Personal tracking device

Abstract

The personal tracking device (1) comprises: - one portable supporting body (2), the supporting body (2) being carried, in use, by a subject (3) to be tracked within at least one search area (4); - wireless linking means (5) to a telecommunication network (24) covering at least part of the search area (4), the linking means (5) being mounted on the supporting body (2) and being configured to communicate, via the telecommunication network (24), the position of the device (1) within the search area (4) to at least one tracking unit (6).

Description

[0001] PERSONAL TRACKING DEVICE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a personal tracking device.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] Some personal tracking systems are known to be used to enable some subjects to be tracked, such as for personal safety issues.

[0006] In general, this type of devices relies on the GPS network and / or mobile network to track the location of the subject carrying the same device.

[0007] This type of devices is widely used e.g. by hikers who often venture into remote and / or sparsely populated areas and thus need to signal their location in case of an emergency.

[0008] However, this type of devices does have some limitations.

[0009] Specifically, this type of devices, in order to be tracked, rely on appropriate tracking means that must be used by appropriate subjects who feel the need to track the device, e.g. because it is believed that the subject to be tracked may be in an emergency situation.

[0010] However, such tracking means are often deployed several hours after the occurrence of an emergency situation, thus delaying the recovery operations for the subject to be tracked.

[0011] In addition, it frequently happens that some areas of interest do have scenic features, such as mountains, rocky complexes, caves, underground routes, dense vegetation or the like, which block GPS and mobile signals, preventing them from being spread, and therefore preventing the tracking of the devices of known type. In addition, the same landscape features that block the GPS and mobile signals are often a source of great attraction for a variety of hikers.

[0012] An additional drawback of the devices of known type lies in the fact that such devices only allow tracking the location of the subject carrying them, without providing additional functions useful for hiking.

[0013] These drawbacks make the devices of known type impractical for hiking and unsuitable for timely tracking of individuals visiting such areas of interest. of the Invention The main aim of the present invention is to devise a personal tracking device which allows a subject to be tracked in a quick and accurate maimer.

[0014] A further object of the present invention is to devise a personal tracking device which allows tracking a subject even in areas of interest that have scenic features, such as mountains, rocky complexes, caves, underground routes, dense vegetation or the like, that block the GPS and mobile signals.

[0015] Still one object of the present invention is to devise a personal tracking device which provides additional functions useful for hiking.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to devise a personal tracking device which allows the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome within the framework of a simple, rational, easy and effective to use as well as affordable solution.

[0017] The aforementioned objects are achieved by this device having the characteristics of claim 1.

[0018] The aforementioned objects are achieved by this system having the characteristics of claim 6.

[0019] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a personal tracking device, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example in the accompanying tables of drawings in which:

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic view of the device according to the invention;

[0022] Figure 2 is a schematic view of the system according to the invention;

[0023] Figure 3 is a schematic view of the kit according to the invention;

[0024] Figure 4 is a schematic view of a further embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention.

[0025] Embodiments of the Invention

[0026] With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a personal tracking device.

[0027] The personal tracking device 1 comprises at least one portable supporting body Specifically, the supporting body 2 is carried, in use, by a subject 3 to be tracked within at least one search area 4.

[0028] In particular, the search area 4 is an area that is unreachable by common telecommunication networks found in urban areas, such as e.g. the mobile network and the Internet network.

[0029] For example, the search area 4 is a cave.

[0030] According to the invention, the device 1 comprises wireless linking means 5 to a telecommunication network 24 covering at least part of the search area 4.

[0031] In addition, the linking means 5 are mounted on the supporting body 2 and are configured to communicate, via the telecommunication network 24, the position of the device 1 within the search area 4 to at least one tracking unit 6.

[0032] Preferably, the linking means 5 are configured to communicate with the tracking unit 6 via a telecommunication network 24 other than the mobile network and / or the Internet network.

[0033] Preferably, the telecommunication network 24 is a LoRaWAN network.

[0034] Advantageously, the device 1 comprises at least one sensor 7 mounted on the supporting body 2 and configured to sense at least one useful data item.

