GB2528915A

GB2528915A - Wearable tag

Info

Publication number: GB2528915A
Application number: GB1413801.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Michael Lavery; Christopher James Oxlade-Arnott
Original assignee: Steatite Ltd
Current assignee: Steatite Ltd
Priority date: 2014-08-04
Filing date: 2014-08-04
Publication date: 2016-02-10
Also published as: GB201413801D0

Abstract

A wearable tagging device 100 including a power source possibly a rechargeable battery, memory, processor, communication means possibly a GSM module, at least one sensor preferably a GPS chip, accelerometer, light or temperature sensor and attaching means, possibly a strap112, for attaching the device to an ankle of a medical patient or offender. The sensor information is used to determine whether to operate the device in a first state or a second state which may be a high or low power state. The device may be used to notify a monitoring authority of the location of the offender or the state of the wearer depending on the sensor data. The strap may include fibre optic cable as an anti tamper device whereupon activation an alert may be sent to an external agency. A battery charging means 114 may also be incorporated.

Description

I

WARAE3LE TAG Electronic taaging/trackinçj can he used for monitoring the whereabouts of a person or an object such as a vehicle, Electromo tagging qeneray involves attaching a tag to the person or object to hetrackc-d, The tag emits a signal which can he detected by an operator to determine the ocaton or movements of the person or object being tracked.

Therefore, the implementation of electronic tagging/tracking can be in a wide range of situations and or a variety of reasons.

To enable movement of the person or object being tracked, the tag cannot be permanently attached to a mains power supply.. Accordingly the tag requires ts own onboaR1 power source, such., as a baiter. lf the battery runs out then the tag wifi cease to fun. .c'ton since it wifi not be able to emit a tracking signal, and an operator will not be able to determine the. location of the person or object h&ng [racked. Accordingly t may be advantageous to be able to reduce battery consumption of the tag so as to increase time between charges and/or battery' changes.

Swnmay In a first aspect there is provided a wearable tagging device comprising: a power source; memory ieCnS, processing means; comrnuncatK)n means; at east one ntormation obtaining means; attaching means for attaching said device to a wearer; wherein the memory means and the processing means are configured to use information rec&ved from said information ohtaininq means to determine whether to operate said device in at east one of a first state and a second state.

According to sonic embodiments, said information obtaining means comprises one or more of: a GPS chip; a (33M chip; an accelerometer; a light sensor; a temperature sensor; a clock.

According to some embodiments, said device is configured to use said communication means to send information obtained by said information obtaining means at a frequency dependent upon whether the device is in said first state or said second state.

According to some embodiments, said frequency comprises a temporal frequency.

According to some embodiments, said device Is configured to use said communication means to send said obtained information to an external entity.

AccordIng to some embodiments, said external entity comprises a server.

According to some embodiments, said server is operated by an authority monitoring a wearer of said tagging device.

According to some embodiments, said device is configured to select said first or second state in dependence upon obtained location information.

According to some embodiments, said device is configured to select said first or second state in dependence upon a type of movement detected.

According to some embodiments, said type of movement comprises at least one of: no movement; walking; running; Jumping; falling; moving In a vehicle.

According to some embodiments, said first state comprises a different power state to said second state.

According to some embodiments, said first power state comprises a low power state, and said second power state comprises a higher power state.

According to some embodiments, said power source comprises a rechargeable battery.

According to some embodiments, the device comprises connection means for connecting said device to powercharging means.

According to sonic embodiments, said attaching means comprises a strap.

Accordinq to some embodiments, said strap comprises at least one fibre optic cable for channelling light from a light source thmugh said strap.

According to some embodiments, said device is configured to detect a change to said light chann&ied through said fibre optic cable.

According to some embodiments, the device comprises a main body portion, a lid, said main body portion and said lid defining a receiving area.

According to some embodiments, said processing means, said at least one information obtaining means and said power source are housed in said receiving area.

