not be performed at each transmission period, but preferably at a suitably spaced multiple of the transmission period. The period between synchronization-only transmissions is then determined by the amount of clock drift between the display unit and the sensor unit. The sync-only transmission may include the power up sequence and the sync byte, such that the display unit maintains sync with sensor transmissions. The transmission period is preferably selectable by software for both the sensor and the display unit.  
         [0252]     By way of example, one sensor unit is monitor device  10  of  FIG. 1 , and one display unit is receiver  24  of  FIG. 1 . When the sensor and receiver function as a pair, the sensor unit preferably has an identification (ID) number communicated to the display unit in transmission so that the display unit only decodes data from one particular sensor.  
         [0253]     Preferably, the display unit determines the sync pattern for sensor transmissions by active listening until receipt of a synchronization or data transmission with the matching sensor ID. Once a valid transmission from the matching sensor is received, the display unit calculates the time of the next possible transmission and controls the display unit accordingly. When the sensor is a MMD used to determine airtime, and the sensor does not necessarily have a real time clock; data sent to the display unit includes airtime values with time information as to when the airtime occurred. As this sensor does not necessarily maintain a real time clock, the time information sent from the sensor is relative to the packet transmission time. Preferably, the display unit, which has a real time clock, will convert the relative time into an absolute time such that airtime as an event is tagged with appropriate time and/or date information.  
         [0254]     The amount of data communicated between the sensor and display unit varies. By way of example, for typical skier and snowboarder operation, an airtime event covering the 0-5 second range with a resolution of 1/100 th  second is generally adequate. The coding of such airtime events can use nine data bits. Ten bits allow for measurement of up to approximately ten seconds, if desired. For an age, where the resolution of age is one second (i.e., a time stamp resolution) and the maximum age of a repeat transmission is fifteen seconds, four bits are used. Data transmission also typically has overhead, such as startup time, synchronization byte, sensor ID used to verify correct sensor reception, a product identifier to allow backwards compatibility in future receivers, a count of the number of data items in the packet, and, following the actual data, a checksum to gain confidence in the received data. This overhead is approximately six bytes in length. To reduce the effect of overhead, stored data in the sensor is preferably sent in one message. An airtime event for example can be stored in the sensor until transmitted with the desired redundancy, after which it is typically discarded. Thus, the number of airtime events included in a transmission depends upon the number of items still in the sensor&#39;s buffer (e.g., in memory  20 ,  FIG. 1 ). When the buffer is empty, there is, generally, no data transmission.  
         [0255]     A typical data transmission can for example include: &lt;P/up&gt; &lt;Sync&gt;&lt;Sensor ID&gt; &lt;Product ID&gt; &lt;Count&gt; [&lt;Age&gt; &lt;Airtime&gt;] &lt;Checksum&gt;. &lt;P/up&gt; is the power-up time for the transmitter. A character may be transmitted during power up to aid the transmitter startup, and help the receiver start to synchronize on the signal. The &lt;Sync&gt; character is sent so that the receiver can recognize the start of a new message. &lt;Sensor ID&gt; defines each sensor with a unique ID number such that the display unit can selectively use data from a matching sensor. &lt;Product ID&gt; defines each sensor with a product ID to allow for backward compatibility in future receivers. &lt;Count&gt; defines how many age/airtime values are included in a message. The &lt;Age&gt; field provides the age of an associated airtime value, which may be used by the display unit to identify when an airtime is retransmitted. &lt;Airtime&gt; is the actual airtime value. &lt;Checksum&gt; provides verification that the data was received correctly.  
         [0256]     A sensor&#39;s buffer length should accommodate the maximum number of airtime jumps for the duration of retransmissions. By way of example, transmissions can be restricted so that no more than one jump every three seconds is recognized; and retransmissions should generally finish within a selected time interval (e.g., six seconds). Therefore, this exemplary sensor need only store two airtime events at any one time. The buffer length is preferably configurable, and can for example be set to hold four or more airtime events.  
         [0257]     Transmission electronics within the sensor and display units may use a UART, meaning that data is defined in byte-sized quantities. As those skilled in the art understand, alternative transmission protocols can utilize bit level resolution to further reduce transmission length.  
         [0258]     By way of example, consider an airtime event of 1.72 seconds, occurring 2.1 seconds before start of transmission. In accord with  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 14A , the transmitted data would be as follows:  
         [0259]     &lt;P/up&gt; &lt;Sync&gt; &lt;Sensor ID&gt; &lt;Product ID&gt; &lt;Count&gt; [&lt;Age&gt; &lt;Airtime&gt;]&lt;Checksum&gt; &lt;0xAA&gt; &lt;0xAD&gt; &lt;0x12&gt;&lt;0x01&gt;&lt;0x01&gt;&lt;0x02&gt;&lt;0x 158&gt;&lt;0x21&gt; 
         [0260]     Assuming that the age and airtime data are combined into two bytes, and that &lt;P/up&gt; is one byte in length, the entire packet is eight bytes in length. At a transmission speed of 1200 baud, a typical transmission speed between a sensor and receiver, the eight bytes takes 67 ms to transmit. Assuming sequential transmission periods of 500 ms, the transmission duty cycle is 13.4% for a single jump.  
         [0261]     Those skilled in the art should appreciate that alternatives from the above-described protocols may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In one alternative, pseudo random transmissions are used between a sensor and receiver. If for example two sensors are together, and transmitting, the transmissions may interfere with one another if both transmissions synchronously overlap. Therefore, in situations like this, a pseudo random transmission interval may be used, and preferably randomized by the unique sensor identification number &lt;Sensor ID&gt;. If both the display unit and the sensor follow the same sequence, they can remain in complete sync. Accordingly, a collision of one transmission (by two adjacent sensors) will likely not occur on the next transmission. In another alternative, it may also be beneficial for the receiver to define a bit pattern for the &lt;Sync&gt; byte that does not occur anywhere else in the transmitted data, such as used, for example, with the HDLC bit stuffing protocol. In another alternative, it may be beneficial to use an error correction protocol, instead of retransmissions, to reduce overall data throughput. In still another alternative, a more elaborate checksum is used to reduce the risk of processing invalid data.  
         [0262]     In still another alternative, a “Hamming Code” may be used in the transmission protocol. Hamming codes are typically used with continuous streams of data, such as for a CD player, or for the system described in connection with  FIG. 8 ; however they are not generally used with event or timed sequence transmissions described in connection with  FIG. 14 . Nevertheless, Hamming codes may make the data paths more robust. The wireless receiver in the display unit may take a finite time in start-up before it can receive each message. Since a further goal of the transmission protocol is generally to reduce the overall number of transmissions from the sensor, it may be beneficial to add additional data to the transmission and send it fewer times rather than to retransmit data several times. For example, rather than sending all buffered airtime values with each transmission, two data items can be sent, together with a count of airtimes in the sensor buffer, and a sum of the airtimes. If the display unit misses one airtime (e.g., determined by the count value), it can use the sum value received and the summation of the airtimes it has previously received to determine the missing airtime. A similar scheme can be used for age values so as to determine the time of the missing airtime.  
         [0263]     The display unit receiver is typically in the physical form of a watch, pager, cell phone or PDA; and, further, receivers also typically have corresponding functionality. By way of example, one receiver is a cell phone that additionally functions as a receiver to read and interpret data from a MMD. Furthermore, a display unit is preferably capable of receiving and displaying more than one movement metric. As such, data packets described above preferably include the additional metric data, e.g., containing both impact and airtime event data. Display units of the invention preferably have versatile attachment options, such as to facilitate attachment to a wrist (e.g., via a watch or Velcro strap for over clothing), a neck (e.g., via a necklace), or body (e.g., by a strap or belt).  
         [0264]     Sensors such as the monitor devices described above, and corresponding display unit receivers, preferably have certain characteristics, and such as to accommodate extreme temperature, vibration and shock environments. One representative sensor and receiver used to determine airtime in action sports can for example have the following non-limiting characteristics: sensor attaches to a flat surface (e.g., to snowboard, ski, wakeboard); sensor stays attached during normal aggressive use; display unit attachable to outside of clothing or gear; waterproof; display unit battery life three months or more; sensor battery life one week or more of continuous use; on/off functionality by switch or automatic operation; characters displayed at data unit visible from a minimum of eighteen inches; minimum data comprehension time for data minimum of 0.5 second; last airtime data accessible with no physical interaction; one second maximum time delay for display of airtime data after jump; displayed data readable in sunlight; displayed data includes time and/or date information of airtime; user selection of accumulated airtime; display unit provides real time information; display unit operable with a maximum of two buttons; physical survivability for five foot drop onto concrete; scratch and stomp resistant; no sharp edges; minimum data precision 1/30 th  second; minimum data accuracy ⅕ th  second; minimum data resolution 1/100 th  second; minimum data reliability 999/1000 messages received; algorithm performance less than one percent false positive and less then two percent false negative indications per day; and temperature range minimum of −10 C-60 C.  
         [0265]     Those skilled in the art should appreciate that the above description of communication protocols of “airtime” between sensor and receiver can be applied to monitor devices sensing other metrics, e.g., temperature, without departing from the scope of the invention.  
         [0266]     By way of example,  FIG. 15  shows functional blocks  320 ,  322 ,  324 ,  326 ,  328 ,  330  of one sensor of the invention. The sensor&#39;s algorithm analyses signals from an internal detector and determines an event such as airtime. This event information is stored and made ready for transmission to the display unit.  FIG. 16  shows functional blocks  332 ,  334 ,  336 ,  338 ,  340 ,  342 ,  344  of one display unit of the invention. Transmission protocols between functional blocks  326 ,  332  ensure that data is received reliably. The internal detector of the sensor of  FIG. 15  for example is an accelerometer oriented to measure acceleration in the Z direction (i.e., perpendicular to the X, Y plane of motion). Signals generated from the detector are sampled at a suitable frequency, at block  320 , and then processed by an event algorithm, at block  322 . The algorithm applies filters and control logic to determine event, e.g., the takeoff and landing times for airtime events. Event data such as airtime is passed to the data storage at block  324 . Data is stored to meet transmission protocol requirements; preferably, data is stored in a cyclic buffer, and once all data transmissions are performed, the data is discarded. Transmission can be performed by a UART, at block  326 , where data content is arranged to provide sufficient robustness. Power control at block  328  monitors signal activity level to determine if the sensor should be in ‘operating’ mode, or in ‘sleep’ mode. Sleep mode preserves the battery to obtain a greater operative life. While in sleep mode, the processor wakes periodically to check for activity. Timing and control at block  330  maintains timing and scheduling of software components.  
         [0267]     With regard to  FIG. 16 , receiver message handler at block  332  performs data reconstruction and duplication removal from transmission protocols. Resulting data items are sent to data management and storage at block  334 . Stored data ensures that the user can select desired information for display, at block  336 . The display driver preferably performs additional data processing, such as in displaying Total Lists (e.g., values representing cumulative of a metric), Best lists (e.g., values representing the best or highest or lowest metric), and Current Lists (e.g., values representing latest metric). These lists are filled automatically, but may be cleared or reset by the user. Buttons typically control the display unit, at block  338 . Button inputs by users are scanned for user input, with corresponding information passed to the user interface/menu control block  344 . The display driver of block  336  selects and formats data for display, and sends it to the receiver&#39;s display device (e.g., an LCD). This information may also include menu items to allow the user select, or perform functions on, stored data, or to select different operation modes. A real time clock of block  340  maintains the current time and date even when the display is inactive. The time and date is used to time stamp event data (e.g., an airtime event). Timing and control at block  342  maintains timing and scheduling of various software components. User interface at block  344  accepts input from the button interface, to select data items for display. A user preferably can scroll through menu items, or data lists, as desired.  
         [0268]      FIG. 17  shows one housing suitable for use with a monitor device (e.g., a MMD) of the invention. The housing is shown with three pieces: a top element  362 , a bottom element  364 , and an o-ring  366 . As shown in  FIG. 18 , elements  362 ,  364  form a watertight seal with o-ring  366  to form an internal cavity that contains and protects sensor electronics  368  (e.g., detector  12 , processor  14 , communications port  16  of  FIG. 1 ) disposed within the cavity. Batteries  370  power sensor electronics  368 , such as described in connection with  FIGS. 3F, 3G . In combination, the housing is preferably small, with volume dimensions less than about 35 mm×15 mm×15 mm. Generally, one dimension of the housing is longer than the other dimensions, as illustrated; though this is not required.  
         [0269]      FIG. 19  shows an alternative housing  372  suitable for use with a sensor (e.g., a MMD) of the invention. Housing  372  is shown with three pieces: a top element  374 , a bottom element  376 , and an o-ring  378 . As above, elements  374 ,  376  form a watertight seal with o-ring  378  to form an internal cavity that contains and protects sensor electronics disposed therein.  FIG. 19  also shows housing  372  coupled to sensor bracket  380 . A mating screw  382  passes through housing  372 , as shown, and through sensor bracket  380  for attachment to a vehicle attachment bracket.  FIG. 20  illustrates one vehicle attachment bracket  390 ;  FIG. 21  illustrates another vehicle attachment bracket  400 . Mating screw  382  preferably has a large head  382   a  so that human fingers can efficiently manipulate screw  382 , thereby attaching and detaching housing  372  from the vehicle attachment bracket, and, thereby, from the underlying vehicle. Screw  382  also preferably clamps together elements  374 ,  376 ,  378  at a single location to seal sensor electronics within housing  372 .  
