Personal duress security system

• US 6,175,308 B1
• Filed: 01/12/1998
• Issued: 01/16/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 12/16/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Actel Corporation (Microchip Technology Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Actel Corporation (Microchip Technology Incorporated)
• Inventors: Hill, Jeff, Tallman, Erven, Minardi, Dan
• Primary Examiner(s): POPE, DARYL C
• Application Number:
  US09/005,564
• Time in Patent Office: 1,100 Days
• Field of Search: 340/525, 340/573.1, 340/573.4, 340/825.49, 340/825.36, 340/825.34, 340/825.72, 340/539, 359/145
• US Class Current: 340/539.11
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/102 a signal being sent to a remote location, e.g. a radio signal being transmitted to a police station, a security company or the owner
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 1/7034 Mounting or deployment thereof
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 1/7038 Signal details
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2201/01 adapted for specific applications or environments

Abstract

A security system including tracking units or readers carried or mounted on mobile units to operatively communicate status signals indicating identity, location, direction of travel, and a number of alarm conditions to a local monitoring station. The tracking units or readers are equipped with an infrared receiver to receive infrared location signals transmitted by fixed infrared transmitters located throughout the area to be monitored. Each infrared transmitter transmits a unique location signal. The tracking unit is operative to transmit a radio frequency watchdog signal that includes the last two location signals received, indicating the time lapsed since receipt of those location signals, a unique identification signal indicative of the and any applicable alarm signals triggered by predetermined conditions to which the tracking unit is also operative to detect. The monitoring station includes a computer which is operative to receive the watchdog signal by way of radio frequency receivers located throughout the area being monitored and translate the watchdog signal into useful displays including printed text on a printer, computer monitor graphic and text displays, and audible alarms.

Claims

1. A security apparatus for monitoring a condition of a mobile unit to be located in a predetermined area and comprising:

a plurality of location transmitters to be spaced a selected distance apart within said predetermined area and operative to generate and transmit respective location signals identifying the respective location transmitters;

at least one portable reader to be carried on said mobile unit and including a portable receiver for receiving said location signals and a signal generator responsive to said location signals to generate a spread spectrum watchdog signal corresponding to the respective location signals and indicative of the particular said portable reader, said portable reader also including a portable transmitter for transmitting said spread spectrum watchdog signal;

at least one stationary receiver responsive to said watchdog signal to despread and demodulate said watchdog signal to generate a control signal indicative of said watchdog signal; and

a monitor for coupling with said stationary receiver and responsive to said control signal to generate a readout indicative of the location transmitter generating the respective location signals.

2. A security apparatus according to claim 1 for connection with a selected power source and wherein:

said location transmitters are adapted for connection with said selected power source and are operative to generate respective location signals having a predetermined strength at a predetermined distance from the respective said location transmitters; and

said portable receivers being operative to, upon detecting said location signals at or above said predetermined strength, generate said watchdog signals.

3. A security apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

said monitor is operative to generate said readout signal as a visual signal or audio signal.

4. A security apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

said monitor includes a computer.

5. A security apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

said portable readers include respective auxiliary inputs operative to generate auxiliary signals to be carried on the respective watchdog signals to produce respective auxiliary watchdog signals;

said monitor includes a receiver responsive to said auxiliary watchdog signals to generate corresponding auxiliary electrical signals; and

said monitor includes an auxiliary alert responsive to said auxiliary electrical signals to generate an alert.

6. A security apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

said portable reader includes a detector responsive to the absence of said location signal to generate and transmit a missing-unit alarm signal;

said receiver includes means responsive to said missing-unit alarm signal to generate a missing-unit alarm electrical signal; and

said monitor includes an alarm responsive to said alarm electrical signal to generate a perceptible alarm.

7. A security apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

said portable reader includes a plurality of components and a tamper circuit connected with said components and responsive to shifting of any one of said components to generate a portable reader tamper signal; and

said receiver is responsive to said portable reader tamper signal to generate a portable reader tamper electrical signal; and

said monitor is responsive to said electrical signal to generate a tamper alarm.

8. A security apparatus according to claim 5 wherein:

said auxiliary inputs include a manual actuation button which may be activated to close an internal switch to generate an electrical signal, actuating the transmitter to transmit an immediate panic alarm signal.

