Monitoring Using Cellular Phones

• US 20080088462A1
• Filed: 11/29/2007
• Published: 04/17/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 06/11/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: American Vehicular Sciences LLC (Acacia Research Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Intelligent Technologies International, Inc.
• Inventors: Breed, David
• Granted Patent: US 8,035,508 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/573.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 11/24 Wear-indicating arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 19/00 Tyre parts or constructions not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/002 Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon detection means responsive to presence or absence of children B60N2/266
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/015 Attaching seats directly to vehicle chassis
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/02246 Electric motors therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0244 with logic circuits
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0248 with memory of positions
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0252 with relations between different adjustments, e.g. height of headrest following longitudinal position of seat
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0268 using sensors or detectors for adapting the seat or seat part, e.g. to the position of an occupant
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0272 using sensors or detectors for detecting the position of seat parts
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0276 reaction to emergency situations, e.g. crash
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/067 by linear actuators, e.g. linear screw mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/28 Seats readily mountable on, and dismountable from, existing seats or other parts of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/2806 for securing the child seat to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/2863 backward facing
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/829 characterised by their adjusting mechanisms, e.g. electric motors
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/853 characterised by their adjusting mechanisms, e.g. electric motors
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/888 with arrangements for protecting against abnormal g-forces, e.g. by displacement of the head-rest
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/143 combined with another condition, e.g. using vehicle recognition from camera images or activation of wipers
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/41 preceding vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/42 : oncoming vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/037 : for occupant comfort , e.g. for automatic adjustment of appliances according to personal settings, e.g. seats, mirrors, steering wheel
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1223 : with sensors or transducers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 : with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/0027 : Post collision measures, e.g. notifying emergency services
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/01315 : monitoring occupant displacement
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/23153 : specially adapted for rear seat passengers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/26094 : characterised by fluid flow controlling valves
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/2765 : comprising means to control the venting
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/208 : by automatic or remote control means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/288 : with means to adjust or regulate the amount of energy to be absorbed
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/4685 : with means to adjust or regulate the tensioning force in relation to external parameters
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/4825 : for sensing amount of belt winded on retractor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/013 : including means for detecting collisions, impending collisions or roll-over
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0132 : responsive to vehicle motion parameters , e.g. to vehicle longitudinal or transversal deceleration or speed value
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0134 : responsive to imminent contact with an obstacle , e.g. using radar systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0136 : responsive to actual contact with an obstacle , e.g. to vehicle deformation, bumper displacement or bumper velocity relative to the vehicle monitoring crash strength in combination with passenger seat detection B60R21/01558
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01516 : using force or pressure sensing means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01526 : using piezoelectric elements
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0153 : using field detection presence sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01532 : using electric or capacitive field sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01534 : using electromagneticwaves, e.g. infrared
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01536 : using ultrasonic waves
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01538 : for image processing, e.g. cameras or sensor arrays
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01542 : detecting passenger motion
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01544 : detecting seat belt parameters, e.g. length, tension or height-adjustment
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01546 : using belt buckle sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01548 : sensing the amount of belt winded on retractor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01552 : detecting position of specific human body parts, e.g. face, eyes or hands
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01554 : Seat position sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/203 : in steering wheels or steering columns
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/21656 : Steering wheel covers or similar cup-shaped covers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/276 : with means to vent the inflation fluid source, e.g. in case of overpressure B60R21/30 takes precedence; venting means on inflatable member walls B60R21/239
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 22/20 : adjustable in position, e.g. in height
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 22/201 : with the belt anchor connected to a slider movable in a vehicle-mounted track for passive restraint systems B60R22/06
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/25 : using biometry
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/43 : responsive to disruption of energy beams, e.g. light or sound
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/431 : specially adapted for vehicle windows or roofs
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 2015/433 : using reflection from the obstruction
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/516 : for trucks or trailers
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/542 : Roof panels
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/55 : Windows
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/20 : by measurement of weight, e.g. to determine the level of stored liquefied gas
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/2962 : Measuring transit time of reflected waves
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/804 : containing circuits handling parameters other than liquid level
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 5/0008 : of bridges
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/04 : Systems determining presence of a target based on relative movement of target G01S13/56
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/04 : Systems determining presence of a target
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/06 : Systems determining the position data of a target
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/42 : Simultaneous measurement of distance and other co-ordinates indirect measurement G01S15/46
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/87 : Combinations of sonar systems
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/88 : Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications seismic or acoustic prospecting or detecting G01V1/00
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/04 : Systems determining the presence of a target
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/88 : Lidar systems specially adapted for specific applications
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/89 : for mapping or imaging
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/417 : involving the use of neural networks
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/4802 : using analysis of echo signal for target characterisation; Target signature; Target cross-section
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/539 : using analysis of echo signal for target characterisation; Target signature; Target cross-section
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0219 : Special purpose keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0233 : Character input methods
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0237 : using prediction or retrieval techniques
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0238 : Programmable keyboards key guide holders G06F3/0224
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 20/00 : Scenes; Scene-specific elements control of digital cameras H04N23/60
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 20/59 : inside of a vehicle, e.g. relating to seat occupancy, driver state or inner lighting conditions
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/10 : Human or animal bodies, e.g. vehicle occupants or pedestrians; Body parts, e.g. hands
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/008 : communicating information to a remotely located station transmission systems for measured values G08C
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/0808 : Diagnosing performance data testing of vehicles G01M17/00; testing of electrical installation on vehicles G01R31/005
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1427 : with transmitter-receiver for distance detection
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2462 : Asset location systems combined with EAS inventory, tracking, logistic G06Q10/00; entrance control systems G07C9/00
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/248 : EAS system combined with another detection technology, e.g. dual EAS and video or other presence detection system
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0286 : Tampering or removal detection of the child unit from child or article
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 29/181 : due to failing power supply
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 2210/1282 : Automobiles
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 2210/3219 : Geometry of the configuration
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/3291 : mounted in or on other locations inside the vehicle or vehicle body

