Patent Publication Number: US-9848776-B2

Title: Methods using activity manager for monitoring user activity

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation in part of U.S. Ser. Nos. 13/923,909, 13/923,637, 13/923,614, 13/923,809, 13/923,750, 13/923,583, 13/923,560, 13/923,543, and 13/923,937, all filed Jun. 21, 2013 and all of which claim the benefit of U.S. 61/772,265, U.S. 61/812,083 and 61/823,502. All of the above-identified applications are fully incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention is directed to user activity monitoring devices and telemetry systems, and more particularly to systems that include a user activity manager in combination with a monitoring device with unique a unique user ID and a telemetry system to provide for monitoring a user&#39;s activities. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Patient monitoring was accomplished by electronic equipment maintained at the user&#39;s bedside. Vital signs derived from physiological waveforms were monitored with the bedside equipment and alarms were generated if predetermined limits were exceeded by the vital signs. This bedside monitoring equipment became larger, more complex and expensive as each bedside unit undertook to monitor more physiological data and provide more sophisticated displays, e.g. color, more and better communications and more in-depth analysis of the data, such as calculation of vital signs and trends which required memory and processing capability. The provision of such units at each appropriate user bedside introduces considerable additional expense to the hospital user care costs. 
     With the introduction of bedside monitoring units, attempts were made to provide a measure of remote monitoring by transmitting analog waveforms of physiological data from the bedside unit to equipment at a central station such as a nurse&#39;s station. Subsequently remote monitoring efforts included analog waveforms plus digital representations for display. Both the bedside and remote monitoring activity acted to give alarms upon sensing an abnormal condition and to store data and analyze data to obtain vital signs and trends. But these systems are basically one-way systems reporting physiological data from the user. There is no communication with the user as a part of an interactive integrated system. 
     Telemetry systems can be implemented to acquire and transmit data from a remote source. Some telemetry systems provide information about a user&#39;s activities. 
     It is becoming commonplace to use wireless packet data service networks for effectuating data sessions with. In some implementations, unique identifications (ID) need to be assigned to the devices in order to facilitate certain aspects of service provisioning, e.g., security, validation and authentication, et cetera. In such scenarios, it becomes imperative that no two devices have the same indicium (i.e., collision). Further, provisioning of such indicia should be flexible so as to maintain the entire pool of indicia to a manageable level while allowing for their widespread use in multiple service environments. 
     Medical telemetry systems may comprise an alarm adapted to identify high risk users and/or users requiring special assistance. Some medical procedures and diagnostic examinations require the removal of any telemetry system components attached directly to a user. One problem with conventional medical telemetry systems is that the process of removing telemetry system components for purposes of performing a medical procedure or diagnostic examination can generate a false alarm. False alarms unnecessarily tax hospital resources and interfere with the working environment. 
     There is a need for telemetry devices configured to be used user lifestyle management. There is a further need for wireless communication systems with monitoring devices that have sensors used for a lifestyle activity. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the present invention is to provide methods for lifestyle management. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide methods for lifestyle management using user habit information or user monitoring. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide methods for lifestyle management using monitoring devices with sensors that monitor one or more of a user&#39;s activities, behaviors and habit information. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide methods for lifestyle management using one or more contexts is selected from at least one of, time, location, type of user activity, duration of user activity and a status of the user activity. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide methods that use an activity manager to manage and monitor user activity in response to receiving information for a monitoring device with sensors that monitors one or more of a user&#39;s activities, behaviors and habit information. 
     These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in a method that uses telemetry data based on user habit information or user monitoring. User information is acquired from one or more sensors of a monitoring device. The user information is selected from of at least one of, a user&#39;s activities, behaviors and habit information. Signals are routed through ID circuitry at the user monitoring device. User information is communicated between the monitoring device and a telemetry system. A database of user ID&#39;s is accessed at the telemetry system. The telemetry system analyzes telemetry data based on at least one of, user&#39;s activities, behaviors and habit information, user condition, and user parameter, to create personalized information about the user. One or more contexts of a user activity are associated with an activity manager. The activity manager is a standalone device, included with the telemetry system or included with the monitoring device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1( a ) and 1( b )  illustrate one embodiment of a wearable device of the present invention, where one size fits all. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of electronics that can be included in the wearable device. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment of a telemetry system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram of the programming input schematic of the secure sensor/transmitter array of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram of the system of programming the sensor/transmitter(s) comprising the secure sensor/transmitter array of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram of the jam command and security/randomization bits of the secure sensor/transmitter array of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 7  is a logic circuit diagram of the sensor/transmitter programming input schematic in one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram of an embodiment of a computer implemented system for determining the location of a remote sensor utilizing the methods of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a SNAPSHOT GPS receiver for use according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a block diagram of a remote sensor shown in communication with two different external communication devices. 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram of the active RF and RF backscatter antennas. 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram of the encoding scheme for the symbols in the active RF protocol. 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram of the packet structure in the IRDA protocol. 
         FIG. 14  is a diagram of the encoding scheme in the IRDA protocol. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates one embodiment of an activity manager that is included in the monitoring device, the telemetry system or as a standalone device. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates one embodiment of an activity manager in one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 17( a ) and ( b )  illustrate an exemplary user interface for an activity management application according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a timing diagram illustrating one example of monitoring an activity based on one or more contexts according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a monitoring device of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As used herein, the term engine refers to software, firmware, hardware, or other component that can be used to effectuate a purpose. The engine will typically include software instructions that are stored in non-volatile memory (also referred to as secondary memory). When the software instructions are executed, at least a subset of the software instructions can be loaded into memory (also referred to as primary memory) by a processor. The processor then executes the software instructions in memory. The processor may be a shared processor, a dedicated processor, or a combination of shared or dedicated processors. A typical program will include calls to hardware components (such as I/O devices), which typically requires the execution of drivers. The drivers may or may not be considered part of the engine, but the distinction is not critical. 
     As used herein, the term database is used broadly to include any known or convenient means for storing data, whether centralized or distributed, relational or otherwise. 
     As used herein a mobile device includes, but is not limited to, a cell phone, such as Apple&#39;s iPhone®, other portable electronic devices, such as Apple&#39;s iPod Touches®, Apple&#39;s iPads®, and mobile devices based on Google&#39;s Android® operating system, and any other portable electronic device that includes software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof that is capable of at least receiving the signal, decoding if needed, exchanging information with a transaction server to verify the buyer and/or seller&#39;s account information, conducting the transaction, and generating a receipt. Typical components of mobile device may include but are not limited to persistent memories like flash ROM, random access memory like SRAM, a camera, a battery, LCD driver, a display, a cellular antenna, a speaker, a BLUETOOTH® circuit, and WIFI circuitry, where the persistent memory may contain programs, applications, and/or an operating system for the mobile device. 
     As used herein, the terms “social network” and “SNET” comprise a grouping or social structure of devices and/or individuals, as well as connections, links and interdependencies between such devices and/or individuals. Members or actors (including devices) within or affiliated with a SNET may be referred to herein as “nodes”, “social devices”, “SNET members”, “SNET devices”, “user devices” and/or “modules”. In addition, the terms “SNET circle”, “SNET group” and “SNET sub-circle” generally denote a social network that comprises social devices and, as contextually appropriate, human SNET members and personal area networks (“PANs”). 
     A used herein, the term “wearable device” is anything that can be worn by an individual and that has a back side that in some embodiments contacts a user&#39;s skin and a face side. Examples of wearable device include but are not limited to a cap, arm band, wristband, garment, and the like. 
     As used herein, the term “computer” is a general purpose device that can be programmed to carry out a finite set of arithmetic or logical operations. Since a sequence of operations can be readily changed, the computer can solve more than one kind of problem. A computer can include of at least one processing element, typically a central processing unit (CPU) and some form of memory. The processing element carries out arithmetic and logic operations, and a sequencing and control unit that can change the order of operations based on stored information. Peripheral devices allow information to be retrieved from an external source, and the result of operations saved and retrieved. 