9. A security apparatus according to claim 1 wherein:

said monitor includes a memory for detecting watchdog signals corresponding to each of said location transmitters and a detector responsive to the absence of watchdog signals from at least one of said location transmitters to generate an electrical loss signal, and a loss alert responsive to said loss signal to generate a loss alert alarm.

10. A security apparatus according to claim 1 wherein:

said monitor includes a detector for detecting the presence of a watchdog signal corresponding with each of said transmitters and operative in response to the absence of a watch dog signal corresponding with any one of said transmitters to generate a location alert electrical signal, and a loss alert responsive to said electrical signal to generate a loss alarm.

11. A security apparatus according to claim 1 wherein:

said portable readers include a detector for detecting the respective actual attitude and orientation of the respective said portable readers relative to respective reference attitudes and orientations to, upon detection of said actual attitude and orientation differing from said reference attitude and orientation, generate respective man-down electrical signals if said attitude and orientation deviates from said reference by more than a predetermined amount; and

said monitor is responsive to said man-down electrical signal to generate a man-down alarm.

12. A security apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein:

said signal generator is responsive to said location signals to generate a 900 MHz spread spectrum watchdog signal.

13. A security system for monitoring and tracking the movement and condition of a plurality of mobile remote units located within a predetermined area of interest, comprising:

a plurality of fixed infrared transmitters located at selected locations throughout said predetermined area of interest, each of said fixed infrared transmitters generating and transmitting a unique location signal of a predetermined signal strength and signal range such that said fixed infrared transmitters may be arranged in a spaced apart manner at a distance equal to approximately twice said known signal range;

at least one portable reader, including a portable infrared receiver responsive to said location signals from said fixed infrared transmitters, attached to each of said mobile remote units and operative to generate and transmit a spread spectrum watchdog signal, said watchdog signal carrying said unique location signal as well as a unique portable reader identification signal;

at least one fixed receiver for receipt, despread and demodulation of said watchdog signal and located such that said watchdog signals may be detected throughout entire said predetermined area of interest; and

a monitor system connected with said fixed receiver and responsive to said watchdog signal to display identification and location information.

14. The security system of claim 13, further including:

at least one radio frequency repeater to receive said watchdog signal and retransmit it to said fixed receivers.

15. The security system of claim 13, wherein:

said portable reader includes an auxiliary alarm signal generator for generating and sending auxiliary alarm signals on the respective said watchdog signals; and

said monitor system is further responsive to said auxiliary alarm signals to monitor and report respective said auxiliary alarm signals received.

16. The security system of claim 15, wherein:

said portable reader includes an exterior casing;

said portable receiver is located outside said exterior casing and is connected to said portable reader by a suitable electrical cable and includes a clip for releasable attachment to outer clothing; and

said portable reader includes a clip for releasably fastening said portable reader to a piece of clothing or hanger.

17. The security system of claim 15, that includes:

a flexible tether attaching said portable receiver to said portable reader such that said portable receiver may be manipulated about relative to said portable reader.

18. The security system of claim 15, wherein:

said portable reader is responsive to the absence of any of said location signals to cause said auxiliary alarm signal generator to generate a location loss auxiliary alarm signal to be carried on said watchdog signal; and

said monitor system is responsive to said location loss auxiliary alarm signal to generate a location loss alert.

19. The security system of claim 15, wherein:

said portable reader includes a manual switch to cause said auxiliary alarm signal generator to generate a manual panic auxiliary alarm signal to be carried on said watchdog signal; and

said monitor system is responsive to said manual panic auxiliary alarm signal to generate a manual panic alert.

20. The security system of claim 15, wherein:

said portable reader includes a detachable pull-cord switch assembly and a pull-cord switch responsive to disconnection of said pull-cord switch assembly to cause said auxiliary alarm signal generator to generate a pull-cord auxiliary alarm signal to be carried on said watchdog signal; and

said monitor system is responsive to said pull-cord auxiliary alarm signal to generate a pull-cord alert.

21. The security system of claim 15, wherein:

said portable reader includes a detector to detect change in attitude or orientation relative to a preselected reference and is responsive to a predetermined magnitude of said change to cause said auxiliary alarm signal generator to generate a man-down auxiliary alarm signal to be carried on said watchdog signal; and

said monitor system is responsive to said man-down auxiliary alarm signal to generate a man-down alert.

22. The security system of claim 13, wherein:

said monitor system includes a computer.