Abstract

Method and arrangement for obtaining information about a person includes providing the person with a portable device, arranging at least one sensor on the portable device, obtaining information about the person carrying the portable device or an environment around the person carrying the portable device using the at least one sensor of the portable device without manual interaction, and transmitting the obtained information from the portable device to a remote facility. The portable device may be a cell phone or PDA. The location of the cell phone or PDA may be provided by the cell phone or PDA or determined from the information at the remote facility from information provided by the cell phone or PDA relating to, for example, reception of signals thereby.

Claims

1. A method for obtaining information about a person, comprising:

providing the person with a portable device;

arranging at least one sensor on the portable device;

obtaining information about the person carrying the portable device or an environment around the person carrying the portable device using the at least one sensor of the portable device without manual interaction; and

transmitting the obtained information from the portable device to a remote facility.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the portable device is a cell phone or PDA.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

providing the portable device with a system to obtain DGPS signals;

transmitting the obtained DGPS signals from the portable device to the remote facility; and

determining the location of the portable device from the DGPS signals at the remote facility.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is a microphone, further comprising:

receiving sounds via the microphone of the portable device when carried by the person; and

programming the portable device to analyze the received sounds and transmit a signal indicative of the received sounds to the remote facility.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising training the portable device to recognize the sounds of accidents and transmit an accident indication signal to the remote facility only when the sounds of an accident is recognized.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is a sensor which obtains information about an environment around the portable device.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is a chemical sensor which obtains information about chemicals in the environment around the person carrying the portable device.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising arranging an energy harvesting system in connection with the portable device to generate energy to power the cell phone or PDA during movement of the vehicle.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is arranged to obtain information about the person carrying the portable device.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting the at least one sensor from a group consisting of a temperature sensor, radiation sensor, optical sensor, humidity sensor, chemical sensor, biochemical sensor, biological sensor, acceleration sensor, velocity sensors, displacement sensor, location sensor, vibration sensor, acoustic sensor and pressure sensor.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising analyzing the obtained information at the portable device to determine whether the information satisfies a predetermined criteria requiring transmission of the information to the remote facility and only transmitting the obtained information when it satisfies one of the predetermined transmission criteria.

12. An arrangement for monitoring a person, comprising:

a portable device including at least one sensor and which is carried by the person, said at least one sensor being arranged to obtain information about the person carrying the portable device or an environment around the person carrying said portable device without manual interaction, said portable device including a processor which analyzes the obtained information to determine whether the obtained information requires a transmission to a remote facility and a communications portion arranged to transmit the obtained information or a signal representative thereof when said processor determines that the obtained information requires such a transmission; and

a remote facility for receiving and reacting to the transmitted information.

13. The arrangement of claim 12, wherein said portable device is a cell phone or PDA.

14. The arrangement of claim 12, wherein said portable device includes a locating system arranged to obtain DGPS signals, said communications portion being arranged to transmit the obtained DGPS signals to said remote facility to enable the location of said portable device to be determined from the DGPS signals at said remote facility.

15. The arrangement of claim 12, wherein said at least one sensor is a microphone arranged to receive sounds when carried by the person, said processor being arranged to analyze the received sounds and transmit a signal indicative of the received sounds to said remote facility, said processor being arranged to recognize the sounds of accidents and transmit an accident indication signal to said remote facility only when the sounds of an accident is recognized.

16. The arrangement of claim 12, wherein said at least one sensor is a chemical sensor which obtains information about chemicals in the environment around the person carrying said portable device.

17. The arrangement of claim 12, wherein said at least one sensor is arranged to obtain information about the person carrying the portable device.

18. The arrangement of claim 12, wherein said at least one sensor is arranged to obtain information about the environment around the person carrying said portable device

19. The arrangement of claim 12, wherein said at least one sensor is selected from a group consisting of a temperature sensor, radiation sensor, optical sensor, humidity sensor, chemical sensor, biochemical sensor, biological sensor, acceleration sensor, velocity sensors, displacement sensor, location sensor, vibration sensor, acoustic sensor and pressure sensor.

20. The arrangement of claim 12, wherein said processor analyzes the obtained information to determine whether the information satisfies a predetermined criteria requiring transmission of the information to said remote facility and said communications portion is arranged to only transmit the obtained information when it satisfies one of the predetermined transmission criteria.