     As used herein, the term “Internet” is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to serve billions of users worldwide. It is a network of networks that consists of millions of private, public, academic, business, and government networks, of local to global scope, that are linked by a broad array of electronic, wireless and optical networking technologies. The Internet carries an extensive range of information resources and services, such as the inter-linked hypertext documents of the World Wide Web (WWW) and the infrastructure to support email. The communications infrastructure of the Internet consists of its hardware components and a system of software layers that control various aspects of the architecture. 
     As used herein, the term “extranet” is a computer network that allows controlled access from the outside. An extranet can be an extension of an organization&#39;s intranet that is extended to users outside the organization that can be partners, vendors, and suppliers, in isolation from all other Internet users. An extranet can be an intranet mapped onto the public Internet or some other transmission system not accessible to the general public, but managed by more than one company&#39;s administrator(s). Examples of extranet-style networks include but are not limited to:
         LANs or WANs belonging to multiple organizations and interconnected and accessed using remote dial-up   LANs or WANs belonging to multiple organizations and interconnected and accessed using dedicated lines   Virtual private network (VPN) that is comprised of LANs or WANs belonging to multiple organizations, and that extends usage to remote users using special “tunneling” software that creates a secure, usually encrypted network connection over public lines, sometimes via an ISP.       

     As used herein, the term “Intranet” is a network that is owned by a single organization that controls its security policies and network management. Examples of intranets include but are not limited to:
         A LAN   A Wide-area network (WAN) that is comprised of a LAN that extends usage to remote employees with dial-up access   A WAN that is comprised of interconnected LANs using dedicated communication lines   A Virtual private network (VPN) that is comprised of a LAN or WAN that extends usage to remote employees or networks using special “tunneling” software that creates a secure, usually encrypted connection over public lines, sometimes via an Internet Service Provider (ISP).       

     For purposes of the present invention, the Internet, extranets and intranets collectively are referred to as (“Network Systems”). 
     As used herein, the term “user” includes but is not limited to a person, under a physician&#39;s care, interested in maintaining health, interested in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and/or physiologic balance, interested in monitoring lifestyle conditions, exercise, diet programs, and the like. 
     As used herein, the term “user monitoring” includes: (i) Cardiac monitoring, which generally refers to continuous electrocardiography with assessment of the user&#39;s condition relative to their cardiac rhythm. A small monitor worn by an ambulatory user for this purpose is known as a Holter monitor. Cardiac monitoring can also involve cardiac output monitoring via an invasive Swan-Ganz catheter (ii) Hemodynamic monitoring, which monitors the blood pressure and blood flow within the circulatory system. Blood pressure can be measured either invasively through an inserted blood pressure transducer assembly, or noninvasively with an inflatable blood pressure cuff. (iii) Respiratory monitoring, such as: pulse oximetry which involves measurement of the saturated percentage of oxygen in the blood, referred to as SpO2, and measured by an infrared finger cuff, capnography, which involves CO2 measurements, referred to as EtCO2 or end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration. The respiratory rate monitored as such is called AWRR or airway respiratory rate). (iv) Respiratory rate monitoring through a thoracic transducer belt, an ECG channel or via capnography, (v) Neurological monitoring, such as of intracranial pressure. Special user monitors can incorporate the monitoring of brain waves electroencephalography, gas anesthetic concentrations, bispectral index (BIS), and the like, (vi) Blood glucose monitoring using glucose sensors. (vii) Childbirth monitoring with sensors that monitor various aspects of childbirth. (viii) Body temperature monitoring which in one embodiment is through an adhesive pad containing a thermoelectric transducer. (ix) Stress monitoring that can utilize sensors to provide warnings when stress levels signs are rising before a human can notice it and provide alerts and suggestions. (x) Epilepsy monitoring. (xi) Toxicity monitoring, and the like. 
     Additionally the present invention can be used to detect differences for a variety of blood tests, including but not limited to tests for the following: sodium, potassium, chloride, urea, creatinine, calcium, albumin, fasting glucose, amylase, carcinoembryonic antigen, glycosylated hemoglobin, hemoglobin, erthrocytes hemoglobin and the like. 
     In various embodiments, the present invention provides a user monitoring device  10 , including but not limited to, a wearable device, where one size fits all, Telemetry device  10  can be a sensor enabled item  10 , including but not limited to a wearable device, gym bag, wallet, file, shoes, skis, and the like that has its own unique ID. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1( a ) and 1( b ) , in one embodiment of the present invention, the user monitoring device  10  include a plurality of magnets  12 , with adjacent magnets having opposite polarity, with a length suitable to be worn by all people. In one embodiment, the length of the user monitoring device  10  can be 10-12 inches. The magnets  12  are positioned along an interior of the user monitoring device  10  to be provided for good conformation to a user&#39;s wrist. 
     One or more sensors  14  are coupled to the user monitoring device  10 . The sensors are measuring devices. As a non-limiting example, the measuring device or sensors  14  can include RTSS devices to detect a user&#39;s activities, motions, physical parameters, and the like, including but not limited to, a heart rate monitor, a body temperature probe, a conventional pedometer, an accelerometer and the like. 
     Alternatively, multifunctional sensors  14  which can perform all the aforementioned functions of RTSS may be attached or embedded in user monitoring device  10 . In one embodiment, each sensor can be in communication and or connect electronically and/or RF to a telemetry module  16 . A variety of different sensors  14  can be utilized, including but not limited to, an accelerometer based sensor, and pressure based sensors, voltage resistance sensor, a radio frequency sensor, and the like, as recited above. 
     As a non-limiting example, an accelerometer, well known to those skilled in the art, detects acceleration and thus user activity. The accelerometer provides a voltage output that is proportional to the detected acceleration. Accordingly, the accelerometer senses vibration. This voltage output provides an acceleration spectrum over time; and information about loft time can be ascertained by performing calculations on that spectrum. A microprocessor subsystem, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,352,211, incorporated herein by reference, stores the spectrum into memory and processes the spectrum information to determine activity. Other examples of suitable accelerometer sensors are disclosed in EP 2428774 A1, incorporated herein by reference. Suitable pressure sensors are disclosed in EP 1883798 B1, incorporated herein by reference. A suitable voltage resistance sensor is disclosed in EP 1883798 B1, incorporated herein by reference. A suitable radio frequency sensor is disclosed in EP 2052352 B1, incorporated herein by reference. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , in various embodiments, the user monitoring device  10 , also known as the user monitoring device, can include a power source  24 , such a battery that can be rechargeable. The battery  24  can be put into a sleep state when not actively used in order to preserve power. A wake up feature allows the battery  24  and other electronics of the user monitoring device  10  to “sleep” during non-use or and is initiated into the “wake up” mode by certain predestinated events. 
     In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a telemetry system server  16  is coupled to a database  18 . Each user monitoring device  10  is assigned its own unique identification, ID. 
     The data transmitted by the user monitoring device  10  sensors  14  and its ID may be coded by appending a seed to digital data bits. As illustrated in  FIG. 3  central processor unit  20  (CPU) validates or rejects received upon detection of the seed string appended to the digital data bits. In the alternative, the digital data bits may be coded and decoded by applying a scrambling algorithm utilizing the seed. A programming device  22  may be configured to transmit data to a sensor  14 , also known as a user monitoring device, utilizing a variety of alternative transmission means, including, for example, RF, IR, optical, and the like, or a magnetic loop/induction system. 
     In one embodiment, sensors  14  are configured to be shipped to users in a non-programmable mode with all programming already performed at the factory. A random seed may be communicated to the programming device  22  can a variety of different mechanisms, including but not limited to, via scanning a bar code, manual input, magnetic strip, random number generation, and the like. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, the user monitoring device  10  includes a control unit  26  that puts the user monitoring device  10  in a low power state. A monitoring system  28  can be included that remains active. The monitoring system  28  wakes up the electronics  30  in the user monitoring device  10  from a low power state. The control unit  26  can be notified of awaking of the other components by the monitoring system  28 . The control unit  26  can set a status bit on the monitoring system  28  only when the battery  24  needs to be in a full power state. The control unit  26  then forces a power cycle. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , one embodiment of a telemetry system  32  is illustrated. The telemetry system  32  is in the communication with the sensors  14  and or user monitoring device  14  and ID of the user monitoring device  10  and can include one or more receivers  34 , a central server  36  with the CPU  20 . The telemetry system  32  can optionally include a display  42  and an alarm  44 . The telemetry system  32  receives information from sensors  14  and or the monitoring device of a user&#39;s habits, activities, and the like, and then processes this information. Monitoring device  10  with its unique ID and sensors  14  is assigned to a specific user in order to track and/or monitor that user. For illustrative purposes assume that three users A, B AND C are being tracked and monitored by the telemetry system  32 . It should, however, be appreciated that the telemetry system  32  may be implemented to track and/or monitor a much larger number of users. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, radio frequency (RF) devices that are sensors  14  and/or chips may serve as the identifying devices. Each source, sensor  14 , ID and the like can carry a fixed radio frequency chip encoded with identifying data which may be correlated to the individual participants, parts or objects. 
