Patrol Management System

Abstract

A method for managing patrols includes one or more processors receiving GPS data from a plurality of patrol mobile devices. The processor receives the GPS data for the patrol and compares the GPS data with GPS coordinates for the patrol points. The patrol points are displayed on a digital map using patrol status visual indicators. The patrol status is based on the amount of time between the patrol point's last patrol and the time remaining until its next scheduled patrol frequency time expires. The map is continuously and automatically updated in real time to display the patrol status of each patrol point, for example, as patrolled or not patrolled.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to patrols such as police or other law enforcement or government or organizational expeditionary forces that police an area using mobile transports or vehicles having or monitored by mobile communication devices, and particularly to patrol management systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Mobile devices include objects that are capable of movement, such as vehicles (e.g., cars, trucks, buses, and trolleys) or mobile communication devices, including mobile cellular and wireless communication devices and computing devices. Mobile devices may be used by police or other government agencies to provide patrol services, such as patrolling various geographic areas, such as a city or portions or zones thereof. Selectively managing patrols, including sharing patrol data, can be a difficult task. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] One challenge of patrol management involves patrolling a vast number of locations within a geographic zone and keeping track of the status of the numerous locations patrolled during a particular time period. Managing patrols, which involve simultaneously operating a fleet of patrolling vehicles, and managing and sharing the status of the patrolled locations are challenging. Also challenging is selectively sharing real-time patrol information and patrolled locations with mobile devices, as well as maintaining historical and real-time information for multiple patrolled objects, including individual vehicles, and for geographic patrol areas, such as street segments within a city, to determine when these locations have been patrolled and whether they should be patrolled.

[0004] Mobile objects include objects capable of movement, such as vehicles or mobile devices, including cellular and wireless communication devices, and may include, but are not limited to, phones, tablets, cars, buses, street sweepers, mail trucks, helicopters, bicycles, horses, and people. Mobile objects, such as cars or bicycles, may be used to provide services, such as patrolling a set of streets, an area within a city, or a location. Mobile objects used to patrol may be required to cover specific streets, areas, or points of interest within a set period of time to ensure that the patrolled area has been patrolled, for example, by an assigned police officer. It may be difficult for a mobile object with a mobile device to know whether a particular street or area has been patrolled in a specified period of time or when this street or area requires a new patrol. Furthermore, supervisors may need to know the status of a patrolled street, area, or point of interest to determine whether a patrol officer needs to be dispatched or whether the area has been covered by the wrong patrol officer. Patrol management may also require that particular patrolmen, e.g., police officers, cover assigned geographic areas. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided by the provision of a method, system and / or computer program product for managing patrols including patrol locations ("patrol points"), the method comprising: recording GPS information for patrol points assigned to street segments in a geographic area in a digital memory; and recording at least one patrol frequency time for the patrol points in the digital memory, wherein each patrol point is associated with at least one patrol frequency time. The method includes recording at least one patrol frequency time in a digital memory, obtaining, via at least one processor, GPS location information for at least one patrol person's location, determining, via at least one processor, when the patrol point has been patrolled by comparing the GPS location information of the patrol point with the GPS location information of the at least one patrol person, displaying, via the processor, the patrol points and streets on a map of the geographic zone via at least one display device, determining, via the at least one processor, a patrol status of the patrol point based on determining when the patrol point has been patrolled and the time since the patrol point was last patrolled, displaying a visual indicator of the patrol status of the patrol point on the map, and automatically updating, via the processor, the map in real time by changing the visual indicator of the patrol point based on the patrol status of the patrol point. The patrol frequency or patrol frequency time represents a time period in which a location should be patrolled. For example, the patrol frequency may be every 24 hours.

[0006] The tour status may represent tour points that have been toured or not toured since the last tour frequency time expired. The tour status may be based on the length of time between the tour point's last tour and the time remaining until its next scheduled tour frequency time expires. The tour status may also represent tour points that were not toured before the time their most recent previous tour frequency time expired and tour points that were not toured within at least a predetermined time before the next time their associated tour frequency time expires. The tour status may also represent tour points that have time remaining until their current tour frequency time expires but have not been toured during the current tour frequency time period. For example, the patrol status may represent patrol points that (i) were patrolled before the time their most recent previous patrol frequency expired, (ii) were unpatrolled within at least a first predetermined time before the next time their associated patrol frequency expires, (iii) were unpatrolled within at least a second predetermined time before the next time their associated patrol frequency expires, and (iv) were not patrolled before the time their most recent previous patrol frequency expires.

[0007] The patrolled points on the map are automatically updated by the processor by changing patrolled visual indicators to unpatrolled visual indicators at patrolled points that were not patrolled during their associated patrol frequency. The visual indicators of patrolled points vary based on their patrol status and are displayed respectively on the map. Optionally, the patrol frequency varies for different portions of the patrolled points. The patrolled points may be associated with additional stored data. Points of interest (points of attention) may also be recorded in digital memory and displayed on the map. Each point of attention is also associated with a patrol frequency and an assigned patrol status. The processor may display a patrolled visual indicator on the map for each point of attention that was patrolled during its associated patrol frequency. The visual indicator for each point of attention is automatically updated in real time based on whether or when the point of attention was patrolled during its associated patrol frequency. Optionally, the processor may display patrollers, including multiple patrollers, on the map in real time as the patrollers move. The patrol status is configurable by changing the time associated with displaying different visual indicators of patrol status at patrol points and / or attention points.

[0008] The method is implemented for automatic execution via a computer system, including having one or more processors or multiple processors, which may or may not be distributed, and mobile communication devices and / or computing devices. The patrol information may be shared with users (e.g., patrolers), administrators, and / or other third parties.

[0009] Each patrol member may include one or more mobile devices, such as a mobile computing device and / or a mobile communication device such as a smartphone. Each of the above-described steps of the method is implemented to run automatically via a computer system. Tour data, such as the location, time, and date of each tour, and the location time and date of each tour point and point of interest, as well as information related to or based on such data, may be stored in a memory associated with one or more processors. Information regarding the designation of mobile devices that may share information may also be stored in such a memory. The memory may be a single storage device or multiple storage devices, which may or may not be distributed.