23. The security system of claim 22, wherein:

said computer includes an input interface to read said watchdog signal and a software control program responsive to said watchdog signal, a software database of all said location signals, portable reader identification signals, and auxiliary alarm signals, and an output interface operative to direct said signals to a display device to display indices corresponding with the respective said signals.

24. A security apparatus as set forth in claim 13 wherein:

said signal generator is responsive to said location signals to generate a 900 MHz spread spectrum watchdog signal.

25. A security apparatus as set forth in claim 13 wherein:

said location transmitters and portable receivers may be replaced or incorporated to operate selectively or continuously in tandem using infrared and RF to be operative indoors in high ambient light conditions and outdoors.

26. A personal duress security system for monitoring the location, motion, and status of each of a plurality of persons located within a preselected area, and comprising:

a plurality of fixed infrared transmitters installed at various selected locations throughout said preselected area and operative to generate respective infrared signals unique to each of said infrared transmitters;

a plurality of portable personal tracking units bearing respective identification indicia and including respective infrared receivers, internal data processors, and radio frequency transmitters connected together in an electrical circuit, said infrared receivers operative to detect the respective said infrared signals and operative in response thereto to generate an actuation signal and to communicate said actuation signal to said data processor, said data processor being responsive to said actuation signals and operative to periodically generate a spread spectrum watchdog signal including last two received said actuation signals corresponding with the respective infrared signals and carrying as a component, a tracking unit identification signal, and any of a plurality of alarm signals in response to a selected plurality of alarm conditions and direct said watchdog signal to said radio frequency transmitter, said radio frequency transmitter being operative to periodically broadcast said watchdog signal;

a computer control system responsive to said watchdog signal and operative to distinguish said location signal, said identification signal, and said alarm signals from each other within said watchdog signal and consult a database of known values for said signals such that the location of the last two infrared transmitters, the identity of the person associated with said tracking unit, and the presence of any of said plurality of alarm conditions causing one or more of said plurality of alarm signals may be displayed in a convenient manner on a computer monitor and/or a computer printer; and

at least one radio frequency receiver connected to said computer control system and operative to receive, despread and demodulate said watchdog signal and carry it to said computer control system.

27. The personal duress security system of claim 26, further including:

at least one radio frequency repeater operative to detect said watchdog signal and retransmit it to said radio frequency receivers.

28. The personal duress security system of claim 26, wherein:

said infrared receiver is flexibly connected to the exterior of said tracking unit such that said tracking unit may be carried by hand or in a pocket and said infrared receiver may be releasably attached to an article of outer clothing.

29. The personal duress security system of claim 26, wherein:

said tracking unit includes a manual switch operative to generate a panic alarm signal; and

said computer control system is responsive to said panic alarm signals to display a panic alert.

30. The personal duress security system of claim 29, wherein:

said internal data processor includes a detector operative to determine that it is not receiving any said location signal and generate a second said one of said alarm signals; and

said computer control system is responsive to said second alarm signal to display an out-of-area alert.

31. The personal duress security system of claim 29, wherein:

said tracking units include a respective pull-cord switch operative to generate respective pull-cord alarm signals and respective detachable pull-cord switch assemblies operative upon pulling thereon to actuate the respective pull-cord switches; and

said computer control system is responsive to said pull-cord alarm signals to display a pull-cord alert.

32. The personal duress security system of claim 29, wherein:

said internal data processor includes an orientation detector to detect any change in attitude or orientation of said tracking unit relative to a preselected reference and generate a man-down alarm signals; and

said computer control system is responsive to said man-down alarm signal to display a man-down alert.

33. The personal duress security system of claim 26, further including:

an alarm system coupled with said computer control system and responsive to said alarm signals and operative to generate an audible alert.

34. A security apparatus as set forth in claim 26 wherein:

said signal generator is responsive to said location signals to generate a 900 MHz spread spectrum watchdog signal.

35. A portable security apparatus for use with a security system for monitoring the location, movement, and status of at least one mobile unit to be located in a predetermined area including at least one infrared transmitter to be located at a selected location within said predetermined area and operative to transmit an infrared location signal indicative of said infrared transmitter, said apparatus comprising:

a radio frequency transmitter operative to generate a spread spectrum watchdog signal;

at least one radio frequency receiver located within said predetermined area and operative to receive and despread and demodulate said watchdog signal and transmit it to a monitor system, said monitor system operative to convert said watchdog signal to a useful display, said apparatus comprising;

an infrared receiver operative to receive said location signal; and

a signal generator operative to generate an identification signal unique to said apparatus, said identification signal being carried on said watchdog signal, said watchdog signal including said location signal.

