GB2449269A

GB2449269A - Portable tracking device incorporating a biometric touch sensor

Info

Publication number: GB2449269A
Application number: GB0709369A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Leonard Maxwell
Original assignee: TOUCH N GLO Ltd
Current assignee: TOUCH N GLO Ltd
Priority date: 2007-05-16
Filing date: 2007-05-16
Publication date: 2008-11-19
Also published as: GB0709369D0

Abstract

A portable electronic tracking device 10 is disclosed comprising a transceiver 16, a biometric touch sensor 26 for determining a physical biometric characteristic of the user, and a control means 18 for determining the location of the device based upon one or more received signals and for controlling the transmission of a data signal representative of the location of the device 10 to a remote operator system. The biometric touch sensor 26 may be a fingerprint scanner. The physical biometric characteristic of the user may be compared with a stored biometric characteristic to determine whether a match has occurred whereby subsequent transmission of the data signal may be dependent upon this determination.

Description

Tracking Device and System The present invention relates to a tracking

device and more specifically to a portable device which enables a system for tracking of an individual carrying the device.

There are a number of reasons why the tracking of individuals is required within society, such as. for example: * Criminal offender tracking * Probation and work release tracking * Curfew and ASBO tracking * Personal Security alert systems; * Deliveries tracking * Search and Rescue services The above list is not exhaustive and there are numerous other reasons why an individual may need to be or wish to be tracked. However a general distinction can be drawn between military applications, in which an individual may be tracked without their knowledge, and civilian applications, in which an individual is aware that their location can be determined.

Conventional civilian tracking or supervision systems may be broadly categorized into active and passive systems. A passive system involves periodic checks on the individual being monitored so as to determine their whereabouts. This may involve contacting the user by telephone and asking the user to verify their identity by way of a password or the like. In the event that the user is required to answer a landline, this system can be used to verify that the individual is in a certain location at a certain time.

However this system is redundant when a user is required or allowed to be mobile. Specifically with regard to tracking criminal offenders, it may not be required that a user is at a certain location at a certain time, but rather that a user is within a certain vicinity. Conversely, it may be necessary to verify that a user has not entered certain areas which are off limits for that particular user.

Furthermore, the use of a password or the like may not provide adequate certainty for the operator of the system since it can be disseminated to other people.

In view of the above problems, active systems are often preferred in which the user is required to carry a device which emits radio frequency signals. The signal is picked up by a base unit which may be located at a user's home in order to constantly monitor whether a user is within a predetermined vicinity of the base unit or else whether a user has tampered with the device. This effectively provides an electronic tether system but is ineffective when a user is not restricted to a particular vicinity.

The use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) have provided one solution to this problem since it allows a user's location to be constantly monitored by way of a portable electronic device. However in order to determine that the user and the device are in the same location, the device must either be fixedly attached to the user or else the user must be verified each and every time location data is recorded by way of a password, voice recognition or the like.

This can prove problematic for minor offenders who do not wish it to be public knowledge that there whereabouts is being monitored due to the social stigma which it attracts. Furthermore, when tracking systems are to be used for personal safety applications, the need to manually or verbally enter verification data can be time consuming and can attract unwanted attention, potentially jeopardizing the safety of the user.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable tracking device and associated system which allows a user to be monitored more discretely and with greater certainty.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a portable electronic tracking device comprising transmission means for transmitting wireless data signals; receiver means for receiving wireless data signals from a remote location; control means for determining the location of the device based upon one or more received signals and for controlling the transmission of a data signal representative of the location of the device to a remote operator system; wherein the device further comprises a biometric touch sensor for determining a physical biometric characteristic of the user.

Thus the present invention allows positive verification of the user with increased certainty by way of physical biometric characteristic.

Preferably the biometric touch sensor comprises a fingerprint or thumbprint scanner. Thus a user can quickly and simply operate the device by pressing a digit against the scanner without the need for multiple identification steps.

Furthermore in the event that an unauthorised person attempts to operate the device, their biometric data can be recorded automatically.

Typically the device has data storage means for storing data relating to a physical biometric characteristic for one or more users. The biometric characteristic sensed by the touch sensor may be compared to the stored biometric data and.

in the event that a match is determined, the control means may transmit the location data to the remote operator system.

Preferable features are defined within the dependent claims.

The device typically takes the form of a conventional mobile telephone such that it can be used without raising suspicion from people in the vicinity of the user.

The pressing of a thumb or finger onto the fingerprint reader mimics the normal use of a keypad and does not therefore require the user to undertake abnormal actions in order to verify their identity.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a system for monitoring a device according to the first aspect of present invention.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a schematic showing the basic components of a device according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic of a system incorporating a device according to the present invention; Figure 3 shows a plan view of a physical embodiment of the device of figure 1; and, Figure 4 shows a visual display produced by a system for monitoring a user in accordance with the present invention.

Turning firstly to figure 1, there is shown the principal components of a tracking device 10 according to the present invention. The device 10 generally comprises a housing 12, to which is mounted an antenna 14.

