System and method for anonymous tracking of individuals

• US 20070111701A1
• Filed: 08/30/2006
• Published: 05/17/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/30/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: 54 Essential Systems LLC
• Original Assignee: Home Producers Network LLC
• Inventors: Mowry, Craig
• Granted Patent: US 7,835,755 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/403
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/02 Protecting privacy or anonymity, e.g. protecting personally identifiable information [PII]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/02 Services making use of location information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/029 Location-based management or tracking services

Abstract

Preferably, the invention comprises a system for eliciting information anonymously from a user. The system comprises a plurality of broadcasting units operable to communicate over a communication network, wherein each respective unit is provided with a unique and identifiable code that is identifiable by the user. Further, a dedicated broadcast reception component is included and operable to interface with at least one of the plurality of units. Moreover, an audio transmitter is provided each of the plurality of units and operable to receive and transmit information from a user. Further, the user uses at least one of the plurality of units to convey the information and further wherein the conveyed information may result in an incentive provided to the user.

Claims

1. A system for eliciting information anonymously from a user, the system comprising:

a plurality of broadcasting units operable to communicate over a communication network, wherein each respective broadcasting unit is provided with a unique and identifiable code that is identifiable by the user;

a dedicated broadcast reception component operable to interface with at least one of the plurality of broadcasting units; and

an audio transmitter provided with each of the plurality of broadcasting units and operable to receive and transmit information from a user;

wherein the user uses at least one of the plurality of broadcasting units to convey the information and further wherein the conveyed information may result in an incentive provided to the user.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the broadcasting units include cellular telephone radio technology.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a deployment container operable to contain one of the broadcasting units, wherein the deployment contain protects the broadcasting unit during deployment of the one broadcasting unit.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the deployment container comprises a parachute for deployment by air.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a visual display provided with the broadcasting unit to provide visual information to the user.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the broadcasting unit is further operable to communicate information to the user representing collecting the incentive.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising an audio recorder provided with at least one of the broadcasting units and operable to record information from the user.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the broadcasting unit transmits the recorded information to the dedicated broadcast reception component.

9. A method for collecting an incentive for providing information, the method comprising:

using a broadcasting unit operable to communicate over a communication network, wherein the broadcasting unit is provided with a unique and identifiable code that is readily identifiable;

communicating the information in an audio transmitter provided with the broadcasting unit and transmitting the information to a dedicated broadcast reception component operable to interface with the broadcasting unit;

communicating the code to a provider of the incentive, wherein the code is matched with the information; and

receiving the incentive in exchange for the information.

10. A method for providing confidential information relating to the apprehension of a wanted individual in exchange for receiving an incentive, the method comprising:

receiving a broadcasting unit that is operable to communicate over a communication network;

determining a unique code provided with the broadcasting unit;

communicating the confidential information into the broadcasting unit, wherein the broadcasting unit transmits the information to a dedicated broadcast reception component; and

receiving the incentive by communicating the unique code to the provider of the incentive, after the provider of the incentive ascertains that the confidential information relates to the apprehension of the wanted individual.