[0010] The computer program product includes a computer-readable storage medium that is readable by a processing circuit and that stores instructions for performing the method, for example, as described above and herein. Computer-implemented systems relating to one or more aspects of the method are also described and claimed herein. Additionally, services relating to one or more aspects may also be described and claimed herein.

[0011] Additional features and advantages are realized by the techniques described herein. Other embodiments and aspects are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed aspects.

[0012] One or more aspects are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed as examples in the claims at the conclusion of this specification. The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the one or more aspects will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an example of a schematic representation of a system according to an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 shows an example of a flow chart of one embodiment of performing a method using the system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 shows an example of a flow chart of another embodiment for carrying out a method for using the system of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an example of an electronic map and its visual representation, according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 illustrates the map of FIG. 4 divided into zones, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates the map of FIGS. 4 and 5 showing patrol members moving within it within various patrol points and attention points, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates a particular section of the map of FIGS. 4-6, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 8 illustrates the section of the map in FIG. 7 after a patrol member has visited the patrol points, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 9 illustrates the section of the map in FIGS. 7 and 8 after a patrol member has visited points of interest, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a computing environment that can be used to incorporate and execute one or more aspects of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In one or more embodiments, functionality is provided for selectively managing patrols, including sharing patrol information based on GPS information about mobile devices. GPS information may include location coordinates, including latitude, longitude, and altitude, obtained from a global positioning system, and time. A patrol is associated with, and typically possesses, a trackable mobile device. As used herein, a patrol refers to a person who observes, explores, and / or directs a mobile device. The mobile device may be used to track the location of a device or an entity possessing the device as it moves around a geographic area to perform assigned functions. Patrol personnel may include, for example, police or other security patrol personnel, garbage trucks, street sweepers, snow plows, and traffic or parking patrol personnel. Patrol management and sharing of patrol information is performed automatically via a computer system to designate patrol points as patrolled or unpatrolled during a patrol frequency period prior to the expiration of the patrol start time associated with each patrol point. Patrols utilize mobile objects / devices that include GPS functionality. The devices obtain GPS information of their location, which includes geographic coordinates. This information is compared with the GPS coordinates of the patrol point via a processor to determine whether the mobile device is at or near the patrol point. If so, the processor designates the patrol point as patrolled. Each patrol point may be assigned (e.g., by an administrator) a patrol frequency, e.g., every 24 hours, representing the period of time the location should be patrolled. A patrol point is designated on the electronic map with a visited visual indicator if it has been patrolled within or during its associated patrol frequency. Otherwise, the patrol point is designated on the map with an unpatrolled visual indicator. The map and all information regarding each patrol point are stored in memory. The map is updated in real time as patrols are performed so that, for any period of time, the map displays patrol points with a visited or unpatrolled visual indicator. The map may be accessible to and displayed to each patrol member, patrol administrators, and other third parties, such as the public, if desired.

[0015] The map also includes real-time information regarding each patrol member's location so that each patrol member's movements can be visually displayed on the map along with the patrol points and their patrol status, e.g., visited, not visited, and / or scheduled for patrol within a specified time. The visual indicator of patrol status can be a designated color. For example, visited patrol points can be designated on the map in green (or any other color), while unpatrolled locations can be designated on the map in red (or any other color). Thus, the map displays all patrol points in real time, e.g., green or red, depending on their status as visited or not visited. These color visual indicators are updated in real time as the system determines that a patrol point has or has not been visited during its designated patrol frequency. Also, unpatrolled locations can be designated with different visual indicators, including shapes and / or colors, depending on the time remaining until their next patrol frequency expires. For example, if a patrol point is within 15 minutes of the expiration of its patrol frequency (and was not patrolled during its patrol frequency), the unpatrolled location may be designated, for example, in yellow. Thus, a patrol status may include a patrol point that is unpatrolled with a particular time, or set of times, before the expiration of its next patrol frequency.

[0016] Each patrol point is located within a street segment, which is a portion of a street between two intersections. Each geographic zone in the map includes a street segment for each street segment within it, and each street segment is associated with at least one patrol point, which is designated in the system and associated with a GPS coordinate (e.g., a single coordinate or a range of coordinates). In addition, points of interest (other than patrol points that designate street segments) may also be designated on the map and assigned a patrol frequency. These points of interest may include specific other locations to be patrolled, such as buildings or parks. The system also uses GPS information from the patrol operator to monitor and upgrade the status of the points of interest, and, similar to patrol points as described above and herein, compares the status of the points of interest with the GPS coordinates associated with the points of interest in real time.

[0017] In one embodiment or example, the system comprises two different types of components that work together: 1) the patrol vehicles and their associated mobile devices that collect and transmit GPS and other data; and 2) a processing entity, such as an administrator processor, that can specify components of a map of a geographic area and view, manage, and assign patrol points and attention points and their associated patrol frequencies. Optionally, external third-party devices can be enabled to access the map or certain portions of the map (such as patrol points and their status as patrolled or not patrolled).

[0018] The management or processing entity may, for example, utilize a browser-based application that allows an administrator to manage geographic maps (including each associated patrol frequency) and each patrol point and attention point thereon, and monitor devices within each patrol that transmit GPS and other data. This management device may be a computer, phone, or tablet and acts as a dispatcher for the administrator.

[0019] A traveling mobile device can be any device or set of devices capable of capturing and transmitting GPS data and other telematic data, including video data. One or more mobile devices collect GPS data and additional device and environmental data and send the data to a server. A traveling mobile device can be a cell phone, tablet, GPS hardware, car, truck, airplane, boat, motorcycle, bicycle, or any other device whose traveling GPS can be tracked.