         [0270]     Bracket  390  of  FIG. 20  attaches directly to vehicle  392 . Vehicle  392  is for example a sport vehicle such as a snowboard, ski, wakeboard, or skateboard. Vehicle  392  may also be part of a car or motorcycle. A surface  394  of vehicle  392  may be flat; and thus bracket  390  preferably has a corresponding flat surface so that bracket  390  is efficiently bonded, glued, screwed, or otherwise attached to surface  394 . Bracket  390  also has screw hole  396  into which mating screw  382  threads to, along direction  399 .  
         [0271]      FIG. 21  shows one alternative vehicle attachment bracket  400 . Bracket  400  has an L-shape to facilitate attachment to bicycle frame  398 . Frame  398  is for example part of a bicycle or mountain biking sports vehicle. A seat  402  is shown for purposes of illustration. Bracket  400  has a screw hole  404  into which mating screw  382  threads to, along direction  406 . Sensor outline  408  illustrates how housing  372  may attach to bracket  400 .  
         [0272]     Brackets  380 ,  390 ,  400  illustrate how sensors of the invention may beneficially attach to sporting vehicles of practically any shape, and with low profile once attached thereto. The brackets of the invention preferably conform to the desired vehicle and provide desired orientations for the sensor within its housing. By way of example, L-shaped bracket  400  may be used to effectively orient a sensor to bike  398 . If for example the sensor includes a two-axis accelerometer as the detector, with sensitive axes  410 ,  412  arranged as shown, then vehicle vibration substantially perpendicular to ground (i.e., ground being the plane of movement for the vehicle, illustrated by vector A) may be detected in sensor orientations illustrated by attachment of housing  372  to attachments  390 ,  400  of FIGS.  20  and  21 , respectively. In addition, such an arrangement provides for mounting the sensor to a vehicle with a low profile extending from the vehicle.  
         [0273]     Vehicle attachment brackets (and sensor brackets) are preferably made with sturdy material, e.g., Aluminum, such that, once attached to a vehicle (e.g., vehicle  390  or  398 ), the vibration characteristics of the underlying vehicle transmit through to the housing attached thereto; the sensor within the housing may then monitor movement signals (e.g., vibration of the vehicle, generally generated perpendicular to “A” in  FIG. 20  and  FIG. 21 ) directly and with little signal loss or degradation.  
         [0274]      FIG. 22  shows housing  374  from a lower perspective view, and specifically shows sensor bracket  380  configured with back connecting elements  376   a  of housing element  376 .  FIG. 23  further illustrates bracket  380 .  FIG. 24  further illustrates element  374 , including screw hole  374   a  for mating screw  382 , and in forming part of the cavity  374   b  for sensor electronics.  FIG. 25  further illustrates element  376 , including screw aperture  376   b  for mating screw  382 . Elements  376 ,  374  may optionally be joined together via attachment channels  377 , with screws or alignment pins.  
         [0275]      FIG. 26  shows one housing  384  for a monitor device of the invention. Housing  384  is preferably made from mold urethane and includes a top portion  384   a  and bottom portion  384   b . An o-ring (not shown) between portions  384   a ,  384   b  serves to keep electronics within housing  384  dry and free from environmental forces external to housing  384 .  FIG. 27  shows the inside of top portion  384   a ;  FIG. 28  shows the inside of bottom portion  384   b ; and  FIG. 29  shows one monitor device  386 , constructed according to the invention, for operational placement within housing  384 . Portions  384   a ,  384   b  are clamped together by screw attachment channels  388 . In  FIG. 29 , device  386  includes batteries  389   a ,  389   b  used to power a radio-frequency transmitter  390  and other electronics coupled with PCB  391 . Data from device  386  is communicated to remote receivers through antenna  392 . When transmitter  390  is a 433 MHz transmitter, for example, antenna  392  is preferably coil-shaped, as shown, running parallel to the short axis  393  of PCB  391  and about 4.5 mm above the non-battery edge  394  of PCB  391 . Coil antenna  392  is preferably about 15 mm long along length  392   a  and about 5.5 mm in diameter along width  392   b ; and coil antenna  392  is preferably made from about 20 turns  392   c  of enameled copper wire. Antenna  392  may be coupled to housing  384  via protrusions  385 . The o-ring between portions  384   a ,  384   b  may be placed on track  386 .  
         [0276]      FIG. 30 ,  FIG. 31  and  FIG. 32  collectively illustrate one mounting system for attaching monitor devices of the invention to objects with flat surfaces.  FIG. 30  shows a plate  396  that is preferably injection molded using a tough metal replacement material such as the Verton™. Plate  396  is preferably permanently secured to the flat surface (e.g., to a ski or snowboard) with 3M VHB tape or other glue or screw. Skis, bicycles, and other vehicles use a corresponding shaped plate that accepts the same sensor.  FIG. 31  shows plate  396  in perspective view with a monitor device  397  of the invention.  FIG. 32  shows an end view illustrating how plate  396  couples with device  397 , and particularly with a lower portion  397   a  of device  397 .  
         [0277]      FIG. 33  shows a top view of a long-life accelerometer sensor  420  constructed according to the invention. Sensor  420  can for example be a MMD. Accelerometer sensor  420  includes a PCB  422 , a processor  424  (preferably with internal memory  424   a ; memory  424   a  may be FLASH), a coin cell battery  426 , a plurality of g-quantifying moment arms  428   a - e , and communications module  430 . PCB  422  has a matching plurality of contacts  432   a - e , which sometimes connect in circuit with corresponding moment arms  428   a - e . In one embodiment, module  430  is a transponder or RFID tag with internal FLASH memory  430   a . The five moment arms  428   a - e  and contacts  432   a - e  are shown for illustrative purposes; fewer arm and contacts can be provided with accelerometer sensor, as few as one to four or more than five.  
         [0278]     Battery  426  serves to power sensor  420 . PCB  422  and processor  424  serve to collect data from accelerometer(s)  428   a - e  when one or more contact with contacts  432   a - e . Communications module  430  serves to transmit data from sensor  422  to a receiver, such as in communications ports  16 ,  26 . Operation of accelerometer sensor  420  is described with discussion of  FIG. 34 .  
         [0279]     In illustrative example of operation of sensor  420 , moment arm  428   d  moves in direction  434   a  when force moves arm  428   d  in the other direction  434   b . Once arm  428   d  moves far enough (corresponding to space  436 ), then arm  428   d  contacts contact  432   d . At that point, a circuit is completed between arm  428   d , processor  424  and battery  426 , such as through track lines  438   a ,  438   b  connecting, respectively, contact  432   d  and arm  428   d  to other components with PCB  422 . A certain amount of force is required to move arm  428   d  to contact  432   d ; arm  428   d  is preferably constructed in such a way that that force is known. For example, arm  428   d  can be made to touch contact  432   d  in response to 10 g of force in direction  434   a . Other arms  428   a - c ,  428   e  have different lengths (or at least different masses) so that they respond to different forces  434  to make contact with respective contacts  432 . In this way, the array of moment arms  428  quantize several g&#39;s for accelerometer  100 .  
         [0280]     In the preferred embodiment, processor  424  includes A/D functionality and has a “sleep” mode, such as the “pic” 16F873 by MICROCHIP. Accordingly, accelerometer sensor  422  draws very little current during sleep mode and only wakes up to record contacts between arms  428  and contacts  432 . The corresponding battery life of accelerometer sensor  422  is then very long since the only “active” component is processor  424 —which is only active for very short period outside of sleep mode. Communications module is also active for just a period required to transmit data from sensor  420 .  
         [0281]     Processor  424  thus stores data events for the plurality of moment arms  428 . By way of example, moment arms  428   a - e  can be made to complete the circuit with contacts  432  at 25 g (arm  428   e ), 20 g (arm  428   d ), 15 g (arm  428   c ), 10 g (arm  428   b ) and 5 g (arm  428   a ), and processor  424  stores results from the highest g measured by any one arm  428 . For example, if the accelerometer sensor experiences a force  434   b  of 20 g, then each of arms  428   e ,  428   d ,  428   c  and  428   b  touch respective contacts  432 ; however only the largest result ( 20   g  for arm  428   b ) needs to be recorded since the other arms ( 428   e - c ) cannot measure above their respective g ratings. Longer length arms  428  generally measure less force due to their increased responsiveness to force. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that arms  428  can be made with different masses, and even with the same length, to provide the same function as shown in  FIGS. 33 and 34 .  
         [0282]     Data events from arms  428  may be recorded in memory  424   a  or  430   a . If for example communications module  430  is a transponder or RFID tag, with internal FLASH memory  430   a , then data is preferably stored in memory  430   a  when accelerometer sensor  420  wakes up; data is then off-loaded to a receiver interrogating transponder from memory  430   a . Alternatively, processor  424  has memory  424   a  and event data is stored there. Module  430  might also be an RF transmitter that wirelessly transmits data off-board at predetermined intervals.  
         [0283]      FIG. 35  shows a circuit  440  illustrating operation of accelerometer sensor  420 . Processor  424  is minimally powered by battery  426  through PCB  422 , and is generally in sleep mode until a signal is generated by one or more moment arms  428  with corresponding contacts  432 . Each arm and contact combination  428 ,  432  serve to sense quantized g loads, as described above, and to initiate an “event” recording at processor  424 , the event being generated when the g loads are met. Processor  424  then stores or causes data transmission of the time tagged g load events similar to the monitor device and receiver of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0284]      FIG. 36  shows a runner speedometer system  450  constructed according to the invention. A sensor  452  is located with each running shoe  454 . For purpose of illustration, shoes  454 A,  454 B are shown at static locations “A” and “B”, corresponding to sequential landing locations of shoes  454 . In reality, however, shoes  454  are not stationary while running, and typically they do not simultaneously land on ground  456  as they appear in  FIG. 36 . Sensor  452 A is located with shoe  454 A; sensor  452 B is located with shoe  454 B. Sensors  452  may be within each shoe  454  or attached thereto. Sensors  452 A,  452 B cooperatively function as a proximity sensor configured to determine stride distance  461  between sensors  452 , while running. One or both of sensors  452  have an antenna  458  and internal transmitter (not shown). A sensor  452  can for example be a monitor device such as shown in  FIG. 1 , where detector  12  is the proximity sensor and the transmitter is the communications port  16 . Receiver  462  is preferably in the form of a runner&#39;s watch with an antenna  466  and a communications port (e.g., port  26 ,  FIG. 1 ) to receive signals from sensor(s)  452 . Receiver  462  also preferably includes a processor and driver to drive a display  468 . Receiver  462  can for example have elements  14 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  16  of device  10  of  FIG. 1 . Receiver  462  preferably provides real time clock information in addition to other functions such as displaying speed and distance data described herein.  
         [0285]     In the preferred embodiment, sensors  452  internally process proximity data to calculate velocity and/or distance as “event” data, and then wirelessly communicate the event data to receiver  462 . Alternatively, proximity data is relayed to receiver  462  without further calculation at sensors  452 . Calculations to determine distance or velocity performed by a runner using shoes  454  can be accomplished in sensor(s)  452  or in receiver  462 , or in combination between the two. Distance is determined by a maximum separation between sensors  452  for a stride; preferably, that maximum distance is scaled by a preselected value determined by empirical methods, since the maximum distance between sensors  452 A,  452 B determined while running is not generally equal to the actual separation  461  between successive foot landings (i.e., while running, only one of shoes  454  is on the ground at any one time typically, and so the maximum running separation is less than actual footprint separation  461 —the scaling value accounts for this difference and calibrates system  450 ).  
         [0286]     Velocity is then determined by the maximum stride distance (and preferably scaled to the preselected value) divided by the time associated with shoe  454  impacting ground  456 . An accelerometer may be included with sensor  452  to assist in determining impacts corresponding to striking ground  456 , and hence the time between adjacent impacts for shoe positions A and B. Events may be queued and transmitted in bursts to receiver  462 ; however events are typically communicated at each occurrence. Events are preferably time tagged, as described above, to provide additional timing detail at receiver  462 .  
         [0287]      FIG. 37  shows an alternative runner speedometer system  480  constructed according to the invention. A sensor  482  is located with one running shoe  484 . For purpose of illustration, shoe  484  is shown at two distinct but separate static locations “A” and “B”, corresponding to successive landing locations of shoe  484 . In reality, shoe  484  is not stationary while running, and also does not simultaneously land at two separate locations A, B on ground  486  as it appears in  FIG. 37 . Shoe  484  can correspond to the left or right foot of a runner using system  480 . Sensor  482  is located with shoe  484 ; it may be within shoe  484  or attached thereto. Sensor  482  has an accelerometer oriented along axis  490 , direction  490  being generally oriented towards the runner&#39;s direction of motion  491 . Sensor  482  has an antenna  488  and internal transmitter (not shown). Sensor  482  can for example be a monitor device such as shown in  FIG. 1 , where detector  12  is the accelerometer oriented with sensitivity along direction  490 , and the transmitter is the communications port  16 . Sensor  482  transmits travel or acceleration data to receiver  492 . Receiver  492  is preferably in the form of a runner&#39;s watch with an antenna  496  and a communications port (e.g., port  26 ,  FIG. 1 ) to receive signals from sensor  482 . Receiver  492  also preferably includes a processor and driver to drive a display  498 . Receiver  492  can for example have elements  14 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  16  of device  10  of  FIG. 1 . Receiver  492  preferably provides real time clock information in addition to other functions such as displaying speed and distance data described herein.  
