Patent Publication Number: US-2022240049-A1

Title: Systems and Methods for Monitoring System Equipment Diagnosis

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/116,611 entitled “Systems and Methods for Monitoring System Equipment Diagnosis” and filed Dec. 9, 2020 by Buck et al.; which in turn is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 10,893,383 entitled “Systems and Methods for Monitoring System Equipment Diagnosis” and issued on Jan. 12, 2021. The entirety of the aforementioned applications is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various embodiments provide systems and methods for diagnosing monitoring system equipment functionality. 
     Large numbers of individuals are currently monitored as part of parole requirements or other requirements. Such monitoring allows a monitoring agency to determine whether the individual is engaging in acceptable patterns of behavior, and where an unacceptable behavior is identified to stop such behavior going forward. In many monitoring systems, failure of one or more elements of the monitoring system limits the ability to discern individual behavior. 
     Thus, for at least the aforementioned reasons, there exists a need in the art for more advanced approaches, devices and systems for monitoring. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Various embodiments provide systems and methods for diagnosing monitoring system equipment functionality. 
     This summary provides only a general outline of some embodiments. Many other objects, features, advantages and other embodiments will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings and figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A further understanding of the various embodiments may be realized by reference to the figures which are described in remaining portions of the specification. In the figures, similar reference numerals are used throughout several drawings to refer to similar components. In some instances, a sub-label consisting of a lower case letter is associated with a reference numeral to denote one of multiple similar components. When reference is made to a reference numeral without specification to an existing sub-label, it is intended to refer to all such multiple similar components. 
         FIG. 1 a    is a block diagram illustrating a hybrid monitoring system including both a user attached monitor device and a user detached monitor device in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG. 1 b    is a block diagram of a user detached monitor device usable in accordance with one or more embodiments; 
         FIG. 1 c    is a block diagram of a user attached monitor device including a local communication link in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 1 d    shows a user attached monitor device with an attachment element for attaching the user attached monitor device to a limb of an individual in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  is a flow diagram showing a method in accordance with some embodiments for using a combination of a user detached monitor device and a user attached monitor device to diagnose operational status of one or both of the user detached monitor device and/or the user attached monitor device; 
         FIGS. 3 a -3 b    are flow diagrams showing a method in accordance with some embodiments for using a combination of a user detached monitor device and a user attached monitor device to determine whether a tamper indication from the user attached monitor device is spurious; 
         FIGS. 4 a -4 b    are flow diagrams showing a method in accordance with some embodiments for using a combination of a user detached monitor device and a user attached monitor device to determine operational status of location circuitry in one or both of the user detached monitor device and/or the user attached monitor device; 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram showing a method in accordance with some embodiments for using a combination of a user detached monitor device and a user attached monitor device to diagnose operational status of WiFi functionality of one or both of the user detached monitor device and/or the user attached monitor device; and 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram showing a method in accordance with some embodiments for using a combination of a user detached monitor device and a user attached monitor device to diagnose operational status of motion detection functionality of one or both of the user detached monitor device and/or the user attached monitor device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Various embodiments provide systems and methods for diagnosing monitoring system equipment functionality. 
     It has been found that returning offenders to society after being locked up in a secure facility with little if any control of their day to day activities is often unsuccessful. It is often helpful to have, for example, a parole officer monitor their movements and activities for a period of time as they reenter society. In some cases, the parole officer is aided by a tracking device attached to the individual being monitored. However, this is costly as a parole officer must be significantly involved in monitoring and responding to situations. Some embodiments disclosed herein reduce the interaction between the tracking device and the parole officer. 
     Further, it has been found that once a monitoring term has been completed and a monitored individual has been fully released into society without oversight, the chances that the individual will re-engage in problematic behavior is high. Various embodiments disclosed herein provide tools and devices that continue to support the individual as they transition away from the active oversight by, for example, a parole officer. 
     Various embodiments provide methods for determining operation status of a monitoring system. Such methods include: providing a first test command to a user attached monitor device where the user attached monitor device is physically attached to an individual being monitored; providing a second test command to a user detached monitor device where the user detached monitor device is associated with the individual being monitored; receiving a first test result corresponding to the first test command from the user attached monitor device; receiving a second test result corresponding to the second test command from the user detached monitor device; and analyzing a combination of the first test result and the second test result to determine an operation status of at least one of the user attached monitor device and the user detached monitor device. 
     In some instances of the aforementioned embodiments, the methods further include: providing the user attached monitor device, and providing the user detached monitor device. The user attached monitor device includes, but is not limited to, location determination functionality, motion determination functionality, and a strap for attaching the user attached monitor device to the individual, the user detached monitor device includes, but is not limited to: location determination functionality, and motion determination functionality. In some cases, the user detached monitor device is a cellular telephone. 
     In various instances of the aforementioned embodiments, the analysis is performed by a central monitoring station. In such instances, the methods may further include reporting an analysis result derived from analyzing the combination of the first test result and the second test result. The analysis result is reported from the central monitoring station to a person (e.g., a technician or a person assigned to monitor the individual). In one or more instances of the aforementioned embodiments, the analyzing is performed by the user detached monitor device. In such instances, the methods may further include reporting an analysis result derived from analyzing the combination of the first test result and the second test result. The analysis result is reported from the user detached monitor device to a person (e.g., a technician or a person assigned to monitor the individual) via the central monitoring station. 
     In some instances of the aforementioned embodiments, the first test command commands the user attached monitor device to determine location of the user attached monitor device, and the second test command commands the user detached monitor device to determine location of the user detached monitor device. The first test result is a location of the user attached monitor device, or a location unavailable message; and the second test result is a location of the user detached monitor device, or a location unavailable message. The methods further include analyzing the combination of the first test result and the second test result utilizing both the first test result and the second test result to determine an analysis result. The analysis result indicates: a user attached location test fail, a user detached location test fail, a location test indefinite, a user attached location test pass, or a user detached location test pass. In some cases, the user attached monitor device determines the location of the user attached monitor device using wireless satellite signals and the user detached monitor device determines the location of the user detached monitor device using wireless satellite signals. In various cases, the user attached monitor device determines the location of the user attached monitor device using wireless signals from one or more WiFi access points and the user detached monitor device determines the location of the user detached monitor device using wireless signals from one or more WiFi access points. 
     In various instances of the aforementioned embodiments, the first test command commands the user attached monitor device to identify WiFi access points visible to the user attached monitor device, and the second test command commands the user detached monitor device to identify WiFi access points visible to the user detached monitor device. The first test result is the list of the of WiFi access points visible to the user attached monitor device, and the second test result is the list of the of WiFi access points visible to the user detached monitor device. Analyzing the combination of the first test result and the second test result includes comparing the list of WiFi access points visible to the user attached monitor device to the list of WiFi access points visible to the user detached monitor device to determine that both the user attached monitor device and the user detached monitor device are seeing a common subset of the list of WiFi access points visible to the user attached monitor device and the list of WiFi access points visible to the user detached monitor device. 
     In some instances of the aforementioned embodiments, the first test command commands the user attached monitor device to determine motion of the user attached monitor device, and the second test command commands the user detached monitor device to determine motion of the user detached monitor device. The first test result may be a motion indication, a no motion indication, a plurality of motion indications, a plurality of no motion indications, or a combination of motion indications and no motion indication. The second test result may be a motion indication, a no motion indication, a plurality of motion indications, a plurality of no motion indications, or a combination of motion indications and no motion indication. Analyzing the combination of the first test result and the second test result includes comparing the second test result with the first test result. 
