Method and apparatus for remote blood alcohol monitoring

• US 20040236199A1
• Filed: 05/19/2003
• Published: 11/25/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/19/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Alcohol Monitoring Systems Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Alcohol Monitoring Systems Incorporated
• Inventors: Phillips, Brian, Hawthorne, Jeffrey, Roushey, William, Farmer, Nolan, Iiams, Michael
• Granted Patent: US 7,462,149 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/345
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0406 specially shaped apparatus housings
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0008 Temperature signals
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0022 Monitoring a patient using a global network, e.g. telephone networks, internet
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/145 Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissuemeasuring of blood pressure or blood flow A61B5/02; non-radiation detecting or locating of foreign bodies in blood A61B5/06
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14546 for measuring analytes not otherwise provided for, e.g. ions, cytochromes
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/4972 Determining alcohol content for vehicle safety devices B60K28/06
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 for remote operation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/92 Computer assisted medical diagnostics

Abstract

A tamper proof transdermal alcohol content monitoring device is made up of analog and digital sides which are securely attached to the human subject to be monitored. The analog side has a sampling circuit which draws a measured insensible skin perspiration sample from the skin of the subject and measured with an electrochemical fuel cell. A distance measurement of the device from the skin of the subject and skin temperature of the subject are monitored along with the transdermal alcohol content, and converted to digital signals which are transmitted to a modem when the monitor is in proximity to the modem. The signals are stored in the modem and uploaded to a central monitoring station. Automatic alerts may be sent from the central monitoring station to a supervising agency. The supervising agency may also access the information through secured dedicated websites via the Internet.

Claims

1. (Canceled)

2. A system for continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring of a human subject comprising:

a monitor device attached to the human subject, wherein said monitor device takes a plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings at predetermined times without active participation by the human subject;

a modem in communication with said monitor device, wherein said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings are communicated from said monitor device to said modem at predetermined time intervals through radio frequency signals;

a monitor network in communication with said modem, wherein said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings are communicated from said modem to said monitor network at predetermined time intervals through a first communication link, and further wherein said monitor network analyzes said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings to determine if an alert condition exists; and

a supervising agency in communication with said monitor network, wherein said monitor network communicates an alert to said supervising agency through a second communication link when said alert condition exists.

3. The system according to claim 2 further comprising:

a plurality of monitor devices each of which is attached to a one of a plurality of human subjects, wherein each of said plurality of monitor devices takes a plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings at predetermined times without active participation by said plurality of human subjects;

a plurality of modems, wherein each of said plurality of modems is paired with and in communication with a one of said plurality of monitor devices attached to said one of a plurality of human subjects, wherein said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings are communicated from each of said plurality of monitor devices to its paired said plurality of modems at predetermined time intervals through a plurality of radio frequency signals, and further wherein each of said plurality of modems is in communication with said monitor network wherein said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings are communicated from said plurality of modems to said monitor network at predetermined time intervals through a plurality of first communication links; and

a plurality of supervising agencies in communication with said monitor network, wherein each of said plurality of human subjects are associated with a one of said plurality of supervising agencies, and each of said plurality of supervising agencies can access through an internet connection to said monitor network said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings for each of said plurality of human subjects associated with said one of said supervising agencies.

4. The system according to claim 3 further comprising:

a monitoring station in communication with said monitor network through an internet connection, wherein said monitoring station has access to said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings communicated from each of said plurality of modems paired to said plurality of monitor devices for each of said plurality of human subjects.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein said internet connection further comprises a secure internet connection, further comprising:

a dedicated website of said monitor network, wherein said monitoring station communicates with said monitor network through said secure internet connection to said dedicated website.

6. The system according to claim 4 wherein said monitoring station communicates automatically or on a periodic basis said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings communicated from each of said plurality of modems paired to said plurality of monitor devices for each of said plurality of human subjects to at least one individual at each of said plurality of supervising agencies.

7. The system according to claim 2 wherein said monitor device communicates to said modem through said radio frequency signals any tamper indicators, errors, and diagnostic data.

8. The system according to claim 7 wherein said modem, upon receiving at least a one of said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings, said tamper indicators, said errors, and said diagnostic data, or upon a predetermined time interval occurring, will establish said first communication link with said monitor network and communicate said at least a one of said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings, said tamper indicators, said errors, and said diagnostic data to said monitor network.

9. The system according to claim 7 wherein said monitor network further comprises:

a web-hosted database server for storing said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings, said tamper indicators, said errors, and said diagnostic data.

10. The system according to claim 9 wherein a monitoring station and said supervising agency access said web-hosted database server through an internet connection and a secure dedicated web site.

11. The system according to claim 7 wherein said monitor network analyzes said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings, said tamper indicators, said errors, and said diagnostic data into a plurality of categories, and further wherein a rules based database applied to said plurality of categories communicates an automatic alert to at least a one of a call center at said supervising agency and a previously designated individual associated with said supervising agency when a rule from said rules based database is satisfied.

12. The system according to claim 11 wherein said automatic alert is a one of an e-mail message, a facsimile transmission, a page to a pager, a text message, a call to a telephone, and a call to a cellular telephone.