     Telemetry system  32  of the present invention may include a Real-Time Location System (RTLS)  46  and Real-Time Sensing System (RTSS)  48  with RF technology. The RF technology may include active and/or passive RFID sensors  14  and an RF wireless array system as a receiver  34 . The RF technology in the RTLS  46  and RTSS  48  may include UWB technology (e.g., IEEE 802.15), WLAN technology (e.g., IEEE 802.11), SAW RFID positioning system technology, GPS technology, and the like. 
     The sensors  14  may communicate directly with each other and/or relay telemetry data directly to base receiving RF device(s) or base receivers  34 . The base receivers  34  may forward the telemetry data to a base computer either through a direct link or through a Network System. Alternatively the telemetry data may be forwarded to end user devices, including but not limited to, laptops, mobile devices and the like, either directly or through a Network System. The comprehensive telemetry system  32  using RF technologies such as UWB, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, GPS data system can be utilized as described above. 
     The readers/antennae may be interconnected using a LAN, such as Ethernet to provide a Network System communication infrastructure for the computers and servers. Active and passive RFID sensors  14  may be employed. The active sensors  14  (RFID) may have a two-way communication function, which allows the base computer system to dynamically manage the sensors  14 ; vary update rates; send self-identification and telemetry data. 
     The active sensors  14  may employ dual-radio architecture. In one embodiment, active sensors  14  transmit radio pulses, which are used to determine precise two-dimensional or three-dimensional location and a conventional bi-directional radio, which is used as a control and telemetry channel with a sensor update rate. 
     The user monitoring device  10  gathers telemetry data, communicates that data to a base station, BLUETOOTH® enabled device, or smart phone and the like. From the base station, the user monitoring device  10  can receive firmware updates or via a BLUETOOTH® enabled device. The user monitoring device  10  can receive updates wirelessly. The base station can receive firmware updates from Network Systems, take telemetry data from the user monitoring device  10  and transfer it to Network Systems. Telemetry data received from the base station is analyzed by servers and presented to an end user. Any third party device can receive data from the user monitoring device  10  wirelessly and deliver information to the servers for processing. 
     In one embodiment, the user monitoring device  10  uses an accelerometer, gyroscope, GPS sensor, a BLUETOOTH® chip, and a heart rate monitor. 
     As a non-limiting example, for heart monitoring, the accelerometer, sensor  14 , determines when to sample the sensors  14  and to improve the accuracy of the heart rate monitor. The gyroscope detects movement and orientation and the GPS sensor is used to determine location of the user. A BLUETOOTH® chip allows the device to connect wirelessly to other third party devices. 
     As a non-limiting example, a heart rate monitor  14  detects the user&#39;s heart rate in order to accurately determine the user&#39;s activity level, behavioral patterns and the like. 
     An Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Learning-grade algorithms is used to identify the user&#39;s activities, behaviors, behaviors and perform analysis. Examples of AI algorithms include Classifiers, Expert systems, case based reasoning, Bayesian Network Systems, and Behavior based AI, Neural networks, Fuzzy systems, Evolutionary computation, and hybrid intelligent systems. A brief description of these algorithms is provided in Wikipedia and stated below. 
     Classifiers are functions that can be tuned according to examples. A wide range of classifiers are available, each with its strengths and weaknesses. The most widely used classifiers are neural networks, support vector machines, k-nearest neighbor algorithms, Gaussian mixture models, naive Bayes classifiers, and decision trees. Expert systems apply reasoning capabilities to reach a conclusion. An expert system can process large amounts of known information and provide conclusions based on them. 
     A case-based reasoning system stores a set of problems and answers in an organized data structure called cases. A case based reasoning system upon being presented with a problem finds a case in its knowledge base that is most closely related to the new problem and presents its solutions as an output with suitable modifications. A behavior based AI is a modular method of building AI systems by hand. Neural networks are trainable systems with very strong pattern recognition capabilities. 
     Fuzzy systems provide techniques for reasoning under uncertainty and have been widely used in modern industrial and consumer product control systems. An Evolutionary Computation applies biologically inspired concepts such as populations, mutation and survival of the fittest to generate increasingly better solutions to the problem. These methods most notably divide into evolutionary algorithms (e.g., genetic algorithms) and swarm intelligence (e.g., ant algorithms). Hybrid intelligent systems are any combinations of the above. It is understood that any other algorithm, AI or otherwise, may also be used. Examples of suitable algorithms that can be used with the embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in, EP 1371004 A4, EP 1367534 A2, US 20120226639 and US 20120225719, all incorporated fully herein by reference. 
     In various embodiments, the user monitoring device  10  has additional features. In one embodiment, the user monitoring device  10  changes color, via infrared LEDs, to accurately match the wearer&#39;s skin tone. This creates a seamless and more personal integration of technology into the user&#39;s daily life. In this embodiment, there is skin contact with the user monitoring device  10 . 
     In another embodiment, the user monitoring device  10  remotely reminds and can be used to administer medications. As a non-limiting example, the user monitoring device  10  can inject adrenalin. In one embodiment, the user monitoring device  10  has sleep pattern recognition based on movement and heart rate. 
     In various embodiments, the user monitoring device  10  uses algorithms to determine activity type, behavioral patterns and user habits based on collected data. 
     In one embodiment, the user monitoring device  10  uses the accelerometer information to improve the heart rate monitor. As a non-limiting example, the user monitoring device  10  detects movement and speed. Addition of this data improves the accuracy of the heart rate monitor and corrects for any miscalculations in vibration, noise and skin color. 
     In one embodiment, velocity readouts and accelerometer data are used to measure when to sample heart rate. For example, if the user monitoring device  10  registers zero velocity readout, the user is probably at rest or engaged in a passive activity. Thus, the user monitoring device  10  knows not to sample heart rate. This results in conversation of time, energy and data storage. 
     User activity, performance and action can be based on the acceleration and angular velocity of the user monitoring device  10 . In one embodiment, the user monitoring device  10  has a feature where the user monitoring device  10  authorizes third party interaction based on hand gesture, on previous interactions or patterns of behavior. As a non-limiting example, if one purchases a coke every day for the last two weeks, the user monitoring device  10  can “orders” the person another one based on the prior history. 
     In one embodiment, the user monitoring device  10  features near-by user monitoring device  10  recognition that provides for other user monitoring device  10  devices to be recognized within a particular vicinity and are able to share and transfer data between them. The user monitoring device  10 &#39;s data analysis and feedback can be based on current or previous sensor output. The user monitoring device  10  can alert the user when to charge the user monitoring device  10  and when it is the most convenient for the user. 
     In one embodiment, the user monitoring device  10  provides feedback via color change. An outer shell of the user monitoring device  10  can use visual feedback, including but not limited to pigment or color changes to indicate changes in user behavior or to prompt changes in user behavior. In one embodiment, the user monitoring device  10  is flexible in shape. As a non-limiting example, if the user puts the user monitoring device  10  over their hand it can expand or contract, morphing to change size and shape. 
     In one embodiment, the user monitoring device  10  can have a sync feature for multiple bands at the same time. 
     In one embodiment, the user monitoring device  10  has data transfer to an external device that can be included or not included in system  32 . Patient monitoring device  10  could be a data leaching device. For example, the user can relay information to someone else&#39;s device (intermediary device) to access Network Systems connected device. 
     In one embodiment, the user monitoring device  10  can disable the recording of one or more sensors  14  based on location, acceleration (or lack thereof) and the like. 
