Tracking and monitoring systems

Abstract

Described herein are examples of apparatuses which include a first device and a second device. The first device may be configured to detect an environmental condition or event. The second device may be communicatively linked to the first device via a first communication channel. The second device may be configured to receive data from the first device, generate an alert based on the received data, and establish a second communication channel in response to a disruption or impairment of the first communication channel.

Description

TRACKING AND MONITORING SYSTEMSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 552,030 entitled “TRACKING AND MONITORING SYSTEMS”, filed on February 9, 2024. The entire contents of the above-listed application are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.BACKGROUND

[0002] Tracking and monitoring systems are used for closely observing environments. These systems utilize sensors, communication technology, and data processing to monitor specific areas. Among these systems, wearable devices have become increasingly popular. They are widely used in personal, home healthcare, transportation, and security industries due to their convenience and continuous monitoring capabilities. Wearable devices come in compact designs and enable individuals to stay informed and safe in various situations.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The present description will be understood more fully when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of various examples of tracking and monitoring systems. The description is not meant to limit the tracking and monitoring systems to the specific examples. Rather, the specific examples depicted and described are provided for explanation and understanding of tracking and monitoring systems. Throughout the description the drawings may be referred to as drawings, figures, and / or FIGs.

[0004] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a tracking and monitoring system, according to an embodiment.

[0005] FIG. 2 representatively illustrates first and second communication channels of a communication link between a transmitter and receiver, according to an embodiment.

[0006] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tracking and monitoring system, including a transmitter and receiver, according to an embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] A tracking and monitoring system as disclosed herein will become better understood through a review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various embodiments of tracking and monitoring systems. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity and clarity, all the contemplated variations may notbe individually described in the following detailed description. Those skilled in the art will understand how the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered and not depart in substance from the scope of the examples described herein.

[0008] A conventional tracking and monitoring system may include a basic setup where one device emits signals while another receives and interprets them. These devices are commonly used to to track the location of individuals or objects. However, they often lack features such as water sensors or versatile attachment options and are therefore limiting in their functionality. Conventional devices typically operate reactively by addressing loss or misplacement after it has occurred rather than actively preventing it in real-time. They emit signals for tracking purposes but lack proactive features to prevent loss or misplacement as it happens.

[0009] The current state of tracking and monitoring devices presents several limitations. Existing devices may not effectively prevent incidents like submersion, posing risks to infants, children, individuals with disabilities, or pets. Additionally, limited attachment options may restrict the versatility and practicality of these devices.

[0010] Implementations of tracking and monitoring systems may address some or all of the problems described above. A ttacking and monitoring system could include a water sensor to prevent drowning incidents. Moreover, including different types of attachment options, such as wristbands, belts, necklaces, or collar attachments, would improve the device’s usability and adaptability in a wide range of applications.

[0011] The disclosed embodiments of the tracking and monitoring system effectively address these limitations by actively preventing loss or misplacement in real-time. They emit signals for tracking purposes and include proactive components and features to prevent such incidents as they occur. Additionally, they integrate a water sensor or alarm and provide various attachment options. With these features, the system may provide safety for users, particularly vulnerable individuals such as infants, children, and individuals with disabilities or pets. Furthermore, the diverse attachment options enhance the device's adaptability and user-friendliness.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a tracking and monitoring system 100, according to an embodiment. The tracking and monitoring system 100 is capable of performing various functions, including preventing loss or misplacement of personal belongings and ensuring the safety of individuals, pets, and even objects by allowing another entity or person to monitor. According to various embodiments, the tracking and monitoring system 100 may include a first device, such as a transmitter 110, and a second device, such as a receiver 120, that is communicatively linked orconnected to the transmiter 110. The term “transmitter” and “receiver” may be used interchangeably throughout this application, The system 100 may also include a sensor 112 and a processor 130,

[0013] In one embodiment, the sensor 112 may function as a distance detection sensor capable of sending a signal upon separation from a predetermined range between the transmitter 110 and receiver 120. The monitoring range can be either automatically pre-configured or manually adjusted as necessary depending on the application. However, the sensor 112 may also possess capabilities suitable for applications beyond distance measurement, such as temperature sensing. Additionally, the transmitter 110 may incorporate more than one sensor. For example, multiple sensors may be integrated into a single device such as the transmitter 110. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the transmitter 110 may include multiple sensors, such as GPS monitors, barometric pressure sensors, blood pressure monitors, heart rate monitors, or any other required type of sensor.