13. The system according to claim 11 wherein said supervising agency, through said web-hosted database server through said internet connection, customizes a frequency of taking said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings and customizes a method of notification for said automatic alert.

14. The system according to claim 2 wherein each of said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings are time stamped by said monitor device.

15. The system according to claim 2 wherein said modem can transmit to said monitor device through radio frequency signals at least a one of a monitoring schedule, a reporting schedule, and an other operational information.

16. The system according to claim 2 wherein said monitor device stores said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings in an integrated memory in said monitor device until said predetermined time interval for communicating said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings to said modem occurs.

17. The system according to claim 16 wherein when said communication of said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings from said monitor device to said modem fails at said predetermined time interval, said monitor device repeats said communication attempt after waiting a specified time period until confirmation of transfer of said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings is received from said modem.

18. The system according to claim 2 wherein said modem stores said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings received from said monitor device in an integrated memory in said modem until said predetermined time interval for communicating said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings to said monitor network occurs.

19. The system according to claim 18 wherein when said communication of said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings from said modem to said monitor network fails at said predetermined time interval, said modem repeats said communication attempt after waiting a specified time period until confirmation of transfer of said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings is received from said monitor network.

20. The system according to claim 2 wherein the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring of a human subject may be done twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

21. A method for continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring of a human subject comprising the steps of:

(a) attaching a monitor device to the human subject;

(b) taking a plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings by said monitor device at predetermined times without active participation by the human subject;

(c) communicating said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings from said monitor device to a modem at predetermined time intervals through radio frequency signals;

(d) communicating said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings from said modem to a monitor network at predetermined time intervals through a first communication link;

(e) analyzing said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings by said monitor network to determine if an alert condition exists; and

(f) communicating an alert to a supervising agency through a second communication link when said alert condition exists.

22. The method according to claim 21 further comprising the steps of:

attaching each of a plurality of monitor devices to a one of a plurality of human subjects;

taking a plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings by said plurality of monitor devices at predetermined times without active participation by said plurality of human subjects;

communicating said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings from said plurality of monitor devices to a plurality of modems at predetermined time intervals through a plurality of radio frequency signals, wherein each of said plurality of modems is paired with and in communication with a one of said plurality of monitor devices attached to said one of a plurality of human subjects;

communicating said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings from said plurality of modems to a monitor network at predetermined time intervals through a plurality of first communication links;

analyzing said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings from said plurality of modems by said monitor network to determine if any alert conditions exist; and

communicating a plurality of alerts to a plurality of supervising agencies through a plurality of second communication links when said alert conditions exist, wherein each of said plurality of human subjects are associated with a one of said plurality of supervising agencies, and each of said plurality of supervising agencies can access through an internet connection to said monitor network said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings for each of said plurality of human subjects associated with said one of said supervising agencies.

23. The method according to claim 22 further comprising the step of:

accessing by a monitoring station through an internet connection with said monitor network said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings communicated from each of said plurality of modems paired to said plurality of monitor devices for each of said plurality of human subjects.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein said internet connection further comprises a secure internet connection, wherein said accessing step further comprises:

accessing by said monitoring station through said secure internet connection said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings through a dedicated website of said monitor network.

25. The method according to claim 23 further comprising the step of:

communicating by said monitoring station automatically or on a periodic basis said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings communicated from each of said plurality of modems paired to said plurality of monitor devices for each of said plurality of human subjects to at least one individual at each of said plurality of supervising agencies.

26. The method according to claim 21 further comprising the step of:

communicating by said monitor device to said modem through said radio frequency signals any tamper indicators, errors, and diagnostic data.

27. The method according to claim 26 further comprising the steps of:

establishing said first communication link with said monitor network upon receiving at least a one of said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings, said tamper indicators, said errors, and said diagnostic data, or upon a predetermined time interval occurring; and

communicating said at least a one of said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings, said tamper indicators, said errors, and said diagnostic data to said monitor network through said first communication link.

28. The method according to claim 27 further comprising the step of:

storing said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings, said tamper indicators, said errors, and said diagnostic data in a web-hosted database server in said monitor network.

29. The method according to claim 28 further comprising the step of:

accessing said web-hosted database server by said monitoring station and said supervising agency through an internet connection and a secure dedicated web site.

30. The method according to claim 29 further comprising the steps of:

analyzing by said monitor network said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings, said tamper indicators, said errors, and said diagnostic data into a plurality of categories; and

applying a rules based database to said plurality of categories; and

communicating an automatic alert to at least a one of a call center at said supervising agency and a previously designated individual associated with said supervising agency when a rule from said rules based database is satisfied.

31. The method according to claim 30 wherein said automatic alert is a one of an e-mail message, a facsimile transmission, a page to a pager, a text message, a call to a telephone, and a call to a cellular telephone.

32. The method according to claim 30 further comprising the step of:

customizing, by said supervising agency through said web-hosted database server through said internet connection, a frequency of taking said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings and a method of notification for said automatic alert.

33. The method according to claim 21 further comprising the step of:

time stamping by said monitor device each of said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings.

34. The method according to claim 21 further comprising the step of:

transmitting by said modem through radio frequency signals to said monitor device at least a one of a monitoring schedule, a reporting schedule, and an other operational information.

