GB2470901A

GB2470901A - Area monitoring and selective wireless information transmission

Info

Publication number: GB2470901A
Application number: GB0909810A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Antony Gerard Mcloughlin; Reuben Edwards
Original assignee: MOLARITY Ltd
Current assignee: MOLARITY Ltd
Priority date: 2009-06-08
Filing date: 2009-06-08
Publication date: 2010-12-15
Also published as: GB0909810D0

Abstract

Monitoring means (2) are arranged wirelessly to monitor a volume of space (3) for the entry, or exit, of the remote wireless device, and to obtain from it an ID data item identifying it. A database (7) contains data for a transmission to a remote communication device, and data is retrieved conditionally from the database in response to a retrieval request from the detection of the presence of the wireless device. The data selected is based upon to the ID data item(s) and a contemporaneous calculation. Re-entry of a device into an area, and depending upon the time elapsed, may lead to retrieval of certain data. The device may remain in communications or indeed a wireless network whilst within the area. The system may be used in monitoring staff/police : public ratios in an emergency department, a football stand or in stock takes identifying shelf life, type of product and previous purchasing decisions. The system may use RFID tags, GPS, Bluetooth or other triangulation methods.

Description

Communications Systems and Methods The present invention relates to communications systems and methods, and particularly, though not exclusively, communications systems and methods for wireless communications.

The monitoring and intelligent use and usability of resources is a task the complexity of which increases rapidly as the number of resources and the number of resource users increases.

Properties not only of the resources but also of the resource users should preferably be taken into account when managing the resources.

An example includes managing product resources, such as levels of stock of a plurality of stocked products in a warehouse, factory of supermarket, accessed or consumed by a plurality of individuals with different requirements or needs.

Automated control or monitoring of stock levels typically currently employs the use of a database containing information regarding stocked items who's priority, usage or stock level may change over time. Databases serving large numbers of stock items require much maintenance. The management the use of stock and changing requirements of use of the stock may draw heavily on such a database. The present invention aims to provide means and methods with which to efficiently use such a database in such circumstances.

Another example of managing resources includes managing resources at facilities such as hospital waiting rooms, sports stadiums or railway stations, or staff thereat, when a large number of members of public use those resources. The invention aims to provide means and methods for efficiently controlling the use of such resources located at or across several separate regions of a facility such as a sports stadium or several hospitals, railway stations or the like.

In a first of its aspects, the invention may provide a communications apparatus for (e.g. wirelessly) transmitting a transmission, e.g. comprising data, conditionally to a remote communications device comprising: monitoring means arranged wirelessly to monitor a volume of space for the entry therein of a remote wireless communications device, and to obtain from the remote wireless communications device an ID data item(s) identifying the remote wireless communications device in response to detection of said entry thereby; database means containing data for a transmission to a remote communications device (e.g. the remote wireless communications device); data retrieval means operable to retrieve data conditionally from the database means in response to a retrieval request from the monitoring means and therewith to provide (e.g. generate) transmission data; transmitter means arranged to receive transmission data from the data retrieval means and for transmitting said transmission data (e.g. retrieved data, or information derived therefrom) to said remote communications device; wherein the monitoring means is arranged to issue a retrieval request including said ID data item in response to detection of said entry, and the data retrieval means is arranged to retrieve data from the database means according to one or more conditions imposed by the data retrieval means based upon the ID data item(s) . In this way, the burden of database usage is constrained or controlled to occur only when a specific event occurs and according to specified conditions.

The data retrieval means is preferably arranged to impose the condition(s) according to a contemporaneous calculation(s) thereby in response to a retrieval request. The remote wireless device may be a mobile phone handset, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identity) card or device or other wireless communications device containing an ID data item identifying the device (preferably uniquely; e.g. Universal ID (UID) in a mobile telephone handset) and operable to communicate or permit that ID data item to be acquired wirelessly by a monitoring means (e.g. a mobile phone detector, or an RFID detector). The monitored volume may surround (e.g. be centred upon) the monitoring means. A Bluetooth-type technology (e.g. monitoring transceiver) may be used to this end. However, the monitored volume may be remote or separate from the monitoring means as necessary. For example, a Global Positioning System (GPS) technology (e.g. receiver), or terrestrially-based telecommunications signal triangulation methodology, may be employed to monitor the location of a remote wireless communications. This may employ monitoring means which may, in use, be outside a volume being monitored. For example, the position of a remote wireless communications device (e.g. telephone handset) may be remotely monitored (e.g. both outside and inside the monitored volume) to determine if/when the monitored location falls within (e.g. enters) the monitored volume of space (e.g. a region of a city, or of a street etc) The transmission data may contain the retrieved data, and/or may contain information (e.g. a message) derived from or according to the retrieved data. The data retrieval means or the database means may be arranged to generate or provide the content of the transmission.

The monitoring means may be a wireless transceiver arranged to continuously, or repeatedly, transmit a wireless (e.g. broadcast) monitoring signal which extends to a selected detectable range. The monitoring signal may be arranged (e.g. in signal frequency, in structure, or content) to be detectable by a corresponding wireless transceiver within the selected detectable range, and may be recognisable or identifiable by such as a monitoring signal (e.g. by virtue of the frequency, structure or content of the monitoring signal) . The corresponding wireless transceiver may be arranged to respond automatically to detection of the monitoring signal.

The transceiver of the monitoring means may be arranged/tuned to transmit monitoring signals which the transceiver of the remote wireless communications device is correspondingly tuned to detect. For example, the transceiver of the monitoring means may be tuned to transmit/receive monitoring signals using radio waves limited to a frequency within the range 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz. The transceiver of the remote wireless communications device may be tuned to transmit/receive radio waves limited to a frequency of within the range 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz.

For example, the monitoring means may employ Bluetooth transceiver apparatus and the remote wireless communications device may employ Bluetooth transceiver apparatus.

Alternatively, the transceivers of the monitoring means and the remote wireless communications device may employ satellite positioning apparatus, such as Global Positioning Systems technology (GPS), transceivers or relevant equipment or the equivalent thereof.

Preferably the monitoring means is arranged to transmit monitoring signals arranged such that a remote wireless communications device (e.g. Bluetooth transceiver) is responsive to such signals to provide its ID data item (e.g. UID) automatically without generating any directed/addressed or dedicated communications link between remote wireless communications device and monitoring means. For example, the monitoring means preferably does not "connect" to the remote wireless communications device (e.g. mobile phone handset) containing the Bluetooth transceiver.

The monitoring signals may be un-addressed (e.g. broadcast) and the monitoring means may be arranged to receive un-addressed (e. g. broadcast) signals sent by a remote wireless communications device in response/reply to a monitoring signal.

The transmitter means may be arranged to transmit said transmission data (e.g. retrieved data, or derived therefrom) to a remote communications device wirelessly or otherwise (e.g. by land-line, optically, electronically etc.), via a directed or addressed message or signal. For example, the transmitter means may be arranged to transmit said transmission data (e.g. retrieved data, or derived therefrom) wirelessly to the remote wireless communications device which prompted the data retrieval. The data retrieval means may store a telephone number, email address or other address sufficient to enable the transmission to be transmitted to a destination associated with the ID data item of the remote wireless communications device.

The data retrieval means may be arranged to perform the contemporaneous calculation(s) by performing arithmetic calculations. The arithmetic involved, or the content of the arithmetic involved, may be dependent upon the ID data item.

The arithmetic expressions or values employed in the contemporaneous calculation may be selected according to the ID data item. The terms expressions or values of the arithmetic may be time-dependant. They may vary according to the time and/or date of detection of said entry of the remote wireless communications device into the monitored volume (which the monitoring means preferably records) and/or according to the time and/or date of receipt of a retrieval request at the data retrieval means (which the data retrieval means preferably records) The data retrieval means may be arranged to impose the condition(s) according to the values of a plurality of separate priority metrics. A priority metric may be a numerical value representing a calculated priority level, which may be contemporaneously calculated in response to a retrieval request.

The priority metric may be associated with, or identifiably correspond with, an ID data item. The data retrieval means is preferably arranged to provide such association or correspondence.

The data retrieval means may contain priority profile data which associates a plurality of priority metrics with an ID data item. This is preferably a pre-recorded data set indicating the given, observed, calculated or deemed priorities associated with the holder or user of the remote wireless communications device possessing the ID data item. Priority metric(s) in the priority profile data of a given ID data item may be updated, amended or modified according to the observed or recorded behaviour (historical and/or contemporary) of the user of the device bearing the ID. For example, the data retrieval means may be arranged to calculate the frequency of, or interval between, or period during which an entry detection is made regarding the device. The results of such calculations may be usable/used by the data retrieval means to update, amend or modify priority metrics. Priority metrics may be modified by direct request by a user of the device bearing the ID data item and/or directly by the user of the communications apparatus or data retrieval means.