     In one embodiment, the user monitoring device  10  detects different types of transportation and activity based on sensor data. In one embodiment, user monitoring device  10  can unlock doors or cars. The user can turn it on and off. As a non-limiting example, it can be turned off by having a capacitor switch on top and bottom and is placed in a way that one couldn&#39;t accidentally turn it off. As a non-limiting example, turning it off can be done by rotating the user monitoring device  10  once. 
     In one embodiment, the user monitoring device  10  recognizes the wearer based on biometric information, previous data, movement pattern, and the like. In one embodiment, the user monitoring device  10  detects a new user based on an inability to match to user/usage patterns. 
     As non-limiting examples, a variety of different sensors  14  can be used such as, an altimeter, blood oxygen recognition, heart rate from wrist via sonar, Doppler, based on sound wave and movement, based on pressure, and the like. A pressure sensor  14  can be placed on a circulatory vessel such as a vein to detect pulse. 
     With the user monitoring device  10  of the present invention, mechanical actions of the user can be triggered, recognized and evaluated. 
     As a non-limiting example, with multiple users and wearable devices  10 , a separate user monitoring device  10  ID is assigned to each of the users A, B AND C, and thereafter the assigned transmitter/monitor  14  generates user activity data and/or user tracking data. For purposes of this disclosure, monitoring data is defined to include data acquired during the process of monitoring or evaluating a predefined characteristic. The user activity data tracks data from the sensors  14  is transferred to the receivers  34  via the wireless connections  38  represented by a dashed line. 
     A network of receivers  34  transfers the user activity and/or tracking data to system server  16  via connection  50 . System server  16  includes a processor  52  configured to process the user data in a known manner. For example, the processor  52  may convert raw user data acquired by the sensors  14  into more conveniently readable data. 
     As a non-limiting example, the display  42  can be implemented to graphically convey user information from system server  16  in a conveniently readable manner. As a non-limiting example, the user may be a cardiac user with user monitoring data graphically conveyed as a conventional ECG plot comprising a sequence of P-waves, a QRS complexes and a T-waves. As another example, user tracking data may be graphically conveyed as an icon superimposed onto a map to indicate the user&#39;s relative location. Alarm  44  may be included in this embodiment. 
     In some embodiments, system  32  ID circuitry delivers a unique ID to the wearable device from database  18 . BLUETOOTH® chips can be coupled with other wearable devices  10  in the area. This data is then stored, as more fully explained in the following paragraph. The unique ID can be utilized for a variety of different applications including but not limited to payments, social networking and the like. 
     The ID circuitry of system  32  can include a number of system/components: unique ID storage, communication system, which reads and transmits the unique ID from the unique ID storage, battery  24  or power system that provides power to enable communication with the user monitoring device  10 , a pathway system to route signals to through the circuitry, a cluster that crunches information, and a control system, to orchestrate the communication between different systems. All of these systems can be implemented in hardware, software or a combination thereof. Continuing with the telemetry system  32 , sensors  14  and sensing devices are disposed on wearable devices  10  worn by users. Data, such as movement, location, speed, acceleration, and the like, can be acquired, captured and provided to system  32 . 
     System  32  and an associated Network System can include an identification reference, including user activity, performance and reference information for each individual sensor  14  and location. 
     The user activity, performance metrics, data and the like captured by system  32  can be recorded into standard relational databases SQL server, and/or other formats and can be exported in real-time. 
     In various embodiments, the user monitoring device  10  and/or system  32  are fully sealed and have inductively charges. All communication is done wirelessly. 
     In one embodiment, there are no electrical contacts, physical contacts or connections with the user monitoring device  10 . The user monitoring device  10  is seamless. The telemetry system  32  can include a microprocessor with CPU  20 , memory, interface electronics and conditioning electronics  33  configured to receive a signal from the sensors  14 . In one embodiment, all or a portion of the conditioning electronics  33  are at the user monitoring device  10 . 
     In one embodiment, the CPU  20  includes a processor  52 , which can be a microprocessor, read only memory used to store instructions that the processor may fetch in executing its program, a random access memory (RAM) used by the processor  52  to store information and a master dock. The microprocessor is controlled by the master clock that provides a master timing signal used to sequence the microprocessor  52  through its internal states in its execution of each processed instruction. In one embodiment, the microprocessor  52 , and especially the CPU  20 , is a low power device, such as CMOS, as is the necessary logic used to implement the processor design. The telemetry system  32  can store information about the user&#39;s activity in memory. 
     This memory may be external to the CPU  20  but can reside in the RAM. The memory may be nonvolatile such as battery backed RAM or electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM). Signals from the sensors  14  can be in communication with conditioning electronics  33  that with a filter  35 , with scale and can determine the presence of certain conditions. This conditioning essentially cleans the signal up for processing by CPU  20  and in some cases preprocesses the information. These signals are then passed to interface electronics, which converts the analog voltage or currents to binary ones and zeroes understood by the CPU  20 . The telemetry system  32  can also provide for intelligence in the signal processing, such as achieved by the CPU  20  in evaluating historical data. 
     In one embodiment, the actions of the user wearing the user monitoring device  10  with the unique ID can be used for different activities and can have different classifications at system  32 . 
     The classification can be in response to the user&#39;s location, where the user spends it time, with which the user spends its time, determination of working relationships, family relationships, social relationships, and the like. These last few determinations can be based on the time of day, the types of interactions, comparisons of the amount of time with others, the time of day, a frequency of contact with others, the type of contact with others, the location and type of place where the user is at, and the like. These results are stored in database  18 . 
     In one embodiment, the user wearing the user monitoring device  10  can access this information from any place where data is presented to the user, including but not limited to mobile devices, the WEB, applications program identifiers, and the like. 
     As a non-limiting example, the user monitoring device  10  communicates with a base station at system  32 . The user monitoring device  10  can intelligently switch between data transfer and charging based on sensor readout. The user monitoring device  10  can represent data based on connected devices. 
     In one embodiment, the user monitoring device  10  has the capability of providing recommendations, popularity of locations or activities based on acquired data from the user. 
     In one embodiment, the user monitoring device  10  has the capability of introducing the user to other people or users based on their data and the user&#39;s data. 
     In one embodiment, the user monitoring device  10  can determine emotion of the user. 
     In one embodiment, the user monitoring device  10  uses incremental data transfer via BLUETOOTH® and the like. The user monitoring device  10  can transmit data through the inductive coupling for wireless charging. The user is also able to change the frequency of data transmission. 
     The user monitoring device  10  can engage in intelligent switching between incremental and full syncing of data based on available communication routes. As a non-limiting example, this can be via cellular Network Systems, WiFi, BLUETOOTH® and the like. In one embodiment, the user monitoring device  10  has data storage. As a non-limiting example, storage of telemetry data on user monitoring device  10  can be amounts up to about 16 mg. 
     In one embodiment, data transferred if it&#39;s in a selected proximity of a base station of system  32  or in proximity of an associated connected Network System. In one embodiment, the user monitoring device  10  has a dynamic change of data capture frequency. The user monitoring device  10  can be programmed to instantly change how often it samples any sensor  14  based upon the sensor data. Intelligent data sampling is based on sensor readout. 
     The user monitoring device  10  can receive firmware updates via a base station  110  of system  32 . In one embodiment, the user monitoring device  10  presents analyzed data and feedback on a website. In one embodiment, the user monitoring device  10 &#39;s software is based on unique human movement. The user monitoring device  10  is able to identify its wearer based on the unique patterns of movement, location check-ins and daily habits of the user. 
     In one embodiment, the app can be used on a mobile device, including but not limited to a smart phone and the like. 
     In one embodiment, a breakdown of recounting data that has been collecting is presented for analysis of that data. Observation or recommendations can be presented based on historical information and live information. The importance of the data can be based on past user behavior. 
     In one embodiment, the user monitoring device  10  has artificial intelligence. A wearable device processor  54  implements logic resources that exist on user monitoring device  10 . 
     In one embodiment, user monitoring device  10  engages in the routing of user information to third parties based on predefined rules, based on system  32  analysis. 