35. The method according to claim 21 further comprising the step of:

storing said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings in an integrated memory in said monitor device until said predetermined time interval for communicating said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings to said modem occurs.

36. The method according to claim 35 further comprising the step of:

when said communication of said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings from said monitor device to said modem fails at said predetermined time interval, repeating by said monitor device said communication attempt after waiting a specified time period until confirmation of transfer of said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings is received from said modem.

37. The method according to claim 21 further comprising the step of:

storing said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings in an integrated memory in said modem until said predetermined time interval for communicating said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings to said monitor network occurs.

38. The method according to claim 37 further comprising the step of:

when said communication of said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings from said modem to said monitor network fails at said predetermined time interval, repeating by said modem said communication attempt after waiting a specified time period until confirmation of transfer of said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings is received from said monitor network.

39. The method according to claim 21 wherein steps (b) through (f) may be performed twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

40. A blood alcohol monitoring device for continuous remote monitoring of a human subject comprising:

a processing means;

an alcohol sensor means connectable to said processing means for taking a plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings at predetermined times without active participation by the human subject;

a drawing means connectable to said processing means for drawing a consistent and predetermined sample across said alcohol sensor means during each of said taking of said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings;

an infrared sensor means connectable to said processing means for taking a plurality of distance readings used for detecting an obstruction between the blood alcohol monitoring device and a portion of skin of the human subject or removal of the blood alcohol monitoring device from the human subject;

a temperature sensor means connectable to said processing means for taking a plurality of temperature readings of said sample from the human subject; and

a radio frequency transceiver means connectable to said processing means for transmitting said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings, said plurality of distance readings, and said plurality of temperature readings through radio frequency signals.

41. The blood alcohol monitoring device of claim 40 further comprising:

a first housing containing said processing means and said radio frequency transceiver means;

a second housing containing said alcohol sensor means, said drawing means, said infrared sensor means, and said temperature sensor means;

a flexible circuit connecting said first housing to said second housing;

an elastic strap connecting said first housing to said second housing;

a conductive strap connecting said second housing to said first housing, wherein said first housing, said flexible circuit, said elastic strap, said second housing, and said conductive strap form a bracelet;

a battery housing insertable in an enlarged channel in said first housing;

a battery insertable in said battery housing for supplying power to the blood alcohol monitoring device; and

a battery clip insertable in said enlarged channel and lockably engageable with said battery housing, wherein said battery housing lockably engaged with said battery clip within said enlarged channel securely attaches the blood alcohol monitoring device to a limb of the human subject.

42. The blood alcohol monitoring device of claim 41 further comprising:

a continuous signal passed through said first housing, said flexible circuit, said second housing, and said conductive strap, wherein said continuous signal confirms passive identification of the human subject, and further wherein a disruption of said continuous signal indicates that a tamper condition exits; and

a modem in communication with the blood alcohol monitoring device through said radio frequency signals, wherein when said tamper condition exists, the blood alcohol monitoring device attempts to communicate said tamper condition to said modem through said radio frequency signals.

43. The blood alcohol monitoring device of claim 42 further comprising:

a communication schedule stored in said integrated memory, wherein the blood alcohol monitoring device attempts to communicate with said modem at times designated in said communication schedule, and further wherein, when the blood alcohol monitoring device fails to communicate with said modem at a scheduled communication time, said modem generates a communication alert along with a date and time of the failed communication, and further wherein, when the blood alcohol monitoring device fails to communicate with said modem for a predetermined period of time, said modem generates a no monitor communication alert along with a present date and time.

44. The blood alcohol monitoring device of claim 43 further comprising:

an obstruction alert logged by the blood alcohol monitoring device along with a date and a time when said processor means, through monitoring said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings, said plurality of distance readings, and said plurality of temperature readings together, determines that an obstruction has been placed between the blood alcohol monitoring device and said portion of skin of the human subject, wherein the blood alcohol monitoring device will attempt to communicate with said modem upon logging said obstruction alert, overriding said communication schedule.

45. The blood alcohol monitoring device of claim 43 further comprising:

a reed relay connectable to said processing means, wherein passing a magnet in proximity to said reed relay overrides said communication schedule and activates the blood alcohol monitoring device to take a transdermal alcohol concentration reading with said alcohol sensor means, to take a distance reading with said infrared sensor means, and to take a temperature reading with said temperature sensor means, and the blood alcohol monitoring device attempts to communicate said transdermal alcohol concentration reading, said distance reading, and said temperature reading through said radio frequency transceiver through said radio frequency signals to said modem.

46. The blood alcohol monitoring device of claim 42 further comprising:

an integrated memory connectable to said processing means; and

a main program executable by said processing means for controlling the operation of the blood alcohol monitoring device, wherein said main program is downloadable from said modem through said radio frequency signals to said radio frequency transceiver means through said processing means for storage in said integrated memory.

47. The blood alcohol monitoring device of claim 46 wherein said alcohol sensor means further comprises:

a passive electrochemical fuel cell.