         [0288]     In one embodiment, sensor  482  transmits continuous acceleration data to receiver  492 ; and receiver  492  calculates velocity and/or distance based upon the data, as described in more detail below. Sensor  492  thus operates much like a MMD  150  described in  FIG. 8 , and receiver  492  processes real time feeds of acceleration data to determine speed and/or distance. In the preferred embodiment, however, sensor  482  internally processes acceleration data from its accelerometer(s) to calculate velocity and/or distance as “event” data; it then wirelessly communicates the event data to receiver  492  as wireless data  493 . Events are preferably queued and transmitted in bursts to receiver  492 ; however events are typically communicated at each occurrence (i.e., after each set of successive steps from A to B). Events are preferably time tagged, as described above, to provide additional timing detail at receiver  492 .  
         [0289]     Generally, sensor  482  calculates a velocity and/or distance event after sensing two “impacts.” Impacts  500  are shown in  FIG. 38 . Each impact is detected by the sensor&#39;s accelerometer; when shoe  484  strikes ground  486  during running, a shock is transmitted through shoe  484  and sensor  482 ; and sensor  482  detects that impact  500 . An additional accelerometer in sensor  482 , oriented with sensitivity perpendicular to motion direction  491 , may also be included to assist in detecting the impact; however even one accelerometer oriented along motion direction  490  receives jarring motion typically sufficient to determine impact  500 .  
         [0290]     Alternatively, sensor  482  calculates velocity and/or distance between successive low motion regions  502 . Regions  502  correspond to when shoe is relatively stationary (at least along direction  491 ) after landing on ground  486  and prior to launching into the air.  
         [0291]     Once impact  500  or low motion region  502  is determined within sensor  482 , sensor  482  integrates acceleration data generated by its internal accelerometer until the next impact or low motion region to determine velocity; a double integration of the acceleration data may also be processed to determine distance. Preferably, data from the sensor accelerometer is processed through a low pass filter. Preferably, that filter is an analog filter with a pole of about 50 Hz (those skilled in the art should appreciate that other filters can be used). However, generally only velocity is calculated within sensor  482 ; and distance is calculated in receiver  492  based on the velocity information and time T between impacts  500  (or low motion regions  502 ) of sensor  482 . Preferably, velocity is only calculated over the time interval T i  between each impact  500 . Velocity may alternatively be calculated over an interval that is shorter than T, such that runner velocity is scaled to velocity over the lesser interval. The shorter interval is useful in that acceleration data is sometimes more consistent over the shorter interval, and thus much more appropriate as a scalable gauge for velocity. Given the short time of T, very little drift of accelerometer data occurs, and velocity may be determined sufficiently. T i  is typically less than about one second, and is typically about ½ second or less.  
         [0292]     Briefly, the processor within sensor  482  samples accelerometer data within each “T” period, or portion of the T period, and integrates that data to determine velocity. The initial velocity starting from each impact  500  (or low motion region  502 ) is approximately zero. If A i  represents one sample of accelerometer data, and the sampling rate of the processor is 200 Hz (i.e., preferably a rate higher than the low pass filter), then A i /200 represents the velocity for one sample period ( 1/200 second) of the processor. Data  504  illustrates data A i  over time t. Since T (in seconds)*200 samples=x samples are taken for each period T, then the sum of all of the A i /200 for each of the x samples, divided by the number x, determines average velocity over period T. For integrations over a period that is less than T, fewer samples (less than x) are used to calculate velocity.  
         [0293]     Sensor  482  calculates and transmits its velocity data to receiver  492 . Velocity data V 1  corresponds to period T 1 , velocity data V 2  corresponds to period T 2 , and so on. Generally, because of processing time, sensor  482  in this example transmits V 1  in period T 2 , transmits V 2  during period T 3 , and so on. Receiver  492  averages V i , over time, and communicates the average to the runner in useful units, e.g., 10 mph or 15 kmph.  
         [0294]     Note that if only one accelerometer is provided with each shoe  484 , then calibration of velocity Vi may be made for sensor  452  by calibration against a known reference, e.g., by running after a car or running on a treadmill. More particularly, since the accelerometer is oriented in various ways during a period T, other than along direction  491 , then errors are induced due to the acceleration of gravity and other forces. However, since V i  is reported sequentially to receiver  492 , a correction factor may be applied to these velocities prior to display on display  498 . By way of example, if one runner substantially maintains his shoes  484  level, such that accelerometers in sensors  492  maintain a constant orientation along direction  491  during period T, then the reported V i  reasonably approximates actual velocity over that period. However if the runner points his shoes with toe towards ground  486 , during period T, then only a component of the detected acceleration vector is oriented along direction  491 . However, by calibrating system  480  against a known reference, a substantially true velocity for each period T may be obtained. Moreover, shoe sensor  482  can have a different adjustment factor applied for different gaits (e.g., jogging or running, as shoe orientations during period T may vary for different gaits).  
         [0295]     Generally, a calibration for velocity is made at least once for each shoe using the invention, to account for variations in electronic components and other effects. Calibration also adjusts for the gait of the runner in orienting the accelerometer relative to ground  486 . Preferably, like several of the MMDs described herein, a battery powers sensor  482 ; and that battery can be replaced once depleted. Implanting the MMD within shoe  484  is beneficial in that a fixed orientation, relative to direction  491 , is made at each landing.  
         [0296]     To alleviate the problems associated with acceleration errors, one preferred sensor  482 ′ for a shoe  484 ′ is shown in  FIG. 39 . Sensor  482 ′ is shown in a side cross sectional view (not to scale); and motion direction  491 ′ of the runner is shown in relation to accelerometer orientation axes  506   a ,  506   b  and ground  486 ′. Shoe  484 ′ is shown flat on (ground  486 ′ and generally having a sole orientation  487  also at angle θ relative to accelerometer axis  506   a . Sensor  482 ′ has at least a two-axis accelerometer  510  (or, alternatively, a three axis accelerometer, with the third axis oriented in direction  506   c ) as the sensor detector, with one axis  506   a  oriented at angle θ relative to ground  486 ′ (and hence relative to shoe sole  487  on ground  486 ′). Angle θ is chosen, preferably, such that accelerometer axis  506   a  maximally orients along axis  491 ′ while the runner runs. Specifically, since during a period T the toe of shoe  484 ′ tips towards ground  486 ′ while running, then angle θ approximately orients that accelerometer such that its sensitive axis  506   a  is parallel with axis  491 ′ for at least part of period T i . Angle θ can be approximately forty-five degrees. Other angles are also suitable; for example an angle θ of zero degrees is described in connection with  FIG. 37 , and other angles up to about seventy-five degrees may also function sufficiently. Axis  506   b  is preferably oriented with sensitivity perpendicular to orientation  506   a . Data from accelerometer  510  is communicated to low pass filter  511  and then to processor  512  where it is sampled as data A i, a, b, c  (a, b, c representing the two or three separate axes  506   a - c  of sensitivity for accelerometer  510 ). Data A i, a, b, c  is then used to (a) determine impacts  500  (and/or low motion regions  502 ), as above, and (b) determine V i  based upon A i, a, b, c  for any given period T i  (or for any part of a period T). Errors in V i  are corrected by processing the several components A i, a, b, c  of the acceleration data. If for example data A i, a  is “zero” for part of period T, then either the shoe is at constant velocity, or stopped; or if A i, a  is “one” then it is substantially oriented with the toe greatly tipped towards ground  486 ′, such that that accelerometer reads the acceleration due to gravity only. Data A i, b  may be used to determine which physical case it is, and to augment the whole A i  data stream in determining V i .  
         [0297]     Once processor  512  determines V i  for period T i , then communications port  514  transmits V i  to the user&#39;s watch receiver (e.g., receiver  492 ,  FIG. 37 ) as wireless data  515 . The watch receiver calculates a useful runner speed, e.g., 15 km/hour, and displays that to the user. Battery  516  powers sensor  482 ′.  
         [0298]     Note that the systems of  FIG. 36, 37 ,  39  provide other benefits associated with upward or downward movement and work functions. Such upward or downward movement, when determined, defines a change of potential energy that may be reported as work or caloric burn. For example, accelerometer  510  can include multiple axes, such that angle θ may be determined. By knowing vertical climb, even over short distances, a work function is created. An inclinometer or angle measurement may also be integrated into such systems, and work functions may also be determined on a hill. Certain MMDs of the invention include for example speed detectors (e.g., accelerometers or Doppler radar devices) to determine speed. By using the hill angle for the upward or downward movement, with speed, another work function is created associated with the climb or descent. Such a work function can add to caloric consumption calculations in fitness or biking applications. Such inventions are also useful in determining whether the climb occurred on a hill or on stairs, also assisting the work function calculation.  
         [0299]     There are several advantages of the invention of  FIGS. 36-39 . The prior art such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,052,654, incorporated by reference, describes a calculating pedometer; but the system does not automatically calculate speed and distance as the invention does. Another patent, U.S. Pat. No. 5,955,667, also incorporated herein by reference, requires the use of a tilt sensor or other mechanism that determines the angular orientation of accelerometers relative to a datum plane. The invention does not require tilt sensors or the continual determination of the angle of the accelerometers relative to a fresh datum plane.  
         [0300]      FIG. 40  shows one runner speedometer system  520  constructed according to the invention. System  520  includes a GPS monitor device  522 , accelerometer-based monitor device  524 , and wrist instrument  526 . Device  522  is similar to device  10  of  FIG. 1  except detector  12  is a GPS chipset receiving and decoding GPS signals. Device  522  has a processor (e.g., processor  12 ,  FIG. 1 ) that communicates with the chipset detector to determine speed and/or distance. Speed and/or distance can be accurately determined without knowing absolute location, as in the GPS sensors of the prior art. Speed and/or distance information is then wirelessly communicated, via its communications port, to wrist instrument  526  as wireless data  531 . Instrument  526  is preferably a digital watch with functionality such as receiver  24 ,  FIG. 1 . Preferably, device  522  clips into clothing pocket of the runner&#39;s shirt  530 . As described above, system  520  includes one or two accelerometer-based devices  524  in runner shoes  532 . Device(s)  524  in shoe(s)  532  augment GPS device  522  to improve speed and/or distance accuracy of system  520 ; however either device  522 ,  524  may be used without the other. Together, however, system  520  preferably provides approximately 99% or better accuracy (for speed and/or distance) under non-obscured sky conditions. Wrist instrument  526  collates data from GPS device  522  and accelerometer device(s)  524  to provide overall speed and distance traveled information, as well as desired timing and fitness data metrics.  
         [0301]     System  520  thus preferably has at least one MMD  524  attached to, or within, runner shoe  532 ; MMD  524  of the preferred embodiment includes at least one accelerometer arranged to detect forward acceleration of runner  525 . A processor within MMD  524  processes the forward acceleration to determine runner speed. Additional accelerometers in MMD  524  may be used, as described herein, to assist in determining speed with improved accuracy. In the preferred embodiment, MMD  524  wirelessly transmits speed as wireless data  527  to wrist instrument  526 , where speed is displayed for runner  525 . System  520  providing speed from a single MMD  524  can provide speed accuracy of about 97%. To improve accuracy, a second MMD  524  (not shown) is attached to, or placed within, a second shoe  532 ; the second MMD  524  also determining runner speed. Speed information from a second shoe  532   b  is thus combined with speed information from shoe  532   a  to provide improved speed accuracy to runner  525 ; for example, the two speeds from shoes  532   a ,  532   b  are averaged. System  520  providing speed from a pair of MMDs  524  can provide speed accuracy of better than 97%.  
         [0302]     System  520  works as a runner speedometer with MMD  524  (or multiple MMDs  524 , one in each shoe  532 ). However, to improve accuracy of speed delivered to runner  525 , a GPS chip device  522  is attached to clothing  530  of runner  525 . Device  522  may for example be placed within a pocket of clothing  530 , the pocket being in the shoulder region so that device  522  has a good view of the sky. Device  522  processes successive GPS signals to determine a speed based upon successive positions. System  520  utilizing device  522  thus provides enhanced speed to runner  525  when using device  522 . Speed from device  522  is communicated to wrist instrument  526  where it is displayed for runner  525 . Preferably, instrument  526  uses speed from device  522  when speed data is consistent and approximately similar to speed data from MMD  524 . Instrument  526  alternatively combines speed data from device  522  and device  524  to provide a composite speed. If device  522  is obscured, so GPS signals are not available, then system  520  provides speed to runner  525  solely from MMD  524  (or multiple MMDs  524 , one in each shoe). As an alternative, device  522  can be integrated within a pocket in a hat worn by runner  525 , such that device  522  again has an un-obscured view of the sky.  