[0020] Aspects of this system or process may be performed by a computer system including one or more processors in the mobile device and / or processing entity, by one or more processors remote to the mobile device and / or processing entity, or by a combination of processors in the mobile device and / or processing entity and processors remote to the mobile device. There are many possibilities.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 1 , aspects of a system 100 for selectively managing patrols are shown according to an example embodiment. The system 100 includes one or more processors, memories, and / or servers 102 to which data is transmitted and processed, and in which certain algorithms 122 are executed. In one example, the system may be implemented via cloud computing 110. The system receives or acquires GPS and other telematic data 103 from patrol mobile devices 114. The GPS and other telematic data may be stored in memory associated with the processor 102.

[0022] Included as part of the system are multiple mobile devices 114. These mobile devices may include automobiles, smartphones and other communication devices, mobile computers and tablets, flying objects such as airplanes, bicycles, buses, trucks, watercraft, horse riders, rail vehicles, walking riders, motorcycles, and / or Segways, and any other object capable of movement that may generate telematic information, including GPS coordinates. The mobile devices 114 in the system share their GPS and other telematic information 103, which may be stored in memory associated with the processor 102.

[0023] One or more processing entities 117 function as management processing entities or administrators capable of controlling and configuring the system 100. The mobile devices 114, processing entities 117, and third-party devices 116 may communicate with each other and / or be connected via the cloud computing system 110. Alternatively or additionally, the mobile devices 114, processing entities 117, and third-party devices 116 may be connected to one or more central processors or distributed processors and memories. A typical cloud computing system 110 may be capable of receiving telematic information 103, including GPS information, from each of the traveling mobile devices 114. The cloud computing system 110 includes various processors and memories 102. Various algorithms 122 may be used in the cloud computing system 110 to process the GPS information and compare it to other information stored or obtained by the system. A processing entity 117 is in communication with the cloud computing system 110 to send and / or receive instructions 118 to the various processors 102 in the cloud computing system. The cloud computing system 110 may share information about the traveling mobile device 114 based on GPS data sent to the cloud computing system 110 by the mobile device 114. The traveling mobile device 114 may include a location monitoring unit integrated inside the vehicle.

[0024] The system 110 operates to monitor time and record each time a patrol point or point of interest is visited. A mobile device and / or processor within the system may record time, including all times that any patrol point and point of interest has been visited. When the patrol person's GPS coordinates are within a predetermined distance from the GPS coordinates of a patrol point or point of interest, the system 110 records the time that such location was visited based on information from the mobile device. The system then continues to monitor the time and location of the patrol person 114 to update the patrol status of the patrol point and point of interest in real time. For example, based on the system monitoring time, the patrol status of a point of interest may change, for example, from "patrolled" to "two hours until patrol," and visual indicators on the map and display are changed in real time by the system. The system continuously monitors time, as well as the patrol status configuration and patrol frequency time for each point of interest and patrol point. For each point of interest and patrol point, the system continuously or constantly calculates the time remaining until the current patrol frequency time expires. The system compares the time with the various patrol statuses to update the map and display visual indicators in real time corresponding to the current patrol status for each patrol point and point of interest. The system also stores in memory all patrol times for each point of interest and patrol point, as well as each associated patrol status and visual indicator.

[0025] 2-4, example process steps for selectively managing patrols are described in more detail. The process may be performed, for example, using the system of FIG. 1. First, in step 202, the system is configured by identifying street segments and points of interest on an electronic map. Then, in step 204, patrol points for each street segment and each point of interest is assigned a GPS coordinate. Next, in step 206, other information for the patrol points and points of interest may be assigned and associated with the patrol points and points of interest. The stored and associated information or data for points of interest and / or patrol points may include any type of data or information of interest. The system may be configured by an administrator to store such different types of information. For example, information may include such location, date, time, and person associated with an event that has or may have occurred at such location, general traffic conditions at various times for such location, and previous information from a previous patrol for such location, including historical information or summaries from previous patrols. This information may include a variety of different visual indicators and other data related to specific patrol points and points of interest. For example, the information may include various types of metadata associated with patrol points and points of interest. Points of interest may also be created through integration with third-party systems. Data including location, crime or previous incident information, name, and additional metadata about points of interest may be automatically imported into the system and available via a display or other interface for use by administrators and patrol personnel. Additionally, actions or tasks to be undertaken or considered for points of interest may be created by the administrator and assigned to each point of interest. Based on criteria and conditions, predetermined or undefined actions or tasks may be assigned to each point of interest. A scheduled or randomly selected action can be set for any point of interest, and the system will instruct or notify the patrolman of the action to be performed when he or she arrives at the point of interest. For example, the action can be to drive past the point of interest, physically visit the location by entering the building, turn on flashing lights, and / or drive around the location. The list of these patrol actions can be defined by an administrator.

[0026] In step 208, a patrol frequency for each patrol point and point of attention is assigned to the system. Then, in step 210, the system receives and stores GPS data and any other data, including the patrol frequency for each patrol point and point of attention. The data is stored in the system's processor, memory, and / or server 102 as shown in FIG. 1. The above steps are used to initialize the system and may be performed by administrator 117 and the system. For example, in step 212, patrol status and patrol status visual indicators are defined and initialized by administrator 117 for each patrol point and point of attention. The steps do not have to be performed in the order shown in FIG. 2.

[0027] The system can be configured by an administrator in a variety of different ways. A patrol status can be defined in a variety of different ways, including when a location has been patrolled, when it should be patrolled, and the time since the previous patrol frequency expired and / or when the patrol frequency time expires. A patrol status can represent patrol points that were not patrolled before the time when their most recent previous patrol frequency expires, e.g., a patrol status of “not patrolled.” Additionally, a patrol status can represent patrol points that were patrolled during their assigned associated patrol frequency, e.g., a patrol status of “patrolled.” A patrol status can also be defined to represent patrol points that were not patrolled within at least a predetermined time before the next time when their associated patrol frequency expires. A patrol status can be defined as a situation in which a patrol point was not patrolled during its current patrol frequency, but within a first predetermined time before the expiration of its current patrol frequency, e.g., within 15 minutes before the expiration of its current or next patrol frequency. In this situation, for example, if a patrol point has not been patrolled during its current patrol frequency but is within 15 minutes left before its patrol frequency expires, its patrol status is or can be defined as "15 minutes until patrol."