The data retrieval means may be arranged to calculate a decision metric using a plurality of priority metrics, and to act upon a data retrieval request on condition that the decision metric satisfies a predefined condition (e.g. exceeds a threshold value, falls within a range of values etc) The value of the decision metric may be calculated as any of: (a) the arithmetic sum of the values a plurality of priority metrics; (b) the sum of the squared values of a plurality of priority metrics, or the square root of that sum; A first priority metric may quantify a measure of the physical condition of a product and/or the priority to use or dispose of (e.g. sell) the product within a period of time or by a specified time or date, or the requirement to discard of or destroy the product after such time or date. The value of the first priority metric may be time-dependent and may vary according to the difference between a current time and a specified reference (e.g. deadline) time.

A second priority metric may quantify a measure of the priority an owner/user of the remote wireless communications device assigns, or is deemed to assign, to a product. The second priority metric may be of constant value indicating no priority (e.g. value = zero), or indicating a disinterest (e.g. value < zero) . The value of the second priority metric may be time-dependent and may vary according to the difference between a current time or date and a calculated reference time or date.

The calculated reference time/date may be the time or date of most recent prior purchase/acquisition of the given product by the owner/user of the remote wireless communications device, or may be the time/date of a most recent prior retrieval request, or transmission of transmission data, associated with the ID data item of the remote wireless communications device.

A third priority metric may quantify a measure of the priority a product provider assigns, or is deemed to assign, to disseminating data or information about a product. The third priority metric may quantify the priority to disseminate (e.g. advertise) the product within a period of time or up to a specified time or date etc. The value of the third priority metric may be time-dependent and may vary according to the difference between a current time and a specified reference time (e.g. "end of offer/sale" time) The value of any one of the priority metrics may be dependent upon the value of any one or more of the other priority metrics.

For example, a priority metric may be defined algebraically (e.g. as a mathematical equation or expression), or may be defined numerically or expressed as a tabulated sequence of values in which a given value is representative of the priority metric at a tabulated time or as part of a temporal sequence of such values. A priority metric may comprise a combination of a direct temporal component the value of which is arranged to be directly proportional to time, and a weighting component the value of which may or may not be time dependent and/or may or may not be dependent upon the value(s) of any number of other priority metrics. One or both of the direct temporal component and the weighting component may be expressed algebraically or numerically (e.g. tabulated sequence of values) A priority metric (P) may be expressed in the form: P-_Wx(1-t/t0), where t is equal to or greater than zero and t<t0 initially.

The parameter t may represent time or date, the parameter to may represent a reference time or date (e.g. defining a deadline time or date) . Collectively, the parameters t and t0 may define a direct temporal component, and the parameter W may represent a weighting component.

The weighting component (W) may be expressed in the form: W=W0exp(at), where t is equal to or greater than zero and where o may be positive, zero or negative, and W0 may be a normalising factor selected such that the maximum value of the priority metric (P) is 1 (one), alternatively W0 may be set to a value of 1 (one) . The exponent parameter o may be dependent upon the values of one or more other priority metrics (Pt)

For example,

or a=fl1, where the factors w1 are weights (e.g. real numbers, positive or negative) which may be any suitable value, or may each be set to a value of 1 (one) . Alternatively, the value of o may be cx=l/t0.

In this way, priority metric may be selected in such a way that it possesses an initial (starting) value (at time t=O) representing the highest priority (e.g. P=l (one)), to a value of zero at time t=to, and to negative values subsequently.

The priority metric may decrease monotonically from a maximal starting value to a value of zero at time t=to, and to negative values subsequently, or may pass through a peak value (e.g. or 1 (one) if normalised) between t=O and t=t0.

The monitoring means may be arranged to record the time and/or date of detection of entry and/or exit of the remote wireless communications device into/from the monitored volume. The data retrieval means may be arranged to perform any one or more of the following operations in response to a retrieval request: (a) record the time and/or date of detection by the monitoring means of entry of the remote wireless communications device into the monitored volume of space or the time and/or date of receipt of a given retrieval request; (b) record the ID data item in response to a retrieval request; (c) compare the ID data item against other ID data items previously recorded thereby, and indicate when a match is found; (d) to compare the time and/or date of detected entry or retrieval request associated with an ID data item the subject of a current retrieval request with the time and/or date, respectively, of a prior detected entry or prior retrieval request associated with the same ID data item previously recorded.

The time (t) employed in a priority metric may be the time recorded according to (a) above less the time of initiating the priority metric in question -thus the time (t) may be the time since initiation of the priority metric (t=O) . The time (t) employed in a priority metric may be the time difference determined according to the comparison at (d) above -thus the time (t) may be the time since prior entry detection (t=O) The decision metric may be constrained to have a value of zero if any one of the priority metrics employed in calculating the decision metric has a negative value. This may ensure a certain decision outcome is made if a priority metric value is negative. A negative value of a priority metric may be deemed to indicate that no data retrieval should be performed -e.g. the circumstances (e.g. time) for which the decision metric was valid have expired.

For example, the decision metric (S) may be defined such that: Sj]2 if fJi�=O else SrO.

The data retrieval means may be arranged to retrieve data from the database means on condition that: axS<S<bxS, where Smax is the maximum value attainable by the decision metric in question, and where the factors a and b (a < b) are positive real numbers or fractions equal to or less than 1 (one) in value (e.g. a=O.5, b=1.O) The decision metric, or a priority metric, may be dependent upon the number of prior entry detections associated with a given ID data item. The metric may be proportional (e.g. directly) to the total number of such detections in a specified period of time (e.g. within a day, a week, a month etc) . The data retrieval means may be arranged, upon each new entry detection, to increment (e.g. by 1 (one)) a number (N) representing the number or prior such entry detections since a specified reference time or date. The number (N) may be compared to a reference number (T) at each increment and a retrieval of data from the database means may be on condition that N>T. Methods may be employed to vary decision metrics or priority metrics according to predictions/calculations based on prior behaviour patterns of persons carrying the remote wireless devices within monitored volumes (e.g. product purchase patterns, stock usage patterns etc) In this way, the data retrieval means may be arranged to generate and use a record/history of past entry detection statistics associated with an identified individual remote wireless communications device. These statistics may then be employed in applying or imposing conditions upon data retrieval from the database means.

The data retrieval means may be arranged to retrieve data from the database means according to any one or more of the following conditions: (a) the ID data item exists within a registration list accessible by (e.g. pre-stored within) the data retrieval means; (b) a minimum duration of time has elapsed between the time or date of the current entry detection and the time or date of a most recent preceding entry detection of the same remote wireless communications device; (c) a minimum duration of time has elapsed between the time or date of the current entry detection and the time or date of a most recent previous transmission of retrieved data to the same remote wireless communications device; (d) the database contains retrievable data of a predefined data class which conforms to a data class identified in a data class conformity list stored in the data retrieval means in association with the ID data item.

In condition (a), a registration list may be provided identifying the ID data items of those remote wireless communications devices the users of which have agreed to receive transmissions derived from data retrieved conditionally from the database means. The existence of an ID data item on such a list may serve as a condition to retrieving data from the database means in response to a retrieval request associated with a given ID data item (e.g. "white list") Alternatively, or additionally, condition (a) may employ a registration list identifying ID data items of those remote wireless communications devices the users of which have indicated a wish not to receive transmission derived from retrieved database data (e.g. a "blacklist") . The existence of a given ID data item on such a list may serve as a conthtion to not retrieve data from the database means or the absence of a given ID data item from such a list may be a condition to retrieve and transmit to the remote device associated with that ID.

In condition (b), the data retrieval means may be arranged to automatically determine whether it is necessary or desirable to retrieve data from the database means given that a remote communications device may have received a transmission derived from retrieval data sufficiently recently. The data retrieval means may be arranged to compare the value of the difference between successive entry detection times, associated with a given remote wireless communications device, to a threshold value representing a required minimum duration (e.g. a number of hours, days, weeks or months) . The same may apply to condition (c) in relation to a current entry detection and a most recent prior transmission (or prior act of data retrieval for transmission) to a remote device associated with the wireless device currently detected.

In any embodiment, the data retrieval means may preferably be arranged to record the time and/or date of a data retrieval operation or transmission and record that in association with the ID data item of the device concerned.

In condition (d) the data retrieval means may be arranged to be updated with information indicating the presence within the database means of data designated suitable for use in transmissions to a remote device. A database means may be arranged to transmit to the data retrieval means a list of contents thereof and/or update data indicating a relevant change to database content. The update data may be transmitted in response to a change in database content.