36. The portable security apparatus of claim 35, wherein:

said infrared receiver includes a clip for releasable attachment to an article of clothing and is flexibly attached to the exterior of said apparatus by a suitable electrical cable.

37. The portable security apparatus of claim 35, wherein:

said signal generator includes a memory operative to store last two said location signals detected, said signal generator also operative to include said last two location signals with said watchdog signal.

38. The portable security apparatus of claim 35, further including:

a manual switch operative to cause said signal generator to generate a manual panic alarm signal to be included in said watchdog signal.

39. The portable security apparatus of claim 35, further including:

an external housing encasing said apparatus; and

a data port connector formed through said housing and operative to allow an external programming device to connect to said signal generator and memory to permit programming thereof.

40. A security apparatus as set forth in claim 35 wherein:

said signal generator is responsive to said location signals to generate a 900 MHz spread spectrum watchdog signal.

41. A security apparatus as set forth in claim 35 wherein:

said signal generator is responsive to said location signals to generate a 900 MHz spread spectrum watchdog signal.

42. A security apparatus for monitoring a condition of a mobile unit to be located in a predetermined area and comprising:

a plurality of location transmitters to be spaced a selected distance apart within said predetermined area and operative to generate and transmit respective location signals identifying the respective location transmitters;

at least one portable reader to be carried on said mobile unit and including a portable receiver for receiving said location signals and responsive to said location signals to generate a spread spectrum watchdog signal corresponding to the respective location signals and also including a portable transmitter for transmitting said watchdog signal and further including respective auxiliary inputs operative to generate auxiliary signals to be carried on said watchdog signal to produce respective auxiliary watchdog signals;

at least one stationary receiver responsive to despread and demodulate said watchdog signal to generate a control signal indicative of said watchdog signal; and

a monitor for coupling with said stationary receiver and responsive to said control signal to generate a readout indicative of the location transmitter generating the respective location signals and including a receiver responsive to said auxiliary watchdog signals to generate corresponding auxiliary electrical signals; and

said monitor includes an auxiliary alert responsive to said auxiliary electrical signals to generate an alert.

43. A security apparatus as set forth in claim 42 wherein:

said signal generator is responsive to said location signals to generate a 900 MHz spread spectrum watchdog signal.

44. A security system for monitoring and tracking the movement and condition of a plurality of mobile remote units located within a predetermined area of interest, comprising:

a plurality of fixed transmitters located at selected locations throughout said predetermined area of interest, each of said transmitters generating and transmitting a unique location signal of a predetermined signal strength and signal range such that said fixed transmitters may be arranged in a spaced apart manner at a distance equal to approximately twice said known signal range;

at least one portable reader, including a portable receiver responsive to said location signals from said fixed transmitters, attached to each of said mobile remote units and operative to generate and transmit a spread spectrum watchdog signal, said watchdog signal carrying said unique location signal as well as a unique portable reader identification signal, said portable reader further including an auxiliary alarm signal generator operative to generate and send auxiliary alarm signals on the watchdog signal;

at least one fixed receiver for receipt, despread and demodulation of said watchdog signal and located such that said watchdog signals may be detected throughout entire said predetermined area of interest; and

a monitor system connected with said fixed receiver and responsive to said watchdog signal to display identification and location information as well as to monitor and report said auxiliary alann signals received.

45. A security apparatus as set forth in claim 44 wherein:

said signal generator is responsive to said location signals to generate a 900 MHz spread spectrum watchdog signal.

46. A security system for monitoring and tracking the movement and condition of a plurality of mobile remote units located within a predetermined area of interest, comprising:

a plurality of fixed transmitters located at selected locations throughout said predetermined area of interest, each of said transmitters generating and transmitting a unique location signal of a predetermined signal strength and signal range such that said fixed transmitters may be arranged in a spaced apart manner at a distance equal to approximately twice said known signal range;

at least one portable reader, including a portable receiver responsive to said location signals from said fixed transmitters, attached to each of said mobile remote units and operative to generate and transmit a spread spectrum watchdog signal, said watchdog signal carrying said unique location signal as well as a unique portable reader identification signal;

at least one fixed receiver for receipt, despread and demodulation of said watchdog signal and located such that said watchdog signals may be detected throughout entire said predetermined area of interest; and

a monitor system connected with said fixed receiver and responsive to said watchdog signal to display identification and location information, said monitor system including a computer, said computer including an input interface to read said watchdog signal and a software control program responsive to said watchdog signal, a software database of all said location signals, portable reader identification signals, and auxiliary alarm signals, and an output interface operative to direct said signals to a display device to display indices corresponding with the respective said signals.