48. The blood alcohol monitoring device of claim 47 further comprising:

a characterization table stored in said integrated memory, wherein said characterization table contains the results of a calibration procedure performed on the blood alcohol monitoring device, wherein said characterization table has a plurality of voltage values taken from said passive electrochemical fuel cell, each of said plurality of voltage values being determined by a combination of a temperature reading and an air sample of known alcohol content introduced into the blood alcohol monitoring device, and further wherein said characterization table has a gain value, said gain value determined to be that which will not allow a maximum allowable voltage for the blood alcohol monitoring device to be exceeded;

wherein said processing means extrapolates from said characterization table each of said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings from a peak voltage set by said gain from said sample from said portion of skin of the human subject introduced into said passive electrochemical fuel cell, and from a temperature reading from said sample from the human subject.

49. The blood alcohol monitoring device of claim 41 further comprising:

a bracket attachable to said second housing, wherein said bracket channels said conductive strap towards said first housing, and further wherein said bracket prevents the human subject from manipulating said first housing and said second housing inside out so that a first cover plate of said first housing and a second cover plate of said second housing face outward from said limb of the human subject.

50. The blood alcohol monitoring device of claim 49 wherein said first and second cover plates are made of a surgical stainless steel to prevent skin irritation of the human subject during long-term wear of the blood alcohol monitoring device.

51. The blood alcohol monitoring device of claim 50 further comprising:

a flexible boot attachable to said second cover plate, said flexible boot having a surrounding edge; and

a base plate having a surrounding edge engageable with said surrounding edge of said flexible boot and engageable with a peripheral edge of said second housing;

wherein a collection chamber is bounded by said second cover plate, said flexible boot, and said base plate within said second housing, and further wherein through flexing of said flexible boot in contact with said portion of skin of the human subject creates a suction/vacuum for inducing the drawing of said sample into said collection chamber through a plurality of perforations in said second cover plate.

52. The blood alcohol monitoring device of claim 51 further comprising:

a first sample chamber, connectable through a hydrophobic filter to said collection chamber, having an exit connectible to said drawing means;

a second sample chamber having an inlet connectible to said drawing means;

wherein said drawing means draws said sample from said collection chamber through said first sample chamber through said drawing means and into said second sample chamber and across said alcohol sensor means for taking a one of said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings before expelling said sample out of a vent in said second housing.

53. The blood alcohol monitoring device of claim 41 further comprising:

at least one hydrophobic filter situated along an air flow path inside said second housing, wherein said at least one hydrophobic filter removes moisture from said sample drawn across said alcohol sensor located in said second housing.

54. The blood alcohol monitoring device of claim 41 wherein the human subject cannot remove the blood alcohol monitoring device without damaging at least a one of said first housing, said second housing, said flexible circuit, said conductive strap, said battery housing, and said battery clip.

55. The blood alcohol monitoring device of claim 41 further comprising:

a release tool for removing said battery housing in order to remove the blood alcohol monitoring device from the human subject and for replacing said battery.

56. The blood alcohol monitoring device of claim 41 wherein said first and second housings are waterproof.

57. The blood alcohol monitoring device of claim 40 wherein the continuous remote monitoring of the human subject may be done twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

58. The blood alcohol monitoring device of claim 40 wherein said drawing means is a pump.

59. A method for continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring of a human subject, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) taking with an alcohol sensor a plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings at predetermined times without active participation by the human subject;

(b) drawing with a pump a consistent and predetermined sample across said alcohol sensor during each of said taking of said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings;

(c) taking with an infrared sensor a plurality of distance readings used for detecting an obstruction between said infrared sensor and a portion of skin of the human subject or removal of said infrared sensor from proximity to said portion of skin of the human subject;

(d) taking with a temperature sensor a plurality of temperature readings of said sample from the human subject;

(e) passing a continuous signal through a flexible circuit, wherein a disruption of said continuous signal indicates that a tamper condition exits; and

(f) transmitting with a radio frequency transceiver through radio frequency signals said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings, said plurality of distance readings, said plurality of temperature readings, any said tamper conditions, and diagnostic data.

60. The method according to claim 59 further comprising the step of:

performing steps (a) through (f) under the control of a central processing unit.

61. The method according to claim 60 further comprising the steps of:

configuring said central processing unit and said radio frequency transceiver within a first housing;

configuring said alcohol sensor, said pump, said infrared sensor, and said temperature sensor within a second housing;

connecting said first housing to said second housing with a flexible circuit;

connecting said first housing to said second housing with an elastic strap;

connecting said second housing to said first housing with a conductive strap, wherein said first housing, said flexible circuit, said elastic strap, said second housing, and said conductive strap comprise a monitor device in a form of a bracelet;

encircling said bracelet around a limb of the human subject;

configuring a battery within a battery housing;

inserting said battery housing within an enlarged channel in said first housing; and

inserting a battery clip in said enlarged channel and into said battery housing, lockably engaging said battery clip to said battery housing;

wherein said monitor device is thus securely attached to said limb of the human subject.

62. The method according to claim 61 further comprising the steps of:

passing a continuous signal through said first housing, said flexible circuit, said second housing, and said conductive strap, wherein a disruption of said continuous signal indicates that a tamper condition exits; and

when said tamper condition exists, communicating through said radio frequency transceiver through said radio frequency signals an indication of said tamper condition to a modem.