Examples include a change in stock levels and/or stock items in a warehouse or supermarket, or a stock room therefor or a new (e.g. time-limited) special sales offer or promotion of specified items of stock.

The data retrieval means may be arranged to classify each data item contained within the database according to the nature, properties or other characteristic of the product, article or item to which the data item relates.

The monitoring means may be arranged wirelessly to monitor a volume of space surrounding the monitoring means for the exit therefrom of the remote wireless communications device (which may be the detected absence of a remote wireless communication device which was detected as present within a monitored volume immediately beforehand) . Preferably, the monitoring means is arranged to record the time and/or date of detection of an exit by a remote wireless communications device.

The data retrieval means may be arranged to retrieve data from the database means on condition that a minimum duration of time has not elapsed between the time and/or date of the current entry detection and the time and/or date of a subsequent succeeding exit detection of the same remote wireless communications device.

For example, the data retrieval means may be arranged to calculate the difference between the time of entry detection and the time of subsequent exit detection, to compare the value of the difference to a reference/threshold value, and to retrieve data from the database means on condition that the reference/threshold value exceeds the calculated difference value.

Thus, the apparatus may interrogate the database means when the occupancy of the remote wireless device within the monitored volume has been sufficiently brief. For example, an individual who had entered the monitored volume and had remained there for a period of time deemed insufficient, may be the subject (conditionally) of a message from the transmitter means. This may be useful in guiding individuals who are intending, or an intended, to be occupy the monitored volume but are lost. It may be useful in contacting individuals from whom it is desired to elicit a return to the monitored volume (e.g. a customer who has exited a shop, security personnel responsible for the monitored volume, a monitored/tagged individual etc) The monitoring means may be arranged to transmit wirelessly a monitoring signal to which a said remote wireless communications device is responsive only if within said volume of space. The volume may be defined by the detectable extent of the monitoring signal transmissions. The monitoring means may be arranged to transmit wirelessly a monitoring signal to which a said remote wireless communications device is responsive to transmit wirelessly to the monitoring means said ID data item associated therewith. An example of this is an existing "Bluetooth" type communications transceiver/system.

Upon obtaining an ID data item the monitoring means, or the data retrieval means, may be arranged to compare the obtained ID data item to previously obtained ID data items associated with o t h e r remote wireless communications devices contemporaneously present within said volume of space. The monitoring means may also be arranged to determine that a said entry has been detected if the obtained ID data item differs from the ID data items to which it is so compared. In this way, the monitoring means may identify an entry of a new remote wireless device into the monitored volume. Detection of the exit of such a device may be determined by the detected absence of a device previously deemed present (on account of its ID) in the monitored volume.

The monitoring means may be arranged to form a communications link with a said remote wireless communications device for the duration of time said remote wireless communications device remains within said volume of space. Data or a message(s) may be transferred between the remote wireless device (e.g. wireless laptop, mobile telephone/radio communications handset etc) and the apparatus by use of such link.

The monitoring means may be arranged to form a communications network with one or more said remote wireless communications devices whilst within said volume of space. The monitoring means may be arranged to monitor the number of members present within such a network, e.g. in order to determine entry and/or exit of remote wireless devices from the monitored volume.

The communications apparatus may include at least one remote wireless communications device.

The monitoring means may be arranged to transmit wirelessly a monitoring signal to which a said remote wireless communications device is responsive if within a signal reception range of the monitoring means. The signal reception range preferably defines the volume of space and has a value controlled by the monitoring means according to the monitoring signal transmission power.

Wireless communications are preferably conveyed using radio waves. The monitoring signal may be conveyed by radio waves which the monitoring means transmits at a power of less than 100 milliWatts. The monitored volume of space may be a spherical volume of radius no greater than 200 metres, preferably no greater than 50 metres, or no greater than 30 metres, or optionally no greater then 20 metres.

It will be appreciated that the invention described above realises a corresponding or equivalent method of communication which the present invention encompasses.

For example, in a second of its aspects, the invention may provide a method for (e. g. wirelessly) transmitting a transmission (e.g. data) conditionally to a remote communications device comprising: wirelessly monitoring a volume of space for the entry therein of the remote wireless communications device, and obtaining from the remote wireless communications device an ID data item(s) identifying the remote wireless communications device in response to detection of said entry thereby; providing data for a transmission to a remote communications device (e.g. the remote wireless communications device); issuing a retrieval request containing said ID data item in response to detection of said entry; retrieving data from said provided data in response to a retrieval request therefor conditionally according to one or more conditions based upon to the ID data item(s) and therewith providing transmission data; transmitting said transmission data (e.g. retrieved data) to said remote communications device. The conditions are preferably imposed according to a contemporaneous calculation in response to a retrieval request.

The transmission data may include the retrieved data and/or may include information derived from the retrieved data. The monitored volume may be monitored from within (e.g. be centrally) or outwith (e.g from the outside of) the monitored volume. A Bluetooth-type technology (e.g. monitoring transceiver) may be used to this end. However, the monitored volume may be remote or separate from the monitoring means as necessary. For example, Global Positioning System (GPS) technology (e.g. receiver), or terrestrially-based telecommunications signal triangulation methodology, may be employed to monitor the location of a remote wireless communications. This may employ monitoring a monitored volume from outside that volume. For example, the position of a remote wireless communications device (e.g. telephone handset) may be remotely monitored (e.g. both outside and inside the monitored volume) to determine if/when the monitored location falls within (e.g. enters) the monitored volume of space (e.g. a region of a city, or of a street etc) The method may include continuously, or repeatedly, transmitting a wireless (e.g. broadcast) monitoring signal which extends to a selected detectable range.

The method may include transmitting a tuned monitoring signal to which the transceiver of a remote wireless communications device is correspondingly tuned to detect. For example, the method may include using radio waves limited to a frequency within the range 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz.

The method may include responding, via a remote wireless communications device (e.g. Bluetooth transceiver), to such signals to provide the ID data (e.g. Bluetooth transceiver UID) automatically without requiring a directed/addressed or dedicated communications link to the remote wireless communications device The method may include issuing un-addressed (e.g. broadcast) monitoring signals, and may include receiving an un-addressed (e. g. broadcast) signals sent by a remote wireless communications device in response/reply to a monitoring signal.

The method may include transmitting the transmission (e.g. retrieved data, or information derived therefrom) to a remote communications device wirelessly or otherwise (e.g. by land-line, optically, electronically etc.), via a directed or addressed message or signal.

The method may include performing the contemporaneous calculation(s) by performing arithmetic calculations. The arithmetic involved, or the content of the arithmetic involved, may be dependent upon the ID data item.

The arithmetic expressions or values employed in the calculation may be selected according to the ID data item. The terms expressions or values of the arithmetic may be time-dependant -they may vary according to the time and/or date of detection of said entry of the remote wireless communications device into the monitored volume (which may be recorded) and/or according to the time and/or date of receipt of a retrieval request at the data retrieval means (which is preferably recorded) The method may include imposing the condition(s) according to the values of a plurality of separate priority metrics. A priority metric may be a numerical value representing a calculated priority level, which may be contemporaneously calculated in response to a retrieval request.

The method may include use of priority profile data which associates a plurality of priority metrics with an ID data item. This is preferably a pre-recorded data set indicating the given, observed, calculated or deemed priorities associated with the holder or user of the remote wireless communications device possessing the ID data items. Priority metric(s) in the priority profile data of a given ID data item may be updated, amended or modified according to the observed or recorded behaviour (historical and/or contemporary) of the user of the device bearing the ID. For example, the method may include calculating the frequency of, or interfere between, or period during which an entry detection is made regarding the device.

The results of such calculations may be usable/used to update, amend or modify priority metrics. Priority metrics may be modified by direct request by a user of the device bearing the ID data item and/or directly by the user of the method.

The method may involve calculating a decision metric using a plurality of priority metrics, and acting upon a data retrieval request on condition that the decision metric satisfies a predefined condition (e.g. exceeds a threshold valuer fallS within a range of values etc) The value of the decision metric may be calculated as described above with reference to the invention in its first aspect.

The method may include recording the time and/or date of detection of entry and/or exit of the remote wireless communications device into/from the monitored volume. The method may include performing any one or more of the following operations in response to a retrieval request: (e) recording the time and/or date of detection by the monitoring means of entry of the remote wireless communications device into the monitored volume of space or the time and/or date of receipt of a given retrieval request; (f) recording the ID data item in response to a retrieval request; (g) comparing the ID data item against other ID data items previously recorded, and indicating when a match is found; (h) comparing the time and/or date of detected entry or retrieval request associated with an ID data item the subject of a current retrieval request with the time and/or date, respectively, of a prior detected entry or prior retrieval request associated with the same ID data item previously recorded.