[0035] Specifically, the sensor 7 is selected from the list comprising at least one of: at least one temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the environment surrounding the device 1; at least one humidity sensor configured to sense the humidity of the environment surrounding the device 1; at least one air quality sensor configured to sense the air quality surrounding the device 1; at least one gyroscopic sensor; at least one accelerometer sensor; at least one GPS locator sensor configured to sense the location of the device 1; at least one network sensor configured to sense the presence / absence of the telecommunication network 24; at least one water quality sensor configured to sense water quality; at least one radiation sensor configured to sense the presence and / or intensity of radiation in the proximity of the device 1.

[0036] Appropriately, each sensor 7 listed above is configured to sense a useful data item which is consistent with the type of the sensor itself

[0037] Conveniently, the device 1 comprises a plurality of sensors 7 preferably selected as any combination of sensors listed above.

[0038] Preferably, the device 1 comprises one sensor 7 of each type listed above.

[0039] It cannot be ruled out that one or more sensors 7 may be released from the supporting body 2 and preferably operationally connected thereto.

[0040] Conveniently, the device 1 comprises processing means 8 of one or more useful sensed data.

[0041] Specifically, the processing means 8 are operationally connected to the linking means 5 and are configured to transmit, via the telecommunication network 24, at least one signal to the tracking unit 6 depending on at least one or more useful sensed data.

[0042] Advantageously, the processing means 8 are configured to transmit an emergency signal to the tracking unit 6 depending on at least one useful data item sensed by one or more sensors 7.

[0043] Preferably, the processing means 8 are configured to transmit the emergency signal automatically and / or in real time to the tracking unit 6.

[0044] In this way, if the useful data item sensed by the gyro sensor and / or by the accelerometer sensor is less than or greater than a predefined threshold value, e.g. due to a sudden fall of the subject 3 carrying the device 1, the processing means 8 are configured to transmit the emergency signal to the tracking unit 6.

[0045] This expedient allows the device 1 to signal an emergency situation in a timely maimer, significantly reducing rescue time.

[0046] What has been described with reference to the gyro sensor and / or to the accelerometer sensor is also considered valid for any other sensor mentioned above.

[0047] Conveniently, the processing means 8 are mounted on the supporting body 2.

[0048] It cannot however be ruled out that the device 1 may comprise signaling means 9, 10, which can be manually activated by the subject 3 carrying the same device to signal his or her own position.

[0049] Advantageously, the signaling means 9, 10 comprise a signaling light source 9 configured to emit a light radiation visible at a great distance.

[0050] Conveniently, the signaling means 9, 10 comprise a signaling element 10, which is operationally connected to the linking means 5 and which can be activated to transmit, via the telecommunication network 24, an alarm signal to the tracking unit 6.

[0051] Preferably, the signaling element 10 is of the type of a push-button or the like. Conveniently, the signaling means 9, 10 are mounted on the supporting body 2. Conveniently, the linking means 5 comprise at least one transceiver 11 of the LoRaWAN type configured to communicate via the telecommunication network 24.

[0052] Advantageously, the device 1 comprises user interface means 12 which can be used by a subject 3 to display one or more useful data item.

[0053] Conveniently, the interface means 12 are mounted on the supporting body 2.

[0054] It cannot be ruled out that the interface means 12 may be released from the supporting body 2 and connected, preferably wirelessly, to the latter.

[0055] Preferably, the interface means 12 are of the type of a screen, e.g. of the type of a touch screen. In this way, the interface means 12 are configured to allow the subject 3 to control, at least partly, the device 1, e.g. turning on and off the light source 9.

[0056] It cannot, however, be ruled out that the interface means 12 may comprise a speaker and / or microphone and are configured to allow the subject 3 to control, at least partly, the device 1, e.g., to turn on, turn off and / or to have one or more of the useful data item communicated.

[0057] It cannot be ruled out that the device 1 may comprise both interface means 12 mounted on the supporting body 2 and additional interface means 12 operationally connected to the supporting body 2 preferably in a wireless mode. In addition, it cannot be ruled out that the interface means 12 may coincide with and / or comprise the signaling element 10. Conveniently, the device 1 comprises at least one data storage unit 13 configured to store one or more useful data item.

[0058] Conveniently, the storage unit 13 is mounted on the supporting body 2.

[0059] Preferably, the supporting body 2 defines at least one enclosure 14 within which are mounted at least one of the linking means 5, one or more sensors 7, the signaling means 9, 10, the processing means 8, the interface means 12 or the storage unit 13.