         [0303]      FIG. 41  shows a computerized bicycle system  540  constructed according to the invention. In use, system  540  determines caloric burn or “work” energy expended, among other functions described herein. System  540  includes fore/aft tilt sensor  542  and speed sensor  544 ; sensors  542 ,  544  determine then wirelessly transmit bicycle tilt information and speed information, respectively, and as wireless data  545 , to receiver and display  546 . A processor (not shown) in receiver and display  546  combines data from sensors  542 ,  544  to determine elevation change, and, hence, work energy (e.g., change of potential energy); receiver and display  546  then displays work energy to a user of bicycle system  540 . Work energy may be converted to caloric burn, in one embodiment of the invention. Sensor  542  may include a small gyroscope or an electrolytic type tilt device, known in the art, as the detector for measuring bicycle tilt. Speed sensor  544  is readily known in the art; however the combination of speed sensor  544  with other sensors of  FIG. 41  provides new and useful data accord with the invention.  
         [0304]     System  540  can additionally include crank torque measurement sensor  548 . Sensor  548  preferably includes a strain gauge connected with bicycle crank  550  to measure force applied to pedals  552  and wheels  554 . Preferably, a sensor  548  is applied to each pedal so that system  540  determines the full effort applied by the cyclist on any terrain. Sensor(s)  548  accumulate, process and transmit tension data to receiver and display  546 . System  540  can additionally include tension measurement sensor  556  used to measure tension of chain  558 . Sensor  556  similarly accumulates, processes and transmits tension data to receiver and display  546 . Device  546  preferably includes processing and memory elements (e.g., similar to receiver  231 ,  FIG. 10G ) to accumulate and process data from one or more of sensors  542 ,  544 ,  548 ,  556  in the desired way for a user of system  540 .  
         [0305]     As alternatives to system  540 , without departing from the scope of the invention, those skilled in the art should appreciate that (1) sensor  542  may be combined with either of sensor  544  or receiver  546 ; (2) sensors  542  and  544  may communicate through electrical wiring instead of through wireless communications; (3) a GPS sensor providing earth location and altitude may instead provide the data of sensors  542 ,  544  for system  540 ; and (4) receiver and display  546  may instead be a watch mounted to a user&#39;s wrist. Preferably, system  540  includes memory, e.g., within receiver and display  546 , that stores gradient information associated with a certain ride on terrain, and then provides a “trail difficulty” assessment for the stored data. Maximum and minimum gradients are also preferably stored and annotated in memory for later review by a user of system  540 .  
         [0306]      FIG. 42  shows a system  600  constructed according to the invention. System  600  is particularly useful for application to spectator sports like NASCAR. System  600  in one application thus includes an array of data capture devices  602  coupled to racecars  604 . A data capture device  602  may for example be a monitor device as described herein, with one or a plurality of detectors to monitor movement metrics. As described below, data capture devices  602  preferably have wireless transmitters connected with antennas to transmit wireless data  606  to listening receivers  608 . Receivers  608  can take the form of a computer relay  608   a  and/or a crowd data device  608   b , each of which is described below. In the preferred embodiment, data capture devices  602  communicate wireless data  606  to computer relay  608   a ; and computer relay  608   a  relays select wireless data  610  to a plurality of crowd data devices  608   b . However, data capture devices  602  can directly relay wireless data  606  to crowd data devices  608   b , if desired, and as a matter of design choice. Crowd data devices  608   b  are provided to spectators  612  during a sporting event, such as a NASCAR race of racecars  604  on racetrack  605 . Devices  608   b  may be rented, sold or otherwise provided to spectators  612 , such as in connection with ticketing to access racetrack  605 , and to sit in spectator stands  616 . Data devices  608   b  may also be modified personal data devices or cell phones enabled to interpret wireless data  606  and/or  610  for display of relevant information to its owner-spectator. Access to data  606 ,  610  in this manner is preferably accomplished contractually such that the cell phones or data devices have encoded information necessary to decode wireless data  606  and/or  610 .  
         [0307]     Wireless data  606  can for example be at 2.4 GHz since data capture device  602  may be sufficiently powered from racecars  604 . Wireless data  610  can for example be unlicensed frequencies such as 433 MHz or 900-928 MHz, so that each crowd data device  608   b  may be powered by small batteries such as described herein in connection with receivers for monitor devices. Wireless data  610  can further derive from cellular networks, if desired, to communicate directly with a crowd data device. Wireless link  606  and  610  can encompass two way communications, if desired, such as through wireless transceivers.  
         [0308]     Computer relay  608   a  may further provide data directly to a display scoreboard  614  so that spectators  612  may view scoreboard  614  for information derived by system  600 . Scoreboard  614  may for example be near to spectator stand  616 .  
         [0309]      FIG. 43  shows one data capture device  602 ′ constructed according to the invention. Device  602 ′ may be attached to car  604 ′ or integrated with car  604 ′. For purposes of illustration, car  604 ′ is only partially shown, with wheels  605  and body  607 . Preferably, device  602 ′ is integrated with existing car electronics  618 . For example, car electronics  618  typically include a speedometer and tachometer, and other gauges for fuel and overheating. Device  602 ′ thus preferably integrates and communicates with car electronics  618 , as illustrated by overlapping dotted lines between items  602 ′ and  618 . Device  602 ′ also communicates desired metric information to spectators  612  (either directly or through computer relay  608   a ). Device  602 ′ thus includes a wireless transmitter  620  and antenna  622  to generate wireless data  606 ′.  
         [0310]     Data relayed to spectators  612  can be of varied format. Device  602 ′ can for example be a MMD with a detector providing acceleration information. Acceleration data in the form of “g&#39;s” and impact is one preferred data communicated to spectators  612  through wireless data  606 ′. Car  604 ′ may in addition have accelerometers as part of car electronics; and device  602 ′ preferably communicates on-board acceleration data as wireless data  606 ′. Device  602 ′ and car electronics  618  can for example include a speedometer, accelerometer, tachometer, gas gauge, spin sensor, temperature gauge, and driver heart rate sensor. An on-board computer can further provide position information about car  604 ′ position within the current race (e.g., 4 th  out of fifteen racecars). Accordingly, device  602 ′ collects data from these sensors and electronic sources and communicates one or more of the following information as wireless data  606 ′: racecar speed, engine revolutions per minute, engine temperature, driver heart rate, gas level, impact, g&#39;s, race track position, and spin information. As described in connection with the monitor devices above, data  606 ′ may be continually transmitted or transmitted at timed sequence intervals, e.g., every minute. Data  606 ′ may also be transmitted when an event occurs, e.g., when a major impact is reported by a device  602 ′ (e.g., in the form of a MMD) such as when car  604 ′ experiences a crash. A spin sensor also preferably quantifies rollover rate, acceleration and total rotations (e.g., four flips of the car is 1440 degrees).  
         [0311]      FIG. 44  shows one crowd data device  608   b ′ constructed according to the invention. Device  608   b ′ in one embodiment is a cell phone constructed and adapted to interpret information from wireless data  606 ′ (or data  610 ). Device  608   b ′ can also be a receiver such as receiver  24  of  FIG. 1 . Device  608   b ′ preferably includes a display  621  to display metrics acquired from information within wireless data  606 ′ (and/or data  610 ). Communications port  623  and antenna  624  capture data  606 ′ and/or  610 . An internal processor decodes and drives display  621 . On-Off button  628  turns device  608   b ′ on and off. Car selector button  630  provides for selecting which car  604 ′ to review data from. Data mode button  632  provides for selecting which data to view from selected car  604 ′.  
         [0312]     Data captured by device  608   b ′ may be from one car or from multiple cars  604 . Car selection button  630  can be pressed to capture all data  606 ′ from all cars, or only certain data from one car, or variants thereof. In one embodiment, the update rate transferred as wireless data  606 ′ from any car  604 ′ to any crowd data device is about one second; and so each device generally acquires data from one car at any one time and “immediately” (i.e., within about one second) acquires data from another car if selected by button  630 . Alternatively, all data  606 ′ from all cars  604  are communicated and captured to each device  608   b ′. This alternative mode however uses more data bandwidth to devices  608   b′.    
         [0313]     Accordingly, users of crowd data device  608   b ′ may view performance and data metrics from any car of choice during a race. Currently, spectators only have a vague feel for what is actually happening to a car at a race between multiple cars  604 . With the invention, a spectator can monitor her car of choice and review data personally desired. One spectator might for example be interested in the driver heart rate of one car; one other spectator might for example be interested in the speed of the lead car; yet another spectator might for example be interested in the temperature of the top four cars; most spectators are concerned about which car is the lead car. In accord with the invention, each spectator may acquire personal desired data in near real time and display it on individual crowd data devices in accord with the invention. Data captured from system  600  can further be relayed to the Internet or to broadcast media through computer relay  608   a , if desired, so that performance metrics may be obtained at remote locations and, again, in near real time.  
         [0314]     The invention also provides for displaying certain data at display scoreboard  614 . Computer relay  608   a  may in addition connect to race officials with computers that quantify or collate car order and other details like car speed. Such data can be relayed to individuals through crowd data devices  608   b  or through scoreboard  614 , or both.  
         [0315]     System  600  may be applied to many competitive sports. For example, when the data capture device is like a MMD, system  600  can be applied to sports like hockey, basketball, football, soccer, volleyball and rodeos. A MMD in the form of an adhesive bandage, described above, is particularly useful. Such a MMD can for example be applied with football body armor or padding, as illustrated in  FIG. 45 .  FIG. 45  shows a football player&#39;s padding  650  with a MMD  652 . MMD  652  can be applied external to padding  650 , though it is preferably constructed internally to padding  650 . MMD  652  operates like a data capture device  602  of system  600  ( FIG. 42 ). MMD  652  can for example capture and relay impact information to spectators of a football game, where each of the players wears body armor or padding such as padding  650 , to provide performance metrics for all players and to individual spectators. Impacts from blows between players may then be obtained for any player for relay to any spectator or user of the Internet according to the teachings of the invention. Device  652  can alternatively include other detectors, e.g., heart-rate detectors, to monitor fitness and tiredness levels of athletes in real time; preferably, in this aspect, MMD  652  attaches directly to the skin of the player.  
         [0316]     Likewise, a MMD of the invention is effectively used in rodeo, as shown in  FIG. 46 . Preferably one MMD  654  attaches to the saddle  656  of the animal  658  ridden in the rodeo (or to the horn of a bull, or to a rope attached to the animal), and one MMD  660  attaches to the rider  662  on animal  658 . Each MMD generates a signal, similar to signals  154 ,  156  of  FIG. 8A . As such, data from each MMD  654 ,  660  can be compared to the other to assess how well rider  662  rides in saddle  656 . This comparison may be beneficially used in judging, removing subjectivity from the sport. For example, by attaching MMD  660  with the pant-belt  662 A of rider  662 , if signals from MMDs  654 ,  660  collate appropriately, then rider  662  is efficiently riding animal  658 . Of course, one MMD  654  or  660  can also be used beneficially to report metrics such as impact to the audience.  
         [0317]      FIG. 47  shows a representative television or video monitor display  678  of a bull  670  and bull rider  672 , as well as a plurality of MMDs  674 A-D attached thereto to monitor certain aspects of bull and rider activity, in accord with the invention. Display  678  also includes a graphic  676  providing data from one or more of MMDs  674  so that a view of display  678  can review movement metric content associated bull and/or rider activity. In exemplary operation, MMD  674 A is attached to back rope  680  so as to monitor, for example, rump bounce impacts and frequency; MMD  674 B is attached to rider rope  682  so as to monitor, for example, loosening of the grip of rider  672  onto bull  670 ; MMD  674 C is attached to bull horn  684  so as to monitor, for example, bull head bounce and frequency; and MMD  674 D is attached to rider  672  so as to monitor, for example, rider bounce and frequency, and impact upon being thrown from bull  670 . A sensor (not shown) may also attach to the rider&#39;s foot or boot, if desired. MMDs  674  can for example be coupled to a reconstruction computer and receiver  152  of  FIG. 8A , so as to process multiple MMDs  674  and to report meaningful data to a television, scoreboard and/or the Internet. Data collected from MMDs  674  in one embodiment are collated and stored in a database so as to characterize bull strength and throwing efficiency over time. For example, by looking at magnitude and frequency of acceleration data from MMD  674 C over time for a particular bull provides detail as to how the bull behaves over time. Professional bull riding media can then better gauge which bulls to use for which riders and events.  
         [0318]     Those skilled in the art should also appreciate that MMDs  674  can include different detectors providing data desired by sports media. For example, if the MMD contains a linear accelerometer, linear motion forces are reported; if the MMD contains a rotational accelerometer, rotational forces are reported. These MMDs may be placed on various parts of bull  670  or rider  672 , such as on the body and head. Data from MMDs may be relayed to television, scoreboards and/or the Internet. Data collated on the Internet preferably includes bull and rider performance summaries.  