     In various instances of the aforementioned embodiments, the first test command commands the user attached monitor device to determine motion of the user attached monitor device, and the second test command commands the user detached monitor device to determine motion of the user attached monitor device. The first test result includes a first list of time stamped indications obtained over a first period of time by the user attached monitor device. The list of time stamped indications includes: at least one motion indication, at least one no motion indication, or a combination of at least one motion indication and at least one no motion indication. The second test result includes a first list of time stamped indications obtained over a first period of time by the user attached monitor device. Again, the list of time stamped indications includes: at least one motion indication, at least one no motion indication, or a combination of at least one motion indication and at least one no motion indication. Analyzing the combination of the first test result and the second test result includes comparing at least one entry in the first test result with at least one entry in the second test result where the at least one entry in the first test result corresponds to a time stamp indicating a time similar to a time stamp corresponding to the at least one entry in the second test result. 
     Other embodiments provide systems for determining operation status of a monitoring system. The systems include a central monitoring station having a processor and a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium including instructions executable by the processor to: provide a first test command to a user attached monitor device, wherein the user attached monitor device is physically attached to an individual being monitored; provide a second test command to a user detached monitor device, wherein the user detached monitor device is associated with the individual being monitored; receive a first test result corresponding to the first test command from the user attached monitor device; receive a second test result corresponding to the second test command from the user detached monitor device; and analyze a combination of the first test result and the second test result to determine an operation status of at least one of the user attached monitor device and the user detached monitor device. 
     In some instances of the aforementioned embodiments, the computer readable medium further includes instructions executable by the processor to provide the user attached monitor device. The user attached monitor device includes: location determination functionality, motion determination functionality, and a strap for attaching the user attached monitor device to the individual. In various instances of the aforementioned embodiments, the computer readable medium further includes instructions executable by the processor to provide the user detached monitor device. The user detached monitor device includes: location determination functionality, and motion determination functionality. In one or more instances of the aforementioned embodiments, the user detached monitor device is a cellular telephone. 
     Turning to  FIG. 1 a   , a block diagram illustrates a hybrid monitoring system  100  including both a user attached monitor device  110  and a user detached monitor device  120  in accordance with various embodiments. A local communication link  112  allows for communication between user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120 . Local communication link  112  may be any communication link that is capable of transferring information or otherwise communicating between two devices within a relatively short distance of each other. In some cases, for example, local communication link  112  may be a Bluetooth™ communication link. In other examples, local communication link  112  may be a line of sight infrared communication link. As yet other examples, local communication link  112  may be a WiFi communication link. Based upon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a variety of communication protocols and/or media that may be used to implement local communication link  112 . 
     User detached monitor device  120  is portable, and may be any device that is recognized as being used by or assigned to an individual being monitored, but is not physically attached to the individual being monitored by a tamper evident attaching device. User detached monitor device  120  may be, but is not limited to, a cellular telephone capable of communication with user attached monitor device  110  via local communication link  112 . In contrast, user attached monitor device  110  is attached to the individual being monitored using a tamper evident attaching device like a strap. User attached monitor device  110  may be, but is not limited to, a tracking device that is attached around the limb of an individual and includes indicators to monitor whether the device has been removed from the individual or otherwise tampered. Hybrid monitoring system  100  further includes a central monitoring station  160  wirelessly coupled to user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  via one or more wide area wireless (e.g., cellular telephone network, Internet via a Wi-Fi access point, or the like) communication networks  150 . 
     User detached monitor device  120  includes a location sensor that senses the location of the device and generates a location data. For example, when user detached monitor device  120  is capable of receiving wireless global navigation satellite system (hereinafter “GNSS”) location information  130 ,  131 ,  132  from a sufficient number of GPS or GNSS satellites  145  respectively, user detached monitor device  120  may use the received wireless GNSS location information to calculate or otherwise determine the location of user attached monitor device  110 . Global positioning system (hereinafter “GPS) is one example of a GNSS location system. While GPS is used in the specific embodiments discussed herein, it is recognized that GPS may be replaced by any type of GNSS system. In some instances, this location includes latitude, longitude, and elevation. It should be noted that other types of earth-based triangulation may be used in accordance with different embodiments of the present invention. For example, other cell phone based triangulation, UHF band triangulation such as, for example, long range (hereinafter “LoRa”) triangulation signals. Based on the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize other types of earth-based triangulation that may be used. The location data may comprise one or more of, but is not limited to: global positioning system (“GPS”) data, Assisted GPS (“A-GPS”) data, Advanced Forward Link Trilateration (“AFLT”) data, and/or cell tower triangulation data. Where GPS is used, user detached monitor device  120  receives location information from three or more GPS satellites  145   a ,  145   b ,  145   c  via respective communication links  130 ,  131 ,  132 . The aforementioned location data is utilized to verify the location of a user associated with user detached monitor device  120  at various points as more fully discussed below. User detached monitor device  120  is considered “ambiguous” because it is not attached to the user in a tamper resistant/evident way, but rather is freely severable from the user and thus could be used by persons other than the target. Various processes discussed herein mitigate the aforementioned ambiguity to yield a reasonable belief that information derived from user detached monitor device  120  corresponds to the target. 
     The location data and/or other data gathered by user detached monitor device  120  is wirelessly transmitted to central monitoring station  160  via wide area wireless network  150  accessed via a wireless link  133 . Central monitoring station  160  may be any location, device or system where the location data is received, including by way of non-limiting example: a cellular/smart phone, an email account, a website, a network database, and a memory device. The location data is stored by central monitoring station  160  and is retrievable by a monitor, such as a parent, guardian, parole officer, court liaison, spouse, friend, or other authorized group or individual. In this manner, the monitor is able to respond appropriately to the detected out-of-bounds activity by a user. In some cases, the monitor is able to retrieve the location data via a user interaction system  185  which may be, but is not limited to, a network connected user interface device communicatively coupled via a network to central monitoring station  160  and/or directly to user detached monitor device  120  via wide area wireless network  150 . 
     User detached monitor device  120  may further include a user identification sensor operable to generate user identification data for identifying the user in association with the generation of the location data. The user identification data may comprise one or more of: image data, video data, biometric data (e.g. fingerprint. DNA, retinal scan, etc. data), or any other type of data that may be used to verify the identity of the user at or near the time the location data is generated. And the user identification sensor may comprise one or more of: a camera, microphone, heat sensor, biometric data sensor, or any other type of device capable of sensing/generating the aforementioned types of user identification data. 
     The user identification data is wirelessly transmitted in association with the location data to central monitoring station  160  via a wireless transmitter communicatively coupled to the user identification sensor. The user identification data is stored in association with the location data by central monitoring station  160  and is retrievable therefrom by a monitor, such as a parent, guardian, parole officer, court liaison, spouse, friend, or other authorized group or individual. Preferably, the monitor is able to retrieve the location data via a network connected user interface device communicatively coupled—via the network—to central monitoring station  160  and/or to user detached monitor device  120 . The location data may be transmitted to central monitoring station  160  independent of the user identification data, for example, during a periodic check-in with central monitoring system  160 . 
     User detached monitor device  120  may further comprise a memory communicatively coupled to a control unit—which is also communicatively coupled to the location sensor, the identification sensor and the wireless transceiver—for controlling the operations thereof in accordance with the functionalities described herein. The memory may include non-transient instructions (e.g., software of firmware-based based instructions) executable by the control unit to perform and/or enable various functions associated with user detached monitor device  120 . As user detached monitor device  120  is portable, each of the components may be located within, immediately adjacent to, or exposed without, a device housing whose dimensions are such that user detached monitor device  120  as a whole may be discretely carried by the user, for example, within a pocket or small purse. User detached monitor device  120  may include a Wi-Fi transceiver capable of receiving information from one or more Wi-Fi access points  187  that can be used to discern location via a Wi-Fi communication link  109 . 