The method may include constraining the decision metric to have a value of zero if any one of the priority metrics employed in calculating the decision metric has a negative value. A negative value of a priority metric may be deemed to indicate that no data retrieval should be performed.

For example, the decision metric (S) may be defined as described above. The method may include retrieving data from the database means on condition that: axS<S<bxS, where Smax is the maximum value attainable by the decision metric in question, and where the factors a and b (a < b) are positive real numbers or fractions equal to or less than 1 (one) in value (e.g. a=O.5, b=1.O) The method may include transmitting wirelessly a monitoring signal to which a said remote wireless communications device is responsive only if within said volume of space.

The method may include transmitting wirelessly a monitoring signal to which a said remote wireless communications device is responsive to transmit wirelessly said ID data item associated therewith, and detecting said transmitted ID data item thereby to obtain it.

The method may include comparing the obtained ID data item to previously obtained ID data items associated with other remote wireless communications devices contemporaneously present within said volume of space, and determining that a said entry has been detected if the obtain an ID data item differs from the ID data items to which it is so compared.

The method may include forming a communications link with a said remote wireless communications device for the duration of time said remote wireless communications device remains within said volume of space.

The method may include forming a communications network with one or more said remote wireless communications devices whilst within said volume of space.

The method may include retrieving data from the provided data according to any one or more of the following conditions: (a) the ID data item exists within a registration list (e.g. identifying the remote communications device as permitted to receive retrieved data); (b) a minimum duration of time has elapsed between the time and/or date of the current entry detection and the time and/or date of a most recent preceding entry detection of the same remote wireless communications device; (c) a minimum duration of time has elapsed between the time and/or date of the current entry detection and the time and/or date of a most recent previous transmission of retrieved data to the same remote wireless communications device; (d) the database contains retrievable data of a predefined data class which conforms to a data class which the remote communications device is permitted to receive.

The conditions (a) to (d) may be as described above in relation to the invention in its first aspect.

The method may include wirelessly monitoring a volume of space for the exit therefrom of the remote wireless communications device.

The method may include retrieving data from the provided data on condition that a minimum duration of time has not elapsed between the time and/or date of the current entry detection and the time and/or date of a subsequent succeeding exit detection of the same remote wireless communications device.

The method may include transmitting wirelessly a monitoring signal to which a said remote wireless communications device is responsive if within a signal reception range of the monitoring means, wherein the signal reception range defines said volume of space and the method includes controlling the value of the signal reception range according to the monitoring signal transmission power.

The method may include conveying wireless communications using radio waves. The method may include conveying the monitoring signal by radio waves transmitted at a power of less than 100 milliWatts. The volume of space is a spherical volume of radius no greater than 200 metres, preferably no greater than 50 metres, or no greater than 30 metres, or optionally no greater then 20 metres.

The database means may contain data for retrieval comprising perishable products (food, chemicals etc), or goods who's physical condition changes over time and who's condition may be of interest to individuals in a location indicative of an interest or responsibility to make decisions regarding those goods according to their condition. The goods or products in question may be housed in a warehouse, factory, shop, or other location and the apparatus may be located within the warehouse, factory shop or other location in order to detect the presence there of relevant individuals via their remote wireless communications devices. Such individuals may include customers in a shop or supermarket, factory or warehouse staff in a factory or warehouse or process plant.

The retrieval means may be arranged to retrieve any one or more of the following categories or types of database data: (a) the shelf-life of a product; (b) the "use-by" date or "sell-by" date of a product; (c) the existence of a sale, special offer or promotional price in respect of a product; (d) the product details, class or type e.g. to which items (a) to (c) relate; (e) a product identified by the retrieval means as relevant to a given ID data item (e.g. within a data class conformity list) The database means may be arranged to indicate to the data retrieval means a change in database content resulting in new data relating to any of data types (a) to (e) or others. Thus, interaction between the database means and the data retrieval means is kept to a minimum -this enhances efficiency and reduces the burden on the system in avoiding the need to have the data retrieval means undertake routing "stock-takes" in order to assess database content. The data retrieval means may be arranged to generate a message for transmission to a remote device in which the message content includes, or is derived from data retrieved from the database. This may include a message regarding levels of certain product stock, or regarding the use or sale of goods dictated by a "use-by" or a "sell-by" date, or regarding the use or sale of goods of a certain class, and/or subject to a sale, special offer or promotional price.

The data retrieval means may be arranged to transmit a voucher to a remote device, such as data defining a bar-code displayable on an electronic display means, which may be redeemable at a designated shop or outlet e.g. an offer in respect of the purchase of a product.

In a third of its aspects, the invention may provide a communications apparatus for wirelessly monitoring occupancy of a plurality of separate regions comprising: a plurality of separate monitoring means each arranged wirelessly to monitor a separate respective volume of space or region for the entry therein or exit therefrom of a remote wireless communications device, and to obtain from the remote wireless communications device an ID data item(s) identifying the remote wireless communications device in response to detection of said entry thereby; occupancy means operable to receive each of an entry detection signal and an exit detection signal from any of the plurality of monitoring means indicating a detection thereby of a said entry or a said exit, and to generate occupancy data relating to the occupancy of monitored volumes of space using said detection signal(s); wherein each of the plurality of monitoring means is arranged to issue an entry detection signal or an exit detection signal in response to detection of a respective said entry or said exit, and the occupancy means is arranged to generate said occupancy data according to conditions imposed thereby based upon the ID data item(s) . A, some or each monitored volume/region surrounding the respective monitoring means may be arranged to monitor the volume of space or region surrounding the respective monitoring means (e.g. be centred upon it) . A Bluetooth-type technology (e.g. monitoring transceiver) may be used to this end. However, the monitored volume may be remote or separate from the monitoring means as necessary. For example, a Global Positioning System (GPS) technology (e.g. receiver), or terrestrially-based telecommunications signal triangulation methodology, may be employed to monitor the location of a remote wireless communications. This may employ monitoring means which may, in use, be outside a volume being monitored. For example, the position of a remote wireless communications device (e.g. telephone handset) may be remotely monitored (e.g. both outside and inside the monitored volume) to determine if/when the monitored location falls within (e.g. enters) or outside (e.g. exits) the monitored volume of space.

In this way a plurality of regions may be monitored for their occupancy levels and the flow of individuals to and from those regions. By obtaining ID data items, the apparatus is able to determine whether or not an entry detection results from a re-entry of the same individual who previously exited the region, or results from entry of a new individual. This indicates a change of population within the monitored region.

Conditions applied to the generation of occupancy data based upon ID data item(s) may be such as to exclude from such data entry/exit information associated with pre-selected ID data items. This enables a user of the apparatus to filter out from occupancy data individuals who's presence within the monitored region is to be ignored. Alternatively, or additionally, the ID data items may be used to identify how individual entry/exit detection events should be used to generate occupancy data.

For example, entry/exit detection events associated with pre- selected ID data items may uniquely be the subject of pre-selected calculations or compilation.

For example, a monitored region may be one region of a plurality of monitored regions within and/or around the grounds a football stadium, a railway station or other public area: ID data items associated with exit/entry of staff may be compiled separately into staff occupancy data; ID data items associated with exit/entry of police officers may be compiled separately into police occupancy data; ID data items associated with exit/entry of members of the public may be compiled into public occupancy data.

For example, an/each monitored region may be a hospital (e.g Accident & Emergency (A&E) ward) : ID data items associated with exit/entry of one class of hospital staff (e.g. A&E staff) may be compiled separately into first staff occupancy data; ID data items associated with exit/entry of another class of hospital staff (e.g. non-A&E staff) may be compiled separately into second staff occupancy data; ID data items associated with exit/entry of members of the public may be compiled into public occupancy data.

The occupancy means may be arranged to generate occupancy data according to the levels of occupancy in a plurality of monitored regions, or according to different classes of occupancy data within a given monitored region. For example, the occupancy means may be arranged to generate data according the relative values of occupancy of the same class within different of the plurality of monitored regions, or the relative occupancy of different classes within the same monitored region. Examples include: monitoring the same-class occupancy in different regions to determine over-capacity or under-capacity in each region; monitoring the ratio of occupancy in different classes within the same region (e.g. staff-to-police ratio in a football stand; patient-to-A&E staff occupancy in a hospital) The occupancy means may be arranged to perform contemporaneous occupancy calculation(s) in response to receipt of an exit and/or entry detection signal, in order to generate occupancy data for use. These may be arithmetic calculations. The arithmetic involved, or the content of the arithmetic involved, may be dependent upon the ID data item.