[0060] Conveniently, the device 1 comprises: at least one airtight chamber 29 containing breathable oxygen; at least one access portion 30 to the contents of the chamber 29.

[0061] Specifically, the access portion 30 is adapted to deliver the oxygen contained within the chamber 29 as a result of the suction by the user of the device 1.

[0062] Thus, in the event of oxygen deficiency, the user of the device can access the contents of the chamber 29.

[0063] Conveniently, the device 1 is a flashlight provided with lighting means 25.

[0064] In this way, the device 1 provides additional useful features for the subject 3 to be tracked, particularly during hiking activity.

[0065] In addition, the lighting means 25 are used to enable the subject 3 to signal his or her location.

[0066] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a flashlight 15 comprising the device 1.

[0067] Conveniently, the device 1 is built into the flashlight 15.

[0068] According to a further embodiment of the device 1, the supporting body 2 is of the type of a mobile vehicle 35 which is controlled remotely by the subject.

[0069] In this embodiment, the device 1 comprises remote control means 36 of the vehicle 35.

[0070] Specifically, the control means 36 are operationally linked, preferably wirelessly, to the vehicle 35 to enable the remote movement thereof by the subject 3.

[0071] In this way, the subject 3 moves the vehicle remotely.

[0072] Preferably, the interface means 12 are mounted on the control means 36.

[0073] Advantageously, the vehicle 35 is a flying drone. It cannot however be ruled out that the vehicle 35 may be provided with ground movement means, e.g. a robotic dog or the like.

[0074] According to another embodiment, the device 1 is of the type of an item of clothing selected from the list comprising: a helmet, a belt, a jacket, trousers, a bib, or the like.

[0075] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a personal tracking kit 26, comprising: at least one device 1; at least one auxiliary assembly 27, separate from the device 1 and provided with at least one detector 28 configured to detect at least one useful data item and operationally linkable, in use, to the device 1; the detector 28 is selected from the list comprising at least one of: at least one temperature detector configured to detect the temperature of the environment surrounding the device 1; at least one humidity detector configured to detect the humidity of the environment surrounding the device 1; at least one air quality detector configured to detect the air quality surrounding the device 1; at least one gyroscopic detector; at least one accelerometer detector; at least one GPS tracker detector configured to detect the location of the device 1; at least one network detector configured to detect the presence / absence of the telecommunication network 24; at least one water quality detector configured to detect water quality; at least one radiation detector configured to detect the presence and / or intensity of radiation in the proximity of the device 1.

[0076] Preferably, what is described above regarding the device 1 is also considered to be valid for the device 1 described with reference to the kit 26 and vice versa.

[0077] Preferably, one or more of the characteristics described with reference to the sensors 7 are also to be considered valid for the detectors described with reference to the kit 26.

[0078] Appropriately, each detector 28 listed above is configured to detect a useful data item consistent with the type of detector 28 itself

[0079] Conveniently, the device 1 comprises a plurality of auxiliary assemblies, each comprising one or more detectors.

[0080] Preferably, the kit 26 comprises an auxiliary assembly 27 comprising a different type of sensor than the type of sensors comprised by the device 1.

[0081] Advantageously, the detector 28 is operationally connectable to the device 1, preferably wirelessly, e.g. via Bluetooth.

[0082] In this way, the user of the device 1 connects one or more detectors to the same device as needed.

[0083] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a personal tracking and monitoring system 16 comprising at least one device 1 and / or at least one kit 26.

[0084] Preferably, what is described above with regard to the device 1 is also considered valid for the device 1 described with reference to the system 16 and vice versa.

[0085] Preferably, what is described above with regard to the device 1 and / or to the kit 26 is also considered valid for the device 1 and / or for the kit 26 described with reference to the system 16 and vice versa.

[0086] In addition, the system 16 comprises generation means 17 of the telecommunication network 24.

[0087] Preferably, the generation means 17 are provided with a generating antenna 26 configured to generate the telecommunication network 24.

[0088] Appropriately, the generation means 17 are of the type of a gateway of the LoRaWAN type.

[0089] In addition, the system 16 comprises the tracking unit 6.

[0090] Specifically, the tracking unit 6 and the device 1 are configured to communicate with each other by means of the telecommunication network 24.