[0028] Furthermore, a particular patrol status may be defined as a patrol point and / or attention point that has not been patrolled within at least a second predetermined time period before the next time their associated patrol frequency expires. For example, the first predetermined time period may be 15 minutes, and the second time period may be 2 hours. In this situation, a visual indicator may be defined for each time period. For example, a patrol point that has 15 minutes left before its patrol frequency expires and has not been patrolled during its current patrol frequency may be associated with a yellow visual indicator and a visual indicator with a particular shape. Also, for example, a patrol point that has two hours left before its patrol frequency expires and has not been patrolled during its current patrol frequency may be associated with another different visual indicator, such as a pink visual indicator and a visual indicator with a particular shape. The visual indicators are displayed on the map by the system so that a user, such as a third party 116, an administrator 117, or a patrol person 114, can view the map on a display device and visually recognize the patrol status of each patrol point and attention point on the map based on the visual indicators, e.g., shape and color, at the attention points and patrol points.

[0029] Additionally, a map may be defined by an administrator to have multiple geographic zones within an area. Each geographic zone or area may have a number of geographic locations within each geographic area or zone. There may be associated different patrol personnel and / or different patrol criteria (patrol frequency and / or patrol status) for the patrol points and attention points.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 3, the operation and implementation of the system for managing patrols will now be described. These steps may be performed by an administrator and / or the system. In step 302, patrol members may be dispatched. Each patrol member may cover and move around an area on a geographic map and area. In step 304, for each patrol member, the system continuously and in real time acquires GPS coordinates and telematic data for each patrol member's location. In step 306, the system compares the GPS coordinates acquired for the patrol members in step 304 with coordinates stored in the system for each patrol point and attention point. The system is configured to associate attention points and patrol points as patrolled when the patrol member's GPS coordinates are within a predetermined distance from the GPS coordinates of the patrol point and attention point in the map. Thus, the system determines when an attention point or patrol point has been patrolled when the patrol member's GPS coordinates are within a predefined distance from the GPS coordinates assigned to the patrol point or attention point and its associated street segment or geographic location. A patrol point or point of note that has been patrolled within its associated time frequency is designated with a patrol status of "patrolled." A patrol point or point of note that has not been patrolled within its patrol frequency is designated with a patrol status of "unpatrolled." The visual indicator of the "patrolled" status is different from the visual indicator of the "unpatrolled" status, and is shown on the geographic map such that the patrolled status visual indicator appears different from the unpatrolled status visual indicator. Thus, administrators, patrollers, and third parties capable of viewing the map are able to distinguish between patrolled and unpatrolled attention points and patrolled points.

[0031] In step 308, the map displays visual indicators for all points of interest and patrol points. In step 310, as time progresses, the map is updated in real time to indicate the patrol status for all points of interest and patrol points using the corresponding visual indicators. In step 312, the visual indicators of each patrol status for each patrol point and point of interest are updated based on changes in patrol status for each patrol point and point of interest and displayed on the administrator's display. The patrol status is indicated on the map using visual indicators (e.g., color and shape) associated with the particular patrol status. Steps 310 and 312 may occur simultaneously.

[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates an electronic map 402 of a geographic area according to one embodiment of the present invention. The map 402 is electronically stored in a memory within the system 100. The map includes multiple street segments, one or more or all of which may be associated with patrol points 404. Thus, multiple patrol points associated with different street segments are stored with the electronic map and visually displayed on the display devices 116, 117, 114 (shown in FIG. 1). In addition to patrol points, points of interest 406 may also be defined in the electronic map, as shown in FIG. 4. For example, within a street segment there may be points of interest, such as schools or particular businesses, for which patrol frequencies are assigned to enable separate and consistent patrol thereof. The points of interest may then be indicated with different visual indicators. For example, the points of interest in FIG. 4 are shown using rectangles, while patrol points are shown using circles. According to the system, each patrol point and point of interest is assigned a patrol frequency, i.e., a time period during which patrol should be performed. For example, a patrol frequency of 24 hours means that a patrol point or attention point with such associated patrol frequency should be patrolled every 24 hours. A patrol point with such patrol frequency that has not been patrolled within the last 24 hours will be designated by the system as "unpatrolled" and represented on the map shown in Figure 4 using a visual indicator to indicate the unpatrolled status. Conversely, if a patrol point with such a patrol frequency has not been patrolled within the last 24 hours, Patrol points and attention points that have been visited are designated by the system as having a "patroled" patrol status, and a visual indicator representing such patrol status is shown on the map.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 5, map 402 may be divided into two distinct geographic zones or subareas 502, 504. Each of zones 502, 504 may be used to identify a set of streets with associated patrol points and attention points. Patrol points may be assigned to patrol personnel and / or associated moving objects within a patrol personnel, or to a particular set of moving objects within a patrol group. For example, patrol personnel P1 (shown in FIG. 1) may be responsible for patrolling zone 502, while patrol personnel P2 (shown in FIG. 1) is responsible for patrolling zone 504. These zones may be viewed on a mobile device and associated display and configured by an administrator (as shown in FIG. 1).

[0034] 6, map 402 also shows patrol points 404, points of attention 406, and patrol person 114. The patrol points include locations 404D and 404E. The points of attention also include point of attention 406Y. The system was configured to have at least five different patrol statuses: 1) a first patrol status corresponding to "patrolled", 2) a second patrol status corresponding to "patrol in 4 hours", representing a status where an unpatrolled attention point or patrol point has four hours left before its current patrol frequency expires, 3) a third patrol status corresponding to "patrol in 2 hours", representing a status where an unpatrolled attention point or patrol point has two hours left before its current patrol frequency expires, 4) a fourth patrol status corresponding to "patrol in 1 hour", representing a status where an unpatrolled attention point or patrol point has one hour left before its current patrol frequency expires, and 5) a fifth patrol status corresponding to "patrol in 15 minutes", representing a status where an attention point or patrol point has 15 minutes left before its current patrol frequency expires.