The arithmetic expressions or values employed in the contemporaneous calculation may be selected according to the ID data item. The terms expressions or values of the arithmetic may be time-dependant. They may vary according to the time and/or date of detection of said entry of the remote wireless communications device into the monitored volume (which the occupancy means preferably records) and/or according to the time and/or date of receipt of an exit/entry detection signal (which the occupancy means preferably records) The occupancy means may be arranged to impose the condition(s) according to the values of a plurality of separate priority metrics. A priority metric may be a numerical value representing a calculated priority level, which may be contemporaneously calculated in response to receipt by the occupancy means of an entry/exit detection signal.

The priority metric may be associated with, or identifiably correspond with, an ID data item. The occupancy means is preferably arranged to provide such association or correspondence. For example, the priority metric may be associated with a class of persons (e.g. public, staff, police, A&E staff etc) with which a given ID data item can be correlated.

The occupancy means may be arranged to calculate occupancy data using a plurality of priority metrics, and to conditionally generate an output on condition that the decision metric satisfies a predefined condition (e.g. exceeds a threshold value, falls within a range of values etc) The value of the decision metric may be calculated as any of: * the arithmetic sum of the values a plurality of priority metrics; * the sum of the squared va]ues of a plurality of priority metrics, or the square root of that sum.

A first priority metric may quantify a measure of the physical condition of a monitored region -such as its capacity to accommodate persons, or the suitability of the region to accommodate a variety of numbers of persons. The value of the first priority metric may be time-dependent and may vary according to the difference between a current time and a specified reference (e.g. deadline) time.

A second priority metric may quantify a measure of the priority associated with the time to elapse (or having elapsed) relative to a specified time or date. Examples include the waitThg time of a detected individual (e.g. member of public) in a queue or waiting area (stadium turnstile queue, A&E waiting room etc) A third priority metric may quantify the priority associated with different occupancy levels in a given area e.g. according to different classes of individual (e.g. police, staff, public etc) . A priority metric may be expressed as described above with reference to the invention in its first aspect.

The occupancy means may include message generation means for conditionally generating a message according to the value of a decision metric. The message may be intended for users of the apparatus, or individuals within monitored regions (e.g. police, staff, public) . The message may be transmitted to the remote wireless communications devices detected within monitored regions, and/or may be transmitted to a separate information display/announcement apparatus.

The message may contain relevant information to the intended recipient intended to influence, instruct or control the recipient so as to manage the occupancy of the monitored regions (s) . Examples include messages to police or stall at a stadium to restrict or prevent movement into or out of a monitored area, or to move themselves to a different monitored area. Examples include massages to members of the public at a stadium or hospital (e.g. A&E ward) that a monitored region (e.g. football stand, railway station, A&E ward) has reached full capacity, and/or that another region has capacity available, or that an event (the start of the even hosted at the stadium) has been delayed according to occupancy data levels in critical regions.

The value of the third priority metric may be time-dependent and may vary according to the difference between a current time and a specified reference time (e.g. stadium event start time) The value of any one of the priority metrics may be dependent upon the value of any one or more of the other priority metrics.

For example, a priority metric may be defined algebraically (e.g. as a mathematical equation or expression), or may be defined numerically or expressed as a tabulated sequence of values in which a given value is representative of the priority metric at a tabulated time or as part of a temporal sequence of such values. A priority metric may comprise a combination of a direct temporal component the value of which is arranged to be directly proportional to time, and weighting component the value of which may of may not be time dependent and/or may or may not be dependent upon the value(s) of any number of other priority metrics. One or both of the direct temporal component and the weighting component may be expressed algebraically or numerically (e.g. tabulated sequence of values) A priority metric (Pt) for monitored region "j" may be expressed in the form: where N1 is the occupancy level in a given class (i) within a monitored region. The parameter W1 may represent a weighting component for that class.

The occupancy means may be arranged to record the time and/or date of detection of entry and/or exit of the remote wireless communications device into/from the monitored region. The occupancy means may be arranged to perform any one or more of the following operations in response to an entry/exit detection signal: * record the time and/or date of detection by the monitoring means of entry of the remote wireless communications device into the monitored region; * record the ID data item in response to a detection signal; * compare the ID data item against other ID data items previously recorded thereby, and indicate when a match is found.

The decision metric (S) may be defined such that: Sj]2 The occupancy means may be arranged to generate a message on condition that: a x S <S < b x where S is the maximum value attainable by the decision metric in question, and where the factors a and b (a < b) are positive real numbers or fractions equal to or less than 1 (one) in value (e.g. a=O.5, b=1.O) In this way, the occupancy means may be arranged to generate and use a record/history of past and present entry/exit detection statistics associated with a monitored region(s).

These statistics may then be employed in applying or imposing occupancy control or management measures (e.g. messages to monitored persons, or alarm signals to operators of the apparatus) The remote wireless device may be a mobile phone handset, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identity) card or device or other wireless communications device containing an ID data item identifying the device (preferably uniquely; e.g. Universal ID (UID) in a mobile telephone handset) and operable to communication or permit that ID data item to be acquired wirelessly by a monitoring means (e.g. a mobile phone detector, or an RFID detector) Use of the ID data item prevents "double-counting" in occupancy data. Calibration may be required to account to the fact that not all individuals in a monitored region may possess/carry a detectable remote wireless communication device. If the ratio of individuals carrying suitable such devices to those not carrying them can be estimated, than this estimate may be representative of any monitored region. Thus, should the estimate indicate that one in two individuals carry a suitable such device on average, within a monitored region, then an occupancy level determined in that region (or other region) using the number of detected such devices within the region, should be doubled in value to represent the likely true occupancy level.

Calibration of occupancy data maybe performed by comparing the detected occupancy level of a monitored region(s) in one some or all classes, and comparing that to corresponding occupancy levels obtained directly (e.g. by a manual or automated head-count) . The occupancy data may then be scaled or calibrated using the ratio of the detected occupancy level and the directly obtained occupancy level. Typically, calibration need only be dome infrequently, especially of a large population of individuals are counted thereby rendering the statistics more robust and representative.

Each monitoring means may be a wireless transceiver arranged to continuously, or repeatedly, transmit a wireless (e.g. broadcast) monitoring signal which extends to a selected detectable range. The monitoring signal may be arranged (e.g. in the frequency, in structure, or content) to be detectable by a corresponding wireless transceiver within the selected range, and may be recognisable or identifiable by such as a monitoring signal (e.g. by virtue of the arrangement, structure or content of the monitoring signal) . The corresponding wireless transceiver may he arranged to respond automatically to detection of the monitoring signal.

A, some or each respective monitoring means may be arranged to transmit wirelessly a monitoring signal to which a said remote wireless communications device is responsive only if within said respective volume of space.

A, some or each respective monitoring means may be arranged to transmit wirelessly a monitoring signal to which a said remote wireless communications device is responsive to transmit wirelessly to the monitoring means said ID data item associated therewith.

Upon obtaining an ID data item an, some or each respective monitoring means may be arranged to compare the obtained ID data item to previously obtained ID data items associated with other remote wireless communications devices contemporaneously present within said respective volume of space, and to determine that a said entry has been detected if the obtain an ID data item differs from the ID data items to which it is so compared.

A, some or each monitoring means may be arranged to form a communications link with a remote wireless communications device for the duration of time the remote wireless communications device remains within the respective volume of space.

A, some or each monitoring means may be arranged to form a communications network with one or more remote wireless communications devices whilst within a respective volume of space.

The occupancy means may be arranged to generate occupancy data according to any one or more of the following conditions: (a) the ID data item does not exist within a registration list pre-stored within the occupancy means (e.g. not staff or police etc) . This may be used to classify the detection event to a particular class (e.g. "member of public"); (b) the ID data item exists within a registration list pre-stored within the occupancy means (e.g. a registered staff member or police officer etc) . This may be used to classify the detection event to a particular class (e.g. "staff", "police") A communications apparatus may include at least one said remote wireless communications device.

A, some or each monitoring means may be arranged to transmit wirelessly a respective monitoring signal to which a remote wireless communications device is responsive if within a respective signal reception range of the monitoring means. The signal reception range preferably defines the respective volume of space and has a value controlled by the respective monitoring means according to the monitoring signal transmission power.

Wireless communications may be conveyed using radio waves.

Monitoring signals may be conveyed by radio waves which the monitoring means may transmit at a power of less than 100 milliWatts.

Each monitored volume of space may be a spherical volume of radius no greater than 200 metres, preferably no greater than metres, or no greater than 30 metres, or optionally no greater then 20 metres.

It will be appreciated that the invention described in its third aspect realises a corresponding or equivalent method of communication which the present invention encompasses.