[0014] In one embodiment, the receiver 120 may be worn on the wrist or attached to a wearer using other methods. In another embodiment, a mobile device or smartphone application can serve as the receiver 120 by alerting the user through sound or lights if the transmitter 110 exceeds preset distance parameters from the receiver 120. When the sensor parameters of the transmitter 110 exceed predetermined thresholds, the transmitter 110 sends one or more signals to the receiver 120, which in turn triggers an alarm or alert. This alarm or alert can be auditory, visual, or tactile. For example, it can use methods like audible sounds, visual cues, vibrations, or LED screen displays to notify the receiver holder. The alarm can be deactivated or reset after a predetermined time interval, usually under a minute, but this could be set to anything. Additionally, there is an option to turn off the alarm for a set amount of time. For example, the system 100 can be put on sleep mode (for instance, if the user is at work or some other place where they do not intend to use it and does not want to forget to activate sleep mode for a set amount of time, it will automatically activate and connect to the device or send a reminder). Alternate configurations may involve the receiver 120 accepting signals from multiple sensors on a single transmitter.

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a communication link established between a transmitter 210 and a receiver 220 of a tracking and monitoring system 200, according to an embodiment. In one embodiment, the communication link may be stablished via a first communication channel 202 and / or a second communication channel 204,

[0016] The system 200 can be used to prevent loss or forgetfulness by providing real-time tracking and monitoring. It may include reliable communication and backup channels to ensure continuous monitoring of the receiver and its location. This may reduce the risk of losing items or individuals due to a break in the communication link between the transmitter 210 and receiver 220. Uponactivation, the tracking and monitoring system 200 automatically establishes a connection between the transmitter 210 and receiver 220, The transmitter 210 may convert measured variables into signals, which may be analog, digital, or processed through an analog-to-digital converter. These measured variables may include data or information gathered by one or more sensors within the tracking and monitoring system 200, Measured variables may include various parameters like temperature, humidity, pressure, location coordinates, motion, proximity, or any other relevant data essential to the application.

[0017] In one embodiment, both the transmitter 210 and receiver 220 may include one or more antennas to capture signals transmitted by the system 200. Specifically, the transmitter 210 may include a first antenna 212, and the receiver 220 may feature a second antenna 222. The antennas may include one or more electronic filters for refining the received signals transmitted between them. The electronic filters may be incorporated into the antennas and may be configured to specifically target and isolate certain desired radio frequency signals. For instance, in operation, the filters may selectively allow frequencies associated with the tracking and monitoring signals to pass through while effectively attenuating or blocking out any extraneous frequencies that may cause interference. By focusing solely on the signals of interest, the system 200 can maintain an effective communication connection between the transmitter 210 and receiver 220, even in environments where there may be competing signals or electromagnetic noise present, such as in a densely populated urban area. To interpret these signals, the receiver 220 may utilize a demodulation method. By utilizing a demodulation method to interpret the signals, the receiver 220 can extract the required information and monitor and / or process one or mor parameters established in the transmitter 210. For instance, the receiver 220 may decipher the modulated signals received from the transmitter 210 to discern the intended information encoded within the signals. This may allow for more accurate tracing and monitoring functionalities,

[0018] To minimize the risk of loss or oversight, redundancy may be incorporated into the communication link between the transmitter 210 and receiver 220. The first communication channel 202 may serve as the primary communication channel, while the second communication channel 204 may serve as the backup communication channel. The backup communication channel may be activated in the event of primary communication channel failure, The channel failure may include a disruption or impairment of the first communication channel 202. The disruption or impairment may include a loss of connectivity between the first device and the second device, degradation of the signal quality of the first communication channel below a predefined threshold, or an interruption in data transmission over the first communication channel for a predefined period.