     Central monitoring station  160  may include a server supported website, which may be supported by a server system comprising one or more physical servers, each having a processor, a memory, an operating system, input/output interfaces, and network interfaces, all known in the art, coupled to the network. The server supported website comprises one or more interactive web portals through which the monitor may monitor the location of the user in accordance with the described embodiments. In particular, the interactive web portals may enable the monitor to retrieve the location and user identification data of one or more users, set or modify ‘check-in’ schedules, and/or set or modify preferences. The interactive web portals are accessible via a personal computing device, such as for example, a home computer, laptop, tablet, and/or smart phone. 
     In some embodiments, the server supported website comprises a mobile website or mobile application accessible via a software application on a mobile device (e.g. smart phone). The mobile website may be a modified version of the server supported website with limited or additional capabilities suited for mobile location monitoring. 
     User attached monitor device  110  includes a location sensor that senses the location of the device and generates a location data. For example, when user attached monitor device  110  is capable of receiving wireless global navigation satellite system (hereinafter “GNSS”) location information  136 ,  138 ,  139  from a sufficient number of GPS or GNSS satellites  145  respectively, user attached monitor device may use the received wireless GNSS location information to calculate or otherwise determine the location of human subject  110 . Global positioning system (hereinafter “GPS) is one example of a GNSS location system. While GPS is used in the specific embodiments discussed herein, it is recognized that GPS may be replaced by any type of GNSS system. In some instances, this location includes latitude, longitude, and elevation. It should be noted that other types of earth-based triangulation may be used in accordance with different embodiments of the present invention. For example, other cell phone based triangulation, UHF band triangulation such as, for example, long range (hereinafter “LoRa”) triangulation signals. Based on the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize other types of earth-based triangulation that may be used. The location data may comprise one or more of, but is not limited to: global positioning system (“GPS”) data, Assisted GPS (“A-GPS”) data, Advanced Forward Link Trilateration (“AFLT”) data, and/or cell tower triangulation data. Where GPS is used, user attached monitor device  110  receives location information from three or more GPS or GNSS satellites  145  via respective communication links  136 ,  138 ,  139 . The location data and/or other data gathered by user attached monitor device  110  is wirelessly transmitted to central monitoring station  160  via wide area wireless network  150  accessed via a wireless link  135 . Again, central monitoring station  160  may be any location, device or system where the location data is received, including by way of non-limiting example: a cellular/smart phone, an email account, a website, a network database, and a memory device. The location data is stored by central monitoring station  160  and is retrievable by a monitor, such as a parent, guardian, parole officer, court liaison, spouse, friend, or other authorized group or individual. In this manner, monitor is able to respond appropriately to the detected out-of-bounds activity by a user. 
     User attached monitor device  110  may further comprise a memory communicatively coupled to a control unit—which is also communicatively coupled to the location sensor, the identification sensor and the wireless transceiver—for controlling the operations thereof in accordance with the functionalities described herein. The memory may include non-transient instructions (e.g., software of firmware-based based instructions) executable by the control unit to perform and/or enable various functions associated with user attached monitor device  110 . User attached monitor device may include a strap which can be wrapped around a limb of the individual being monitored to secure user attached monitor device to the individual. The strap includes one or more tamper circuits and/or sensors that allow for a determination as to whether the device has been removed or otherwise tampered. Examples of a strap and tamper detection circuitry that may be used in relation to various embodiments discussed herein are described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,355,579 entitled “Methods for Image Based Tamper Detection”, and filed by Buck et al. on Sep. 15, 2014; and US Pat. Pub. No. US 2017-0270778 A1 entitled “Systems and Methods for improved Monitor Attachment”, and filed by Melton et al. on Mar. 21, 2016. Both of the aforementioned references are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Based upon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a variety of straps, tamper circuits, tamper devices, and/or attachment and tamper detection approaches that may be used in relation to various embodiments. User attached monitor device  110  may include a Wi-Fi transceiver capable of receiving information from one or more Wi-Fi access points  187  that may be used to identify location via a Wi-Fi communication link  113 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 1 b   , a block diagram of user detached monitor device  120  is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments. User detached monitor device  120  includes wireless transceiver circuitry  128  that is capable of sending and receiving information via wireless link  133  to/from wide area wireless network  150 . Wireless transceiver circuitry  128  may be any circuitry, integrated circuit, and/or processor or controller capable of supporting wireless communication. Such wireless communication may include, but is not limited to, cellular telephone communication. Internet communication via a Wi-Fi access point, or both. In addition, user detached monitor device  120  includes a vibrator  112 , a speaker  114 , and a visual display and touch screen  116 . In some cases, at scheduled times a user of user detached monitor device  120  is alerted of a need to check-in. The schedule of check-in times may be downloaded to a memory  124  by central monitoring station  160  via wireless link  133 . The user may be alerted by one or more of: a visual prompt via visual display and touch screen  116 , an audio prompt via speaker  114 , and a tactile prompt via vibrator  112 . Each of vibrator  112 , speaker  114 , and visual display and touch screen  116  is communicatively coupled to memory  124  and/or a control circuit  122  for controlling the operations thereof. In some cases, control circuit  122  includes a processor. In various cases, control circuit  122  is part of an integrated circuit. In one or more cases, memory  124  is included in an integrated circuit with control circuit  122 . In various cases, memory  124  may include non-transient instructions (e.g., software or firmware-based based instructions) executable by controller circuit  122  to perform and/or enable various functions associated with user detached monitor device  120 . A visual prompt may include, but is not limited to, text, images and/or a combination thereof, or a series of such visual prompts. An audio prompt may include, but is not limited to, one or more different audio prompts, or a series thereof. Each prompt may be stored in memory  124  and retrieved in accordance with the schedule that is also maintained in memory  124 . In some embodiments, alerting the user involves a prompt that includes an e-mail or text message generated by central monitoring station  160  (e.g. the server supported website) and transmitted to the e-mail account or cellular phone number corresponding to user detached monitor device  120 . In particular embodiments, such a prompt may include a ‘post’ on the user&#39;s ‘wall,’ ‘feed,’ or other social networking privilege. In some embodiments, the prompt may comprise an automated or live phone call to the user. 
     User detached monitor device  120  further includes user identification circuitry  179  capable of gathering user identification information from one or more of a microphone  171 , a camera  173 , a temperature sensor  175 , and/or a biometric sensor  177 . In some cases, user identification circuitry  179  is incorporated in an integrated circuit with control circuit  122 . Microphone  171  is capable of accurately capturing the sound of a user&#39;s voice, camera  173  is capable of accurately capturing images including, for example, an image of the user&#39;s face, temperature sensor  175  is capable of accurately capturing an ambient temperature around user detached monitor device  120 , and biometric sensor  177  is capable of accurately capturing biometric data about the user including, but not limited to, a thumb print, a retinal scan, or a breath-based alcohol measurement. Based upon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a variety of biometric data and corresponding sensors that may be used in relation to different embodiments. Under the direction of control circuitry  122 , user identification circuitry  179  assembles one or more elements of data gathered by microphone  171 , a camera  173 , a temperature sensor  175 , and/or a biometric sensor  177  into a user identification package which is forwarded to central monitoring station  160  via wireless transceiver circuitry  128 . User detached monitor device  120  additionally includes a motion detector  111  operable to discern whether user detached monitor device is moving. In some cases, motion detector  120  includes an accelerometer circuit. Based upon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize various circuits and/or sensors capable of indicating that user detached monitor device is moving that may be used in relation to different embodiments. 