     In one embodiment, user monitoring device  10  includes one or more processors  54  that implement intelligent algorithmic processing and transfer of information to third parties. Feedback can be provided to the end user that is based on visual, tactile, gesture information and the like. 
     The ID can be sent from the user monitoring device  10  in a variety of different transmit modes, which may be provided as part of the firmware or software of an ID or sensor transmitter  14 , and which may be utilized selectively during the operation of said sensor transmitter  14 , may include ‘burst” transmit modes, wherein a burst of data information is transmitted, or “parcel” transmit modes, wherein timed data packets of data, which may, as desired, comprise partial data strings, are transmitted, and, if desired, repeated during time intervals. Further, the sensors  14  may have programmed therein diagnostic routines or other test modes which assist during manufacture and use, providing the operator with operational status and verification information on said sensor/transmitter  14 , as needed. Referring to  FIG. 4 , system  32  includes data base  18  which contains the desired transmitter, sensor,  14  personality data, as well as, the address/device ID bits for each user monitoring device  10 . 
     In one embodiment, the initial programming of the user monitoring device  10  for the ID, as well as optionally other personal information of the user, is done securely, as unauthorized future alteration of same thereafter can be utilized as a means of violating system integrity. 
     In one embodiment, an inductive field coil is used for programming the sensors  14  and ID of user monitoring device  10 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the user monitoring device  10  can include a sensor  14  with an output that be received by an amplifier  56  and decoded by an I/O decoder  58  to determine 1/0 logic levels, as well as, both clock and data information  60 . Many such methods are commonly available including ratio encoding, Manchester encoding, Non-Return to Zero (NRZ) encoding, or the like; alternatively, a UART type approach can be used. Once so converted, clock and data signals containing the information bits are passed to a memory  62 . Any of these connections provides a logical link from the system&#39;s database  18  to the sensor  14 , ID of the user monitoring device  10 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     In one embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the system  32  chooses the necessary programmable sensor functions and stores them into database  18 . In one embodiment, in order to insure that an unauthorized user cannot connect into and program user monitoring device  10  the following procedure may be used: 
     Both the sensor  14  and receiver  34  contain an identical, repeatable pseudo randomization algorithm in ROM or in ASIC logic. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the algorithm is applied to outgoing programming data  64  from system  32  and produces a number of security/randomization bits  66  that can be appended to the outgoing programming message or message  68  and sent to a sensor  14 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7  the sensor  14  likewise applies this pseudo randomization algorithm as the security/randomization bits  66  to the outgoing programming data, now forming the incoming programming data  70  to sensor  14  and produces a several bit result in the shift register  71 . The scrambling algorithm is devised such that a small difference in the programming bit stream causes a great difference in the pseudo randomization result. As a non-limiting example, the present invention can use a 16 bit polynomial to produce this pseudo randomization. 
     Optionally, in one embodiment, before a sensor  14  accepts this programming, stored in an address and personality register  73 , both the pseudo random code, stored in data in a shift register  75  from system  32  and a sensor  14 , in a shift register  71  must match via a comparator ID,  77 , indicating unauthorized acceptance use. In addition to insuring authorized access, this process also insures that the data itself is correct. The longer the polynomial sequence used, the greater the security. 
     In one embodiment, spread spectrum or other RF transmission is used and can include programming to determine that the frequency or spread spectrum code is unique to the area. If a spread spectrum code, system code, or frequency channel is found to be occupied at a future time of use. Re-programming of the user monitoring device  10  is then done with a new, unused spread spectrum code or system code or frequency channel can be selected, or, in the alternative, CPU  20 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , step “E” would include, for example, the step of the sensor  14 , inputting the programming message and saving a seed in memory  62 ; with the sensor  14  utilizing the seed to code digital data bits transmitted. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the location of a user monitoring device  10  with the ID and sensors  14  can be determined. As a non-limiting example, in one embodiment the user monitoring device  10  includes a sensor  14  that can provide a position signal having positioning data (e.g., raw GPD data or pseudo ranges) and the ID is transmitted from the user monitoring device  10  to system server  16 . Server  16  receives the position signal and analyzes the signal to generate information representing the location of the user monitoring device  10 . Server  16  transmits this location information to a client computer where the location of the user monitoring device  10 , allowing a user to identify the location of the remote sensor  14 . 
     In one embodiment, the position signal transmitted by the remote sensor  14  can also include an emergency code. For example, in the event of an emergency, such as a medical emergency or otherwise, a user may press a “panic button” that can be on the user monitoring device  10  or by use of a user&#39;s mobile device. Pressing the panic button may cause mobile device  74  to transmit an emergency signal to a cell site  76  where the emergency signal is relayed to server  16 . In response, server  16  can transmit Doppler information regarding in-view satellites, a fix command and a time trigger signal to the user monitoring device  10 . 
     When the location of the user monitoring device  10  has been determined, software running on server  16  configures server  16  such that a call or other signal is sent to a local emergency operator in the vicinity of remote sensor  14 . When the call or signal is received at the emergency operator station, the location of remote sensor  14  is transmitted and displayed. In some cases, where separate panic buttons are available for identifying medical, police, fire or other types of emergencies, the nature of the emergency is also displayed for the emergency operator. Based on this information, the emergency operator can initiate an emergency response by providing the location of remote sensor  14  to the required emergency service (police, fire department, ambulance service, etc.). In other embodiments, instead of or in addition to a position report for the remote sensor  14 , the emergency operator may also be provided with information which identifies an emergency response vehicle in close proximity to remote sensor  14 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , a sensor  14  of the user monitoring device  10  can include a SNAPSHOT GPS receiver  72 . As described above, sensor  14  uses information transmitted from separately located base station  110 , mobile devices, computers, and other devices, to assist in determining the position of the remote sensor  14 , as more fully disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,661,372, incorporated herein by reference. 
     As non-limiting examples, and as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the sensors  14  can be a thermal transducer  78 , an acoustic transducer  80 , and a magnetic transducer  82 . It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited The transducers  78 ,  80 , and  82  in the user monitoring device  10  can communicate with a microprocessor  84  also located in the user monitoring device  10 . The user monitoring device  10  can communicate with other devices via an RF transceiver  86 , an IRDA transceiver  88 , and/or an RF backscatter transceiver  90 . Each of the components in the user monitoring device  10  receives power as necessary from the battery  24 , which may include the rechargeable battery. 
     The acoustic transducer  80  may include a microphone, a low-pass filter, a gain amplifier, and a threshold comparator. The acoustic transducer  80  may include an omnidirectional microphone, although any other suitable acoustic transducer device would suffice. The microphone may be a surface mount MEMS device that has a frequency range of 100 Hz to 10 kHz. A single MCP602 operational amplifier is used on the acoustic sensor to amplify and low-pass filter the acoustic signal from the microphone. Another operational amplifier is used to generate a voltage reference used for single biasing and detection. The microphone output is biased to the midway point between the circuit supply voltage and ground to allow for both positive and negative signal swings. The biased signal is filtered with a second order low-pass Butterworth filter to remove upper frequency noise. It is then amplified with an adjustable gain that is controlled by a digital resistor potentiometer. This digital resistor operates on an I2C bus and is controlled by the microprocessor  84 . Lastly, the amplified acoustic signal is threshold detected against a static voltage to detect sufficiently large acoustic signals. The digital output of the threshold detector is connected to the microprocessor  84  for processing. 
     The magnetic transducer  82  can include a magnetic sensor integrated circuit, a differential instrumentation amplifier, a low-pass filter, two gain amplifiers, and a threshold detector. The magnetic transducer  82  may include an NVE AA002-02 GMR (giant magneto resistive) field sensor, although any suitable magnetic sensor would suffice. This sensor has a saturation field of 15 Oe, a linear range of 0 to 10.5 Oe, and a sensitivity of 3 mV/V/Oe. Two MCP602 CMOS operational amplifiers are used on the magnetic sensor to amplify and low-pass filter the analog output signal. An INA122UA instrumentation amplifier is used as a difference amplifier for the differential output from the magnetic sensor. The magnetic sensor IC can be based on Spintronics technology. Its output includes a differential voltage pair proportional to the detected magnetic field. The differential voltage pair is amplified and converted to a single voltage by the instrumentation amplifier. The AC-coupled signal is then amplified and filtered with a low-pass filter to remove upper frequency noise and boost the low-voltage signal output. The signal is amplified a second time by an adjustable gain controlled by a digital resistor similar to the acoustic sensor. Lastly, the amplified magnetic signal is threshold detected against a static voltage, to detect sufficiently large changes in magnetic fields. The digital output of the threshold detector can be connected to the microprocessor  84  for processing. 