         [0319]      FIG. 48  shows one EMD or MMD  684  constructed according to the invention. EMD or MMD  684  has specific advantages as a “wearable” sensor, similar to MMD  10 ″,  FIG. 2 . EMD or MMD  684  utilizes “flex strip”  688  (known in the art) to mount mini-PCBs  686  (devices  686  can also be silicon chips) directly thereto. As a whole, EMD or MMD  684  can “wrap” about objects and persons to fulfill the variety of needs disclosed herein. By way of example, EMD or MMD  684  is useful for comfortable attachment to the rodeo rider  662 ,  FIG. 46 , such as to monitor and report “impact” events. Another such EMD or MMD  684  may be attached to a bull or rider to monitor and report heartbeat. In one embodiment, a Kapton flex circuit  688  connects battery  690  to the PCBs  686 , and PCBs  686  to one other, so as to flexibly conform to the shape of the underlying object or body. In one option, EMD or MMD  684  is all housed high-density foam or similar flexible housing  694 ; this can maximize the EMD or MMD&#39;s protection and allow it to be worn close to the object of body. For example, such an EMD or MMD  684  may be worn on the torso of a person, where accurate g-levels seen by the body can be measured. In one embodiment, battery  690  is a plastic Lithium-ion power cell that has a malleable plastic case with any variety of form factor. Other batteries may also be used, in accord with the invention.  
         [0320]     The invention of one preferred embodiment employs data taken from monitor devices such as described above and applies that data to video games, arcade games, computer games and the like (collectively a “game”) to “personalize” the game to real ability and persons. For example, when a monitor device is used to capture airtime (and e.g., heart rate) of a snowboarder, that data is downloaded to a database for a game and used to “limit” how a game competitor plays the game. In this way, a snowboard game player can compete against world-class athletes, and others, with some level of realism provided by the real data used in the game.  
         [0321]     More particularly, one missing link in the prior art between video games and reality is that one a person can be great at a video game and relatively poor at a corresponding real sport (e.g., if the game is a snowboard game, the player may not be a good snowboarder; if the game is a car race, the person may not be a good race car driver; and so on). With performance metrics captured as described herein, the data is applied such that an entirely new option is provided with games. As known in the art, games take the form of PLAYSTATION, SEGA, GAMEBOY, etc.  
         [0322]     In operation the invention of the preferred embodiment works as follows. Individuals use a monitor device to measure one or more performance metrics in real life. Data from the monitor devices are then downloaded into a game (or computer running the game) for direct use by the game. Data used in the game may be averaged or it may be the best score for a particular player. By way of example, when the performance metric is “airtime”, the option applied to the game allows the game player (typically a teenager) to measure a certain number of airtimes, in real life, and download them into the game so that the air the game player ‘catches’ during the game corresponds to his real airtime (e.g., best airtime, average airtime, etc.). Data used in games can be collated and interpreted in many ways, such as an individual&#39;s best seven airtimes of a day or a personal all time record for an airtime jump.  
         [0323]     The effect of the invention applied to games is that game users are somewhat restricted in what they can do. In a ski game, for example, a kid that does not have the natural athletic ability to do flips will not, if the option is selected, be permitted to perform flips in a game. Competitions within games then become far more real. If a kid catches only one second of airtime, on average, then it is unlikely that he can catch three seconds of airtime like Olympic athletes; accordingly, when the gaming option is selected, those kids will not be permitted within the game to throw airtime (and corresponding tricks that require like airtimes) of three seconds or higher, for example. The game restricts them to doing tricks that could actually be completed in their normal airtime.  
         [0324]     There would of course still be elements making the game unrealistic, and fun. The invention applied to games does however add a measure of realism to the games. For example, limiting a game to airtime may restrict movements to certain types, e.g., one flip instead of two. This is one example of how the invention applied to games makes the game much more real. Another gaming option is to permit the gaming user to expand their current real performance by some percentage. For example, a gaming user can instruct the game to permit 100% performance boost to his real data in competitions in the game. In this way, the gaming user knows how far off his real performance is from gaming performance. If for example it takes a 120% performance boost to beat a well-known Olympic athlete, then she knows (at least in some quasi-quantitative measure) how much harder she will need to work (i.e., 20%) to compete with the Olympic athlete.  
         [0325]     Similar limitations to the games may be done with other metrics discussed herein, including drop distance, speed and impact, heart rate and other metrics. For example, by acquiring “impact” data through a MMD of the invention, it is known how much impact a particular athlete achieves during a jump or during a particular activity. By way of example, by collecting impact data from a boxer or karate athlete, it is roughly known the magnitude of impacts that that person endures. Such limitations are applied to games, in accord with other embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, a video game competitor may be limited to actions that he or she can actually withstand in real life. Spin rates too can limit the game in similar ways.  
         [0326]     In the preferred embodiment of the invention, data from monitor devices applied to persons are downloaded as performance metrics into games. These metrics become parameters that are adhered to by the player if the gaming option is selected within the game. The ability to play the game, and the moving of the correct buttons, joystick or whatever, is thus linked to the real sport. By way of example, PLAYSTATION has a ‘world championship’ for the games. In accord with the invention, game players may now compete with their ability tied to competitions within the game, making it much more realistic on the slopes, vert ramp or other game obstacle.  
         [0327]     In accord with one embodiment, systems like system  600  are also effectively applied to “venues” like skateparks. The data capture devices (preferably in the form of MMDs) are applied to individual users of the venue, e.g., skateboarders. Data acquired from the users are transmitted to a computer relay that in turn connects directly to game providers or Internet gaming sources. The venues are thus linked to games. Resorts with venues such as terrain parks are thus incentivized to make their venue part of the gaming world, where kids play in their park in synthesized video, and then actually use the venue to acquire data for use with the game. By tying competitors together from real venues to gaming, a real venue and a game venue become much more alike. Stigmas associated with playing games may also be reduced because gaming is then tied to reality and kids can participate in meaningful ways, both at the venue and within the game. Kids can then compete based upon real ability at both the game and in real life.  
         [0328]      FIG. 49  shows one network gaming system  700  constructed according to the invention. System  700  operates to collect data from one or more monitor devices  702 , such as through an Internet connection  703  with multiple home users of devices  702 . A server  704  collates performance data and relays parameters to games. By way of example, server  704  relays these parameters to a computer game  705  through Internet connection  706 . Game  705  includes a real personal data module  708  that stores parameters from server  704 . Users of computer game  705  may select an option to invoke the parameters of module  708 , thereby limiting the game as described above.  
         [0329]     As an alternative, users of devices  702  may directly download game parameters to computer game  705 , as through a local data link  710 . Users may also type game parameters directly into module  708 . In either case, computer game  705  has real limiting functions to gaming actions via the invention. Preferably server  704  controls the download of data to computer game  705  so that data is controlled and collated in a master database for other uses and competitions.  
         [0330]     System  700  can further network with an arcade game  720  in a similar manner, such as through Internet connection  718 . Real performance data is again stored in real personal data module  722  in game  720  (or at the computer controlling game  720 ) so that users have restrictions upon play. User ID codes facilitate storing and accessing data to a particular person. In this way, users of arcade games can access and limit their games to real data associated with their skill. Competitions between players at arcade games, each with their own real personal data in play, increase the competitiveness and fairness of game playing.  
         [0331]      FIG. 50  illustrates a simplified flow chart of game operation such as described above. A start of a game maneuver starts at step  730 . A start may be initiated by a joy stick action, or button action, for example. Prior to performing the action, the game compares the desired game maneuver with real personal data, at step  732 . At step  734 , a comparison is made to determine whether the requested maneuver is within preselected limits (e.g., within a certain percentage from real personal data) related to the real personal data. If the answer is yes, then the game performs the maneuver, at step  736 . If the answer is no, then the game modifies, restricts or stops the maneuver, at step  738 .  
         [0332]      FIG. 51  shows one speed detection system  800  constructed according to the invention. System  800  includes a ticket reader  802  for each ski lift  804 . For example, reader  802 - 1  covers ski lift  804 - 1  to read tickets of persons riding ski lift  804 - 1 ; reader  802 - 2  covers lift  804 - 2  to read tickets of persons riding lift  804 - 2 . Lift  804 - 1  carries persons (e.g., skiers and snowboarders) between locations “A” and “B”; lift  804 - 2  carries persons from locations “C” to “D”. These persons travel (e.g., by ski or snowboard) from location B to A by approximate distance B-A, from location B to C by approximate distance B-C, from location D to A by approximate distance D-A, and from location D to C by approximate distance D-C.  
         [0333]     Approximate distances B-A, B-C, D-A, D-C are stored in remote computer  806 . Specifically, computer  806  has memory  808  to store distances B-A, B-C, D-A, D-C. Computer  806  and readers  804  preferably communicate by wireless data  810 - 1 ,  810 - 2 ; thus computer  806  preferably has antenna  812 , and associated receiver and transmitter  814 , to facilitate communications  810 . Computer  806  further has a processor  816  to process data and to facilitate control of computer  806 .  
         [0334]     A representative reader  802 ′ is shown in  FIG. 52 . Reader  802 ′ has an antenna  820  and transmitter/receiver  822  to facilitate communications  810 ′ with computer  806 . Among other functions, reader  802 ′ reads ski lift tickets such as ticket  826  of a person riding lifts  804  via a scan beam  807 . Ticket  826  usually includes a bar code  828  read by reader  802 ′.  
         [0335]     In operation, a ticket  826  is read each time for persons riding lifts  804 . A time is associated with when the ticket is read and logged into computer  806 . When that ticket  826  again is read, e.g., either at lift  804 - 1  or  804 - 2 , a second reading time is logged into computer  806 . Processor  816  of computer  806  then determines speed based upon (a) the two reading times, (b) the approximate lift time for the appropriate lift  804 , and (c) the distance traveled (i.e., one of distances B-A, B-C, D-A, D-C). For example, suppose a person enters lift  804 - 1  at 9 am exactly and enters lift  804 - 2  at 9:14 am. Suppose lift  804 - 1  takes ten minutes, on average, to move a rider from A to B. Accordingly, this person traveled distance B-C in four minutes. If distance B-C is two miles, then that person traversed distance B-C with a speed of 30 mph. If the resort where system  800  is installed sets a maximum speed of 25 mph for the mountain  801 , then that person exceeded the speed and may be expelled from the resort. Note further that the resort may specify speed zones, corresponding to each of the paths B-A, B-C, D-A, D-C. If for example path B-A has a wide path, then a speed may be set at 30 mph. A person successively repeating lift  804 - 1  may thus be checked for speeds exceeding 30 mph. If on the other hand path D-A has a lot of trees, then a speed of 20 mph may be set; and a rider who rides lift  804 - 2  and arrives at lift  804 - 1  can be checked for violations along route D-A.  
         [0336]     When a ski lift  804  stops, then additional time is added to that person&#39;s journey. A feedback data mechanism tracking lift movement can augment data in computer  806  to adjust skier speed calculations on dynamic basis.  
         [0337]     Note that system  800  serves to replace or augment sensor  231 ′ of  FIG. 10I . Since sensor  231 ′ independently determines speed, then reader  802  may for example read sensor  231 ′ to see whether speeds were exceeded for one or more zones. Sensor  231 ′ may instead have a visual indicator which is triggered when a person exceeds a speed limit in any of zones for B-A, B-C, D-A, D; and a human operator sees the indicator when there is a violation.  
         [0338]     As shown in  FIG. 53 , one monitor device  840  of the invention incorporates a GPS receiver chip  842  to locate device  840 . Device  840  is preferably integrated with an adhesive strip such as discussed in  FIG. 2 . Device  840  also preferably “powers on” when opened and dispensed, such as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 10 . In operation, device  840  is generally applied to persons or objects to assess, locate and log “events”. By way of example, by attaching device  840  to a new computer shipped to a retailer, an impact event may be recorded and stored in memory  846  by an accelerometer detector  844 , as described above, and a location associated with the impact event is also stored, as provided by GPS chip  842 . As such, for example, the exact amount of damage received by the computer, as well as the exact location of where the damage occurred, is stored in memory  846 . As described herein, other detectors  844  may be used to generate “events” (e.g., a spin event, or an airtime event, temperature, humidity, flip-over events, etc.) in conjunction with GPS chip  842 . Data in memory  846  is relayed to a receiver  850  having data access codes of device  840 . Alternatively, data is communicated to receiver  850  by wireless and timed-sequence transmissions. Communications ports  852 ,  854  facilitate data transfers  860  between device  840  and receiver  850 . Transfers  860  may be one way, or two-way, as a matter of design choice. A clock  862  may be incorporated into device  840  to provide timing and/or real-time clock information used to time tag data events from one or both of detector  844  and GPS chip  842 . As above, a battery  864  serves to power device  840 . A processor  848  serves to manage and control device  840  to achieve its functionality.  
         [0339]      FIG. 54  shows a system  866  suitable for use with a device  840 , or with other MMDs or EMDs disclosed herein. System  866  has particular advantages in the shipping industry, wherein a device  865  (e.g., device  840 , or one or more EMDs or MMDs) attaches to a package  867  (or to the goods  868  within package  867 ) so that system  866  can monitor data associated with shipment of goods and package  868 ,  867 . Multiple devices  865  may be attached to package  867  or goods  868  as needed or required to obtain the data of interest. Certain data determined by device  865 , during shipment, include, for example, impact data or g&#39;s, temperature, data indicating being inverted, humidity and other metrics. In sum, one or more of these data are wirelessly communicated, as wireless data  863 , to an interrogation device reader  869  to assess the data corresponding to shipment conditions and/or abuse of package  867  and/or goods  868 . Data  863  preferably includes “time tag” data indicating when a certain “event” occurred, e.g., when goods  868  experienced a 10 g event. Preferably, data from reader  869  is further relayed to a remote database  871  so that system  866  may be operated with other similar systems  866  so as to monitor a large amount of packages and goods shipments at different locations. Damaged goods can for example be evaluated by any reader  869  and recorded into a common database  871  by the controlling company.  