     User detached monitor device  120  additionally includes location circuitry  126 . Location circuitry  126  may include one or more of, a GPS processing circuit capable of fixing a location of user detached monitor device  120  using GPS data, a WiFi based location circuit capable of fixing a location of user detached monitor device  120  using contact information with one or more WiFi access points, and/or a cell tower triangulation processing circuit capable of fixing a location of user detached monitor device  120  using cell tower triangulation data. A local communication link  181  controls communication between user detached monitor device  120  and user attached monitor device  110 . In some embodiments, local communication link  181  supports a Bluetooth™ communication protocol and is capable of both receiving information from user attached monitor device  110  and transmitting information to user attached monitor device  110 . In other embodiments, local communication link  181  supports a Wi-Fi communication protocol and is capable of both receiving information from user attached monitor device  110  and transmitting information to user attached monitor device  110 . In some cases, local communication link  181  supports communication in only a receive or transmit direction. Based upon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a variety of communication protocols and information transfer directions that may be supported by local communication link  181  in accordance with different embodiments. Additionally, user detached monitor device  120  includes a diagnosis application  199  that controls operation of one or more diagnostic tests designed to test the operational status of components of user detached monitor device  120  and/or user attached monitor device  110 . Diagnosis application may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware-based, or some combination of the aforementioned. In some cases, diagnosis application provides control for user detached monitor device  120  of diagnostic processes described below in one or more of  FIGS. 2-6 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 1 c   , a block diagram  194  of user attached monitor device  110  including a local communication link  159  is shown in accordance with some embodiments. Local communication link  159  controls communication between user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120 . In some embodiments, local communication link  159  supports a Bluetooth™ communication protocol and is capable of both receiving information from user detached monitor device  120  and transmitting information to user detached monitor device  120 . In other embodiments, local communication link  159  supports a Wi-Fi communication protocol and is capable of both receiving information from user detached monitor device  120  and transmitting information to user detached monitor device  120 . In some cases, local communication link  159  supports communication in only a receive or transmit direction. Based upon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a variety of communication protocols and information transfer directions that may be supported by local communication link  159  in accordance with different embodiments. 
     As shown, user attached monitor device  110  includes a device ID  161  that may be maintained in a memory  165 , and is thus accessible by a controller circuit  167 . Controller circuit  167  is able to interact with a GPS receiver  162  and memory  165  at times for storing and generating records of successively determined GPS locations. Similarly, controller circuit  167  is able to interact with a Wi-Fi receiver  188  and memory  165  at times for storing and generating records of successively determined Wi-Fi access point identifications and signal strength. In some cases, memory  165  may include non-transient instructions (e.g., software of firmware-based based instructions) executable by controller circuit  167  to perform and/or enable various functions associated with user attached monitor device  110 . As user attached monitor device  110  comes within range of one or more Wi-Fi access points (e.g., Wi-Fi access points  187 ), a Wi-Fi receiver  188  senses the signal provided by the respective Wi-Fi access points, and provides an identification of the respective Wi-Fi access point and a signal strength of the signal received from the Wi-Fi access point to Wi-Fi receiver  188 . This information is provided to controller circuit  167  which stores the information to memory  165 . 
     Where user attached monitor device  110  is operating in a standard mode, controller circuit  167  causes an update and reporting of the location of user attached monitor device  110  via a wide area transceiver  168  and wide area communication network  150 . In some embodiments, wide area transceiver  168  is a cellular telephone transceiver. In some cases, the location data is time stamped. In contrast, where user attached monitor device  110  is within range of a public Wi-Fi access point, reporting the location of user attached monitor device  110  may be done via the public Wi-Fi access point in place of the cellular communication link. In another case where user attached monitor device  110  is operating in a low battery mode, reporting the location of user attached monitor device  110  may be done via user detached monitoring device  120  coupled using local communication link  159 . 
     Which technologies are used to update the location of user attached monitor device  110  may be selected either by default, by programming from central monitor station  160 , or based upon sensed scenarios with corresponding pre-determined selections. For example, it may be determined whether sufficient battery power as reported by power status  196  remains in user attached monitor device  110  to support a particular position determination technology. Where insufficient power remains, the particular technology is disabled. In some cases, a maximum cost of resolving location may be set for user attached monitor device  110 . For example, resolving Wi-Fi location data may incur a per transaction cost to have a third-party service provider resolve the location information. When a maximum number of resolution requests have been issued, the Wi-Fi position determination technology may be disabled. Further, it may be determined whether the likelihood that a particular position determination technology will be capable of providing meaningful location information. For example, where user attached monitor device  110  is moved indoors. GPS receiver  162  may be disabled to save power. Alternatively, where the tracking device is traveling at relatively high speeds, the Wi-Fi receiver  188  may be disabled. As yet another example, where cellular phone jamming is occurring, support for cell tower triangulation position determination may be disabled. As yet another example, where GPS jamming is occurring, GPS receiver  162  may be disabled. As yet another example, where user attached monitor device  110  is stationary, the lowest cost (from both a monetary and power standpoint) tracking may be enabled while all other technologies are disabled. Which position determination technologies are used may be based upon which zone a tracking device is located. Some zones may be rich in Wi-Fi access points and in such zones Wi-Fi technology may be used. Otherwise, another technology such as cell tower triangulation or GPS may be used. Based upon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize other scenarios and corresponding combinations of technologies may be best. 
     Controller circuit  167  of user attached monitor device  110  at times functions in conjunction with wide area transceiver  168  to send and receive data and signals through wide area communication network  150 . This link at times is useful for passing information and/or control signals between a central monitoring system (not shown) and user attached monitor device  110 . The information transmitted may include, but is not limited to, location information, alcohol information, and information about the status of user attached monitor device  110 . Based on the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a variety of information that may be transferred via wide area communication network  150 . 
     Various embodiments of user attached monitor device  110  include a variety of sensors capable of determining the status of user detached monitor device  120 , and of the individual associated therewith. For example, a status monitor  166  may include one or more of the following subcomponents: power status sensor  196  capable of indicating a power status of user detached monitor device  120 . The power status may be expressed, for example as a percentage of battery life remaining. Based upon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a variety of forms in which power status may be expressed. In addition, user attached monitor device  110  includes a set of shielding sensors  169  that are capable of determining whether user attached monitor device  110  is being shielded from receiving GPS signals and/or if GPS jamming is ongoing, a set of device health indicators  154 , a tamper sensor  131  capable of determining whether unauthorized access to user attached monitor device  110  has occurred or whether user attached monitor device  110  has been removed from an associated individual being monitored, a motion/proximity sensor  152  capable of determining whether user attached monitor device  110  is moving and/or whether it is within proximity of an individual associated with user detached monitor device  120 , and/or an alcohol sensor  153 . Such an alcohol sensor may be any alcohol sensor capable of estimating an amount of alcohol in the individual being monitored. Based upon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a variety of alcohol sensors and corresponding alcohol sensing circuitry that may be used in relation to different embodiments. Based on the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a variety of shielding sensors, a variety of device health transducers and indicators, a variety of tamper sensors, various different types of motion sensors, different proximity to human sensors, and various human body physical measurement sensors or transducers that may be incorporated into user attached monitor device  110  according to various different instances and/or embodiments. 