The antenna 14 is connected to transmission and receiver means in the form of a multi-channel transceiver module 16, which is in turn connected to control means in the form of a micro-processor 18. In this embodiment, the microprocessor 18 is integrated in the form of a micro-controller such that it comprises a CPU, RAM, ROM and one or more timers. However it will be appreciated that a separate non-volatile memory and/or timer can also be provided.

The device also comprises a power source in the form of a rechargeable battery cell 20. The battery 20 supplies power to the electronic components within the device which further comprise a GPS module 22, a GSM module 24, a fingerprint module 26, a display screen 28 and audio input/output means 30 which takes the form of speaker or buzzer and microphone.

The micro-controller 18 is provided with machine readable instructions for operation of the device which are stored as a program on the micro-controller chip. In addition the non-volatile memory is used to store verification data for a user, such as fingerprint recognition data and other forms of data such as voice recognition data and the like.

The component parts of the unit 10 shown in figure 1 are widely available as off-the-shelf parts and will be well understood by a person skilled in the art. Certain functional characteristics of those parts are highlighted below merely for the sake of completeness.

The GPS module 22 is a self-contained, low power, high-sensitivity unit that has the capability to receive data pertaining to multiple satellites, typically in the order of twelve. This provides an accurate estimation of the location of the device in the horizontal plane, typically to within 1 to 5 metres.

The fingerprint module 26 has a contact surface 32 (see figure 3) and sensing means for determining the temperature differential between the ridges of a user's fingerprint and the air trapped in the intervening valleys. This pattern is converted to an electrical signal by a pyro-electnc material, typically in the form of a pyro-electric layer, which is captured by a CMOS chip.

This type of fingerprint sensor is particularly apt for use in the device according to the present invention due to its robustness to applied stress, its small size and minimal power requirements.

The GSM module 24 is a self contained module similar to or the same as those used in conventional mobile telephones. The open standards allow interoperability with mobile telephone networks. The module 24 can thus provide GPRS data transfer, SMS messaging, TCP/IP connections as well as standard and hands-free voice communication.

The GSM thus allows data to be transferred to and from the device for use in verifying the identity of a user.

Turning now to figure 2, there is shown the basic components of a system according to the present invention, which comprises a number of GPS satellites, The signals from which can be used to determine the position of the device 10 according to the present invention.

The GPS receiver module 22 generates data indicative of the location of the device 10 which is transmitted as a wireless data signal 34 to base station 36.

The location data can be transmitted to the operator's server 38 via the internet 40, from where the operator can log the location data in order to generate a history against a record for a particular user.

It will be appreciated that the system of figure 2 represents a simplified version of an actual operational system. For example, the mobile device location may in fact be determined by a number of GPS receivers associated with a plurality of base stations which triangulate the location of the device and send corresponding location data to the mobile device. One or more additional satellites and receivers may be used as a reference to more accurately predict the location of the device 10.

Turning now to figure 3, there is shown one embodiment of a tracking device according to the present invention. The device 10 takes the form of a so-called clamshell design, akin to that of a mobile telephone.

The device 10 has a first base member 42 and a second hinged member 44.

The members are connected by a hinge formation 46 such that the hinged member can close shut against the base member. The base member has formed therein a key pad 48 having a number of keys 50 for actuation by the user. The keys typically comprise a numbered key pad as well as a confirmation and a rejection key such that the user can enter numbers and select options from menus displayed on the display screen 52 mounted in the hinged member 44.

The device also has a speaker 54 mounted in the hinged portion and a microphone 56 mounted in the base to allow voice communication using the device 10.

The contact surface 32 of the fingerprint module is mounted in the base, such that a user can simply open the device 10 and press their finger or thumb against the contact surface 32 to initiate verification of their fingerprint. The scanning of a user's fingerprint typically causes an automated response by the device, without the need for a user to enter the device's menu structure to select the appropriate function. Thus a signal indicating the location of the user at a given time can be transmitted simply by pressing their fingerprint against the surface 32.

The device 10 can be programmed to operate in a number of different modes dependent on the user of the device, examples of which are described below.

The operator system 38 may be used to generate data representative of inclusion zones, within which a user is intended to remain, or else exclusion zones, which are off limits to a user. This data can be stored at the operator system 38 and/or transmitted to the device 10 via TCP for comparison with actual location data derived via the device's GPS capabilities in order to determine whether a user is within or else outside the predefined zones.

In addition an operator can set up the device 10 using software functions, access to which is prohibited by the end user. Thus certain menu options may be password protected or else may only be accessible when the device is connected to the operator system.

Truancy Mode The device compares GPS location data with predefinecj inclusion zone data to determine whether a user is within the inclusion zone either continuously for specified time periods or else at predetermined intervals. Random verification requests are sent to the user, typically via SMS or else via and audio alert signal in order to prompt the user to confirm their identity using the fingerprint scanner.

If the user exits the inclusion zone during the time period or else fails to correctly verify their identity, then a data signal indicative of the time and date of the failure as well as the user's whereabouts is sent to the operator system 38.

The specified time period may be set to for example school hours on Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00pm. In this example the inclusion zone would typically be set to cover a building or a campus by entering GPS co-ordinates for a point and an allowable radius about that point.

Maximum and minimum verification intervals can be set, such that random verification alerts are instigated between those limits.