[0019] For example, the transmiter 210 can communicate using both a primary and secondary communication channel. Initially, both the transmitter 210 and receiver 220 attempt to establish a connection via the primary communication link. In one embodiment, the primary communication link may be established via a Wi-Fi connection. If the communication link is disrupted, such as signal degradation or interference, a processor of the system 200 may autonomously or automatically activate a secondary communication link using Bluetooth technology or another method.

[0020] Furthermore, the connection setup is not restricted to WiFi for the first communication channel and Bluetooth for the second. In one embodiment, this configuration may be reversed, with Bluetooth serving as the primary communication channel and WiFi as the secondary. Additionally, other setups can be employed, such as establishing a radio frequency (RF) connection for one or both communication channels, or implementing a Zigbee wireless mesh network, or other known wireless technologies. Although wireless transmission is preferable, some embodiments may include wired connections.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a ttacking and monitoring system 300, including a transmitter 310 and receiver 320, according to an embodiment. As depicted, both the transmitter 310 and receiver 320 are housed within their respective casings or protective enclosures. Each protective enclosure may contain a battery, control circuit, processor, and a light that may be configured to flash or provide another visual alert in response to certain conditions or events. The components of each transmitter 310 and receiver 320 can be housed within their respective protective enclosures. The light may flash to provide an alert when the receiver 320 exceeds a predetermined distance from the transmitter 310, or vice versa. Moreover, the protective enclosures may be ergonomically designed with curved or rounded edges to provide comfort and minimize the risk of skin irritation.

[0022] Because the transmitter 310 and / or receiver 320 can attach to different subjects such as adults, children, infants, objects, animals, or pets, they can be shaped in various forms best suited to their application. For example, the transmitter 310 and / or receiver 320 may be shaped in a form suitable to be attached to a keychain or placed into a purse. The transmitter 310 and receiver 320 emit signals for tracking purposes and include proactive features to prevent loss or misplacement of the purse, such as if the rightful owner decides to walk away without realizing the purse is left behind as it happens. Additionally , the transmitter 310 and / or receiver 320 may be worn on the wrist resembling a watch, attached to a belt, worn as a necklace, ring, earring, brooch, or lapel pin.Furthermore, the transmitter 310 and / or receiver 320 can be configured as a collar attachment for pets or animals. In another embodiment, the transmitter 310 and / or receiver 320 may take the form of a card, similar in size to a credit card. In this embodiment, the transmitter 310 and / or receiver 320may transmit signals through radio frequency identification technology (RFID) or other wireless means.

[0023] In an embodiment, the transmitter 310 can be configured to function with several receivers, and conversely, the receivers can work with multiple transmitters. This embodiment may be advantageous in scenarios where there is a need to monitor multiple children at the same time. With this capability, caregivers or parents can keep track of several individuals simultaneously using a single monitoring system.

[0024] Furthermore, the system 300 may include a sensor configured to detect when the transmitter 310 or receiver 320, whichever device the sensor is in, is immersed or submerged in water. The processor may be configured to trigger an alarm that may be sent to the transmitter 310 when the receiver 320, for example, is submerged by at least 1 inch below the surface of the water, or vice versa. This feature may be utilized to safeguard infants, children, individuals with disabilities, pets, or animals from potential drowning incidents and preferably housed within a waterproof protective enclosure. Another purpose of the system 300 is to prevent infants, children, individuals with disabilities, pets, animals, or objects from being left in hot cars or enclosed structures. In this embodiment, the transmitter 310 may include an ambient temperature reader, The receiver 320 may include a temperature display, either on the wrist (or another body part) or within a mobile application where specific temperatures can be set. For example, once the temperature within a car or enclosed area reaches the preset limit, a first alarm is activated. Additionally, a second alarm on the receiver 320, signaled by noise, lights, or vibration, alerts the individual that the temperature limit has been exceeded, which may prompt them to check for any occupants left behind.