     Turning to  FIG. 1 d   , a user attached monitor device  1089  is shown with an example attachment element  1090  connected at opposite ends of user attached monitor device  1089  (i.e., a first end  1097  and a second end  1098 ). Attachment element  1090  is operable to securely attach a tracking device  1095  (i.e., a combination of user attached monitor device  1089  and attachment element  1090 ) to a limb of an individual in accordance with some embodiments. In various embodiments, attachment element  1090  includes electrically and/or optically conductive material used to make a conductive connection form first end  1097  to second end  1098  through attachment element  1090  and is used in relation to determining whether user attached monitor device  1089  remains attached and/or has been tampered with. While  FIG. 1 d    shows a strap as an example attachment element, based upon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize other types of attachment elements that may be used in relation to different embodiments. 
     Turning to  FIG. 2 , a flow diagram  200  shows a method in accordance with some embodiments for using a combination of user detached monitor device  120  and user attached monitor device  110  to diagnose operational status of one or both of user detached monitor device  120  and/or the user attached monitor device  110 . Following flow diagram  200 , a diagnostic test is identified as a selected diagnostic test (block  205 ). The selected diagnostic test may be designed to test one particular function of either or both of user detached monitor device  120  and/or user attached monitor device  110 . For example, the selected diagnostic test may be designed to test whether a tamper indication received from tamper sensor  151  of user attached monitor device  110  is likely indicative of an actual tamper event or is spurious (i.e., a false alarm). As another example, the selected diagnostic test may be designed to test whether motion reported by motion/proximity sensor  152  of user attached monitor device  110  reflects similar motion being reported by motion detector  11  of user detached monitor device  120 . As yet a further example, the selected diagnostic test may be designed to test whether location information provided from user attached monitor device  110  is reasonably similar to location information provided from user detached monitor device  120 . As yet an additional example, the selected diagnostic test may be designed to test whether WiFi receiver  188  of user attached monitor device  110  is seeing a substantially similar set of WiFi access points  187  as those seen by wireless transceiver circuitry  128  of user detached monitor device  120 . Based upon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize other functionality of one or both of user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  that may be examined using the processes of  FIG. 2 . In some cases, the selected diagnostic test may be designed to test a number of functions of either or both of user detached monitor device  120  and/or user attached monitor device  110  in a single test. 
     A test setup for the selected diagnostic test is communicated to the user attached monitor device  110  (block  210 ). This may include, for example, transmitting one or more diagnostic test setup commands to user attached monitor device  110  where the commands are executable by controller circuit  167  to perform the selected diagnostic test. Where user detached monitor device  120  is the master in the diagnostic process, the test setup may be communicated to user attached monitor device  110  by user detached monitor device  120  under the direction of diagnosis application  199  via communication between local communication link  181  of user detached monitor device  120  and local communication link  159  of user attached monitor device  110 . Alternatively, where central monitoring station  160  is the master in the diagnostic process, the test setup may be communicated to user attached monitor device  110  by central monitoring station via  160  wide area network  150  over either WiFi or cellular communication links. 
     A delay period is allowed to pass to give user attached monitor device  110  sufficient time to perform the selected test and gather results thereof (block  215 ). This delay period may, for example, be pre-selected for the selected diagnostic test or combination of diagnostic tests that are to be performed. Once the time period has passed (block  215 ), the results of the selected diagnostic test are received from user attached monitor device  110  (block  220 ). Where user detached monitor device  120  is the master in the diagnostic process, the results may be communicated to user detached monitor device  120  via communication between local communication link  181  of user detached monitor device  120  and local communication link  159  of user attached monitor device  110 . Alternatively, where central monitoring station  160  is the master in the diagnostic process, the results may be communicated to central monitoring station  160  via wide area network  150  over either WiFi or cellular communication links. 
     In parallel to blocks  210 - 220 , a test setup for the selected diagnostic test is communicated to the user detached monitor device  120  (block  230 ). This may include, for example, transmitting one or more diagnostic test setup commands to user detached monitor device  120 . In some embodiments where central monitoring station  160  is the master in the diagnostic process, the commands communicated are limited to commands executable by controller circuit  122  to perform the selected diagnostic test. In other embodiments where user detached monitor device  120  is the master in the diagnostic process, the commands communicated include both commands executable by controller circuit  122  to perform the selected diagnostic test in relation to user detached monitor device  120 , and commands to be communicated to user attached monitor device  110  under the direction of diagnosis application  199  via communication between local communication link  181  of user detached monitor device  120  and local communication link  159  of user attached monitor device  110 . In such a case, such communicated commands are those discussed above in relation to block  210 . 
     A delay period is allowed to pass to give user detached monitor device  120  sufficient time to perform the selected test and gather results thereof (block  235 ). This delay period may, for example, be pre-selected for the selected diagnostic test or combination of diagnostic tests that are to be performed. Once the time period has passed (block  235 ), the results of the selected diagnostic test are received from the user detached monitor device  120  (block  240 ). Where user detached monitor device  120  is the master in the diagnostic process, the results are received from a module (software, hardware, or combination thereof) within user detached monitor device  120 . Alternatively, where central monitoring station  160  is the master in the diagnostic process, the results may be communicated to central monitoring station  160  via wide area network  150  over either WiFi or cellular communication links. 
     A combination of the results from the user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  is analyzed to determine operational status queried by the selected diagnostic test (block  270 ). This analysis is specific to the selected diagnostic and is designed to provide information on the operational status of one or more of the functions (hardware, software, or combination thereof) in one or both of user detached monitor device  120  and user attached monitor device  110 . Where user detached monitor device  120  is the master in the diagnostic process, either user detached monitor device  120  or central monitor station  160  may perform the analysis. Where central monitor station  160  is providing the analysis and user detached monitor device  120  is the master in the diagnostic process, user detached monitor device  120  transmits the combination of the results from the user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  to the central monitor station  160  via wide area network  150 . Alternatively, where central monitoring station  160  is the master in the diagnostic process, central monitor station  160  receives individual results from both of user detached monitor device  120  and user attached monitor device  110  and performs the analysis. 
     Ultimately, the results of the analysis are reported (block  295 ). Depending upon, for example, the urgency of the selected diagnostic test, reporting the results may be an immediate electronic message to a monitor (e.g., parole office charged with monitoring the individual to which the user attached monitor device is attached), or may result in recording the results in a database. Based upon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a variety of reporting processes, recipients, and/or storage locations for the results. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 3 a -3 b   , flow diagrams  300 ,  371  show a method in accordance with some embodiments for using a combination of user detached monitor device  120  and a user attached monitor device  110  to determine whether a tamper indication from tamper sensor  151  of user attached monitor device  110  is spurious. Following flow diagram  300 , a spurious tamper test is identified as a selected diagnostic test (block  305 ). This selected diagnostic test is designed to test whether a tamper indication received from tamper sensor  151  of user attached monitor device  110  is likely indicative of an actual tamper event or is spurious (i.e., a false alarm). 
     A command to request communication between the user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  via local communication link  159  of user attached monitor device  110  and local communication link  181  of user detached monitor device  120  is sent to user attached monitor device (block  310 ). Where user detached monitor device  120  is the master in the diagnostic process, the command to communicate via local communication link  159  and local communication link  181  may be provided from user detached monitor device  120  via the same local communication links under the direction of diagnosis application  199 . Alternatively, where central monitoring station  160  is the master in the diagnostic process, the command to communicate via local communication link  159  and local communication link  181  is communicated to user attached monitor device  110  by central monitoring station  160  via wide area network  150  over either WiFi or cellular communication links. 
     In addition, location determination circuitry (either GPS receiver  162  or WiFi receiver  188  along with location determination processes) is enabled in user attached monitor device  110 , and the location of user attached monitor device  110  is requested (block  315 ). In addition, motion/proximity sensor  152  of user attached monitor device  110  is enabled and motion information is requested from user attached monitor device  110  (block  320 ). 