[0091] Conveniently, the system 16 comprises a plurality of devices 1 carried by the respective subjects 3 to be tracked within the search area 4.

[0092] Specifically, each device 1 is configured to communicate, via the telecommunication network 24, its own location within the search area 4 to the tracking unit 6.

[0093] Appropriately, the tracking unit 6 is operationally connected to the generation means 17.

[0094] Preferably, the tracking unit 6 communicates with the device 1 by interposition of the generation means 17.

[0095] Conveniently, the tracking unit 6 is configured to monitor the location of one or more devices 1 connected to the telecommunication network 24.

[0096] Conveniently, the tracking unit 6 is configured to substantially monitor the location of one or more devices 1 in real time.

[0097] It cannot however be ruled out that the tracking unit 6 may be configured to monitor the location of one or more devices 1 substantially continuously or at regular or irregular time intervals.

[0098] Preferably, the tracking unit 6 comprises display means 18 configured to show to at least one user the location of one or more devices 1 and / or one or more useful data item sensed by one or more sensors 7 of the same device(s).

[0099] For example, the display means 18 are of the type of a screen.

[0100] Conveniently, the generation means 17 and / or the tracking unit 6 are configured to link to a network other than the telecommunication network 24, such as to the Internet network and / or the mobile network.

[0101] In this way, the generation means 17 and / or the tracking unit 6 are configured to be linked, via such a different network, to one or more consultation units 19, e.g. PCs, smartphones, tablets and the like.

[0102] This expedient allows the user of the consultation unit 19 to access the location of one or more of the devices 1 and / or to one or more of the useful data item sensed by one or more of the sensors of one or more of the devices 1. Advantageously, the telecommunication network 24 is a LoRaWAN network. Appropriately, the system 16 comprises repeater means 20, 21 of the telecommunication network 24, configured to spread the telecommunication network 24 in its own surroundings by expanding the coverage thereof in the predefined area. Specifically, the repeater means 20, 21 comprise one or more fixed repeater units 20 distributed, spaced apart from each other, within the search area 4.

[0103] In more detail, each fixed repeater unit 20 is configured to receive the network generated by the generation means 17 and / or the network spread by another fixed repeater unit 20 and to spread the same network.

[0104] Conveniently, the repeater means 20, 21 comprise at least one portable repeater unit 21 movable between at least one configuration of work, wherein it is arranged in a fixed position and spreads the telecommunication network 24 in its surroundings, and at least one configuration of transport, wherein it is transported by the subject 3 without spreading the telecommunication network 24.

[0105] Conveniently, each portable repeater unit 21, in the configuration of work, is configured to receive the network generated by the generation means 17, the network spread by a fixed repeater unit 20 and / or the network spread by another portable repeater unit 21 to spread the same network.

[0106] Specifically, the portable repeater unit 21 is manually movable by the subject 3 from the configuration of work to the configuration of transport.

[0107] Preferably, the portable repeater unit 21 comprises attachment means, not shown in the figures, adapted to secure, preferably in a removable maimer, the unit itself to a supporting element, such as a tree, branch, rock wall or the like.

[0108] This arrangement allows the subject 3 to transport one or more portable repeater units 21, so that the portable repeater unit 21 can be moved to the configuration of work as needed. In this way, the portable repeater unit 21 allows the telecommunication network 24 to be spread even in zones of the predefined area not originally covered by the same network.

[0109] Appropriately, the portable repeater unit 21 comprises a battery, not shown in the figures, configured to electrically power the unit itself and enable the operation thereof.

[0110] Appropriately, each fixed repeater unit 20 and / or each portable repeater unit 21 comprises at least one receiving antenna 22, configured to receive the telecommunication network 24, and at least one transmitting antenna 24 configured to spread the telecommunication network 24 received from the receiving antenna 22.

[0111] It cannot also be ruled out that the fixed repeater unit 20 may be configured to receive the network generated by the portable repeater unit 21 and to spread the same network.

[0112] Conveniently, the repeater means 20, 21 comprise a plurality of portable repeater units 21.

[0113] In this way, the subject 3 can move a plurality of portable repeater units 21 in the configuration of work, e.g. spaced apart from each other along the path followed by the subject 3.

[0114] This expedient allows the subject 3 to safely venture into zones of the search area 4 not originally covered by the telecommunication network 24.