In a fourth of its aspects, the invention may provide a method for wirelessly monitoring occupancy of a plurality of separate regions comprising: wirelessly monitoring a plurality of separate volumes of space for the entry therein or exit therefrom of a remote wireless communications device, and obtaining from the remote wireless communications device an ID data item(s) identifying the remote wireless communications device in response to detection of said entry thereby; generating an entry detection signal and/or an exit detection signal in response to detection of a respective said entry or said exit; generating occupancy data relating to the occupancy of monitored volumes of space using said detection signal(s) according to conditions based upon the ID data item(s) . A, some or each monitored volume(s) may be monitored from within (e.g. be centrally) or outwith (e.g from the outside of) the monitored volume. A Bluetooth-type technology (e.g. monitoring transceiver) may be used to this end. However, the monitored volume may be remote or separate from the monitoring means as necessary. For example, Global Positioning System (GPS) technology (e.g. receiver), or terrestrially-based telecommunications signal triangulation methodology, may be employed to monitor the location of a remote wireless communications. This may employ monitoring a monitored volume from outside that volume. For example, the position of a remote wireless communications device (e.g. telephone handset) may be remotely monitored (e.g. both outside and inside the monitored volume) to determine if/when the monitored location falls within (e.g. enters) or falls outside (e.g. exits) the monitored volume of space (e.g. a region of a city, or of a street etc) The method may include applying conditions to the generation of occupancy data based upon ID data item(s) such as to exclude from such data entry/exit information associated with pre-selected ID data items (e.g. thereby defining a class) Entry/exit detection events associated with pre-selected ID data items may uniquely be the subject of pre-selected calculations or compilation.

The method may include generating occupancy data according to the levels of occupancy in a plurality of monitored regions, or according to different classes of occupancy data within a given monitored region. The method may include generating occupancy data according the relative values of occupancy of the same class within different of the plurality of monitored regions, or the relative occupancy of different classes within the same monitored region. Examples include: monitoring the same-class occupancy in different regions to determine over-capacity or under-capacity in each region; monitoring the ratio of occupancy in different classes within the same region (e.g. staff-to-police ratio in a football stand; patient-to-A&E staff occupancy in a hospital) The method may include performing contemporaneous occupancy calculation(s) in response to an exit and/or entry event, in order to generate occupancy data for use. These may be arithmetic calculations. The arithmetic involved, or the content of the arithmetic involved, may be dependent upon the ID data item.

The arithmetic expressions or values employed in the contemporaneous calculation may be selected according to the ID data item. The terms expressions or values of the arithmetic may be time-dependant. They may vary according to the time and/or date of detection of said entry of the remote wireless communications device into the monitored volume (which the occupancy means preferably records) and/or according to the time and/or date of receipt of an exit/entry detection signal (which the occupancy means preferably records) The method may include imposing the condition (s) according to the values of a plurality of separate priority metrLcs. A priority metric may be as discussed above in relation to the invention in its third aspect.

The method may include calculating occupancy data using a plurality of priority metrics, and to conditionally generating an alarm or massage on condition that the decision metric satisfies a predefined condition (e.g. exceeds a threshold value, falls within a range of values etc) The value of the decision metric may be calculated as any of: * the arithmetic sum of the values a plurality of priority metrics; * the sum of the squared values of a plurality of priority metrics, or the square root of that sum.

A first, second and third priority metric may be as described above in relation to the invention in its third aspect.

The method may include conditionally generating a message or alarm according to the value of a decision metric. The message may be intended for users of the method, or individuals within monitored regions (e.g. police, staff, public) . The message may be transmitted to the remote wireless communications devices detected within monitored regions, and/or may be transmitted to a separate information display/announcement apparatus.

The message may contain relevant information as discussed above in relation to the invention in its third aspect.

The method may include recording the time and/or date of detection of entry and/or exit of the remote wireless communications device into/from the monitored region. The method may include performing any one or more of the following operations in response to an entry/exit event: * record the time and/or date of detection of entry of the remote wireless communications device into the monitored region; * record the ID data item in response to a detection event; * compare the ID data item against other ID data items previously recorded, and indicating when a match is found.

The decision metric (S) may be defined as described above in relation to the invention in its third aspect.

The method may include generating a message on condition that: axS<S<bxS, where Sffa? is the maximum value attainable by the decision metric in question, and where the factors a and b (a < b) are positive real numbers or fractions equal to or less than 1 (one) in value (e.g. a=O.5, b=1.O) The remote wireless device may be a mobile phone handset, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identity) card or device or other wireless communications device containing an ID data item identifying the device (preferably uniquely; e.g. Universal ID (UID) in a mobile telephone handset) and operable to communication or permit that ID data item to be acquired wirelessly (e.g. a mobile phone detector, or an RFID detector) The method may include, in each monitored region, continuously, or repeatedly, transmitting a wireless (e.g. broadcast) monitoring signal which extends to a selected detectable range.

The monitoring signal may be arranged (e.g. in the frequency, in structure, or content) to be detectable by a corresponding wireless transceiver within the selected detectable range, and may be recognisable or identifiable by such as a monitoring signal (e.g. by virtue of the arrangement, structure or content of the monitoring signal) . The corresponding wireless transceiver may be arranged to respond automatically to detection of the monitoring signal.

The method may include transmitting tuned monitoring signals to which the transceiver of the remote wireless communications device is correspondingly tuned to detect. For example, tuned radio waves limited to a frequency within the range 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz.

For example, the method may employ Bluetooth detection/communications methods to this end. Alternatively, the method may employ satellite positioning apparatus, such as Global Positioning Systems technology (GPS), or the equivalent thereof.

The method may include transmitting wirelessly a monitoring signal to which a said remote wireless communications device is responsive only if within a said respective volume of space.

The method may include comparing the obtained ID data item to previously obtained ID data items associated with other remote wireless communications devices contemporaneously present within a said respective volume of space, and determining that a said entry has been detected if the obtain an ID data item differs from the ID data items to which it is so compared.

The method may include forming a communications link with a said remote wireless communications device for the duration of time said remote wireless communications device remains within a said respective volume of space.

The method may include forming a communications network with one or more said remote wireless communications devices whilst within a said respective volume of space.

The method may include generating said occupancy data according to any one or more of the following conditions: (a) the ID data item does not exist within a registration list pre-stored within the occupancy means; (b) the ID data item exists within a registration list pre-stored within the occupancy means; The method may include transmitting wirelessly a respective monitoring signal to which a said remote wireless communications device is responsive if within a respective signal reception range of the respective monitoring means, wherein the signal reception range defines said respective volume of space and has a value controlled by the respective monitoring means according to the monitoring signal transmission power.

Wireless communications may be conveyed using radio waves. The monitoring signal may be conveyed by radio waves which the monitoring means transmits at a power of less than 100 milliwatt.

There now follow examples of implementations of the invention by way of embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

These examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

Figure 1 schematically illustrates a communications apparatus for wirelessly transmitting data conditionally to a remote wireless communications device; Figure 2 schematically illustrates a communications apparatus for wirelessly monitoring occupancy of a plurality of separate regions.

In the figures, like articles are assigned like reference symbols.

Figure 1 illustrates a communications apparatus (1) for wirelessly transmitting a transmission conditionally to a remote wireless communications device (10, 11) such as a mobile telephone handset, a laptop computer or any other wireless communications device. The wireless communications device is preferably portable in nature, and the communications apparatus (1) may be generally static in nature, or vice versa. In general, it is preferable that the communications apparatus (1) and the remote wireless communications device (10, 11) are moveable relative to each other as explained in detail below.

The communications apparatus includes a monitoring unit (2) arranged wirelessly to monitor a volume of space (3) surrounding the monitoring unit for the entry into that space of the remote wireless communications device (10, 11) . The monitor unit (2) includes a transceiver arranged to detect the presence of a remote wireless communications device (10) residing within a range R of the transceiver defining a spherical volume of space (of radius R) representing the monitored zone of the monitoring unit. As a result, a remote wireless communications device (11) residing outside of the monitored zone (3) is not detectable by the monitoring unit whereas a remote wireless communications device (10) residing within the monitored zone (3) is so detectable.

The monitoring unit is also arranged to obtain from a remote wireless communications device (10) residing within the monitored zone (3) and ID data item which uniquely identifies the remote wireless communications device, this may be a serial number, universal identifier (UID) or other data item uniquely assigned to the remote wireless communications device for the purposes of identifying it from amongst other such remote wireless communications devices.