     A DS1803E-010 digitally controlled 10 kOhm variable resistor can be used in both the acoustic and magnetic sensor circuits. It is used to adjust the gain of one gain stage in each circuit. The digital resistor is controlled through an I2C interface. A LMV393IPWR comparator is also used in both the magnetic and acoustic sensor circuits for determining when a sufficiently strong sensor signal has been detected. It compares the analog sensor signal against the voltage reference and its output is tied to the microprocessor  84  for data collection. 
     The thermal transducer  78  may include a Burr Brown TMP 100NA/250 12-bit digital temperature sensor, although any suitable thermal sensor would suffice. The digital temperature sensor has an operating range of −55 to +120 degree C., an accuracy of 0.5 degree C. and a maximum resolution of 0.0625 degree C. 
     Even though it is a 12-bit sensor, suitable results are achieved with only 9-bit conversions with only the 8 most significant bits used. The sensor has an I2C interface and is normally kept in sleep mode for low power operation. When directed by the microprocessor  84 , the thermal transducer can perform a 9-bit temperature conversion in 75 milliseconds. 
     The RF transceiver  86  may include an RF Monolithic DR3000 transceiver, although any suitable transceiver or separate transmitter and receiver  34  would suffice. This transceiver  86  allows for both digital transmission and reception. The transceiver  86  can have an operating frequency of 916.5 MHz and is capable of baud rates between 2.4 kbps and 19.2 kbps. It can use OOK modulation and has an output power of 0.75 mW. It also can use digital inputs and outputs for direct connection with the microprocessor  84 . The transceiver  86  can use an antenna  92  ( FIG. 11 ) that may include a 17 mil thick plain steel electric guitar G-string cut to a length of 8.18 cm. It is used in a monopole over ground configuration and can require a matching circuit of one inductor and one capacitor. Alternatively, Frequency Shift Keying (FSK), Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK), or any other suitable modulation scheme may be utilized. 
     The IRDA transceiver  88  may include a Sharp GP2W0110YPS infrared transceiver, although any suitable IRDA compliant infrared transceiver would suffice. This transceiver  88  can be IRDA v1.2 compliant and in one embodiment has an operating range of 0.7 meters. In one embodiment, it is capable of 115.2 kbps data speeds. 
     The RF backscatter transmission device  90  may include circuitry available from Alien Technology (of Morgan Hill, Calif.) for receiving and transmitting signals via RF backscatter. Battery  24  may be a 3.6 volt ½ AA lithium battery with a capacity of 1.2 amp hours. The battery  24  can be a power source  24  that can include a Texas Instruments TPS76930DBVT voltage regulator to regulate the output signal to 3 volts and with a maximum current of 100 mA. The voltage regulator can include a LDO. 
     The RF backscatter transceiver  86  in the user monitoring device  10  communicates with an RF backscatter reader  94  such as a class  3  reader from Alien Technology. The reader  94  transmits data to the backscatter transceiver  90  of the user monitoring device  10  by broadcasting encoded RF pulses and receives data back from the transceiver  86  by continually broadcasting RF energy to the sensor  10  and monitoring the modulated RF reflections from the sensor  10 . 
     The RF backscatter transceiver  90  can include a printed circuit board (PCB) patch antenna for RF reception, and RF modulation, a Schotky diode detector circuit, a comparator circuit for signal decoding, and a logic circuit for wake-up. The logic circuit monitors the incoming data, and when an appropriate wake-up pattern is detected, it triggers the microprocessor  84  so that data reception can begin. In one embodiment, the reader  94  has an operating frequency between 2402 MHz and 2480 MHz, and uses frequency hopping in this band to reduce noise interference. A modulation method used by the reader  94  can be On-Off Keying (OOK). In one embodiment, the transmission power is 1 watt. The operation of the reader  94  may be controlled by an external computer (not shown) as directed by Labview software via a RS-232 serial link. 
     The RF transceiver  86  can communicate with an external RF transceiver  96  such as a DR3000 transceiver from Radio Monolithics, Inc. In one embodiment, it operates at 916.5 MHz, uses OOK modulation, has a communication range of 100 meters line of sight, and a baud rate of 19.2 kbps. The active RF antenna  92  can be a quarter-wavelength monopole made from a guitar G-string and appropriate matching circuitry. Two control lines from the microprocessor  84  can be used to select the mode of operation, choosing from transmit, receive, and sleep. The active RF receiver  34  consumes the most power in receive mode compared to the other two communication links. 
       FIG. 6  shows the relative positioning and shape of the active RF antenna  92  and the RF backscatter antenna  98 . 
     The IRDA transceiver  88  of the user monitoring device  10  can communicate with an external IRDA transceiver  100  that may be identical to the IRDA transceiver  88 . Alternatively, the IRDA transceiver  100  can be one such as is provided in most personal digital assistants (PDA) as well as many other consumer devices. The IRDA communication link follows the standard IRDA signal and coding protocol and is modeled after a standard UART interface. In one embodiment, the IRDA transceiver  88  is capable of data speeds less than 115.2 kbps, and may only have a range of 0.7 meters for transmission. One advantage of the IRDA communication link is that it does not require any of the RF spectrums for operation, but it typically does require line-of-sight communication. 
     When any one of the transceivers  86 ,  88  and  90  on the user monitoring device  10  detect the beginning of valid data on their respective communication link, all other transceivers are disabled, thereby preventing the corruption of incoming data with the noise or partial data packets on the other communication links. However, if the data on the active transceiver proves to be erroneous, the other transceivers will be re-enabled if appropriate to allow normal operation to continue. If the data received by the active transceiver is valid, however, the other transceivers will remain disabled for several hundred milliseconds longer in the high probability that the next data packet will be transmitted on the same communication link. If, after this extended delay, no additional packets are received, then the other transceivers will be re-enabled as appropriate. 
     In one embodiment, the active RF protocol has no wake-up or synchronization packets, and the packets sent to and from the sensor are identical. In one embodiment, the format of an active RF packet is shown in  FIG. 16 . It can include a preamble to reset and spin-up the state machine of the RF receiver  34  and to properly bias the receiver&#39;s  34  data slicer/threshold detector for optimum noise rejection and signal regeneration, two framing bits to indicate the beginning and end of the data bytes, and the data bytes themselves. 
     Furthermore, the encoding scheme for the three symbols is shown in  FIG. 12 . The entire packet is DC balanced to maintain an optimal level on the data slicer/threshold detector and the receiver  34 . Data is sent most significant bit first. 
     The IRDA communication link can follow the standard IRDA protocol for bit encoding and UART protocol for byte transmission. Packets transmitted on the IRDA link can contain no preamble or framing bits, but they do have a header that contains two bytes. The first byte is an ASCII “I” which denotes the beginning of a valid IRDA packet. The second byte equals the number of preceding bytes in the packet. This value is used by the receiver  34  to determine when the entire packet has been received and processing of information can begin. The packet structure is shown in  FIG. 13  and the IRDA/UART encoding scheme is shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     The data bytes contained in a packet transmitted to the sensor  10  through any of the communication links conform to a packet format. The CMD section of a packet is a single byte that identifies the type of packet being sent. The CMD byte appears above the beginning and end of the packet and the two must be identical. The reason for including the redundant byte is to further eliminate the chance of a packet&#39;s CMD identifier being corrupted at the receiver  34 , even if the CHECKSUM is correct. 
     The PAYLOAD contains all of the data that must be sent to, or returned from, the sensor. The PAYLOAD is broken down into individual bytes with the overall number of bytes and their content dependent on the type of packet being sent. 
     The CHECKSUM is a 16-bit CRC that is performed on all bytes in the data packet excluding the end CMD byte in packets generated by the external device. The CHECKSUM is sent most significant byte first. 