Personal Safety Mode This mode is intended to allow a user to use the device as an alarm signal S generator. Thus it may not be necessary to set inclusion or exclusion zones in this mode, Instead the user can travel freely with the device in their possession.

In the event that the user's safety is jeopardised, the user can simply verify their identity using the device such that a signal is automatically sent to the operator system indicative of an incident and the place at which it occurred. The device may also automatically establish a voice call with the operator upon transmission of the identification signal to record an audio data file from the incident.

Applications for this mode may include a monitoring device for incidents of bullying or else as a personal safety device for individuals who have reason to expect any other form of personal attack.

Parole Mode In this mode, the device will track whether the user is inside an inclusion zone during a specified time period and also whether the user enters an exclusion zone. The unit will randomly instruct a user to verify their identity by swiping their finger across the scanner within a predetermined time limit, such as 30 seconds or one minute. If the user exits the inclusion zone, or enters an exclusion zone or fails to correctly verify their identity within the predetermined time limit, then a corresponding signal will be transmitted to the operator system 38.

The signal will contain data indicating the time, date and location of the user when the signal is generated. In addition the signal can identify the reason why the signal was generated. In the event that another person attempts to operate the device by scanning their fingerprint, the device may record and submit the scanned fingerprint data to the operator system 38.

The inclusion and exclusion zones may be manually pre-stored to the device upon setup for a particular user or else may be downloadable whilst the device is in the usefs possession.

Regardless of the correct verification of the user, the device may continuously or intermittently transmit location data indicating the whereabouts of the device to the operator system 38so that the device can be tracked.

As with the Truancy Mode, varying verification intervals can be set or else maximum and minimum values can be defined and random intervals therebetween can be generated. Time limits can be specified for which the inclusion and exclusion zones are in effect. In addition curfew and monitoring periods can be specified such that certain modes of operation are only active for certain periods during a day, week or other time period.

For any mode, an alarm or other audio, tactile or visual warning can be provided when a user leaves an inclusion zone or enters an exclusion zone. Departure from an inclusion zone or failing to remain or enter an inclusion zone during a specified time period can result in a message being sent to one or more designated parties either directly from the device or else via the operator system 38. This may be in the form of a SMS message.

Software at the operator system or else on a remote computer connected to the operator system via the internet allows generation of a request to view the user's location on a computer generated map showing the vicinity of the user. An output of such monitoring software is shown in figure 4.

A map 60 is generated to show the vicinity of the user. A rectangle having length and width of in the region of 0.5 to 5 miles is generated although the dimension of the map shown can be altered by a user.

The user is marked by circle or other appropriate graphic icon and identification details for the user are provided along with the time at which the location was recorded in a graphical display window 64. Inclusion zones 66 are marked on the map using a first visual representation and excluded zones 68 are marked on the map using a second visual representation. In this example circles of different colours are used to distinguish different zones although it will be appreciated that alternative graphical indicators are possible.

Claims

Claims: 1. A portable electronic tracking device comprising

transmission means for transmitting wireless data signals; receiver means for receiving wireless data signals from a remote location; control means for determining the location of the device based upon one or more received signals and for controlling the transmission of a data signal representative of the location of the device to a remote operator system; wherein the device further comprises a biometric touch sensor for determining a physical biometric characteristic of the user.
2. A tracking device according to claim 1, wherein the biometric touch sensor comprises a fingerprint or thumbprint scanner.
3. A tracking device according to claim I or claim 2, wherein the device has data storage means for storing data relating to the physical biometric characteristic for the user.
4. A tracking device according to claim 3, wherein upon determining the physical biometric characteristic of the user, the control means compares the sensed characteristic to the stored data in order to determine whether a match has occurred and controls subsequent transmission of a data signal dependent upon said determination.
5. A tracking device according to claim 4, wherein a data signal indicating the positive verification, the time and location of the user is transmitted upon determination of a match between the sensed and stored biometric data.
6. A tracking device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein specified time periods for tracking of the user can be stored in the data storage means.
7. A tracking device according to claim 6, wherein verification requests are issued to the user by the device at random time intervals during the specified time intervals.
8. A tracking device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein predetermined geographical areas can be stored in the data storage means.
9. A tracking device according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined geographical areas comprise inclusion zones.
10. A tracking device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the predetermined geographical areas comprise exclusion zones, which are off-limits to a user.
11. A tracking device according to any one of claims 8, 9 or 10, wherein the control means is arranged to instruct transmission of a signal indicative of whether a user has entered, failed to enter or left the predetermined geographical areas.
12. A tracking device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein different preset rules pertaining to the monitoring of said predetermined geographical areas are defined by a plurality of modes of operation, said modes of operation being selectively activated by an operator.
13. A tracking device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device takes the form of a handset having a cover portion for protecting the biometric touch sensor when not in use.
14. A tracking device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a display screen and/or a speaker.
15. A tracking device according to any preceding claim, comprising a GPS module and a GSM module.
18. A system for remotely monitoring the location of a tracking device according to any one of claims I to 14.
17. A system according to claim 16 arranged to generate a visual representation of the vicinity of the user to an operator.