         [0340]     The invention of  FIG. 54  thus has certain advantages. Companies that ship expensive equipment  868  have an incentive to prove to the receiver that any damage incurred was not the result of faulty packaging  867  or unsatisfactory production and assembly. Also, shipment insurers want to know when and where damage occurs, so that premiums may be adjusted appropriately or so that evidence may be offered to encourage the offending party to improve handling procedures.  
         [0341]     The monitor devices of the invention have further application in medicine and patient health. One monitor device  870  of the invention is shown in  FIG. 55 . Specifically, device  870  attaches to a baby&#39;s body  872  (e.g., to a baby&#39;s chest, throat, leg, arm, buttocks or back) to monitor movement such as respiratory rate, pulse rate, or body accelerations. Device  870  of the preferred embodiment synchronizes to repetitive movements (e.g., pulse rate or respiratory rate) and generates an “event” in the absence of the repetitive movements. Device  870  can for example be device  10   w ,  FIG. 2E , facilitating easy placement on the infant by the adhesive strip (which is also beneficially sterilized) to measure heart rate as an event. Device  870  can alternatively be a monitor device using a microphone to detect “breathing” as a health metric for the infant. Regardless of the metric, the event reported by device  870  is preferably communicated immediately as wireless signals  874  to a remote monitor  876 , with an antenna  878  to receive signals  874 . Monitor  876  is preferably portable so as to be carried with the infant&#39;s parents. Monitor  876  generates an audible or visual alarm when an event is received from signals  874 . Device  870  seeks to address the very realistic concern of parents relative to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or other illnesses. Device  870  preferably relays a warning event data to alarm monitor  876  within seconds of detecting trouble with the infant. For example, if device  870  detects the absence of heart rate or breathing, the alarm at monitor  876  is made in near real time.  
         [0342]     Like other monitor devices herein, device  870  has a detector  870   a  to detect the desired metric. For purposes of illustration, other elements such as the device&#39;s communications port and processor are not shown, though reference may be made to  FIG. 1  to construct device  870 . In one embodiment, detector  870   a  is a piezoelectric element that generates a voltage signal at every pulse or breath of baby  872 , such as shown and described in FIG;  7 - 7 B. Detector  870   a  may alternatively be an accelerometer arranged to sense accelerations of the infant&#39;s chest (or other body portion); and thus chest (or other body portion) accelerations are used to determine the repetitive signal (or simply movement or absence of movement). Preferably, the sensitive axis of the accelerometer is perpendicular to baby body  872 . For example, such an accelerometer can be used to sense accelerations of the baby&#39;s chest, rising and falling. In still another embodiment, detector  870   a  is a force-sensing resistor or electro-resistive element generating signals responsive to force or weight applied to device  870 . Such a device is useful to sense when baby body  872  rolls onto device  870 . Yet another detector  870   a  is a Hall Effect detector; that detector within device  870  detects when baby body  872  inverts, that is when the baby rolls over. A roll over event is one particular event of interest by parents; and in this embodiment, a warning signal  874  is generated at each roll over. Detector  870   a  can alternatively be a microphone; and the device&#39;s processor processes the sound data to detect recurring audible data indicative of breathing sounds.  
         [0343]     Preferably, device  870  is integrated with an adhesive strip  880 ; and device  870  and strip  880  form an adhesive bandage monitor device such as described above in connection with  FIGS. 2-2D ,  8 C. Device  870  and strip  880  are also preferably packaged so as to “power on” when dispensed or used. A wrapper such as described in  FIGS. 4-4A  may be used; or preferably device  870  and wrapper  880  dispense from a canister  200 ,  200 ′ such as described above in  FIGS. 10-10F . In this way, device  870  is conveniently dispensed and applied to baby body  872 , and without contamination and germs.  
         [0344]     Those skilled in the art should appreciate that device  870  may also attach to the infant in a variety of places depending on the parent&#39;s desire. Device  870  may for example attach to the back or bottom of the infant, and generate an event for every time the infant rolls over.  
         [0345]      FIG. 56  shows a flowchart of steps associated with applying and using one monitor device according to the invention. At start  884 , the device is unwrapped and/or dispensed from a container. The device is then applied to a baby&#39;s body, preferably as an adhesive bandage package, in step  886 . Once applied, the device synchronizes to baby body movement (such as repetitive movements associated with pulse or respiratory rate), breathing sounds or heart rate, in step  888 . The device then searches for “events” in the form of the absence of repetitive signals, indicating for example the danger of an absence of pulse, heart rate or respiration, in step  890 . In step  892 , the monitor device generates a wireless signal as a warning; that signal is received at a remote receiver at step  894 . Once received, remote receiver generates an audible alarm (e.g., a buzzer sounds) or visible alarm (e.g., an LED is lit), in step  896 . Preferably, steps  890 - 896  occur in less than one or several seconds (e.g., less than five or ten or fifteen seconds). Once the alarm occurs, a parent checks the infant (step  898 ) to determine whether the alarm is real and, if needed, to administer aid. If for some reason the alarm was incorrect, the remote receiver is reset (step  898 ) and the monitor device continues to assess distressing situations to generate events.  
         [0346]     As an alternative, the detector of the monitor device ( FIG. 55 ) is a temperature (or alternatively a humidity) detector, and the alarm monitor merely tracks infant temperature for worried parents; such a device is useful for sick infants in particular. The temperature sensor can be coupled with other detectors (e.g., heart rate) to provide multiple functions, if desired.  
         [0347]     The MMDs and EMDs of the invention thus have several other advantages. They may be used discretely and safely as medical diagnostic and monitoring detectors. With appropriate detectors, EMDs of the invention can for example provide for portable, wireless pulse oxymeters or blood glucose monitors. With the appropriate detectors in MMDs, rehabilitation clinicians would be able to quantitatively monitor metrics such as limb movement and balance. EMDs equipped with certain detectors may find use as real time, remote and inexpensive pH monitors and blood gas monitors.  
         [0348]     One MMD  900  of the invention and useful in medical applications is shown in  FIG. 57 . MMD  900  is similar to device  10  of  FIG. 1 , but in addition (or alternatively) has a detector  902  that senses weight. Detector  902  for example is a force sensing resistor or electro-resistive device. Preferably, MMD  900  is applied to one or more locations at the bottom of a human foot  906  via attachment with adhesive strips  908 . Those skilled in the art should appreciate that MMD  900  can alternatively be located at other locations on the human body. On the occurrence of an “event”, MMD  900  generates wireless signals  910  for receipt at a remote receiver  912 , here shown in the form of a watch with antenna  914 . Watch  912  is generally worn by the person having foot  906 .  
         [0349]     MMD  900  is preferably in the form of a MMD  10   z  of  FIGS. 2B-2C , though with a weight sensing detector. In operation, MMD  900  is first calibrated: all the weight of person with foot  906  is applied to MMD  900  so that detector  902  is calibrated to that entire weight. Alternatively, a separate weight simply calibrates MMD  900 . Thereafter, MMD  900  generates “events” corresponding to fractions of the entire weight that the person with foot  906  applies to MMD  900 . For example, one MMD  900  generates wireless data  910  each time MMD  900  experiences at least one-fourth the entire weight; that data  910  is converted and displayed on receiver  912 , as shown. In this way, when a cast is applied to a person, MMD  900  may be applied under foot, so that the person may obey doctor&#39;s orders to put no more than ¼ weight on foot  906 , for example. As an alternative, MMD  900  is already calibrated to certain weights, e.g., 200 lbs, 180 lbs, etc. A pre-calibrated MMD  900  may then be applied to 200 lbs persons to generate events as needed. For example, an MMD  900  is used effectively to generate an event, to inform the person, that ½ or ¾ of the person&#39;s entire weight is on one foot.  
         [0350]     A weight sensing MMD may also take the form of MMD  920 ,  FIG. 58 . Here, MMD  920  has an array of detectors  922 . Detectors  922  may be force sensing resistors or other weight sensitive elements. Detectors  922  collectively and electrically couple to processor  924 . Other elements (not shown) connect with processor  924 , e.g., a communications port and battery, such as monitor device  10  of  FIG. 1 . In operation, MMD  920  senses weight applied to foot  930  while walking or standing. Over time, MMD  920  ascertains the actual weight of the person of foot  930 . Once weight is determined, MMD  920  relays weight information to a remote receiver, e.g., watch  940  with antenna  940   a , via wireless signals  942 . Receiver  940  displays pertinent data, e.g., what fractional weight is applied onto foot  930 .  
         [0351]     In this way, a person may track his or her weight at any time. MMD  920  and receiver  940  may also communicate two-way, so that watch  940  queries MMD  920  for weight data, thereby conserving battery power. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that MMD and receiver  920 ,  940  may be configured differently and still be within the scope of the invention. In one embodiment, MMD  920  is integrated with a shoe pad insert to fit into any shoe. Alternatively, MMD  920  is integrated directly into a shoe, as shown in  FIG. 59 . Detector  922  may also have fewer or more detectors depending upon design placement of detectors relative to foot  930 ; that is, a single detector can be used to measure weight if arranged to accurately detect all or part of a person&#39;s weight. In such a configuration, MMD  920  may take the form of an adhesive bandage monitor device with a single detector and applied to the sole of a foot, as shown in  FIG. 57 . Preferably, weight is calibrated prior to use (e.g., when shoe is lifted off the ground) so that weight is determined relatively. In another embodiment, selectively positioning elements  922  to high impact areas of foot  930  (e.g., at the ball and heel of foot  930 ), the invention monitors impact and improper walking or running events so as to provide corrective feedback to users or doctors.  
         [0352]      FIG. 59  shows a shoe-based weight sensing system  950  constructed according to the invention. System  950  has one or more weight sensing detectors  952  coupled to a processing section  954  (and, as a matter of design choice, other components such as shown in device  10  of  FIG. 1 )-all arranged with a shoe  956  (or within an insert for shoe  956 ). In operation, shoe  956  generates wireless signals  958  for a remote receiver (e.g., watch  940 ,  FIG. 58 ) to inform the person wearing shoe  956  of his or her weight or weight loss. By integrating a transceiver and antenna  959  with processing section  954 , the remote receiver interrogates shoe  956  for weight information. In this way, health conscious persons can wear shoe  956  and learn of their weight at any desired time. Such a shoe  956  is for example useful in determining weight loss. By way of example, a runner may use shoe  956  to determine weight loss in ounces, informing the runner that he or she should drink replacement water. Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment, a runner first calibrates his or her weight prior to a race; then system  950  reports weight loss relative to the calibrated weight. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that alternatives from the foregoing may be achieved without departing from the scope of the invention.  
         [0353]      FIG. 60  shows one force-sensing resistor  960  suitable for use with the systems and/or MMD of  FIGS. 57-59 . Resistor  960  includes resistive material  962  and interdigitated contacts  964 A,  964 B; material  962  forms an electrical path between contact  964 A and contact  964 B. In operation, a force applied to resistor  960  increases the conductivity in the path between contacts  964 A,  964 B. By measuring resistance or conductance between contacts  964 A,  964 B, the applied force onto resistor  960  is known. Typically, resistor  960  is calibrated so that a particular resistance translates into and applied force; as such, a processor such as processor  954  or  924  may be used to monitor and report force at any given time. In one embodiment, force is reported to users in pounds, providing a typically used weight designation for such users.  
         [0354]     Preferably, resistor  960  includes flexible polymers as active spring agents as the sensing element for loading conditions. Such polymers provide load-sensing resistors with enhanced performance and with preferable mechanical characteristics.  
         [0355]      FIG. 61  shows another weight sensing device  970  constructed according to the invention. Device  970  is formed of a shoe  972  and includes a fluid cavity  974  that displaces and pressurizes with applied force—a force such as provided by a user wearing shoe  972 . A pressure sensor  976 A coupled with cavity  974 , through a small conduit  975 , measures pressure. A processor (e.g., processor  954 ,  924  above) coupled with sensor  976 A monitors pressure signals and converts the signals to weight. As above, preferably device  970  is calibrated such that a particular pressure corresponds to a particular weight. Preferably, and for increased accuracy, cavity  974  does not completely displace away from any portion of cavity  974  when a user applies weight to cavity  974  while wearing shoe  972 .  
         [0356]     As an alternative to a single cavity  974 , cavity  974  can also be made up of separate fluid cells, as exemplified by sections  974 A,  974 B,  974 C, and  974 D, and multiple sensors  976 A,  976 B. In this embodiment, cavity membrane walls  978  separate sections  974 A,  974 B,  974 C,  974 D; optionally two or more of sections  974 A,  974 B,  974 C,  974 D have an individual pressure sensor monitoring pressure of the particular section, such as sensor  976 A for section  974 D and sensor  976 B for section  974 C. This embodiment is particularly useful in providing highly accurate weight sensing for a user of shoe  972 . Each fluid cell  974 A-D may for example have differing pressurization characteristics to manage the overall weight application of a human foot. For example, cells  974 B,  974 C may be formed with higher pressure cavities as they are, respectively, under the ball or heel of the foot and likely have to accommodate higher pressures (i.e., higher applied weight to those sections). In either event, a processor connected to the several pressure sensors  976 A,  976 B beneficially determines weight as a combination of different pressures of the different fluid cells. Alternatively, a single pressure sensor  976 A may be used to sequentially measure pressure from various fluid cells  974 A-D; and the processor (not shown) then determines weight based upon the several measurements.  