47. A security apparatus as set forth in claim 46 wherein:

said signal generator is responsive to said location signals to generate a 900 MHz spread spectrum watchdog signal.

48. A personal duress security system for monitoring the location, motion, and status of each of a plurality of persons located within a preselected area, and comprising:

a plurality of fixed infrared transmitters installed at various selected locations throughout said preselected area and operative to generate respective infrared signals unique to each of said infrared transmitters;

a plurality of portable personal tracking units bearing respective identification indicia and including respective infrared receivers, internal data processors, and radio frequency transmitters connected together in an electrical circuit, said infrared receivers operative to detect the respective said infrared signals and operative in response thereto to generate an actuation signal and to communicate said actuation signal to said data processor, said data processor being responsive to said actuation signals and operative to periodically generate a spread spectrum watchdog signal including last two received said actuation signals corresponding with the respective infrared signals and carrying as a component, a tracking unit identification signal, and any of a plurality of alarm signals in response to a selected plurality of alarm conditions and direct said watchdog signal to said radio frequency transmitter, said radio frequency transmitter being operative to periodically broadcast said watchdog signal;

said tracking unit further includes a manual switch operative to generate a panic alarm signal;

said tracking unit further includes an orientation detector to detect any change in attitude or orientation of said tracking unit relative to a preselected reference and generate a man-down alarm signal;

a computer control system responsive to said watchdog signal and operative to distinguish said location signal, said identification signal, and said alarm signals from each other within said watchdog signal and consult a database of known values for said signals such that the location of the last two infrared transmitters, the identity of the person associated with said tracking unit, and the presence of any of said plurality of alarm conditions causing one or more of said plurality of alarm signals may be displayed in a convenient manner on a computer monitor and/or a computer printer;

said computer control system further responsive to said panic alarm signal to display a panic alert and also responsive to said man-down alarm signal to display a man-down alert; and

at least one radio frequency receiver connected to said computer control system and operative to receive, despread and demodulate said watchdog signal and carry it to said computer control system.

49. A security apparatus as set forth in claim 48 wherein:

said signal generator is responsive to said location signals to generate a 900 MHz spread spectrum watchdog signal.

50. A monitoring system for identifying and tracking at least one selected mobile unit present within a predetermined area, comprising:

at least one fixed infrared location transmitter located within said predetermined area and including a location signal generator operative to generate a unique location signal, said location transmitter operative to broadcast said location signal;

a portable reader carried on each of said at least one selected mobile units and including an infrared receiver operative to receive said location signal, a signal processor electronically connected to said infrared receiver and operative to combine said location signal with an identification signal unique to each of said portable readers and to generate a combined spread spectrum watchdog signal, and a radio frequency transmitter electronically connected to said signal processor and operative to broadcast said watchdog signal;

at least one fixed radio frequency receiver operative to receive, despread and demodulate said watchdog signal and relay it to a central monitoring station, said central monitoring station responsive to said watchdog signal and operative to decode said combined watchdog signal, determine location and identify of said at least one selected mobile unit, and display information relating to said location and identity in a useful format.

51. The monitoring system of claim 50, wherein:

said portable reader further includes at least one sensor responsive to a predetermined condition, said sensor being electronically connected to said signal processor and operative to generate an alarm signal in response to detection of said predetermined condition and send said alarm signal to said signal processor for combination into said combined watchdog signal; and

said central monitoring station is further operative to also determine from said alarm signal within said watchdog signal the existence of said predetermined condition and display information related to existence of said predetermined condition.

52. The monitoring system of claim 50, wherein:

said portable reader further includes a memory operative to store the last previously received said location signal, said memory electronically connected to said signal processor, said signal processor further combining said last previously received location signal into said combined watchdog signal; and

said central monitoring station is further operative to determine from said last previously received location signal within said watchdog signal a previous location of said portable reader and display information related to said previous location.

53. A security apparatus as set forth in claim 50 wherein:

said signal generator is responsive to said location signals to generate a 900 MHz spread spectrum watchdog signal.