The monitoring unit (2) is arranged to obtain the ID data item in response to the newly detected presence of the remote wireless communications device within the monitored zone (3) For example, the monitoring unit will remain unaware of remote wireless communications devices (11) residing outside of the monitored zone (3) but will become aware of the presence of that same remote wireless device (10) upon the entering of that device into the monitored zone. In having obtained the ID data item in respect of other remote communications devices within the monitored zone the monitoring unit is able to identify that the newly-entered remote wireless device is indeed an additional such device within the monitored zone and not merely a re-positioned device which had previously been detected as present within the monitored zone.

The monitoring unit (2) is arranged to repeatedly, intermittently or continuously transmit ID request signals to which a proximal remote wireless communications device (10) is responsive to reply by transmitting a unique ID data item. The distal remote wireless communications device (11) is not responsive at its present distance from the monitoring unit (outside range R) . The effective transmission range of the ID request signal from the monitoring unit is the detection range R, which is the maximal distance from the monitoring unit at which a remote wireless communications device is able to receive/detect ID request signals from the monitoring unit.

The communications apparatus (1) also includes a database (7) which may comprise a computer-controlled memory apparatus, or other suitable means for accessibly storing data electronically, magnetically or optically.

A server unit (5) is arranged to function as a data retrieval means operable to retrieve data conditionally from the database (7) in response to a data retrieval request (4) from the monitoring unit (2) . When a data retrieval request (4) received by the server (5) meets specified conditions imposed by the server, then the server is operable to issue commands (6a) to the database (7) in response to which the database is operable to reply to the server with retrieved data (6b) In this way, the server (5) polices or controls whether or not the database (7) is accessed in response to a data retrieval request (4) from the monitoring unit. This policing is implemented by imposing conditions upon data retrieval requests (4) at the server, as will be discussed in more detail below.

The communications apparatus includes a transmitter unit (9) arranged to receive from the server unit data (8) for transmission. The data may be derived from (or contain) data retrieved from the database (7) by the server (5) . The transmitter unit is operable to transmit the received data to the remote wireless communications device (10) which had entered the detection zone (3) and prompted the data retrieval request (4) from the monitoring unit (2) . In alternative embodiments the data (8) for transmission may be sent by the server (5) to the monitoring unit (2) for transmission by the monitoring unit (via its transceiver) to the remote wireless communications device in question. In further alternative embodiments the database (7) may be arranged to pass data for transmission directly to the transmitter unit (9) without first passing the data via the server (5) . To that extent a means of data retrieval provided by the communications apparatus (1) may be split between the server (5) which imposes conditions on retrieval, and separate data retrieval means (hardware and/or software) located within, or comprising a part of, the database (7) . For example the database may possess a dedicated database server (not shown) separate from but responsive to, the server (5) which imposes data retrieval conditions.

The transmitter unit (9) may be arranged to transmit retrieved data (8) to a remote wireless communications device (10) in the form of any suitable wireless communications message, transmission or package to which the remote wireless communications device in questions is known to be responsive.

This may include SMS or MMS wireless messages.

Figure 2 schematically illustrates a communications apparatus (20) for wirelessly monitoring the level of occupancy of a plurality of separate regions or volumes of space (22A, 22B, 222) The apparatus includes a first monitoring unit (21A) a second monitoring unit (21B), which is separate from the first monitoring unit and a third monitoring unit (212) which is separate from each of the first and second monitoring units.

Each of the first, second and third monitoring units (21A, 21B and 212) is arranged to function, and functions, in the same manner as described above with reference to the monitoring unit (2) illustrated in Figure 1. Each of the first, second and third monitoring units defines a respected monitored zone according to a respective detection range (RA, RB, R) . Each monitoring unit is arranged wirelessly to monitoring its separate respective monitored zone for the entry therein or the exit therefrom of a remote wireless communications device (23A, 23B, 23C) . Each monitoring unit is arranged to obtain from such a remote wireless communications device an ID data item identifying that communications device in response to the detection of the entry of the device into the zone monitored by the monitoring unit in question.

The communications apparatus further includes an occupancy calculator (26) arranged to receive entry detection signals and exit detection signals (25A, 25B and 25C) from the first, second and third monitoring units. The occupancy calculator (26) includes computer means arranged to generate occupancy data using entry and/or exit detection signals received from monitoring units in communication with it. The occupancy data relates to the level of occupancy of the respective zones monitored by the first, second and third monitoring units. The monitoring units are each arranged to issue an entry detection signal, or an exit detection signal (22A, 22B, 22C) in response to detection of a respective entry or exit of a remote wireless communications device (23A, 23B, 23C) The occupancy means is arranged to respond to entry/exit detection signals by generating occupancy data according to certain conditions imposed by it. These conditions are based upon the ID data items obtained by respective monitoring units from remote wireless communications devices which have entered respective monitored zones.

In this way, the occupancy calculator is able to police, orchestrate or control use of resources employed for calculating occupancy levels and to more intelligently determine occupancy levels by virtue of being able to select from amongst the detected remote wireless communications devices (23A, 23B, 23C) which of those will influence or be incorporated into occupancy calculations.

The occupancy calculator (26) is further arranged to transmit occupancy data (27) , once calculated, to a display system, such as a visual display unit of a computer, to enable the occupancy data to be presented for consumption by a user, or otherwise.