63. The method according to claim 61 further comprising the step of:

downloading a main program from said modem through said radio frequency signals to said radio frequency transceiver to said central processing unit for storage in an integrated memory connectable to said central processing unit, wherein said main program is executed by said central processing unit for controlling the operation of said alcohol sensor, said pump, said infrared sensor, said temperature sensor, and said radio frequency transceiver.

64. The method according to claim 63 further comprising the step of:

storing a communication schedule in said integrated memory, wherein said monitor device attempts to communicate with said modem at times designated in said communication schedule.

65. The method according to claim 64 further comprising the steps of:

monitoring said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings, said plurality of distance readings, and said plurality of temperature readings together to detect if an obstruction has been placed between the monitor device and said portion of skin of the human subject;

when said obstruction has been detected, logging an obstruction alert in said integrated memory along with a date and a time said obstruction was detected;

generating said obstruction alert continuously while said obstruction continues to be detected; and

overriding said communication schedule by attempting to communicate said obstruction alert to said modem.

66. The method according to claim 64 further comprising the steps of:

when the blood alcohol monitoring device fails to communicate with said modem at a scheduled communication time of said communication schedule, generating a communication alert by said modem along with a date and time of the failed communication; and

overriding said communication schedule by the blood alcohol monitoring device and attempting to communicate with said modem after waiting a specified time period until confirmation of said attempting to communicate is received from said modem.

67. The method according to claim 64 further comprising the step of:

when the blood alcohol monitoring device fails to communicate with said modem for a predetermined period of time, generating a no monitor communication alert by said modem along with a present date and time.

68. The method according to claim 64 further comprising the step of:

activating said monitor device and overriding said communication schedule by passing a magnet in proximity to a reed relay connectable to said central processing unit, wherein once activated, said monitor device takes a transdermal alcohol concentration reading with said alcohol sensor, a distance reading with said infrared sensor, and a temperature reading with said temperature sensor, and attempts to communicate said transdermal alcohol concentration reading, said distance reading, and said temperature reading through said radio frequency transceiver through said radio frequency signals to said modem.

69. The method according to claim 63 further comprising the step of:

calibrating said monitor device prior to securely attaching said monitor device to the human subject.

70. The method according to claim 69 wherein said calibrating step further comprises the steps of:

establishing a gain for said monitor device;

generating a characterization table for said monitor device; and

storing said characterization table and said gain in said integrated memory.

71. The method according to claim 70 wherein said establishing step further comprises the steps of:

(1) heating said monitor device to a predetermined maximum temperature;

(2) setting a predetermined default value for said gain;

(3) introducing a maximum allowable alcohol concentration air sample into said monitor device;

(4) measuring a voltage from said alcohol sensor for said maximum allowable alcohol concentration air sample;

(5) comparing said voltage against a predetermined maximum allowable voltage;

(6) if said voltage is less than said maximum allowable voltage, incrementing said predetermined default value for said gain to a next value and repeating steps (3) through (5) until said voltage exceeds said predetermined maximum allowable voltage; and

(7) when said voltage exceeds said predetermined maximum allowable voltage, decrementing said next value to establish said gain.

72. The method according to claim 70 wherein said generating step further comprises the steps of:

(1) heating said monitor device to a predetermined first temperature;

(2) introducing a first known alcohol concentration air sample into said monitor device;

(3) recording a voltage from said alcohol sensor for said first known alcohol concentration air sample in said characterization table for said predetermined first temperature and said first known alcohol concentration air sample;

(4) using said first known alcohol concentration air sample, repeating steps (1) and (3) at a predetermined second temperature, a predetermined third temperature, a predetermined fourth temperature, a predetermined fifth temperature; and

a predetermined sixth temperature;

(5) using a second known alcohol concentration air sample introduced into said monitor device, repeating steps (1), (3), and (4);

(6) using a third known alcohol concentration air sample introduced into said monitor device, repeating steps (1), (3), and (4); and

(7) using a fourth known alcohol concentration air sample introduced into said monitor device, repeating steps (1), (3), and (4).

73. The method according to claim 72 wherein said first known alcohol concentration air sample is 0.00%, said second known alcohol concentration air sample is 0.02%, said third known alcohol concentration air sample is 0.05%, said fourth known alcohol concentration air sample is 0.08%.

74. The method according to claim 72 wherein said predetermined first temperature is 15°

C.;

said predetermined second temperature is 21°

C.;

said predetermined third temperature is 27°

C.;

said predetermined fourth temperature is 33°

C.;

said predetermined fifth temperature is 39°

C.; and

said predetermined sixth temperature is 45°

C.

75. The method according to claim 70 further comprising the step of:

extrapolating by said central processing unit from said characterization table each of said transdermal alcohol concentration readings from a peak voltage set from said gain from said sample introduced in said monitor device from said portion of skin of the human subject, and from a temperature reading of said sample from the human subject.

76. The method according to claim 61 further comprising the step of:

attaching a bracket to said second housing, wherein said bracket channels said conductive strap towards said first housing, and further wherein said bracket prevents the human subject from manipulating said first housing and said second housing inside out so that a first cover plate of said first housing and a second cover plate of said second housing face outward from said limb of the human subject.