     The transceivers  86 ,  88  and  90  may be required to communicate over a greater distance than do the components described herein. Upgrading these components to be suitable for longer distance transmission is considered to be within the spirit of this invention. The type of transducer is not limited to the specific transducer types described herein. In addition, the logic described herein for arbitrating between which communication device to use to communicate with the outside world and which sensor data to provide at what time is but one possible approach to arbitration logic within such a remote sensor  10 . 
     In one embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 15 , an activity manager  218  is provided that is used for managing lifestyle activities of the user. Activity manager  218  can be a standalone device, or as part of the telemetry system  32  or monitoring device  10 . The dynamic activity manager  218  can associate one or more contexts such as time, location, and the like to an activity entered by a user. The dynamic activity manager  218  also manages an activity and any device or item associated with the activity. 
     In one embodiment, one or more of sensors  14  can be a lifestyle sensor. For example, the sensor  14  can be a physiological sensor such as a heart rate sensor, body temperature sensor, caloric sensor, or the like. Another example of a sensor is a pedometer. It should be noted that any sensor or device capable of taking measurements is applicable to the present invention. These sensors can be embedded, for example, in clothing and/shoes or can be stand-alone items. One specific example of these types of sensors is a sensor that is embedded in running shoes. As a user walks or runs, the sensor  14  monitors various functions such as speed, stride length, body functions (heart rate, temperatures, hydration, and the like), and the like. 
     This information can then be relayed back to the dynamic activity manager  218  if desired. A web service  124  can be any type of service subscribed to by the user over the Internet. For example, a user can be subscribed to a weather service that is used by the dynamic activity manager  218  when monitoring an activity such as running. The dynamic activity manager  218 , identifier enable items, including but not limited to RFID enabled items  220 , sensors  14 , and Network System  224  are discussed in greater detail below. 
     The dynamic activity manager  218  provides management for managing user lifestyle activities and is preferably included as part of the telemetry system  32 . In one embodiment, the activity manager  218  is in communication to a user interface  202 , which can be at the monitoring device  10 , for allowing a user to enter information associated with an activity that the user wants managed and/or monitored. As a non-limiting example,  FIG. 17  shows one example of the user interface  202  being displayed on the monitoring device  14 . It will be appreciated the sensors can generate this information and communicate it with telemetry system. It should be noted that some fields can be automatically populated based on user activity entry, activity history, rules, or the like. 
     In one embodiment, a name entry field  302  can be used that allows the user to enter the name of an existing activity or the field  302  can be a drop down box including existing activities. In another embodiment, the monitoring device  10  or the telemetry system  32  can perform this activity and function. 
       FIG. 16  show that a user has entered the activity of “running”. Therefore, the user is configuring the activity manager  218  to manage and monitor a running activity. The user interface  202  can also include an activity description field  304 , which allows a user to enter a description of the activity. A date entry field  306  is also included on the user interface  202 . The date field  306  allows a user to enter the date or dates when the activity is to occur. A time start field  308  and an end time field  310  are also provided in the user interface  202 . The start time field  308  indicates when the activity begins and the end time field  310  indicates when the activity ends. 
     A user may also want the activity manager  218  to track specific items associated with the activity. For example, with respect to the running activity, a user may want to have her running shoes and headphones tracked to ensure that she has these items when she begins the activity. This information can be entered in the items to be tracked field  312 . The tracking process is discussed in further detail below. The user may also want to use specific sensors  14  during the activity such as sensors  14  in the running shoes and a heart rate monitor. The sensor IDs or names can be added into the sensor field  314 . A user can also configure the sensor parameters that she wants used during the activity. Alternatively, the sensor parameters can be transparent to a user. For example, the parameters can be pre-populated based on success of data collection of prior activity history. This information is entered in a sensor parameter field  316 . In addition to having items tracked and sensors  14  monitored during the activity, the user may want to associate a web service with the activity. 
     For example, a user may want to associate a weather service with the running activity so that the activity manager  218  can automatically and dynamically adjust settings on the sensors  14 ; determine to track different items; and the like. For example, the activity manager  218  can monitor the web service to determine if the weather is sunny, cloudy, raining, or the like. If the weather is sunny, the activity manager may determine that a first pair of running shoes, sun glasses, and the like need to be tracked. On the other hand, if the weather is raining, the activity manager  218  can determine not to track sunglasses and to track a second pair of running shoes. It should be noted that the term “tracked” as used throughout this discussion refers to use of the ID of the monitoring device. 
     Alternatively, a user can setup rules that allow a web service to perform a function based on contexts. For example, if the weather is rainy, a user can have a rule setup that has a web service make a reservation at an indoor track.  FIG. 16  also shows a web sensor rule(s) entry field  320 . The web service field  320  allows a user to enter various rules associated with Network Systems. For example, a user can setup a web service via the web service rules field  320  to reserve a running track if the temperature outside is less than 60° F. or if it is raining. 
     It should also be noted that the user interface of  FIG. 16  is only one example of a user interface applicable to the present invention. One or more fields may be added or deleted. For example, the user interface  218  can also provide a mechanism to a user for reviewing all entered activities, deleting activities, and the like. It should also be noted that the user interface  202  can also reside on an information processing system coupled to the monitoring device  14 . For example, the activity manager  218  can have software loaded on a personal computer that allows the user to enter the above information or to interact with the activity manger  218 . The activity manager  218  can then sync with database  18  to update its data. In yet another embodiment, a user can enter information directly at an identifier enabled item  220  or a sensor  14 . For example, a sensor  14  can include a user interface with a calendar. Any information entered here can then be synced with the activity manager  216 . Any configuration parameters such as a heart rate baseline, stride length, and the like are then communicated to the activity manager  218 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 15 , the information received from a user, for example, via the user interface  202  can also be provided to a calendar  204  residing within the monitoring device  14 . Alternatively, information from the calendar  204  can also be extracted by the activity manager  218 . For example, if the activity manager  218  determines that a user has entered a new activity in the calendar  204 , the activity manager  218  can prompt the user to determine if the user wants the activity manager  218  to monitor and manage that activity. Although shown residing outside of the activity manager  218 , the activity manager  218  can include an internal calendar for monitoring lifestyle activities. In other words, the monitoring device  14  can include a calendar and the activity manager  218  can also include an internal calendar used in conjunction with the wireless device calendar  204 . 
     Based upon the received activity information, the activity manager  218  creates activity profiles  210 ,  212  that are stored in an activity management database  208 .  FIGS. 17( a ) and ( b )  shows an example of an activity profile  210  for a variety of activities. Although  FIGS. 17( a ) and ( b )  show a single table that includes multiple activities, each activity can be stored within a separate activity profile.  FIG. 18  also shows a calendar  204  comprising calendar events associated with an activity. The activity profile  210  includes various information associated with an activity such as a name  404  of an activity, an activity ID  406 , a sensor or device name  408  associated with the activity, an identifier/device IP address  410  if available, data configuration  412  for the sensor/device and the like. 
     Also,  FIGS. 17( a ) and ( b )  show Network Systems  414  and web service rules  416  associated with a web service. For example, a web service A is associated with the “running” activity. A web service rule is associated with the web service A that indicates that if the temperature outside is less than 60° F. then reserve an indoor track. As can be seen, the activity profile associates a sensor/device context with activity. The sensor/device context indicates what sensors  14 /devices or associated with the activity and their current configurations. 
     In the example of  FIG. 18 , the information within the activity profile  210  is independent of a time context or location context associated with an activity. In one embodiment, the calendar  204  associates a time context with and activity and an optional location context. For example,  FIG. 18  shows a calendar event  402  set for May 2nd with a “running” activity from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The calendar  204  can also show the location of the activity such as “Millennium Park”. Therefore, the “running” activity has a time context and a location context associated with it. The information within the activity profile  210  can be used by the activity manager  218  regardless of the time and location contexts. 
     For example, if the user has defined a “running” activity on two different days at two different times and at two different locations, the activity manager  218  can still refer to the “running” activity profile and use the information included therein for the two instances of the “running” activity. Therefore, the activity manger  218  monitors both the calendar  402  and the activity management database  208 . However, the activity profiles  210  can also include time and location contexts as well. In this example, a separate activity profile is stored in the activity management database for each instance of an activity. 