         [0357]     Those skilled in the art should appreciate that the number of cells  974 A-D, and the number of sensors  976 A,  976 B, are a matter of design choice and do not depart from the scope of the invention; more or fewer cells  974  or sensors  976  may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art should also appreciate that a shoe insert can alternatively house cavity  974  (and/or sections  974 A,  974 B); for example, shoe  972  can for example be a shoe insert instead of a shoe—constructed and arranged such that a user applies weight on cavity  974  in use.  
         [0358]     A weight-sensing device of the invention, for example as set forth in  FIG. 61  may benefit from additional information such as temperature, as fluid pressure characteristics vary with temperature. Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention, an additional detector is integrated with the processor to monitor temperature. As such, a device  970  for example can include one or more pressure detector  976  and a temperature detector (not shown), both of which input data to the processor for processing to determine weight applied to cavity  974  (or sections  974 A-D).  
         [0359]      FIG. 62  shows an alternative arrangement of fluid sections  974 ′ (e.g., shown as fluid sections  976 ′,  1000 ,  1004 ) integrated with a shoe insert  972 ′. Preferably, sections  974 ′ are integrated within insert  972 ′, though  FIG. 62  shows sections  974 ′ external to insert  972 ′ for purposes of illustration. In operation, a user stepping on insert  972 ′ pressurizes the various sections  974 ′—and a processor (not shown) determines weight based upon pressure data from pressure sensors  976 ′ connected with the various sections  974 ′. Higher pressure areas  1000  and lower pressure areas  1002  are then preferably measured by separate pressure sensors  976 ′. One or more pressure conduits  1004  may be used to couple like-pressure areas so that a single sensor  976 ′ monitors a single like-sensor area.  
         [0360]     The invention thus has several advantages in regard to weight loss, monitoring and human fitness. In accord with the above invention, a user of a weight monitoring system or device disclosed herein can review his or her weight at nearly any time. Runners using such a system and device to know their hydration loss; chiropodists may wish to monitor weight distribution over a patient&#39;s feet; and athletic trainers may wish to analyze weight distribution and forces. The invention of these figures assists in these areas. In making these measurements, force-sensing resistors may be used; but strain gauge pressure sensors in the shoe may also be used. Preferably, in such embodiments, the bottom surface of the foot is covered by sensors, as weight is not often evenly distributed. Accordingly, a single sensor may not encompass a preferred arrangement, and therefore multiple sensors are preferred in the sole of the shoe (or in a shoe insert), with the results of all sensors summed or combined to a single “weight” answer. In one embodiment, only a portion of the foot need to be covered, covering a certain percentage of the overall weight; and that percentage is scaled to a user&#39;s full weight. Weight and compression forces monitored in a shoe or shoe insert, in accord with the invention, can further assist in gauging caloric and/or physical effort.  
         [0361]      FIG. 63  shows a professional wrestling rink system  1100  constructed according to the invention. System  1100  has a rink  1102  within which professional wrestlers compete (oftentimes theatrically). Adjacent rink  1102  are tables  1104  and chairs  1106 , sometimes used in conjunction with rink  1102  (e.g., items  1104  and  1106  are sometimes used to smash over a wrestler as part of a performance). A plurality of sensors (e.g., MMDs or EMDs)  1108  are placed (attached, stuck to, etc.) throughout rink, table and/or chairs  1102 ,  1104 ,  1106 . For example, in one preferred embodiment a plurality of MMD sensors  1108  are placed under rink canvas  1110 , such as at positions marked “X”, so as to report “impact” of wrestlers in rink  1102 . MMD sensors  1108  may also be placed on one or more of the corner posts  1112  or ropes  1114 —used to form rink  1102 . Sensors  1108  are shown illustratively in a few positions about items  1102 ,  1104 ,  1106 ,  1110 ,  1112 ,  1114  for purposes of illustration—when in reality such sensors  1108  would be difficult to see, or would be hidden from view (for example, sensors  1108  are preferably under canvas  1110 ).  
         [0362]     Data from sensors  1108  typically include information such as impact, as described above. Events associated with “impact” are communicated wirelessly to a receiving computer  1120  as wireless data  1122 . Data  1122  for example includes digital data representing impact data received at any of sensors  1108  when wrestlers hit canvas  1110 , move ropes  1114 , or hit post  1112 . Receiving computer  1120  preferably has an antenna  1124  and communications port  1126  to receive data  1122 . Computer  1120  typically re-processes and then retransmits data  1122  to a media site  1129 , such as television, scoreboard or the Internet, so that viewers may see data  1122  associated with wrestling at rink  1102 . Since wrestling in and about rink  1102  is often based on choreographed action, computer  1120  preferably includes a data manipulation section  1130  which post processes data  1122  in predetermined ways. For example, section  1130  may apply an exponential or quadratic function to data  1122  so that, in effect, and by way of example, a 25 g impact on canvas  1110  is reported as a 25 g impact, but a 50 g impact on canvas  1110  is reported as a 1000 g impact.  
         [0363]     Section  1130  may also manipulate data for a particular player. For example,  FIG. 64  shows a representative television display  1131  that includes data from system  1100 .  FIG. 53  also shows representative wrestlers  1132  in rink  1102 . In a preferred embodiment, one or more sensors  1108  are also placed on wrestlers  1132 , such as shown, to monitor events such as impact received directly on wrestlers  1132 . In one embodiment, sensors  1108  of  FIG. 64  are of the form of an adhesive bandage MMD, described above. In another embodiment, sensors  1108  are integrated into the waistband of the wrestler; this has advantages as being close to the wrestler&#39;s center of gravity and is thus more representative of total impact received by a particular wrestler.  
         [0364]     Data from computer  1120  is thus reported to a media destination  129  such as television so that it may be displayed to audience members.  FIG. 64  shows one exemplary data display  1134  overlaid with the actual wrestling performance—for television display  1131 - and showing impact data in “qualitative” bar scales. Display  1134  may include qualitative wording such as shown. Display  1134  also preferably includes an advertiser overlay  1136  promoting a certain brand; typically that advertiser pays for some or all of the content provided for by system  1100  and shown in display  1134 .  
         [0365]     Thus,  FIGS. 63 and 64  demonstrate benefits in which the TV viewer desires to see information such as a display of forces acting on wrestlers in real- or near real-time; the data being presented in graphical or numeric form and with a range of possible analyses performed on the forces such as latest, largest average and total. These forces typically act in at least two planes i.e. from the side and from the front or back, though the invention may also take account of forces in all three planes. Typically, the forces of interest are those acting on the main mass (torso) of the wrestler, while flailing feet and arms are not generally as important as body slams. The system of the invention thus resolves forces on individuals and can detect the force of collision between two wrestlers.  
         [0366]     In the preferred embodiment, at least one sensor  1108  attached to ropes  1114  preferably takes the form of a long thin sensor (e.g., 0.5″×3″) with a short piece wire (e.g., 3″) protruding from one end to function as the antenna. This sensor&#39;s electronics utilizes a small low power accelerometer as the sensing detector, and incorporates a simple gain block, a small micro controller such as Microchips&#39; PIC12LC672, and a small low power transmitter such as RFMs&#39; RX6000 or RF Solutions&#39; TX1. These electronics mount on flex circuit (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 48 ) to allow for the excessive bending forces likely to be encountered. The power source is preferably a single small (thinnest available) lithium cell.  
         [0367]     In the preferred embodiment, at least one sensor  1108  attached to posts  1112  incorporates a gas pressure sensor as the detector; such a sensor is incorporated into the cushions protecting the corner posts  1112  and thus registers an increase reading as the wrestlers collide with the posts Alternatively, such a sensor may be incorporated directly into a cushion attached to post  1112 ; preferably such a cushion is airtight.  FIG. 61  shows one fluid-based pressure sensor that may be configured to such an application as the cushion with post; gas may for example replace the fluid or gel of  FIG. 61 . In an alternative configuration, sensors  1108  integrated with the posts  1112  may include strain gauges as the detector. Mounted directly to the posts  1112 , these sensors indicate the forces acting on the post as the wrestlers impact the posts  1112 . In another alternative, a post sensor may include vibration or accelerometer detector so that the sensor  1108  determines impact forces.  
         [0368]     In one embodiment, at least one of the sensors attached to ropes  1114  include extension detectors (or LVDT devices) at the points where the ropes are mounted. Sensors  1108  with strain gauges may also be used. Sensors attached to ropes  1114  preferably detect “rope deflection” as a reported metric.  
         [0369]     In one embodiment, sensors  1108  in the floor incorporate piezoelectric cables mounted as an interlocking grid attached to the underside of the floor. For example, such cables connect the “x” locations of  FIG. 63 . In such a configuration, only one sensor  1108  may be needed to monitor floor impact as all cables act as a single “detector” for a MMD sensor  1108 . Floor or canvas sensors  1108  may also incorporate strain gages attached in an array on the underside or around the perimeter at points where the floor  1110  is suspended. Vibration sensors and accelerometers may alternatively be used as the detector in any floor-monitoring sensor  1108 .  
         [0370]      FIG. 65  shows one surfing application for a MMD  1140  of the invention. MMD  1140  of one preferred embodiment includes an accelerometer detector (e.g., as in MMD  10  above) and MMD  1140  determines “G&#39;s” for big bottom turns. On-board signal processing for example preferably determines the location of a big bottom turn and records an “event” associated with the number of G&#39;s in the turn. G&#39;s may also be reported for other locations. One difficulty with such measurements is that there may be many larger G forces surfboard  1146  from flips, kicks and other actions; however the invention solves this difficulty by filtering out such actions. In one embodiment, the processor within MMD  1140  monitors the low frequency component of the accelerometer detector to determine the difference in the peaks and troughs of sinusoidal movement, so that MMD  1140  reports wave size and height over time.  
         [0371]     One MMD  1140  may also gauge the power of a wave landing on top of the surfer  1142 . Such a MMD  1140  preferably includes a pressure detector to determine pressure within water  1144  when a wave lands on surfboard  1146  and on surfer  1142 . A “maximum pressure” event is then reported by MMD  1140 .  
         [0372]     Another MMD  1140  includes an inclinometer or other angle determination detector to determine and report angle of the surfboard  1146 ; for example a maximum angle is reported for a given run or day.  
         [0373]     Data from any particular metric (e.g., g&#39;s in a turn, angle of surfboard, pressure under water) provided by MMD  1140  is preferably reported wirelessly to a watch worn by surfer  1142 ; however such data may also be displayed on a display integrated with surfboard  1146  or directly with sensor  1140 , such as shown with an airtime sensor in U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,380, incorporated herein by reference. In the form of a wristwatch, one MMD of the invention includes a pressure sensor housed in the watch; the MMD watch then reports the maximum pressure events without need of a separate MMD  1140  mounted to surfboard  1146  (or integrated therein).  
         [0374]     In one preferred embodiment, MMD  1140  includes a speed detector (such as a Doppler module or accelerometers as discussed herein or in U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,380) so that surfer speed is reported to surfer  1142 . Preferably, in this embodiment, distance traveled is also reported; by way of example the receiver of data from MMD  1140  (e.g., a digital watch) converts speed to distance by multiplying speed by a time duration traveled over that speed.  FIG. 66  shows MMD  1140 ′ including a Doppler module that radiates energy  1150 , as shown, to determine whether the rider of surfboard  1146 ′ is within the “Green Room”—i.e., within a wave  1152 . Preferably, such a MMD  1140 ′ also includes a speed sensor which indicates that board  1146 ′ is in motion so that the time duration of riding within the Green Room is determined accurately.  
         [0375]      FIG. 67  shows a personal network system  1300  constructed according to the invention. System  1300  keeps track of personal items, such as cell phone  1302 , car keys  1304 , wallet or purse  1306 , personal data assistant  1308 , digital watch  1309 , and/or personal computer  1310 . Additional, fewer or different personal items can be tracked in system  1300 , at the selection of a user of system  1300 . For example, a user can set up system  1300  to keep track of cell phone  1302  and keys  1304  only. Briefly, each personal item of  FIG. 67  includes a network transceiver: cell phone  1302  has transceiver  1302   a , car keys  1304  has transceiver  1304   a , wallet or purse  1306  has transceiver  1306   a , data assistant  1308  has transceiver  1308   a , watch  1309  has a transceiver  1309   a , and computer  1310  has transceiver  1310   a . Each transceiver  1302   a ,  1304   a ,  1306   a ,  1308   a ,  1309   a ,  1310   a  communicates with every other transceiver substantially all the time via a wireless link  1320 . Those skilled in the art appreciate that each transceiver  1302   a ,  1304   a ,  1306   a ,  1308   a ,  1309   a ,  1310   a  include an antenna to receive and communicate data on link  1320 . In the preferred embodiment, each transceiver  1302   a ,  1304   a ,  1306   a ,  1308   a ,  1309   a ,  1310   a  only maintains communications with any other transceiver over a selected distance, e.g., 100 feet, herein identified as the Network Distance. For example, cell phone transceiver  1302   a  maintains communications with every other transceiver  1304   a ,  1306   a ,  1308   a ,  1309   a ,  1310   a  so long as cell phone  1302  is within the Network Distance of every other device  1304 ,  1306 ,  1308 ,  1309 ,  1310 . However, for example, once cell phone  1302  is separated by keys  1304  by more than the Network Distance, then cell phone  1302  ceases communications with keys  1304  but maintains communications with other items  1306 ,  1308 ,  1309 ,  1310  (assuming items  1306 ,  1308 ,  1309 ,  1310  are within the Network Distance from cell phone  1302 ).  