[0025] The first device may be housed in a protective enclosure configured to withstand an environmental condition, the environmental condition comprising water immersion, dust exposure, physical impact, high temperature, or electromagnetic interference. The first device may be configured to detect the environmental condition and trigger an alert when the condition exceeds a predefined threshold.

[0026] A feature illustrated in one of the figures may be the same as or similar to a feature illustrated in another of the figures. Similarly, a feature described in connection with one of the figures may be the same as or similar to a feature described in connection with another of the figures. The same or similar features may be noted by the same or similar reference characters unless expressly described otherwise. Additionally, the description of a particular figure may refer to a feature not shown in the particular figure. The feature may be illustrated in and / or further described in connection with another figure.

[0027] Elements of processes (i.e. methods) described herein may be executed in one or more ways such as by a human, by a processing device, by mechanisms operating automatically or under human control, and so forth. Additionally, although various elements of a process may be depicted in the figures in a particular order, the elements of the process may be performed in one or more different orders without departing from the substance and spirit of the disclosure herein.

[0028] The foregoing description sets forth numerous specific details such as examples of specific systems, components, methods and so forth, in order to provide a good understanding of several implementations. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that at least some implementations may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known components or methods are not described in detail or are presented in simple block diagram format in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present implementations. Thus, the specific details set forth above are merely exemplary. Particular implementations may vary from these exemplary details and still be contemplated to be within the scope of the present implementations.

[0029] Related elements in the examples and / or embodiments described herein may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity and clarity, related elements may not be redundantly explained. Instead, the use of a same, similar, and / or related element names and / or reference characters may cue the reader that an element with a given name and / or associated reference character may be similar to another related element with the same, similar, and / or related element name and / or reference character in an example explained elsewhere herein. Elements specific to a given example may be described regarding that particular example. A person having ordinary skill in the art will understand that a given element need not be the same and / or similar to the specific portrayal of a related element in any given figure or example in order to share features of the related element.

[0030] It is to be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many other implementations will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. The scope of the present implementations should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0031] The foregoing disclosure encompasses multiple distinct examples with independent utility. While these examples have been disclosed in a particular form, the specific examples disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter disclosed herein includes novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and / or properties disclosed above bothexplicitly and inherently. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims is to be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more of such elements.

[0032] As used herein '"same” means sharing all features and "similar” means sharing a substantial number of features or sharing materially important features even if a substantial number of features are not shared. As used herein “may” should be interpreted in a permissive sense and should not be interpreted in an indefinite sense. Additionally, use of “is” regarding examples, elements, and / or features should be interpreted to be definite only regarding a specific example and should not be interpreted as definite regarding every example. Furthermore, references to “the disclosure” and / or “this disclosure” refer to the entirety of the writings of this document and the entirety of the accompanying illustrations, which extends to all the writings of each subsection of this document, including the Title, Background, Brief description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, Claims, Abstract, and any other document and / or resource incorporated herein by reference,

[0033] As used herein regarding a list, “and” forms a group inclusive of all the listed elements. For example, an example described as including A, B, C, and D is an example that includes A, includes B, includes C, and also includes D. As used herein regarding a list, “or” forms a list of elements, any of which may be included. For example, an example described as including A, B, C, or D is an example that includes any of the elements A, B, C, and D. Unless otherwise stated, an example including a list of alternatively-inclusive elements does not preclude other examples that include various combinations of some or all of the alternatively-inclusive elements. An example described using a list of alternatively-inclusive elements includes at least one element of the listed elements. However, an example described using a list of alternatively-inclusive elements does not preclude another example that includes all of the listed elements. And, an example described using a list of alternatively-inclusive elements does not preclude another example that includes a combination of some of the listed elements. As used herein regarding a list, “and / or” forms a list of elemen ts inclusive alone or in any combination. For example, an example described as including A, B, C, and / or D is an example that may include: A alone; A and B; A, B and C; A, B, C, and D; and so forth. The bounds of an “and / or” list are defined by' the complete set of combinations and permutations for the list.