     A delay period is allowed to pass to give user attached monitor device  110  sufficient time to determine the location of user attached monitor device  110  and to establish whether user attached monitor device  110  is moving (block  325 ). During this time, the respective circuitry of user attached monitor device  110  operates to determine the requested location and motion information. Once the time period has passed (block  325 ), the location and motion information determined by user attached monitor device  110  is received from user attached monitor device  110  (block  330 ). Where user detached monitor device  120  is the master in the diagnostic process, the results may be communicated to user detached monitor device  120  via communication between local communication link  181  of user detached monitor device  120  and local communication link  159  of user attached monitor device  110 . Alternatively, where central monitoring station  160  is the master in the diagnostic process, the results may be communicated to central monitoring station  160  via wide area network  150  over either WiFi or cellular communication links. 
     In parallel to blocks  310 - 330 , a request to delay is provided to user detached monitor device  120  along with a request for a response as to whether the communication request of block  310  was completed by user attached monitor device  110  via a combination of local communication link  159  and local communication link  181  (block  340 ). The delay period is sufficient to allow user attached monitor device  110  to receive the request of block  310  and to respond. 
     In addition, location determination circuitry (location detection circuit  126  along with location determination processes) is enabled in user detached monitor device  120 , and the location of user detached monitor device  120  is requested (block  345 ). In addition, motion detector  111  of user detached monitor device  120  is enabled and motion information is requested from user detached monitor device  120  (block  350 ). 
     A delay period is allowed to pass to give user detached monitor device  120  sufficient time to determine the location of user detached monitor device  120  and to establish whether user detached monitor device  120  is moving (block  355 ). During this time, the respective circuitry of user attached monitor device  110  operates to determine the requested location and motion information. Once the time period has passed (block  325 ), the location and motion information determined by user detached monitor device  120  is received from user detached monitor device  120  (block  360 ). Where user detached monitor device  120  is the master in the diagnostic process, the results are received from a module (software, hardware, or combination thereof) within user detached monitor device  120 . Alternatively, where central monitoring station  160  is the master in the diagnostic process, the results may be communicated to central monitoring station  160  via wide area network  150  over either WiFi or cellular communication links. 
     A combination of whether communication via the local communication links was requested by user attached monitor device  110 , and the location and motion information from both user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  is analyzed to determine whether a received tamper indication is spurious (block  370 ). Block  370  is shown in dashed lines as the analysis is shown in greater detail in flow diagram  371  which is discussed in more detail below in relation to  FIG. 3   b.    
     Where user detached monitor device  120  is the master in the diagnostic process, either user detached monitor device  120  or central monitor station  160  may perform the analysis. Where central monitor station  160  is providing the analysis and user detached monitor device  120  is the master in the diagnostic process, user detached monitor device  120  transmits the combination of the results from the user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  to the central monitor station  160  via wide area network  150 . Alternatively, where central monitoring station  160  is the master in the diagnostic process, central monitor station  160  receives individual results from both of user detached monitor device  120  and user attached monitor device  110  and performs the analysis. 
     Ultimately, the results of the analysis are reported (block  395 ). Depending upon, for example, the urgency of the selected diagnostic test, reporting the results may be an immediate electronic message to a monitor (e.g., parole office charged with monitoring the individual to which the user attached monitor device is attached), or may result in recording the results in a database. Based upon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a variety of reporting processes, recipients, and/or storage locations for the results. 
     Turning to  FIG. 3 b   , flow diagram  371  shows an example analysis of block  370  that may be performed in relation to one or more embodiments. Following flow diagram  371 , proximity results indicating the proximity of user attached monitor device  110  to the limb of the individual to which user attached monitor device  110  is supposed to be attached are received from motion/proximity sensor  152  of user attached monitor device  110  (block  302 ). Again, where where user detached monitor device  120  is the master in the diagnostic process, the results are received from a module (software, hardware, or combination thereof) within user detached monitor device  120 . Alternatively, where central monitoring station  160  is the master in the diagnostic process, the results may be communicated to central monitoring station  160  from user attached monitor device  110  via wide area network  150  over either WiFi or cellular communication links. 
     It is determined whether the proximity results received from user attached monitor device  110  indicate that user attached monitor device is within a defined proximity of a limb of the individual to which user attached monitor device  110  is supposed to be attached (block  304 ). Where the proximity results indicate that user attached monitor device  110  is not within the defined proximity (block  304 ), it is likely that a previously received tamper from user attached monitor device  110  was not spurious as it appears that the tamper resulted in removal of user attached monitor device  110  from the limb (block  318 ). 
     Alternatively, where the proximity results indicate that user attached monitor device  110  is still within the defined proximity (block  304 ), it is determined whether the communication request of block  310  was received by user detached monitor device  120  (block  306 ). Where the communication request was not received (block  306 ), it is determined whether the location information from the user attached monitor device  110  and the location information from the user detached monitor device  120  indicate that user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  are within a preset distance of each other (block  308 ). Where user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  are not within a preset distance of each other (block  308 ), it is likely that a previously received tamper from user attached monitor device  110  was not spurious as it appears that the tamper resulted in removal of user attached monitor device  110  from the limb (block  318 ). 
     Alternatively, where user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  are within a preset distance of each other (block  308 ), the motion information received from user attached monitor device  110  and the motion information from user detached monitor device  120  is used to determine whether both user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  are moving (block  312 ). Where it is determined that user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  are not both moving (block  312 ), it is determined whether both user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  are moving (block  314 ). Where one of user attached monitor device  110  or user detached monitor device  120  is moving and the other of user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  is not moving (i.e., user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  are not both non-moving)(block  314 ), it is likely that a previously received tamper from user attached monitor device  110  was not spurious as it appears that the tamper resulted in removal of user attached monitor device  110  from the limb (block  318 ). 
     Alternatively, where both user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  are not moving (block  314 ) or both user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  are moving (block  312 ), it is likely that a previously received tamper from user attached monitor device  110  was spurious (block  316 ). 
     Turning to  FIGS. 4 a -4 b   , flow diagrams  400 ,  471  show a method in accordance with some embodiments for using a combination of user detached monitor device  120  and a user attached monitor device  110  to determine operational status of location circuitry (location detection circuitry  126  of user detached monitor device  120  and/or GPS receiver  162  or WiFi location ability using WiFi receiver  188  of user attached monitor device  110 ) in one or both of the user detached monitor device  120  and/or the user attached monitor device  110 . Following flow diagram  400 , a location equipment test is selected (block  405 ). This selected diagnostic test is designed to test whether location functionality including location circuitry in user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  is operating acceptably. 
     A command to request that the user attached monitor device  110  perform location determination using GPS locating circuitry (e.g., GPS receiver  162 ) is provided to user attached monitor device  110  (block  410 ). Where user detached monitor device  120  is the master in the diagnostic process, the command to determine location may be provided from user detached monitor device  120  via local communication link  159  and local communication link  181  under the direction of diagnosis application  199 . Alternatively, where central monitoring station  160  is the master in the diagnostic process, the command to determine location is communicated to user attached monitor device  110  by central monitoring station  160  via wide area network  150  over either WiFi or cellular communication links. 
     A delay period is allowed to pass to give user attached monitor device  110  sufficient time to determine the GPS based location of user attached monitor device  110  (block  415 ). During this time, the respective circuitry of user attached monitor device  110  operates to determine the requested location information. Once the time period has passed (block  415 ), the GPS location information determined by user attached monitor device  110  is received from user attached monitor device  110  (block  420 ). 
