Automatic remote time clock and employee location device

• US 20020145559A1
• Filed: 02/28/2002
• Published: 10/10/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/01/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Matthew K. Sullivan
• Original Assignee: Matthew K. Sullivan
• Inventors: Sullivan, Matthew K.
• Application Number:
  US10/084,625
• Publication Number:
  US 20020145559A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 342/357.07
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2205/002 for traffic control, mobile tracking, guidance, surveillance or anti-collision
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 1/10 together with the recording, indicating or registering of other data, e.g. of signs of identity

Abstract

A time and location keeper for employees includes a device which includes a power supply, a smart GPS receiver, and a data transmitter such as a cell phone. The components are worn on the person, for example in a compartmented belt. Time and location data are sent to a base station from the transmitter, which may be activated automatically on a schedule, or by a query signal from the base station.

Claims

1. A time and location monitor comprising

a power supply,

a smart GPS receiver for producing geographic location data, and

a data transmitter connected to the data transmitter, for reporting said location data to a base station.

2. The invention of claim 1, wherein the data transmitter includes a cell phone.

3. The invention of claim 1, further comprising a fingerprint identification module, connected to the data transmitter, for authenticating the employee'"'"'s presence at the monitor.

4. A method of recording an employee'"'"'s movements, said method comprising steps of

causing the employee to wear a location monitor comprising a position sensor and a remotely actuable data transmitter,

remotely activating the data transmitter at regular or irregular time intervals in such a way as to cause the transmitter to broadcast data indicative of location, and

receiving and recording said data at a base station.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising steps of

providing the location monitor with a fingerprint reader,

requiring the employee, during at least some of said intervals, to authenticate his presence by placing a digit against the fingerprint reader, and

issuing an alarm if said presence is not authenticated.