The occupancy calculator is arranged to conditionally generate a message or alarm signal according to calculated occupancy levels. The apparatus may include a message or alarm transmitter apparatus (not shown) for this purpose.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. Communications apparatus for transmitting data conditionally to a remote communications device comprising: monitoring means arranged wirelessly to monitor a volume of space for the entry therein of the remote wireless communications device, and to obtain from the remote wireless communications device an ID data item(s) identifying the remote wireless communications device in response to detection of said entry thereby; database means containing data for a transmission to a remote communication device; data retrieval means operable to retrieve data conditionally from the database means in response to a retrieval request from the monitoring means and therewith to provide transmission data; transmitter means arranged to receive transmission data from the data retrieval means and for transmitting said transmission data to said remote communications device; wherein the monitoring means is arranged to issue a retrieval request containing said ID data item in response to detection of said entry, and the data retrieval means is arranged to retrieve data from the database means according to one or more conditions imposed by the data retrieval means based upon to the ID data item(s) and according to a contemporaneous calculation thereby in response to a retrieval request.
2. Communications apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the monitoring means is arranged to transmit wirelessly a monitoring signal to which a said remote wireless communications device is responsive only if within said volume of space.
3. Communications apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the monitoring means is arranged to transmit wirelessly a monitoring signal to which a said remote wireless communications device is responsive to transmit wirelessly to the monitoring means said ID data item associated therewith.
4. Communications apparatus according to any preceding claim in which upon obtaining an ID data item the monitoring means is arranged to compare the obtained ID data item to previously obtained ID data items associated with other remote wireless communications devices contemporaneously present within said volume of space, and to determine that a said entry has been detected if the obtained ID data item differs from the ID data items to which it is so compared.
5. Communications apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the monitoring means is arranged to form a communications link with a said remote wireless communications device for the duration of time said remote wireless communications device remains within said volume of space.
6. Communications apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the monitoring means is arranged to form a communications network with one or more said remote wireless communications devices whilst within said volume of space.
7. Communications apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the data retrieval means is arranged to retrieve data from the database means according to any one or more of the following conditions: (a) the ID data item exists within a registration list accessible by the data retrieval means; (b) a minimum duration of time has elapsed between the time and/or date of the current entry detection and the time and/or date of a most recent preceding entry detection of the same remote wireless communications device; (c) a minimum duration of time has elapsed between the time and/or date of the current entry detection and the time and/or date of a most recent previous retrieval of data in association with the same ID data item; (d) the database contains retrievable data of a predefined data class which conforms to a data class identified in a data class conformity list stored in the data retrieval means in association with the ID data item.
8. Communications apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the monitoring means is arranged wirelessly to monitor a volume of space for the exit therefrom of the remote wireless communications device.
9. Communications apparatus according to Claim 8 in which the data retrieval means is arranged to retrieve data from the database means according to the following conditions: a minimum duration of time has not elapsed between the time and/or date of the current entry detection and the time and/or date of a subsequent succeeding exit detection of the same remote wireless communications device.
10. A communications apparatus according to any preceding claim including at least one said remote wireless communications device.
11. A communications apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the monitoring means is arranged to transmit wirelessly a monitoring signal to which a said remote wireless communications device is responsive if within a signal reception range of the monitoring means, wherein the signal reception range defines said volume of space and has a value controlled by the monitoring means according to the monitoring signal transmission power.
12. A communications apparatus according to any preceding claim in which wireless communications are conveyed using radio waves.
13. Communications apparatus according to claim 12 in which said monitoring signal is conveyed by radio waves which the monitoring means transmits at a power of less than 100 milliwatt.
14. Communications apparatus according to any preceding claim in which said volume of space is a spherical volume of radius no greater than 200 metres.
15. A method for transmitting data conditionally to a remote communications device comprising: wirelessly monitoring a volume of space for the entry therein of the remote wireless communications device, and obtaining from the remote wireless communications device an ID data item(s) identifying the remote wireless communications device in response to detection of said entry thereby; providing data for a transmission to a remote communications device; issuing a retrieval request containing said ID data item in response to detection of said entry; retrieving data from said provided data in response to a retrieval request therefor conditionally according to one or more conditions imposed based upon the ID data item(s) and according to a contemporaneous calculation in response to a retrieval request, and therewith providing transmission data; transmitting said transmission data to said remote communications device.
16. A method according to Claim 15 including transmitting wirelessly a monitoring signal to which a said remote wireless communications device is responsive only if within said volume of space.
17. A method according to any of claims 15 to 16 including transmitting wirelessly a monitoring signal to which a said remote wireless communications device is responsive to transmit wirelessly said ID data item associated therewith, and detecting said transmitted ID data item thereby to obtain it.
18. A method according to any of claims 15 to 17 including comparing the obtained ID data item to previously obtained ID data items associated with other remote wireless communications devices contemporaneously present within said volume of space, and determining that a said entry has been detected if the obtain an ID data item differs from the ID data items to which it is so compared.
19. A method according to any of claims 15 to 18 including forming a communications link with a said remote wireless communications device for the duration of time said remote wireless communications device remains within said volume of space.
20. A method according to any of claims 15 to 19 including forming a communications network with one or more said remote wireless communications devices whilst within said volume of space.
21. A method according to any of claims 15 to 19 including retrieving data from the provided data according to any one or more of the following conditions: (a) the ID data item exists within a registration list; (b) a minimum duration of time has elapsed between the time and/or date of the current entry detection and the time and/or date of a most recent preceding entry detection of the same remote wireless communications device; (c) a minimum duration of time has elapsed between the time and/or date of the current entry detection and the time and/or date of a most recent previous transmission of retrieved data to the same remote wireless communications device; (d) the database contains retrievable data of a predefined data class which conforms to a data class which the remote communications device is permitted to receive.
22. A method according to any of claims 15 to 21 including wirelessly monitoring a volume of space for the exit therefrom of the remote wireless communications device.
23. A method according to Claim 22 including retrieving data from the provided data according to the following conditions: a minimum duration of time has not elapsed between the time and/or date of the current entry detection and the time and/or date of a subsequent succeeding exit detection of the same remote wireless communications device.
24. A method according to any of claims 15 to 23 including transmitting wirelessly a monitoring signal to which a said remote wireless communications device is responsive if within a signal reception range of the monitoring means, wherein the signal reception range defines said volume of space and the method includes controlling the value of the signal reception range according to the monitoring signal transmission power.
25. A method according to any of claims 15 to 24 including conveying wireless communications using radio waves.
26. A method according to Claim 25 including conveying said monitoring signal by radio waves transmitted at a power of less than 100 milliwatt.
27. A method according to any of claims 15 to 26 in which said volume of space is a spherical volume of radius no greater than 200 metres.
28. Communications apparatus for wirelessly monitoring occupancy of a plurality of separate regions comprising: a plurality of separate monitoring means each arranged wirelessly to monitor a separate respective volume of space for the entry therein or exit therefrom of a remote wireless communications device, and to obtain from the remote wireless communications device an ID data item(s) identifying the remote wireless communications device in response to detection of said entry thereby; occupancy means operable to receive each of an entry detection signal and an exit detection signal from any of the plurality of monitoring means indicating a detection thereby of a said entry or a said exit, and to generate occupancy data relating to the occupancy of monitored volumes of space using said detection signal (s) wherein each of the plurality of monitoring means is arranged to issue an entry detection signal or an exit detection signal in response to detection of a respective said entry or said exit, and the occupancy means is arranged to generate said occupancy data according to conditions imposed thereby based upon the ID data item(s)
29. Communications apparatus according to Claim 28 in which each said monitoring means is arranged to transmit wireless.ly a monitoring signal to which a said remote wireless communications device is responsive only if within said respective volume of space.
30. Communications apparatus according to any of claims 28 to 29 in which each said monitoring means is arranged to transmit wirelessly a monitoring signal to which a said remote wireless communications device is responsive to transmit wirelessly to the monitoring means said ID data item associated therewith.
31. Communications apparatus according to any of claims 28 to 30 in which upon obtaining an ID data item a said monitoring means is arranged to compare the obtained ID data item to previously obtained ID data items associated with other remote wireless communications devices contemporaneously present within said respective volume of space, and to determine that a said entry has been detected if the obtain an ID data item differs from the ID data items to which it is so compared.
32. Communications apparatus according to any of claims 28 to 31 in which each said monitoring means is arranged to form a communications link with a said remote wireless communications device for the duration of time said remote wireless communications device remains within said respective volume of space.
33. Communications apparatus according to any of claims 28 to 32 in which each said monitoring means is arranged to form a communications network with one or more said remote wireless communications devices whilst within said respective volume of space.
34. Communications apparatus according to any of claims 28 to 33 in which the occupancy means is arranged to generate said occupancy data according to any one or more of the following condiltions: (a) the ID data item does not exist within a registration list pre-stored within the occupancy means; (b) the ID data item exists within a registration list pre-stored within the occupancy means;
35. A communications apparatus according to any of claims 28 to 34 including at least one said remote wireless communications device.
36. A communications apparatus according to any of claims 28 to 35 in which each said monitoring means is arranged to transmit wirelessly a respective monitoring signal to which a said remote wireless communications device is responsive if within a respective signal reception range of the monitoring means, wherein the signal reception range defines said respective volume of space and has a value controlled by the respective monitoring means according to the monitoring signal transmission power.
37. A communications apparatus according to any of ciaims 28 to 36 in which wireless communications are conveyed using radio waves.
38. Communications apparatus according to claim 37 in which said monitoring signal is conveyed by radio waves which the monitoring means transmits at a power of less than 100 milliwatt.
39. Communications apparatus according to any of claims 28 to 38 in which said volume of space is a spherical volume of radius no greater than 200 metres.
40. A method for wirelessly monitoring occupancy of a plurality of separate regions comprising: wirelessly monitoring a plurality of separate volumes of space for the entry therein or exit therefrom of a remote wireless communications device, and obtaining from the remote wireless communications device an ID data item(s) identifying the remote wireless communications device in response to detection of said entry thereby; generating an entry detection signal and/or an exit detection signal in response to detection of a respective said entry or said exit; generating occupancy data relating to the occupancy of monitored volumes of space using said detection signal(s) according to conditions based upon the ID data item(s)
41. A method according to Claim 40 including transmitting wirelessly a monitoring signal to which a said remote wireless communications device is responsive only if within a said respective volume of space.
42. A method according to any of claims 40 to 41 including transmitting wirelessly a monitoring signal to which a said remote wireless communications device is responsive to transmit wirelessly said ID data item associated therewith, and detecting said transmitted ID data item thereby to obtain it.
43. A method according to any of claims 40 to 42 including comparing the obtained ID data item to previously obtained ID data items associated with other remote wireless communications devices contemporaneously present within a said respective volume of space, and determining that a said entry has been detected if the obtain an ID data item differs from the ID data items to which it is so compared.
44. A method according to any of claims 40 to 43 including forming a communications link with a said remote wireless communications device for the duration of time said remote wireless communications device remains within a said respective volume of space.
45. A method according to any of claims 40 to 44 including forming a communications network with one or more said remote wireless communications devices whilst within a said respective volume of space.
46. A method according to any of claims 40 to 45 including generating said occupancy data according to any one or more of the following conditions: (a) the ID data item does not exist within a registration list pre-stored within the occupancy means; (b) the ID data item exists within a registration list pre-stored within the occupancy means;
47. A method according to any of claims 40 to 46 including transmitting wirelessly a respective monitoring signal to which a said remote wireless communications device is responsive if within a respective signal reception range of the respective monitoring means, wherein the signal reception range defines said respective volume of space and has a value controlled by the respective monitoring means according to the monitoring signal transmission power.
48. A method according to any of claims 40 to 48 in which wireless communications are conveyed using radio waves.
49. A method according to claim 48 in which said monitoring signal is conveyed by radio waves which the monitoring means transmits at a power of less than 100 milliwatt.
50. A method according to any of claims 40 to 49 in which each said volume of space is a spherical volume of radius no greater than 200 metres.
51. A method substantially as disclosed in any one embodiment hereinbefore and/or with reference to the accompanying drawings.
52. Apparatus substantially as disclosed in any one embodiment hereinbefore and/or with reference to the accompanying drawings.