77. The method according to claim 76 wherein said first and second cover plates are made of a surgical stainless steel to prevent skin irritation of the human subject during long-term wear of said monitor device.

78. The method according to claim 77 further comprising the step of:

flexing a flexible boot through contact with said portion of skin of the human subject to create a suction/vacuum for inducing the drawing of said sample into a collection chamber through a plurality of perforations in a cover plate bounded by said flexible boot.

79. The method according to claim 78 wherein said drawing step further comprises:

drawing said sample from said collection chamber through a first sample chamber through said pump and into a second sample chamber and across said alcohol sensor for taking a one of said plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings before expelling said sample out of a vent in said second housing.

80. The method according to claim 61 further comprising the step of:

situating at least one hydrophobic filter along an air flow path inside said second housing, wherein said at least one hydrophobic filter removes moisture from said sample drawn across said alcohol sensor located in said second housing.

81. The method according to claim 61 wherein the human subject cannot remove said monitor device without damaging at least a one of said first housing, said second housing, said flexible circuit, said conductive strap, said battery housing, and said battery clip.

82. The method according to claim 61 further comprising the step of:

removing said battery housing with a release tool in order to remove said monitor device from the human subject and for replacing said battery.

83. The method according to claim 61 wherein said first and second housings are waterproof.

84. The method according to claim 59 wherein steps (a) through (f) may be performed twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

85. A modem for use with a continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device attached to a human subject, and for use with a monitor network, the modem comprising:

a radio frequency transceiver for communicating bi-directional radio frequency signals with the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device, wherein said radio frequency signals contain a plurality of data;

a central processing unit connectable to said radio frequency transceiver, wherein said central processing unit processes said plurality of data to determine if at least one predefined trigger condition exists; and

a modem chip set connectable to said central processing unit, wherein when said at least one predefined trigger condition exists, a communication link is established by said central processing unit through said modem chip set to the monitor network, and further wherein said central processing unit communicates an alert over said communication link to the monitor network.

86. The modem according to claim 85 wherein said central processing unit controls a plurality of processes, said plurality of processes comprising:

a schedule process that controls a plurality of communication events between the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device and the modem, and between the modem and the monitor network;

a monitoring process that monitors said bi-directional radio frequency signals, containing said plurality of data, between the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device and the modem; and

an analysis process for analyzing said plurality of data for said at least one predefined trigger condition.

87. The modem according to claim 85 wherein said plurality of data further comprises:

a set of operating instructions;

an operating data;

a time and date synchronization information for the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device; and

a plurality of monitoring data received from the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device.

88. The modem according to claim 87 wherein said central processing unit communicates through said modem chip set to the monitor network over said communication link at least a one of:

said plurality of monitoring data;

a continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device tamper alert;

a modem tamper alert;

a time and date synchronization information;

a schedule information;

an operating data for the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device;

a modem operating program information; and

a continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device operating program.

89. The modem according to claim 87 wherein said plurality of monitoring data further comprises:

a plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings taken of the human subject;

a plurality of distance readings taken between the remote blood alcohol monitor device and a portion of skin of the human subject, wherein said plurality of distance readings are used to detect an obstruction there between, or to detect removal of the remote blood alcohol monitor device from the human subject;

a plurality of temperature readings taken of a plurality of consistent and predetermined samples of insensible skin perspiration from the human subject;

a plurality of diagnostic data; and

when a predefined error condition has been detected by the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device, an error condition data.

90. The modem according to claim 85 wherein when said central processing unit communicates said alert to the monitor network, said monitor network analyzes said alert according to a rules-based database, and based on said analysis, said monitor network may send an automatic alert to a supervising agency or to a designated individual over a new communication link.

91. The modem according to claim 85 further comprising:

an LCD display connectable to said central processing unit for displaying a plurality of status messages regarding the modem, wherein said plurality of status messages are instructions to the human subject that the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device needs to communicate with the modem or perform a type of operation.

92. The modem according to claim 85 further comprising:

an integrated memory connectable to said central processing unit;

a main operating program stored in said integrated memory; and

a main power input circuits for receiving power from an external source, wherein when said power is first received, said main power input circuits provide power to said central processing unit, wherein said central processing unit checks a validity of said main operating program, wherein if said main operating program is invalid, said modem chip set attempts to establish a communication link to a monitor network to download a valid version of said main operating program.

93. The modem according to claim 92 further comprising:

a real time clock connectable to said central processing unit, wherein said real time clock is updated when said communication link is established with said monitor network, and further wherein said monitor network uploads said data from the modem.

94. The modem according to claim 92 further comprising:

a phone line connected to the modem for establishing said communication link.

95. The modem according to claim 85 wherein the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring of a human subject may be done twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

96. A method for using a modem to process data received from a continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device attached to a human subject, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) communicating bi-directionally with a radio frequency transceiver in the modem radio frequency signals with the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device, wherein said radio frequency signals contain the data;

(b) processing by said central processing unit the data to determine if at least one predefined trigger condition exists;

(c) when said at least one predefined trigger condition exists, establishing a communication link by said central processing unit through a modem chip set to a monitor network; and

(d) communicating by said central processing unit an alert over said communication link to said monitor network.