     A command to request that user attached monitor device  110  perform location determination using WiFi locating circuitry (e.g., WiFi receiver  188 ) is provided to user attached monitor device  110  (block  425 ). Again, where user detached monitor device  120  is the master in the diagnostic process, the command to determine location may be provided from user detached monitor device  120  via local communication link  159  and local communication link  181  under the direction of diagnosis application  199 . Alternatively, where central monitoring station  160  is the master in the diagnostic process, the command to determine location is communicated to user attached monitor device  110  by central monitoring station  160  via wide area network  150  over either WiFi or cellular communication links. 
     A delay period is allowed to pass to give user attached monitor device  110  sufficient time to determine the WiFi based location of user attached monitor device  110  (block  430 ). During this time, the respective circuitry of user attached monitor device  110  operates to determine the requested location information. Once the time period has passed (block  430 ), the WiFi location information determined by user attached monitor device  110  is received from user attached monitor device  110  (block  435 ). 
     In parallel to blocks  410 - 435 , a command to request that the user detached monitor device  120  perform location determination using GPS locating circuitry (e.g., GPS functionality of location detection circuit  126 ) is provided to user detached monitor device  120  (block  440 ). In some embodiments, this command is maintained in diagnosis application  199  and is requested by central monitoring station  160  via wide area network  150  over either WiFi or cellular communication links. 
     A delay period is allowed to pass to give user detached monitor device  120  sufficient time to determine the GPS based location of user detached monitor device  120  (block  445 ). During this time, the respective circuitry of user detached monitor device  120  operates to determine the requested location information. Once the time period has passed (block  445 ), the GPS location information determined by user detached monitor device  120  is received from user detached monitor device  120  (block  450 ). Where user detached monitor device  120  is the master in the diagnostic process, the results are received from a module (software, hardware, or combination thereof) within user detached monitor device  120 . Alternatively, where central monitoring station  160  is the master in the diagnostic process, the results may be communicated to central monitoring station  160  via wide area network  150  over either WiFi or cellular communication links. 
     A command to request that user detached monitor device  120  perform location determination using WiFi locating circuitry (e.g., WiFi functionality of location detection circuit  126 ) is provided to user detached monitor device  120  (block  455 ). In some embodiments, this command is maintained in diagnosis application  199  and is requested by central monitoring station  160  via wide area network  150  over either WiFi or cellular communication links. 
     A delay period is allowed to pass to give user detached monitor device  120  sufficient time to determine the WiFi based location of user detached monitor device  120  (block  460 ). During this time, the respective circuitry of user detached monitor device  120  operates to determine the requested location information. Once the time period has passed (block  460 ), the WiFi location information determined by user detached monitor device  120  is received from user detached monitor device  120  (block  465 ). Where user detached monitor device  120  is the master in the diagnostic process, the results are received from a module (software, hardware, or combination thereof) within user detached monitor device  120 . Alternatively, where central monitoring station  160  is the master in the diagnostic process, the results may be communicated to central monitoring station  160  via wide area network  150  over either WiFi or cellular communication links. 
     A combination of the GPS location information and the WiFi location information from both user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  is analyzed (block  470 ). Block  470  is shown in dashed lines as the analysis is shown in greater detail in flow diagram  471  which is discussed in more detail below in relation to  FIG. 4   b.    
     Where user detached monitor device  120  is the master in the diagnostic process, either user detached monitor device  120  or central monitor station  160  may perform the analysis. Where central monitor station  160  is providing the analysis and user detached monitor device  120  is the master in the diagnostic process, user detached monitor device  120  transmits the combination of the results from the user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  to the central monitor station  160  via wide area network  150 . Alternatively, where central monitoring station  160  is the master in the diagnostic process, central monitor station  160  receives individual results from both of user detached monitor device  120  and user attached monitor device  110  and performs the analysis. 
     Ultimately, the results of the analysis are reported (block  495 ). Depending upon, for example, the urgency of the selected diagnostic test, reporting the results may be an immediate electronic message to a monitor (e.g., parole office charged with monitoring the individual to which the user attached monitor device is attached), or may result in recording the results in a database. Based upon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a variety of reporting processes, recipients, and/or storage locations for the results. 
     Turning to  FIG. 4 b   , flow diagram  471  shows an example analysis of block  470  that may be performed in relation to one or more embodiments. Following flow diagram  471 , it is determined whether the GPS location information for user attached monitor device  110  is unavailable (block  402 ). Such GPS location information may be unavailable where, for example, either GPS receiver  162  is not functioning or where user attached monitor device  110  is at a location where it cannot receive information from GPS satellites  145 . Where GPS location information is not available from user attached monitor device  110  (block  402 ), it is determined whether GPS location information is unavailable for user detached monitor device  120  (block  406 ). Where GPS location information is unavailable for user attached monitor device  110  (block  402 ) and unavailable for user detached monitor device  120  (block  406 ), it is determined that the GPS location test results are indefinite as it appears that the unavailability is due to an inability to receive GPS signals at the location where both user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  are located (block  414 ). Alternatively, where GPS location information is unavailable for user attached monitor device  110  (block  402 ), but is available for user detached monitor device  120  (block  406 ), it is determined that the GPS location test for the user attached monitor device  110  was a fail because GPS signals appear to be available at the location where both user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  are located, but user attached monitor device  110  failed to properly receive and/or properly process the available signals (block  412 ). 
     Alternatively, where GPS location information is available from user attached monitor device  110  (block  402 ), it is determined whether GPS location information is unavailable for user detached monitor device  120  (block  404 ). Where GPS location information is available for user attached monitor device  110  (block  402 ), but unavailable for user detached monitor device  120  (block  404 ), it is determined that the GPS location test for the user detached monitor device  120  was a fail because GPS signals appear to be available at the location where both user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  are located, but user detached monitor device  120  failed to properly receive and/or properly process the available signals (block  416 ). 
     Where, on the other hand, GPS location information is available for both user attached monitor device  110  (block  402 ) and for user detached monitor device  120  (block  404 ), the GPS location information from both user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  is compared to determine whether the difference between the reported location of user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  is within a defined threshold (block  408 ). Where the difference in the reported GPS locations is within a defined distance (block  408 ), the GPS location test passes for both user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  (block  422 ). Otherwise, the GPS location test fails for both user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  (block  418 ). 
     It is determined whether the WiFi location information for user attached monitor device  110  is unavailable (block  424 ). Such WiFi location information may be unavailable where, for example, either WiFi receiver  188  is not functioning or where user attached monitor device  110  is at a location where it cannot receive information from signals from WiFi access points  187 . Where WiFi location information is not available from user attached monitor device  110  (block  424 ), it is determined whether WiFi location information is unavailable for user detached monitor device  120  (block  428 ). Where WiFi location information is unavailable for user attached monitor device  110  (block  402 ) and unavailable for user detached monitor device  120  (block  406 ), it is determined that the WiFi location test results are indefinite as it appears that the unavailability is due to an inability to receive WiFi signals at the location where both user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  are located (block  436 ). Alternatively, where WiFi location information is unavailable for user attached monitor device  110  (block  424 ), but is available for user detached monitor device  120  (block  428 ), it is determined that the WiFi location test for the user attached monitor device  110  was a fail because WiFi signals appear to be available at the location where at the location where both user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  are located, but user attached monitor device  110  failed to properly receive and/or properly process the available signals (block  434 ). 
     Alternatively, where WiFi location information is available from user attached monitor device  110  (block  424 ), it is determined whether WiFi location information is unavailable for user detached monitor device  120  (block  426 ). Where WiFi location information is available for user attached monitor device  110  (block  424 ), but unavailable for user detached monitor device  120  (block  426 ), it is determined that the WiFi location test for the user detached monitor device  120  was a fail because WiFi signals appear to be available at the location where at the location where both user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  are located, but user detached monitor device  120  failed to properly receive and/or properly process the available signals (block  438 ). 