[0034] Where multiples of a particular element are shown in a FIG., and where it is clear that the element is duplicated throughout the FIG,, only one label may be provided for the element, despite multiple instances of the element being present in the FIG. Accordingly, other instances in the FIG.of the element having identical or similar structure and / or function may not have been redundantly labeled. A person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize based on the disclosure herein redundant and / or duplicated elements of the same FIG. Despite this, redundant labeling may be included where helpful in clarifying the structure of the depicted examples.

[0035] The Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed examples that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Examples embodied in other combinations and sub-combinations of features, functions, elements and / or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same example or a different example and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the examples described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A system, comprising: a first device comprising a sensor configured to detect an environmental condition or event: a second device communicatively linked to the first device via a primary communication channel and a secondary communication channel, wherein the second device is configured to: receive information from the first device; and generate an alert based on the information and the detected environmental condition or event; wherein the secondary communication channel is activated upon a failure of the primary communication channel to transmit the information from the first device to the second device.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the primary communication channel is configured to be reestablished when the secondary communication channel is activated in response to the failure in the primary communication channel.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first device comprises a modular attachment device configured io be interchangeably attached as a wristband, necklace, belt clip, keychain, or pet collar.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the second device is configured to generate a preemptive alert comprising at least one of an audible, visual, or tactile notification, when the environmental condition detected by the first device approaches a predefined threshold.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first device comprises a power-saving mode that is activated after a predefined period of inactivity and deactivated when movement or activity is detected by the sensor in the first device.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises at least one of a proximity sensor, temperature sensor, water immersion sensor, or GPS module.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein:the first communication channel is a wireless protocol selected from the group consisting of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or radio frequency communication; and the second communication channel is a backup communication link established using Zigbee or cellular wireless technology.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first device is housed in a waterproof protective enclosure.

9. A method, comprising: detecting an environmental condition or event associated with an entity using a sensor in a first device; transmitting information related to the detected environmental condition or event from the first device to a second device via a first communication channel; generating an alert on the second device if a predefined environmental condition or event has occurred; and activating a second communication channel to transmit the information from the first device to the second device in response to detecting a disruption of the first communication channel.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: detecting if the first device is submerged to or below a predefined depth in a liquid; and generating the alert on the second device in response to detecting that the first device is submerged to or below the predefined depth in the liquid.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the predefined depth is at least one inch.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising reconnecting the first device and second device via the first communication channel when the disruption of the first communication channel is resolved.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising: detecting an increase in ambient temperature using the sensor in the first device; and generating a preemptive alert on the second device when the ambient temperature exceeds a predefined threshold.

14. The method of claim 9, further comprising enabling a sleep mode on the second device to temporarily deactivate an alert for a predefined time period.

15. An apparatus, comprising: a first device configured to detect an environmental condition or event; a second device communicatively linked to the first device via a first communication channel, wherein the second device is configured to: receive data from the first device; generate an alert based on the received data: and establish a second communication channel in response to a disruption or impairment of the first communication channel.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first device further comprises a proximity sensor, temperature sensor, water immersion sensor, or GPS module.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the second device is configured to generate an alert that comprises at least one of auditory, visual, or tactile feedback.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the second communication channel utilizes a communication protocol selected from Zigbee or cellular wireless technology.

19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein: the first device is housed in a protective enclosure configured to withstand an environmental condition, the environmental condition comprising water immersion, dust exposure, physical impact, high temperature, or electromagnetic interference; and the first device is further configured to detect the environmental condition and trigger an alert when the environmental condition exceeds a predefined threshold.

20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the disruption or impairment of the first communication channel comprises: a loss of connectivity between the first device and the second device; degradation of the signal quality of the first communication channel below a predefined threshold; oran interruption in data transmission over the first communication channel for a predefined period.