Wireless Tethering Using Cellular Phone Transceiver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic monitoring systems for offenders, particularly those using GPS technology, are expensive, require good cellular coverage, have limited real-time information capabilities, and are proprietary, leading to high costs and restricted innovation due to proprietary systems.
Innovation Solution
A tethering device that uses a commercially available cellular telephone for monitoring, allowing continuous wireless connection, on-site programmability, and adjustable battery management, enabling cost-effective and efficient tracking and monitoring of offenders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If proprietary GPS monitoring systems are used, then real-time location tracking capability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a commercially available cellular telephone to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the GPS tracking device and the monitoring system. The telephone's existing GPS capabilities, cellular communication, and processing power are leveraged to eliminate the need for specialized proprietary monitoring equipment, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining real-time location tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cellular telephone performs self-service by using its own built-in GPS receiver, cellular transceiver, and processing capabilities to monitor and report its location. The device automatically determines its position, communicates with the network, and provides monitoring data without requiring external specialized equipment, thus simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Loss of information
If active GPS tracking units are used, then real-time information capability is improved, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by having the cellular telephone determine its location at specified intervals rather than continuously. The device can operate in periodic mode where GPS location is obtained and reported at predetermined time intervals, reducing battery consumption while still providing timely monitoring information. This periodic operation balances real-time information needs with energy conservation.
3Measurement precision
If proprietary monitoring systems are used, then monitoring accuracy is improved, but adaptability to new technology decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a commercially available cellular telephone that can incorporate multiple technologies and functions. The device can integrate GPS, cellular communication, and potentially future technologies like wireless LAN or Bluetooth, providing both monitoring accuracy and technological adaptability. The open architecture of commercial devices allows for easier integration of new technologies compared to proprietary systems.
4Length of stationary object
If two-piece GPS systems with RF transmitters are used, then tethering range is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by extracting the RF transmitter component from the system and replacing it with the cellular telephone's existing cellular transceiver. The cellular network infrastructure provides the tethering function, eliminating the need for a separate RF transmitter and receiver pair. This reduces device complexity while maintaining or extending tethering range through the broader cellular network coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for monitoring activities of a person. The system has a tethering device with a battery-powered transceiver and a securement device that is attachable to a person. The securement device is configured to prevent and detect tampering and attempts to remove the securement device from the person. The system further has a cellular telephone with a transceiver operable to establish a shorter range wireless connection with the tethering device transceiver, thereby permitting tethering device information to be transmitted to the cellular telephone.