97. The method according to claim 96 further comprising the steps of:

controlling by said central processing unit a schedule process for scheduling a plurality of communication events between the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device and the modem, and between the modem and said monitor network;

controlling by said central processing unit a monitoring process that monitors said radio frequency signals, containing the data, between the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device and the modem; and

controlling by said central processing unit an analysis process for analyzing the data for said at least one predefined trigger condition.

98. The method according to claim 96 wherein the data further comprises:

a set of operating instructions;

an operating data;

a time and date synchronization information for the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device; and

a plurality of monitoring data received from the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device.

99. The method according to claim 98 further comprising the steps of:

communicating by said central processing unit through said modem chip set to said monitor network over said communication link at least a one of said plurality of monitoring data, a continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device tamper alert, a modem tamper alert, a time and date synchronization information, a schedule information, an operating data for the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device, a modem operating program information, and a continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device operating program.

100. The method according to,claim 98 wherein said plurality of monitoring data further comprises:

a plurality of transdermal alcohol concentration readings taken of the human subject;

a plurality of distance readings taken between the remote blood alcohol monitor device and a portion of skin of the human subject, wherein said plurality of distance readings are used to detect an obstruction there between, or to detect removal of the remote blood alcohol monitor device from the human subject;

a plurality of temperature readings taken of a plurality of consistent and predetermined samples of insensible skin perspiration from the human subject;

a plurality of diagnostic data; and

when a predefined error condition has been detected by the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device, an error condition data.

101. The method according to claim 96 further comprising the steps of:

analyzing by said monitor network said alert according to a rules-based database; and

based on said analysis, sending an automatic alert to a supervising agency or to a designated individual over a new communication link.

102. The method according to claim 96 further comprising the step of:

displaying on an LCD display of the modem a plurality of status messages regarding the modem, wherein said plurality of status messages are instructions to the human subject that the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device needs to communicate with the modem or perform a type of operation.

103. The method according to claim 96 further comprising the steps of:

connecting the modem to a power source;

receiving power in said central processing unit;

checking by said central processing unit a validity of a modem main operating program for the modem stored in an integrated memory;

checking by said central processing unit a validity of a monitoring main operating program for the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device stored in said integrated memory;

when at least a one of said modem main operating program and said monitoring main operating program is invalid, establishing a communication link by said modem chip set to a monitor network;

downloading to the modem from said monitor network a valid version of at least a one of said modem main operating program and said monitoring main operating program;

storing at least a one of said modem main operating program and said monitoring main operating program in said integrated memory;

updating a real time clock of the modem; and

uploading by said monitor network the data from the modem.

104. The method according to claim 103 wherein said establishing step further comprises the steps of:

(1) checking by said central processing unit for a dial tone of a phone line connected to the modem;

(2) if no dial tone is detected, generating a no phone line connected alarm by said central processing unit;

(3) waiting by said central processing unit a predefined period of time; and

repeating steps (1) through (3) until a dial tone is detected.

105. The method according to claim 104 further comprising the steps of:

(1) when a dial tone is detected by said central processing unit, dialing a phone number for said monitor network;

(2) monitoring by said modem chip set if said communication link is established to said monitor network;

(3) if at least a one of a busy signal and a no answer is detected, generating a no connection alarm by said central processing unit;

(4) waiting by said central processing unit a predefined period of time; and

(5) repeating steps (1) through (4) until said communication link is established.

106. The method according to claim 96 further comprising the step of:

once said communication link is established, downloading a monitoring instructions, a schedule information, and a characterization table for later delivery to the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device;

downloading a schedule information for the modem; and

downloading a hang up instruction to the modem.

107. The method according to claim 106 further comprising the steps of:

once said hang up instruction is downloaded, hanging up by said central processing unit and powering off said modem chip set;

activating said radio frequency transceiver;

communicating a standard message over said radio frequency signals to the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device;

when the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device is within a range of the modem, receiving an answer message over said radio frequency signals sent from the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device;

extracting by the modem said data from the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device;

validating by the modem an operating program of the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device;

validating by the modem a characterization table of the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device;

updating by the modem a real time clock of the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device; and

terminating said radio frequency signals sent from the modem to the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device.

108. The method according to claim 107 further comprising the step of:

when the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device is not within said range of the modem, terminating said radio frequency signals; and

waiting a predefined period of time before recommunicating said standard message over said radio frequency signals to the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device.

109. The method according to claim 107 further comprising the steps of:

scanning by said central processing unit said data to determine if an immediate alert needs to be communicated to said monitor network;

when said immediate alert needs to be communicated, establishing a communication link to said monitor network; and

when there is no said immediate alert to be communicated, waiting a predefined period of time before activating said radio frequency transceiver again.