     Where, on the other hand. WiFi location information is available for both user attached monitor device  110  (block  424 ) and for user detached monitor device  120  (block  428 ), the WiFi location information from both user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  is compared to determine whether the difference between the reported location of user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  is within a defined threshold (block  432 ). Where the difference in the reported WiFi locations is within a defined distance (block  432 ), the WiFi location test passes for both user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  (block  442 ). Otherwise, the WiFi location test fails for both user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  (block  444 ). 
     Turning to  FIG. 5 , a flow diagram  500  shows a method in accordance with some embodiments for using a combination of user detached monitor device  120  and user attached monitor device  110  to diagnose operational status of WiFi functionality of one or both of the user detached monitor device  120  and/or the user attached monitor device  110 . Following flow diagram  500 , a WiFi reception test is selected (block  505 ). This selected diagnostic test is designed to test whether WiFi receiving functionality including WiFi receiver  188  of user attached monitor device  110  and WiFi capability of wireless transceiver of user detached monitor device  120  is operating properly. 
     A command to request that the user attached monitor device  110  identify all WiFi access points  187  visible to WiFi receiver  188  is provided to user attached monitor device  110  (block  510 ). Where user detached monitor device  120  is the master in the diagnostic process, the command to determine WiFi reception may be provided from user detached monitor device  120  via local communication link  159  and local communication link  181  under the direction of diagnosis application  199 . Alternatively, where central monitoring station  160  is the master in the diagnostic process, the command to determine WiFi reception is communicated to user attached monitor device  110  by central monitoring station  160  via wide area network  150  over either WiFi or cellular communication links. 
     A delay period is allowed to pass to give user attached monitor device  110  sufficient time to determine all WiFi access points  187  visible to user attached monitor device  110  (block  515 ). During this time, the respective circuitry of user attached monitor device  110  operates to prepare a list of all visible WiFi access points. Once the time period has passed (block  515 ), the list of visible WiFi access points is received from user attached monitor device  110  (block  520 ). 
     In parallel to blocks  510 - 520 , a command to request that the user detached monitor device  120  identify all WiFi access points  187  visible to wireless transceiver circuitry  128  is provided to user detached monitor device  120  (block  530 ). In some embodiments, this command is maintained in diagnosis application  199  and is requested by central monitoring station  160  via wide area network  150  over either WiFi or cellular communication links. 
     A delay period is allowed to pass to give user detached monitor device  120  sufficient time to determine all WiFi access points  187  visible to user detached monitor device  120  (block  535 ). During this time, the respective circuitry of user detached monitor device  120  operates to prepare a list of all visible WiFi access points. Once the time period has passed (block  535 ), the list of visible WiFi access points is received from user detached monitor device  120  (block  540 ). 
     The list of WiFi access points visible to user attached monitor device  110  is compared with the list of WiFi access points visible to user detached monitor device  120  (block  570 ). It is determined whether the number of WiFi access points visible to both user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  as a percentage of the sum of the number of WiFi access points visible to at least one of user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  is greater than a predefined threshold value (block  572 ). Where the percentage of Wifi Access points visible to both user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  is greater than the predefined threshold value (block  572 ), it is determined that the WiFi reception test passes (block  574 ). Otherwise, where the percentage of Wifi Access points visible to both user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  is not greater than the predefined threshold value (block  572 ), it is determined that the WiFi reception test fails (block  576 ). The result of the WiFi reception test is reported (block  595 ). Depending upon, for example, the urgency of the selected diagnostic test, reporting the results may be an immediate electronic message to a monitor (e.g., parole office charged with monitoring the individual to which the user attached monitor device is attached), or may result in recording the results in a database. Based upon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a variety of reporting processes, recipients, and/or storage locations for the result. 
     Turning to  FIG. 6 , a flow diagram  600  shows a method in accordance with some embodiments for using a combination of user detached monitor device  120  and user attached monitor device  110  to diagnose operational status of motion detection functionality of one or both of the user detached monitor device  120  and/or the user attached monitor device  110 . Following flow diagram  600 , a motion operational test is selected (block  605 ). This selected diagnostic test is designed to test whether motion detection functionality including motion/proximity sensor  152  of user attached monitor device  110  and motion detector  111  of user detached monitor device  120  is operating properly. 
     A command to request that user attached monitor device  110  continuously record and time stamp motion information from motion/proximity sensor  152  is provided to user attached monitor device  110  (block  610 ). Where user detached monitor device  120  is the master in the diagnostic process, the command to determine motion may be provided from user detached monitor device  120  via local communication link  159  and local communication link  181  under the direction of diagnosis application  199 . Alternatively, where central monitoring station  160  is the master in the diagnostic process, the command to determine motion is communicated to user attached monitor device  110  by central monitoring station  160  via wide area network  150  over either WiFi or cellular communication links. 
     A delay period is allowed to pass to give user attached monitor device  110  sufficient time to provide a time stamped list of motion detection (block  615 ). In some embodiments, the time period is fifteen minutes. Based upon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize other suitable time periods. During this time, the respective circuitry of user attached monitor device  110  operates to prepare a time stamped list of detected motion and non-motion. Once the time period has passed (block  615 ), the time stamped list of detected motion and non-motion is received from user attached monitor device  110  (block  620 ). 
     In parallel to blocks  610 - 620 , a command to request that user detached monitor device  120  continuously record and time stamp motion information from motion detector  111  is provided to user detached monitor device  120  (block  630 ). In some embodiments, this command is maintained in diagnosis application  199  and is requested by central monitoring station  160  via wide area network  150  over either WiFi or cellular communication links. 
     A delay period is allowed to pass to give user attached monitor device  110  sufficient time to provide a time stamped list of motion detection (block  635 ). In some embodiments, the time period is fifteen minutes. Based upon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize other suitable time periods. During this time, the respective circuitry of user detached monitor device  120  operates to prepare a time stamped list of detected motion and non-motion. Once the time period has passed (block  635 ), the time stamped list of detected motion and non-motion is received from user detached monitor device  120  (block  640 ). 
     The time stamped list of motion from user attached monitor device  110  is compared with the time stamped list of motion from user detached monitor device  120  (block  670 ). This comparison includes aligning time stamps and comparing only entries in the respective lists with similar time stamps. It is determined whether the number of periods indicating motion (i.e., similar time stamps with corresponding motion entries) reported by both user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  as a percentage of the sum of the number of corresponding periods in the respective lists from each of user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  is greater than a predefined threshold value (block  672 ). Where the percentage of motion indication for both user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120  is greater than a sum of all of the corresponding periods (i.e., similar time stamp points occurring in data received from both user attached monitor device  110  and user detached monitor device  120 ) is greater than a predefined threshold value (block  672 ), it is determined that the motion operational test passes (block  674 ). Otherwise, where the percentage is not greater than the predefined threshold value (block  672 ), it is determined that the the motion operational test fails (block  676 ). The result of the WiFi reception test is reported (block  695 ). Depending upon, for example, the urgency of the selected diagnostic test, reporting the results may be an immediate electronic message to a monitor (e.g., parole office charged with monitoring the individual to which the user attached monitor device is attached), or may result in recording the results in a database. Based upon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a variety of reporting processes, recipients, and/or storage locations for the result. 
     In conclusion, the present invention provides for novel systems, devices, and methods for diagnosing operational status of devices and/or software in a monitoring system. While detailed descriptions of one or more embodiments of the invention have been given above, various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art without varying from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.