     Returning now to  FIG. 16 , the activity manager  218  also includes a context monitoring module  210 . In one embodiment, the content monitoring module  210  allows the activity manager to determine whether an activity is about to start, has started, or has ended and either monitor for identifier enabled items  220  and/or initialize sensors  14  associated with the activity. For example, the context monitoring module  210  monitors context such as time, location, device, and the like. The context monitoring module  210  can monitor the calendar  204 , GPS, or information entered by the user to determine the current and/or location of the wireless device. The activity manager  218  can compare activity profiles and/or calendar events with the determined time and/or location to determine whether an activity is starting, ending, or the like. 
     In one embodiment, the dynamic activity manager  218  is communicatively coupled to a GPS module  246  and a display  244 . The GPS module can be used by the dynamic activity manager  218  to determine the location of the monitoring device  14 . The display  244  can be used for, among other things, to display data/information, visual alerts to a user. 
     As discussed above, the activity manager  218  manages and monitors identifier, enabled items  220 , sensors  14 , and Network Systems  224  associated with a user activity. identifier enabled items  220  can be any item that is coupled to an identifier or other communication tag. The activity manager  218  monitors identifier enabled items  220  via an identifier enabled item monitor  206 , herein referred to as the “identifier monitor”  206 . The identifier monitor  206 , in one embodiment, can be an identifier transceiver embedded with monitoring software or can be a separate monitoring software module coupled to an identifier transceiver. 
     The identifier monitor  206  can be configured by the user to automatically start monitoring for items associated with an activity or to continuously monitor for identifier enabled items  220 . For example, when the activity manager determines, based on a time context and/or a location context associated with an activity, that it is time for an activity to start, the activity manager  218  can begin monitoring for associated identifier enabled items  220 . For example, if the activity manager  218  determines that the running activity is about to begin, the identifier monitor analyzes the activity profile  210  to determine what items are needed for the activity. The identifier monitor  206  then determines if items such as running shoes and heart beat monitor are present. In other words, the identifier monitor  206  determines if an identifier signal from the running shoes and the heartbeat monitor has been detected. The activity manager  218  can then visually, audibly, and/or tactilely notify the user of the presence or non-presence of the items  220 . 
     Based on the activity profiles  210 , calendar  204 , and/or an internal clock the activity manager  218  can determine that the user has not left for work, to go running, or whatever the activity may be. For example, a user can have a calendar entry or an activity defined for “leave for work”, which begins at 8:00 a.m. Therefore, if the time is 7:30 a.m. the activity manager  218  can determine that the user has not left for work. In another example, a user can have an activity defined for “running”. The activity manager  218  can detect that the user has left the house, entered his/her car or the like either by passing an identifier sensor at a door or via GPS and analyzes the activity profiles  210  accordingly. 
     The activity manager  218 , based on activity profiles and/or calendar events determines that the user is going straight from work to her running activity. Therefore, the activity manager  218  monitors for the items associated with the running activity. The activity manager  218  then notifies the user if these items have been protected 
     In addition to monitoring for associated identifier enabled items  220  when an activity is to begin, the activity manager  218  manages sensors  14  associated with the activity. For example, when an activity is about to begin, the activity manager  218  analyzes the activity profile  210  associated with the activity and identifies the sensors  14  associated with the activity. If the sensor  14  has not been initialized, the activity manager  218  initializes the sensor  14  using the configuration parameters in the activity profile  210 . For example, the sensors  14  and the monitoring device  14  can communicate via a communication manager  212  within the activity manager  218 . The sensors  14  and the monitoring device  14  can communicate using a wireless connection such as BLUETOOTH®, Zigbee, or the like. In one embodiment, the dynamic activity manager also includes a data fusion module  214  for performing data fusion with respect to health and fitness information monitored by the sensors  14 . 
       FIG. 18  shows a timing diagram for one example of initializing a sensor  14  based on the activity manager  218  detecting the start of an activity. In the example of  FIG. 18 , a user has a “running” activity defined on the user&#39;s monitoring device  14  and wants to invite a friend to the activity. At time T 0  the activity manager  218  sends an invite associated with the “running” activity to another wireless device. The invite includes the time context, e.g., May 2nd at 2 p.m., and can include an optional location context. At time T 1  the invitee wireless device sends an acceptance message to user&#39;s monitoring device  14 . At time T 2 , the activity manager  218  determines that the time is 2:00 p.m. and queries the activity management database  208  to identify the sensors  14  associated with the “running” activity. The activity manager  218  also obtains the IP address of the sensor(s)  14 . The IP address is used by the communication manager  212  to communicate with the sensor  14 . In one example, the sensors  14  associated with the running activity are a sensor within running shoes that measures average speed, distance traveled, and the like. Another sensor can be a hear rate monitor worn in the wrist or an audio headset of the user. 
     At time T 3  the activity manager  218  pings the sensors  14  to determine if they have been initialized. If the sensors  14  have not been initialized the activity manager  218  identifies that configurations parameters of the sensor from the activity profile  210  and initializes the sensors  14  accordingly. The sensors  14 , at time T 4 , send a ready response to the activity manager  218 . At time T 5  the activity manager  218  begins collecting data from the sensors  14 . The activity manager  218 , at time T 6 , determines that the activity has completed. At time T 7 , the activity manager  218  displays collected data from the sensors  14  to the user via the user interface  202 . 
     In another embodiment, a user can configure the activity manager  218  to only collect specific data from a sensor  14  or not all data. Also, the activity manager  218  does not have to communicate with a sensor  14  during an activity. For example, a user may have forgotten the monitoring device  10  at her house. The application manager  218  determines that an activity is starting, but sensors  14  are not in the vicinity. When sensors  14  come back into range with the monitoring device  14 , e.g., the user comes home from running, the activity manager  218  queries the sensor  14  for the data collected during the activity. In one example, the sensors  14  collect data continuously and in another example the sensor  14  only collects data during scheduled activities. For example, a user&#39;s watch may have a biometric sensor that collects data throughout the day. However, the user may only be concerned with plotting data during athletic activities such as bicycling. Therefore, the activity manager  218  can query the sensor  14  for data only collected during a bicycling activity. In the above embodiments, the sensors include memory for storing data. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the activity manager  218  can also monitor and manage Network Systems  224  associated with an activity. For example, a user can define rules associated with Network Systems  124  that are to be applied to the activity manager  218  with respect to an activity. One example is where a user subscribes to a weather service. The user can define a rule that states if the weather is rainy during the time period associated with an activity, then delay any monitoring or managing for that activity for 1 hour. Another rule can state to delay any managing or monitoring until a user prompt is received. The activity manager  218  can query the web service  124  at the start or prior to an activity starting to obtain the required information. 
     The activity manager  218  can also make dynamic decisions for when to monitor and/or manage an activity. For example, a user has an activity defined for “pick up dry-cleaning” at 3:00 p.m. However, at 12:00 p.m. the user runs errands and is approaching the dry cleaners. The activity manager  218  can detect the location of the user via GPS and determines that the user is near the dry cleaners. The activity manager then determines that the user needs to pick up the dry cleaning and prompts the user to pick up the dry cleaning even though the time is prior to the 3:00 p.m. scheduled pickup time. 
       FIG. 19  is a block diagram illustrating a detailed view of the wireless device  104  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wireless device  104  operates under the control of a device controller/processor  602 , that controls the sending and receiving of wireless communication signals. In receive mode, the device controller  602  electrically couples an antenna  604  through a transmit/receive switch  606  to a receiver  608 . The receiver  608  decodes the received signals and provides those decoded signals to the device controller  602 . 
     The foregoing description of various embodiments of the claimed subject matter has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimed subject matter to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to the practitioner skilled in the art. Particularly, while the concept “component” is used in the embodiments of the systems and methods described above, it will be evident that such concept can be interchangeably used with equivalent concepts such as, class, method, type, interface, module, object model, and other suitable concepts. Embodiments were chosen and described in order to best describe the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the relevant art to understand the claimed subject matter, the various embodiments and with various modifications that are suited to the particular use contemplated.