110. The method according to claim 96 wherein steps (a) through (d) may be performed twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

111. A monitor network for use with a modem and a continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device attached to a human subject, the monitor network comprising:

a communication server, wherein said communication server receives raw data over a communication link from the modem, wherein said raw data is gathered by the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device attached to the subject and transmitted to the modem;

a situation analyzer connectable to said communication server, wherein said situation analyzer parses said raw data through a predetermined set of rules into a plurality of messages;

a workflow instructions connectable to said situation analyzer, wherein said situation analyzer queries said workflow instructions for an action to be applied to each of said plurality of messages;

a supervising agency/subject database connectable to said situation analyzer for storing said raw data, for storing information on the human subject, supervising agency, and a supervising person monitoring the human subject, and for storing a method of notification predetermined by said supervising person; and

a notification server connectable to said situation analyzer, wherein when said situation analyzer determines that said action to be applied to a one of said plurality of messages requires an immediate notification of said supervising person, said situation analyzer will communicate said one of said plurality of messages to said notification server, and further wherein said notification server queries said supervising agency/subject database to determine a predetermined notification method, and executes said predetermined notification method to communicate a one of said plurality of messages to said supervising person.

112. The monitor network according to claim 111 further comprising:

an alert manager connectable to said situation analyzer and to said workflow instructions, wherein said situation analyzer passes each of said plurality of messages to said alert manager, and further wherein said alert manager categorizes each of said plurality of messages into a one of a plurality of alert management categories for presentation to a monitoring person at a monitoring station.

113. The monitor network according to claim 112 wherein said plurality of alert management categories further comprises:

a review/report;

a take action;

a snooze alert;

a log action required; and

a change the status of alert.

114. The monitor network according to claim 111 wherein said supervising agency/subject database further comprises:

a call center data for a supervising agency associated with the human subject;

a treatment center information for a treatment center associated with said supervising agency;

a historical record of all previously received raw data; and

a patient data for the human subject, said patient data further comprising a monitoring schedule, a communication schedule, a device information for the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device, and a device information for the modem in communication with the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device.

115. The monitor network according to claim 111 wherein said situation analyzer categories said plurality of messages into a plurality of categories, said plurality of categories further comprising:

a positive transdermal alcohol content reading, including a positive reading caused by an interferant;

an equipment tamper, including an obstruction alarm, a power up alarm, a distance alarm, and a temperature alarm;

a communication alert, including a no modem communication, a no continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device communication, a modem missed scheduled communication, and a continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device missed scheduled communication;

an equipment maintenance, including a scheduled maintenance, a non-scheduled maintenance, and a software download maintenance; and

an equipment assignment, including an equipment assigned and an equipment removed.

116. The monitor network according to claim 111 wherein the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring of a human subject is done twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

117. A method for using a monitor network to process raw data received via a modem from a continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device attached to a human subject, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) receiving in a communication server in the monitor network the raw data over a communication link from the modem, wherein the raw data is gathered by the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device attached to the subject and is transmitted to the modem;

(b) parsing with a situation analyzer said raw data through a predetermined set of rules into a plurality of messages;

(c) determining with a workflow instructions an action to be applied to each of said plurality of messages;

(d) storing in a supervising agency/subject database said raw data, an information on the human subject, an information on a supervising agency associated with the human subject, a predetermined notification method for notifying a supervising person of said supervising agency associated with the human subject; and

(e) when said action to be applied to a one of said messages requires an immediate notification of said supervising person, executing with a notification server said predetermined notification method to communicate a one of said plurality of messages to said supervising person.

118. The method according to claim 117 wherein said predetermined notification method is a one of an e-mail message, a facsimile transmission, a page to a pager, a text message, a call to a telephone, and a call to a cellular telephone.

119. The method according to claim 117 further comprising the step of:

categorizing by an alert manager each of said plurality of messages into a one of a plurality of alert management categories for presentation to a monitoring person at a monitoring station, wherein said plurality of alert management categories is a one of a review/report, a take action, a snooze alert, a log action required, and a change the status of alert.

120. The method according to claim 119 further comprising the steps of:

analyzing by said situation analyzer a current message together with a historical raw data related to said current message; and

escalating said current message to a higher one of said plurality of alert management categories when a pattern is detected by said analyzing step that would require more immediate attention.

121. The method according to claim 119 further comprising the steps of:

downloading by the monitor network said monitoring schedule and said communication schedule to said modem;

downloading by said modem said monitoring schedule and said communication schedule to the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device;

when a scheduled communication between said communication server and said modem fails to occur, generating by said communication server a communication alert; and

communicating said communication alert to said monitoring station.

122. The method according to claim 117 further comprising the step of:

storing in said supervising agency/subject database a call center data for a supervising agency associated with the human subject, a treatment center information for a treatment center associated with said supervising agency, a historical record of all previously received raw data, and a patient data for the human subject, said patient data further comprising a monitoring schedule, a communication schedule, a device information for the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device, and a device information for the modem in communication with the continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device.

123. The method according to claim 117 wherein said parsing with a situation analyzer step further comprises the step of:

categorizing each of said plurality of messages into a one of a plurality of categories, wherein said plurality of categories is a one of a positive transdermal alcohol content reading, including a positive reading caused by an interferant;

an equipment tamper, including an obstruction alarm, a power up alarm, a distance alarm, and a temperature alarm;

a communication alert, including a no modem communication, a no continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device communication, a modem missed scheduled communication, and a continuous remote blood alcohol monitoring device missed scheduled communication;

an equipment maintenance, including a scheduled maintenance, a non-scheduled maintenance, and a software download maintenance; and

an equipment assignment, including an equipment assigned and an equipment removed.

124. The method according to claim 117 wherein steps (a) through (e) may be performed twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.