[0115] For example, the subject 3 moves the portable repeater unit 21 to the configuration of work when the network sensor senses the lack of telecommunication network 24.

[0116] It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects.

[0117] The fact is particularly emphasized that the linking means enable a subject to be tracked in a quick and accurate manner.

[0118] A further object of the present invention is to devise a personal tracking device which allows tracking a subject even in areas of interest that have scenic features, e.g. mountains, rocky complexes, caves, underground routes, dense vegetation, or the like, that block the GPS signal.

[0119] Still one object of the present invention is to devise a personal tracking device which provides additional functions useful for hiking.

Claims

CLAIMS1) Personal tracking device (1), comprising: at least one portable supporting body (2), said supporting body (2) being carried, in use, by a subject (3) to be tracked within at least one search area (4); wireless linking means (5) to a telecommunication network (24) covering at least part of said search area (4), said linking means (5) being mounted on said supporting body (2) and being configured to communicate, via the telecommunication network (24), the position of said device (1) within said search area (4) to at least one tracking unit (6).2) Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one sensor (7), mounted on said supporting body (2) and configured to sense at least one useful data item, said sensor (7) being selected from the list comprising at least one of: at least one temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the environment surrounding said device (1); at least one humidity sensor configured to sense the humidity of the environment surrounding said device (1); at least one air quality sensor configured to sense the air quality surrounding said device (1); at least one gyroscopic sensor; at least one accelerometer sensor; at least one GPS locator sensor configured to sense the location of said device (i); at least one network sensor configured to sense the presence / absence of the telecommunication network (24); at least one water quality sensor configured to sense water quality; at least one radiation sensor configured to sense the presence and / or the intensity of radiation in the proximity of said device (1).3) Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises processing means (8) of one or more of said usefulsensed data, said processing means (8) being operationally connected to said linking means (5) and being configured to transmit, via the telecommunication network (24), at least one signal to said tracking unit (6) depending on at least one or more of said useful sensed data.4) Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said linking means (5) comprise at least one transceiver (11) of the LoRaWAN type configured to communicate via the telecommunication network (24).5) Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it is a flashlight (15) provided with lighting means (25).6) Device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that said supporting body (2) is of the type of a remotely-controlled mobile vehicle (35).7) Device according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that it comprises remote control means (36) of said vehicle (35), said control means (36) being operationally linked to said vehicle (35) to enable the remote movement thereof by the subject (3).8) Personal tracking kit (26), comprising: at least one device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims; at least one auxiliary assembly (27), separate from said device (1) and provided with at least one detector (28) configured to detect at least one useful data item and operationally linkable, in use, to said device (1); said detector (28) being selected from the list comprising at least one of: at least one temperature detector configured to detect the temperature of the environment surrounding the device (1); at least one humidity detector configured to detect the humidity of the environment surrounding the device (1); at least one air quality detector configured to detect the air quality surrounding the device (1); at least one gyroscopic detector; at least one accelerometer detector;at least one GPS tracker detector configured to detect the location of the device (1); at least one network detector configured to detect the presence / absence of the telecommunication network (24); at least one water quality detector configured to detect water quality; at least one radiation detector configured to detect the presence and / or intensity of radiation in the proximity of the device (1).9) Personal tracking and monitoring system (16), comprising: at least one device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 7 or one kit (26) according to claim 8; generation means (17) of said telecommunication network (24); said tracking unit (6), said tracking unit (6) and said device (1) being configured to communicate with each other by means of said telecommunication network (24).10) System (16) according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that it comprises repeater means (20, 21) of said telecommunication network (24), configured to spread said telecommunication network (24) in its own surroundings by expanding the coverage of the search area (4).11) System (16) according to one or more of claims 9 to 10, characterized by the fact that said repeater means (20, 21) comprise one or more fixed repeater units(20) distributed, spaced apart from each other, throughout the search area (4).12) System (16) according to one or more of claims 9 to 11, characterized by the fact that said repeater means (20, 21) comprise at least one portable repeater unit(21) movable between at least one configuration of work, wherein it is arranged in a fixed position and spreads said telecommunication network (24) in its surroundings, and at least one configuration of transport, wherein it is transported by the subject (3) without spreading said telecommunication network (24).

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