[0035] In FIG. 6 , patrol point 404D has not been patrolled during its current patrol frequency, which expires within 15 minutes, and is therefore displayed with a visual indicator corresponding to this patrol status. Patrol point 404E has not been patrolled within the hour before its current patrol frequency expires, and is therefore displayed with a visual indicator corresponding to this patrol status. The system is configured so that all other patrol points 404 can be designated as having the same or different patrol frequencies, patrol statuses, and the same or different visual indicators of the patrol status. The system is also configured, for example, by an administrator, so that each of five different patrol statuses is displayed using a different visual indicator, including a geographic shape and color. Patrol points and attention points with a patrol status within “1 hour until patrol,” e.g., patrol point 404E and attention point 406Y, are displayed using a further different visual indicator, such as a triangle (for patrol points) or a rectangle (for attention points) and a different color, e.g., pink. Thus, when a patrol point 404D or a caution point 406Y is unpatrolled and within 15 minutes of their next expiring patrol frequency 117, the patrol point 404D or the caution point 406Y is displayed on the map 402 in a diamond shape or rectangle, respectively, and in a color such as red. Nevertheless, when a patrol point 404E is within one hour of its expiration of its patrol frequency and has not yet been patrolled during its current patrol frequency, it is shown on the map 402 in a triangular shape and pink. All other patrol points designated with a patrol status of "patrolled" are shown on the map using a different visual indicator, i.e., a green circle. Nevertheless, the system can be configured to use different visual indicators for different patrol statuses. And, the system can be configured by an administrator to accept different patrol statuses (as defined by the administrator). The system can store various patrol statuses electronically in memory. The display device 116, 117, 114 is configured to operate to continuously update a map 402 that is displayed continuously or periodically on the display device 116, 117, 114.

[0036] Referring now to FIG. 7 , a particular area 405 within a map 402 is shown. A patrol person 114 with a mobile device moving around streets along a route I with associated patrol points 404 and associated points of interest 406 is displayed on the map within the area 405. The patrol points include patrol points 404, 404D, and 404E, with each patrol point associated with a particular street segment located on one or more streets. The system was configured to include a point of interest 406Y. The point of interest 406Y may be associated with a particular building, such as a school 426 adjacent to a parking lot 424. The system was configured so that the patrol frequency for each point of interest and each patrol point is 24 hours. Shown within the map is a patrol person 114 with a mobile device transmitting GPS coordinates and other telematic information through the system to track its current location over time.

[0037] The patrol status of a patrol point is indicated on the map using a specific visual indicator. Patrol point 404 shows a green circle visual indicator representing a status of "patrolled." Accordingly, each patrol point location having a "patroled" patrol status is indicated using such a green circle visual indicator. Furthermore, locations having a patrol status of "patrolled within 15 minutes" are displayed with a red diamond-shaped visual indicator. Furthermore, a patrol point, i.e., point 404E, having a patrol status of "two hours until patrol" is indicated with a pink triangle. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, an electronic map display shows a map with streets within a geographic area and patrol points 404 shown on the map with green dots, while patrol point 404E whose status is "two hours until patrol" is indicated using a pink triangle, while patrol point 404D whose patrol status is "15 minutes until patrol" is indicated using a red diamond. Finally, attention point 406Y, which has an unpatrolled status of "1 hour until patrolling", is shown with an associated visual indicator corresponding to a red rectangle.

[0038] 8, patrol member 114 drives down street 422, passing patrol point 404D and then patrol point 404E. The system continuously compares the GPS coordinates of patrol member 114 with the GPS coordinates of all points of interest, including 404D and 404E. When patrol member 114 passes within a certain distance of patrol point 404D, the system updates the patrol status of patrol point 404D to "patrolled." Similarly, the system updates the patrol status of patrol point 404E as "patrolled" simultaneously as patrol member 114 passes near patrol point 404E. The system continuously monitors the location of patrol member 114 to compare it to the stored GPS locations of each patrol point. Additionally, the system continuously updated map 402 in real time to change the patrol status of patrol points 404D and 404E to "patrolled." As shown in Figure 8, patrol person 114 passes patrol point locations 404D and 404E and enters parking lot 424. At this time, the system continuously receives GPS data from the mobile device within patrol person 114.

[0039] As shown in Figure 9, patrolman 114 moved around parking lot 424 and was within a certain distance of note point 406Y. The system compared the GPS coordinates between note point 406Y and patrolman 114 and determined that note point 406Y had been patrolled. The system then updated the patrol status of note point 406Y to "patrolled." Thus, as shown in Figure 9, patrol points 404D and 404E are shown on the map visual display as having a "patrolled" patrol status, and therefore are indicated with a green circle visual indicator. Additionally, note point 406Y is shown with a "patrolled" status using a green parallelogram visual indicator.

[0040] The system is configured to determine when a patrol point or a notice point has been patrolled by comparing the patrol person's GPS coordinates with the GPS coordinates of the attention points and patrol points. To determine when a location has been patrolled, an administrator may configure the system to associate a distance with the attention points and patrol points. The distance may be a particular radius from each location. For example, a location may be associated with a 10-yard radius, and if the patrol person passes within 10 yards of the location (as determined by comparing GPS coordinates), the system recognizes the location as patrolled.

[0041] The system records the time and date of each patrol of patrol points and points of interest. The system continuously updates this information in real time, building a database of patrol history for each patrol point and point of interest. The database is stored in memory and can be accessed by an administrator, for example, to perform data analysis. Additionally, the system can be configured to record information regarding incidents that occur at each patrol point and point of interest. Information regarding such incidents can be entered into the system by the patrol person, for example, via the patrol person's mobile device, or directly by an administrator. As previously described, in addition to the system being used to manage patrols in real time, the system can also be used to record and share information based on historical data.

[0042] When operating using real-time data, the system can be used by users responsible for monitoring the locations of patrol devices, including fleets of vehicles such as police cars, foot patrol officers, garbage collection workers, snowplow drivers, etc.