         [0376]     In one preferred embodiment, each transceiver  1302   a ,  1304   a ,  1306   a ,  1308   a ,  1309   a ,  1310   a  includes a Bluetooth microchip and transceiver known in the art. Bluetooth transceivers only maintain a communication link (at a frequency of about 2.4 GHz in the ISM band) over a short range, e.g., 50 feet, and are not generally suitable for longer communication distances.  
         [0377]     Optionally, one or more of transceivers  1302   a ,  1304   a ,  1306   a ,  1308   a ,  1309   a ,  1310   a  are instead transponders; and at least one of items  1302   a ,  1304   a ,  1306   a ,  1308   a ,  1309   a ,  1310   a  provide excitation energy to the transponders to “reflect” data along link  1320  to provide the functionality described herein. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that items  1302   a ,  1304   a ,  1306   a ,  1308   a ,  1309   a ,  1310   a  may incorporate other technology, such as transmitters, to facilitate like functionality. That is, not every item  1302 ,  1304 ,  1306 ,  1308 ,  1309 ,  1310  needs to transmit and receive data on link  1320 . For example, wallet  1306  can include a transmitter instead of a transceiver to provide data about itself on link  1320 ; and other items  1302 ,  1304 ,  1308 ,  1309 ,  1310  can use wallet data to know whether it is in the network or not (even though wallet  1306  does not know whether other items  1302 ,  1304 ,  1308 ,  1309 ,  1310  are in the network). Transponders can provide like functionality for certain items  1302 ,  1304 ,  1306 ,  1308 ,  1309 ,  1310  as a matter of design choice.  
         [0378]     Wireless link  1320  includes information about time and items in the network; preferably the information also includes location information. For example, data  1320  informs each item  1302 - 1310  that every other item is still within the network, and, thus, that one or more items have not moved to beyond the Network Distance. If one item—e.g., keys  1304 —leaves the network so that item  1304  no longer communicates on link  1320 , every other item  1302 ,  1306 ,  1308 ,  1310  knows that item  1304  is no longer linked and data is stored on every other item  1302 ,  1306 ,  1308 ,  1310  indicating a time when item  1304  left the network. Preferably, the stored data in every other item also includes where the network was when keys  1304  disappeared.  
         [0379]     In the simplest embodiment, each of items  1302 - 1310  includes a corresponding indicator  1302   b - 1310   b ; each of indicators  1302   b - 1310   b  can for example be a LED, LCD, buzzer or vibrator. When any of items  1301 - 1310  are “lost” from the network—e.g., one item moves beyond the Network Distance—then the indicator in one or more of the other items tells the user of system  1300  that an item has “left”. That person can then expend effort to location the lost item. By way of example, each of indicators  1302   b - 1310   b  may provide a beep, sound or vibration to provide the user with knowledge of a lost item  1302 - 1310 .  
         [0380]     In a more complex embodiment, data stored on any item  1302 - 1310  indicating the loss of any item within network  1300  is a “cookie” of information detailing when and where an item left the network. In this way, a user of system  1300  can locate and find the lost item by reviewing cookies in any other item. By way of example, consider a network  1300  made from keys  1304 , wallet  1306 , digital watch  1309  and cell phone  1302 —items commonly carried by a male business person. In the preferred embodiment, this person would designate items  1302 ,  1304 ,  1306 ,  1309  as being “in network” (such as described below in connection with  FIG. 68 )—and system  1300  thereafter monitors items  1302 ,  1304 ,  1306 ,  1309  so that the person can keep track of items  1302 ,  1304 ,  1306 ,  1309 . If for example this person leaves his cell phone  1302  in a restaurant, then items  1304 ,  1306 ,  1309  know this occurred and inform him of the time, and preferably the location, of when cell phone  1302  was lost. Thus for example, watch  1309  can light an LED (as indicator  1309   b ) that an item is lost; item  1304  can indicate (through a LCD indicator  1304   b ) that cell phone  1302  was lost in cell area corresponding to downtown Boston at 15:15 pm. Specifically, in one embodiment, cell phone  1302  provides “location” information of at least a cell area; and cell phone  1302  provides “time” information by its real time clock (those skilled in the art appreciate that keys  1304 , digital watch  1309  or any other item can also include a real time clock as a matter of design choice). Accordingly, link  1320  has location and time information updated to each item  1304 ,  1306 ,  1309 . In leaving his cell phone at the restaurant, keys  1304 , wallet  1306 , watch  1309  receive “cookie” deposited in internal memory indicating when and where cell phone  1302  left the network of items  1302 ,  1304 ,  1306 ,  1309 . Accordingly, the person reviews data in either of items  1304 ,  1306 ,  1309  to learn of where he left his cell phone. Note that if he then lost item  1304 , he may also learn something of when item  1304  left the smaller network of items  1304 ,  1306 ,  1309  depending upon time and location data available. Those skilled in the art appreciate that cell phone technology enables more precise location information of where a cell phone is; and preferably this information will be provided to network system  1300  so that more precise location information is available to all network items. GPS receiver chips may also be incorporated into any of items  1302 - 1310  to provide the location information as described herein in connection with system  1300 .  
         [0381]     Users of system  1300  “program” which items are in the network preferably through a personal computer interface, shown in  FIG. 68 . In  FIG. 68 , a personal computer  1312  connects with a transceiver controller  1314  to program a network transceiver  1316   a  (representative of any transceiver  1302   a ,  13014   a ,  1306   a ,  1308   a ,  1309   a ,  1310   a , for example). Controller  1314  preferably includes a transceiver that wirelessly communications with transceiver  1316   a  via a data control link  1321 . Computer  1312  provides security and ID information so that items networked in system  1300  are secure relative to other users with other networks. By way of example, computer  1312  may provide an password key that is only known and used by items of network  1300 ; so that other items of other networks does not communicate on link  1320 .  
         [0382]     Note that a “wallet” or “purse” do not generally have electronics associated therewith, to provide the functionality described above. Therefore, in the preferred embodiment, a transceiver  1306   a  is “attached” to a wallet or purse to provide the underlying electronics. By way of example, such a transceiver takes the form of a credit card inserted into the wallet or purse.  FIG. 69  illustrates one non-electronic item  1340 , e.g., a wallet  1306 , attached to a transceiver  1340   a  suitable for construction as an attachment like a smart card. Transceiver  1340   a  can for example include a Bluetooth microchip  1324   a  or alternatively a transmitter or transponder  1324   b . A GPS receiver  1322  can alternatively be included with transceiver  1340   a . An antenna  1326 , if needed, provides for communication along link  1320 ,  FIG. 67 . An LCD or LED data interface provides data and/or warnings to users reviewing item  1340  (and specifically transceiver  1340   a ). A user interface  1340   c  permits access to and/or modification of data or functionality of transceiver  1340   a . A real time clock  1330  preferably provides time data for time stamping “lost” item information onto network link  1320 , so that a user would know when item  1340  (or other items) were lost. In the preferred embodiment, a cookie memory stores “events” associated with lost items—e.g., a cell phone was lost at GPS coordinates X, Y at noon, providing obvious benefit in finding the lost item.  
         [0383]      FIG. 70  and  FIG. 71  show an electronic drink coaster  1400  constructed according to the invention. Internal electronics  1402  sense the weight of a drink  1404  on coaster  1400  to automatically inform a restaurant or bar, via wireless signals  1406  to a restaurant or bar receiver  1408 , that the customer needs a drink or refill. In one embodiment, a customer can also place an order from coaster  1400 . Liquid (e.g., beer)  1410  may be used to calibrate electronics  1402  so that electronics  1402  knows when glass  1412  is full or empty, to report the information as data  1406 .  
         [0384]      FIG. 71  shows a top plan view of coaster  1400 , including customer order or calibration buttons  1410   a ,  1410   b . Electronics  1402 , typically internal to coaster  1400 , include a weight detector  1420 , communications port  1422 , processor  1424 , and antenna  1426 ; electronics  1402  are similar in design to many of the MMDs or EMDs described herein. Weight detector  1420  detects weight on coaster  1400 ; and processor  1422  decides how to use the weight information in a meaningful way. By way of example, processor  1422  knows the approximate weight of glass  1412  onto weight detector  1420 , and once glass  1412  is filled with beer it also knows when glass  1412  is empty—creating one reporting event to bar receiver  1408 , if desired. Users of coaster  1400  can also select inputs to coaster electronics  1402  so as to place orders, wirelessly, to restaurant receiver  1408 . For example, a user of coaster  1400  can order “another beer” by pressing button  1410   a . Other order functions can of course be included with coaster  1400 , including an LED  1430  that provides the status of orders, sent to coaster  1400  via receiver  1408 .  
         [0385]      FIG. 72  shows a package management system  1500 , and sensor  1502 , of the invention. Sensor  1502  (e.g., a MMD or EMD described herein) may be integrated directly with a shipping label  1504  for attachment to a box or envelope to ship products, goods or other material. Sensor  1502  includes an integrated circuit  1502 A, a communications port  1502 B and a battery  1502 C to communicate data (e.g., impact, temperature, humidity) experienced by label  1504  to external devices. By way of example, a remote receiver  1508  may be used to interrogate or read data from sensor  1502 . In the preferred embodiment, sensor  1502  also includes a unique package identifier (e.g., like a bar code) so as to identify label  1504  and the goods associated therewith. A receiver  1508  linked to a transportation channel of label  1504  (e.g., a transportation channel traveled by a shipping truck  1510 ) may then communicate with sensor  1502 , e.g., via wireless link  1505 , to determine whether label  1504  is in the correct channel. Accordingly, sensor  1502  helps track label  1504  and may further prevent theft of packages linked to label  1504  since the wireless system may automatically determine inappropriate location of label  1504 . A remote wireless relay tower  1512  may communicate with receiver  1508  so as to manage and track label  1504  movement and location during shipment. The invention may augment or even replace manual scanning of labels for shipping packages; the invention may also prevent theft of packages by automatically identifying inappropriate packages in shipment channels.  
         [0386]     In the preferred embodiment, a dispenser  1514  may contain several labels similar to label  1504 ; dispenser preferably issues label  1504  in a manner similar to canister  200 ,  FIG. 10 , so as to “power on” label  1504  with an internal time stamp. A location code and/or time code are thus preferably communicated from dispenser  1514  to sensor  1502  when label  1504  issues  1516  from dispenser  1514 .  
         [0387]      FIG. 73  shows a product integrity tracking system  1600  of the invention. One or more sensors  1602  (e.g., each of the sensors being a MMD or EMD) attach to a customer product  1604 . Preferably, sensors  1602  “stick” to product  1604  similar to MMDs or EMDs discussed herein. Product  1604  may be any product of value, including, for example, medical devices, computers, furniture and pharmaceuticals (in the case of pharmaceuticals, sensors  1604  may for example attach to packaging containing the pharmaceuticals, or be arranged adjacent to product  1604 , such as indicated by sensor  1602 A). Typically, product  1604  initiates shipment along a shipping channel at the customer facility  1610  (e.g., a plant or laboratory). The company of facility  1610  may for example independently attach sensors  1602  to product  1604 . A shipping channel may for example include a separate shipping company such as FED EX with a truck  1612 . At the conclusion of travel, product  1604  reaches its destination  1614  (e.g., a place controlled by the customer of the company of facility  1610 ). At destination  1614 , sensors  1604  are read through wireless link  1619  by an interrogating device  1620  so as to see how product  1604  fared during travel. The shipping company may have persons  1622  to take the reading or this may occur automatically at destination  1614 . Data acquired from sensor  1602  may for example include impact (or “acceleration information”) and temperature, each preferably with a time stamp help track event occurrences (e.g., an acceleration event greater than 10 g&#39;s at 9:10 AM, Monday). Multiple sensors  1602  provide for detecting event occurrences at different locations on product  1604 . This is particularly useful for complex medical devices that may have a relatively sturdy base and a fragile robotic arm, each with different performance specifications (e.g., each with a maximum load allowance); sensors  1602  may thus each attach to separate area of product  1604  so that product integrity information  1619  may be determined for multiple locations. Data from device  1620  may communicate automatically, via link  1621 , and back to facility  1610  through network  1630  (e.g., the Internet) and through a firewall  1632  so as to communicate product integrity information, in near real-time, to the company of product  1604 . In this way, this company may better manage its brand integrity of product  1604  during shipment. If a damaging event occurred to product  1604 , during shipment, that company will learn about it and may ship a replacement product (or move to refurbish product  1604 ).