[0043] As time progresses, the system changes the visual indicators of the patrol points and attention points based on the change in the patrol status of the patrol points and attention points. For example, when a attention point or patrol point location has not been patrolled during its current patrol frequency but the time remaining in the patrol reaches a first predetermined time, e.g., 15 minutes until the patrol, its patrol status changes and the system changes the visual indicators on the map to display the attention points and patrol points with their updated patrol status.

[0044] Additionally, the system may store patrol data for each patrol point and attention point as historical data accumulated over time and stored on the system or remotely. The historical patrol data may be used to perform data analytics or moving object and planned travel routes.

[0045] An example of a computer system including a processor that may be used in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention is described with reference to Figure 10. In this example, the computer system is part of a computing environment that includes additional components that may or may not be used in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 10, a computing environment 600 is disclosed as part of a system for facilitating the present invention, which can be used to execute the processes of the present invention. The computing environment may include multiple processors and memory, including processors and memory present in mobile devices, processing entities and / or third-party devices, or more centralized systems. The computing environment illustratively includes a computer system 602, shown, for example, in the form of a general-purpose computing device. The computer system 602 includes, but is not limited to, one or more processors or processing units 604 (e.g., central processing units (CPUs)), memory 606 (e.g., also known as system memory, main memory, main storage, central processing unit), and / or a processor / processor combination 608 coupled together via one or more buses and / or other connections 610. 608 , may include a central storage or storage, as well as one or more input / output (I / O) interfaces 608 .

[0047] Bus 610 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example and not limitation, such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA), Micro Channel Architecture (MCA), Enhanced ISA (EISA), Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI).

[0048] The memory 606 may include a cache 620, such as a shared cache, that may be coupled to a local cache 622 of the processor 604. Additionally, the memory 606 may include one or more programs or applications 630, an operating system 632, and one or more computer-readable program instructions 634. The computer-readable program instructions 634 may be configured to perform the functions of embodiments of aspects of the present invention.

[0049] The computer system 602 may also communicate with one or more external devices 640, one or more network interfaces 642, and / or one or more data storage devices 644, for example, via the I / O interface 608. Exemplary external devices include a user terminal, a tape drive, a pointing device, a display, etc. The network interface 642 enables the computer system 602 to communicate with one or more networks, such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and / or a public network (e.g., the Internet), for communicating with other computer devices or systems. For example, the system may be connected to a personal computer, tablet device, or smartphone to communicate the assigned or unassigned status of a moving object to a user via a graphical user interface.

[0050] The data storage device 644 may store one or more programs 646, one or more computer-readable program instructions 648, and / or data, etc. The computer-readable program instructions may be configured to perform the functions of embodiments of aspects of the present invention.

[0051] Computer system 602 may include and / or be coupled to removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer system storage media. For example, computer system 602 may include and / or be coupled to non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media (commonly referred to as a "hard drive"), a magnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable, non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a "floppy disk"), and / or an optical disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile optical disk, such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or other optical media. It should be understood that other hardware and / or software components may be used with computer system 602. Examples include, but are not limited to, microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, data archival storage systems, and the like.

[0052] Computer system 602 may be operational with numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and / or configurations that may be suitable for use with computer system 602 include, but are not limited to, The term "cloud computing" includes, but is not limited to, personal computer (PC) systems, server computer systems, thin clients, thick clients, handheld or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set-top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframe computer systems, and distributed cloud computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, etc.

[0053] One or more of the processors and / or other aspects of the computer system or computing environment may be remote from the mobile device. Furthermore, in one particular example, a processor, such as processor 604, may execute one or more machine learning engines and / or other engines to provide, based on training and learning, based on telematic information of the mobile device in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. These engines may be stored in memory, including main memory and / or one or more caches, and / or external storage, and may execute on one or more processors. There are many variations.

[0054] One or more aspects of the present invention are closely tied to improvements in computer technology and / or the art.

[0055] One or more aspects may relate to cloud computing. While this disclosure includes detailed descriptions related to cloud computing, it is understood in advance that implementation of the teachings presented herein is not limited to cloud computing environments. Rather, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in conjunction with other types of computing environments now known or later developed.

[0056] Cloud computing is a model of service delivery for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, network bandwidth, servers, processing, memory, storage, applications, virtual machines, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or interaction with the provider of the service. The cloud model can include at least five characteristics, at least three service models, and at least four deployment models.

[0057] The characteristics are as follows:

[0058] On-demand self-service: Cloud consumers can unidirectionally provision computing capacity, such as server time and network storage, automatically as needed without requiring human interaction with the provider of the service.

[0059] Broad Network Access: Functionality is available over the network and accessed through standard mechanisms that facilitate use by heterogeneous thin or thick client platforms (eg, mobile phones, laptops, and PDAs).

[0060] Resource Pooling. A provider's computing resources are pooled to serve multiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physical and virtual resources dynamically allocated and reallocated according to demand. Location independence is meaningful in that consumers generally do not have control or knowledge of the exact location of a given resource, although they may be able to specify a location at a higher level of abstraction (e.g., country, state, or data center).

[0061] Rapid Elasticity. Capabilities can be rapidly and elastically provisioned, sometimes automatically, to rapidly scale out and rapidly released to rapidly scale in. To the consumer, the capabilities available for provisioning often seem limitless and can be purchased in any quantity at any time.

[0062] Metered Services. Cloud systems automatically control and optimize resource usage by leveraging metering capabilities at a level of abstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g., storage, processing, bandwidth, and active user accounts). Resource usage can be monitored, controlled, and reported, providing transparency for both providers and consumers of utilized services.

[0063] The service model is as follows:

[0064] Software as a Service (SaaS). The functionality offered to the consumer is the use of a provider's applications running on a cloud infrastructure. The applications are accessible from a variety of client devices through thin-client interfaces, such as a web browser (e.g., web-based email). The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure, including the network, servers, operating systems, storage, or even individual application functions, with the possible exception of limited user-specific application configuration settings.

[0065] Platform as a Service (PaaS): The capability offered to consumers is to deploy consumer-created or collected applications written using programming languages ​​and tools supported by the provider onto a cloud infrastructure. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure, including the network, servers, operating systems, or storage, but does have control over the deployed applications and, in some cases, the application hosting environment configuration.

[0066] Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): The functionality provided to consumers is to provision processing, storage, network, and other basic computing resources onto which they can deploy and run any software, which may include operating systems and applications. Consumers do not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure, but do have control over the operating systems, storage, deployed applications, and possibly limited control over select networking components (e.g., host firewalls).

[0067] The deployment model is as follows:

[0068] Private Cloud: The cloud infrastructure is operated solely for the organization. The cloud infrastructure may be managed by the organization or a third party and may be on-premise or off-premise.

[0069] Community Cloud: Cloud infrastructure is shared by several entities to support a specific community with shared concerns (e.g., mission, security requirements, policies, and compliance considerations). Cloud infrastructure can be managed by an entity or a third party and can reside on-premise or off-premise. do.

[0070] Public Cloud: Cloud infrastructure is made available to the general public or large industry groups and is owned by an entity that sells cloud services.

[0071] Hybrid cloud: A composition of two or more clouds (private, community, or public) tied together by standardized or proprietary technologies that allow the cloud infrastructure to remain a unique entity but enable data and application portability (e.g., cloud bursting for load balancing between clouds).

[0072] Cloud computing environments are service-oriented with a focus on statelessness, low coupling, modularity, and semantic interoperability. At the heart of cloud computing is an infrastructure comprising a network of interconnected nodes.

[0073] Aspects of the invention may be systems, methods, and / or computer program products at an integratable level of technical detail. The computer program product may include one or more computer-readable storage media having computer-readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to perform aspects of the invention.

[0074] A computer-readable storage medium may be a tangible device that can hold and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. A computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the above. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of computer-readable storage media includes portable computer diskettes, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), static random access memory (SRAM), portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc (DVD), memory stick, floppy disk, mechanically encoded devices such as punch cards or ridge-in-groove structures having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the above. Computer-readable storage medium, as used herein, should not be construed as being a transitory signal per se, such as an electric wave or other freely propagating electromagnetic wave, an electromagnetic wave propagating through a waveguide or other transmission medium (e.g., light pulses through a fiber optic cable), or an electrical signal transmitted over a wire.

[0075] The computer-readable program instructions described herein may be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to each computing / processing device, or may be downloaded to an external computer or external storage device via a network, such as the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and / or a wireless network. The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical fiber transmissions, wireless transmissions, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives the computer-readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer-readable program instructions for storage in a computer-readable storage medium within the respective computing / processing device.

[0076] Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present invention may include assembler instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, The computer-readable program instructions may be either firmware instructions, state setting data, configuration data for an integrated circuit, or source or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Angular, HTML, CSS, .NET Framework, Smalltalk, C++, and procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages, such as C# and Microsoft SQL Server. The computer-readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or remote server, as a standalone software package. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or a connection to an external computer may be made (e.g., through the Internet using an Internet service provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuits, including, for example, programmable logic circuits, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or programmable logic arrays (PLAs), may execute the computer-readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer-readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuit to perform aspects of the present invention.

[0077] Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0078] These computer-readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to manufacture a machine, such that the instructions, which execute on the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / acts specified in one or more blocks of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams. These computer-readable program instructions, which can direct a computer, programmable data processing apparatus, and / or other device to function in a particular manner, may also be stored on a computer-readable storage medium, such that the computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture containing instructions that implement aspects of the functions / acts specified in one or more blocks of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0079] The computer-readable program instructions may also be loaded into a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device to generate a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, executing on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device, implement the functions / acts specified in one or more blocks of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0080] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowcharts or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order shown in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may be executed in sequential order, such as sequentially. The steps may be executed in reverse order depending on the functionality involved. It should also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, may be implemented by special-purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or execute a combination of special-purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0081] In addition to the above, one or more aspects may be provided, offered, deployed, managed, serviced, etc., by a service provider that offers management of a customer environment. For example, the service provider may create, maintain, support, etc., computer code and / or computer infrastructure that implements one or more aspects for one or more customers. In exchange, the service provider may receive payments from the customer, by way of example, under a subscription and / or fee agreement. Additionally or alternatively, the service provider may receive payments from sales of advertising content to one or more third parties.

[0082] In one aspect, an application for performing one or more embodiments may be deployed. By way of example, deploying an application includes providing a computer infrastructure operable to perform one or more embodiments.

[0083] As a further aspect, a computing infrastructure may be deployed that includes integrating computer readable code into a computing system, the code being capable of executing one or more embodiments in combination with the computing system.

[0084] As yet a further aspect, a process for integrating a computing infrastructure may be provided, comprising integrating computer-readable code into a computer system, the computer system comprising a computer-readable medium, the computer medium comprising one or more embodiments, the code being capable of executing one or more embodiments in combination with the computer system.

[0085] Although various embodiments have been described above, these are merely examples. For example, different types of mobile devices, third-party devices, processing entities may be used, and other types of neural networks and / or evolutionary algorithms may be used. Many variations are possible.

[0086] Additionally, other types of computing environments may be beneficially employed. By way of example, a data processing system suitable for storing and / or executing program code may be used that includes at least two processors coupled directly or indirectly to memory elements by a system bus. The memory elements include local memory, bulk storage, and cache memory employed during the actual execution of the program code, for example, to provide temporary storage of at least some program code to reduce the number of times the code must be retrieved from bulk storage during execution.

[0087] Input / output or I / O devices (including but not limited to keyboards, displays, pointing devices, DASDs, tapes, CDs, DVDs, thumb drives, and other memory media) may be coupled to the system either directly or through intervening I / O controllers. Network adapters may also be coupled to the system to enable the data processing system to become coupled to other data processing systems or remote printers or storage devices through intervening private or public networks. Modems, cable modems, and Ethernet cards are just a few of the available types of network adapters.

[0088] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, it will be understood that the terms "comprise" and / or "comprising," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0089] Corresponding structure, materials, acts, and equivalents, if any, of all means- or step-plus-function elements in the following claims are intended to include any structure, material, or acts for performing a function in combination with other claimed elements, as explicitly claimed. The description of one or more embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed form. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described to best explain various aspects and practical applications, and to enable others skilled in the art to appreciate various embodiments with various modifications as may be suitable for the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. 1. A computer-implemented method for managing patrol points, comprising: recording in a digital memory GPS information regarding patrol points associated with street segments in a geographic area; recording at least one tour frequency time in a digital memory for said tour points, each tour point being associated with at least one tour frequency time; obtaining, via at least one processor, GPS location information regarding said location of at least one patrolman; determining, via the at least one processor, when a patrol point has been patrolled by comparing the GPS location information of the patrol point with the GPS location information of the at least one patrol person; displaying, via a processor, the patrol points and streets on a map of the geographic zone via at least one display device; determining, via the at least one processor, a tour status of the tour point based on the determining when the tour point was toured and the time; displaying a visual indicator of the tour status of tour points on the map; automatically updating the map in real time by modifying the visual indicators of tour points based on their tour status via a processor; A method comprising:

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the tour status includes tour points that have been toured and tour points that have not been toured during those tour frequency times.

3. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the patrol status further includes (i) patrol points that have not been patrolled within at least a first predetermined time and / or a second predetermined time prior to the next time their patrol frequency time expires, and / or (ii) patrol points that have not been patrolled since the time after their last patrol frequency time expired.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the visual indicators for visited point locations are different and displayed respectively on the map based on their visited status.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the frequency of visits varies depending on the portion of the visit point.

6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each route point is associated with additional stored data.

7. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising recording points of interest in the geographic area in the digital memory and displaying the points of interest on the map.

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein each point of interest is associated with a patrol frequency, and wherein via a processor, a patrolled visual indicator is displayed on the map for each point of interest based on a patrol status for the point of interest.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the visual indicator for each point of attention is automatically updated in real time based on whether the point of attention has been visited during its associated visit frequency time.

10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising displaying, via a processor, the location of the at least one patrolman on the map in real time.

11. at least one digital memory; one or more processors in communication with said digital memory; 1. A computer system for managing patrol points, the computer system being configured to execute a method, the method comprising: recording in a digital memory GPS information regarding patrol points associated with street segments in the geographic area; recording at least one tour frequency time in a digital memory for said tour points, each tour point being associated with at least one tour frequency time; obtaining, via at least one processor, GPS location information regarding said location of at least one patrolman; determining, via said at least one processor, when a patrol point has been patrolled by comparing said GPS location information of said patrol point with said GPS location information of said at least one patrol person; displaying, via a processor, the patrol points and streets on a map of the geographic zone via at least one display device; determining, via the at least one processor, a tour status of the tour point based on the determining when the tour point was toured and the time; displaying a visual indicator of the patrol status of patrol points on the map; and and automatically updating the map in real time by modifying the visual indicators of tour points based on their tour status via a processor.

2. A computer system comprising:

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the tour status includes tour points that have been toured and tour points that have not been toured during those tour frequency times.

13. 13. The system of claim 11 or 12, wherein the patrol status further includes (i) patrol points that have not been patrolled within at least a first predetermined time and / or a second predetermined time prior to the next time their patrol frequency time expires, and / or (ii) patrol points that have not been patrolled since the time after their last patrol frequency time expired.

14. 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the visual indicators for visited point locations are displayed differently on the map based on their visited status.

15. 15. The system of claim 11, wherein the frequency of visits varies depending on the portion of the visit point.

16. 16. A system according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein each tour point is associated with additional stored data.

17. 17. The system of any of claims 11 to 16, further comprising recording points of interest in said geographic zone in at least one digital memory and displaying said points of interest on said map.

18. 20. The system of claim 17, wherein each point of interest is associated with a visitation frequency, and via the one or more processors, displays a visited visual indicator on the map for each point of interest visited during its associated visitation frequency time.

19. 19. The system of claim 11, wherein the visual indicator for each point of interest is automatically updated in real time based on whether the point of interest has been visited during its associated visit frequency time.

20. 20. The system of claim 11, wherein the one or more processors display the location of the at least one patrolman on the map in real time.

21. 1. A computer program product for managing route points, comprising at least one computer-readable storage medium readable by a processing circuit for executing a method, the method comprising: recording in a digital memory GPS information regarding patrol points associated with street segments in the geographic area; recording at least one tour frequency time in a digital memory for said tour points, each tour point being associated with at least one tour frequency time; obtaining, via at least one processor, GPS location information regarding said location of at least one patrolman; determining, via said at least one processor, when a patrol point has been patrolled by comparing said GPS location information of said patrol point with said GPS location information of said at least one patrol person; displaying, via a processor, the patrol points and streets on a map of the geographic zone via at least one display device; determining, via the at least one processor, a tour status of the tour point based on the determining when the tour point was toured and the time; displaying a visual indicator of the patrol status of patrol points on the map; and and automatically updating the map in real time by modifying the visual indicators of tour points based on their tour status via a processor. a computer program product,

22. 22. The computer program product of claim 21, wherein the tour status includes tour points that have been toured and tour points that have not been toured during those tour frequency times.

23. 23. The computer program product of claim 21, wherein the patrol status further includes (i) patrol points that have not been patrolled within at least a first predetermined time and / or a second predetermined time prior to the next time their patrol frequency time expires, and / or (ii) patrol points that have not been patrolled since a time after their last patrol frequency time expired.

24. 24. A computer program product according to any of claims 21 to 23, wherein the visual indicators for visited point locations are displayed differently on the map based on their visited status.

25. 25. A computer program product according to any of claims 21 to 24, wherein each route point is associated with additional stored data.

26. A visual indicator for each attention point indicates when the attention point is visited during its associated visit frequency time.

26. The computer program product of claim 21, wherein the computer program product is automatically updated in real time based on whether the user has accessed the computer program.

27. 27. A computer program product according to any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the processing circuitry, via the one or more processors, displays the location of the at least one patrolman on the map in real time.

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