Accordinq to sonic embodiments, said lid is fused to said main body portion.

According to sonic embodiments, said lid is fused to said main Lody portion by ultrasonic weldino.

According to some embodiments, said device is configured to send an alert when tampering with said' device is detected. L3

According to a second aspect there is provided a method of operating a wearable tagging device comprising: obtaining information from at least one information obtaining means comprised in said device; and causing the device to operate in at least one of a first state and a second state in dependence upon said information received from said information obtaining means.

According to a third aspect there is provided a computer program comprising computer executable Instructions which when run on one or more processors perform the method of the second aspect.

According to a fourth aspect there is provided a wearable tagging device substantially as described herein with respect to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings

Figure 1 shows a wearable tagging device according to an embodiment; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing at least some of the intemal hardware of a tagging device according to an embodiment; Figure 3 is another view of a wearable tagging device according to an embodiment; Figure 4 is a diagram showing a geographical area for the purposes of explanation of some embodiments.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 shows a tagging device 100 according to an embodiment. The tagging device 100 comprises a main body portion 102 and a lid portIon 104, separated by an interface region 106. The tagging device comprises a first connection portion 108, and a second connection portion 110 on the opposite side of the tagging device. A strap 112 can be connected to the tagging device 100 using the connection portions 108 and 110. In Figure 1 the strap 112 is shown in an open state. When attached to a wearer of the tag then the strap 112 can be securely fastened to the wearer, for example around a wearer's ankle region. Any form or secure fastening can be provided. In embodiments the secure fastening cannot be un-done by a wearer of the tag.

The tagging device 100 also comprises window portion 114, behInd which one or more LEDs may be positioned to provide some information to an observer e.g. a red light, a green light, or one red light and one green light. This information may be provided during manufacture of the device e.g. to indicate correct installation, and/or during use of the device e.g. to indicate a battery status.

The main body portion 100 and lid 104 can be made from any suitable material in this particular embodiment the main body portion 102 and lkI 104 are moulded from a hard plastic.

S

According to an embodiment, the strap 112 comprises one or more fibre-optic cables embedded therein, and which fibre-optic cables run the length of the strap 112. A fibre-optic cable is schematicaliy shown at 116.

In this embodiment an underside 118 of the tagging device 100 is shaped so as to conform to a wearer's body. For example the underside 118 may be radiused so as to conform to an ankle region of a wearer. The tagging device 100 is also constructed to be of a small form-factor. The small form factor enables it to be worn comfortably.

The tagging device 100 comprises a power source and appropriate circuitry within a receiving portion of the device, located between the main body portion 102 and lid 104.

Figure 2 schematically shows hardware contained within the device, according to an embodiment. According to this embodiment the hardware 200 comprises a memory 202 and a processor 204. The hardware 200 also comprises a plurality of chips and/or sensors. in this embodiment the hardware comprises a OSM chip 206 for enabling the device to connect to a GSM telecommunications network, The device also comprises a CI'S chip 208 to enable a location of the tagging device to be determined. The device also comprises an accelerometer 210 for detecting movement of the device.

The device also comprises a light source 211 and a light sensor 212, which are discussed in more detail below. It will be understood that the device may comprise one or more of each of these memories, processors, chips and sensors. For example the device may comprise a plurality of accelerometers for accurately detecting movement, and a plurality of light sensors for sensing different light sources. The memory may comprise volatile memory and/or non-volatile memory. The memory may comprise ROM and / or RAM. The hardware 200 also comprises a transceiver 214 for transmitting and/or receiving signals. it will be understood that in other embodiments a separate receiver and transmitter may be provided. The device may also comprise other sensors such as a temperature sensor, and may also comprise a clock. The various chips, sensors and memories etc. can be polled whenever deemed appropriate to obtain information therefrom. This information can then be reported to an external entity. The frequency (i.e. how often) the polling and reporting Lakes place can be pre-configured or can also be adjustable, and can be configured differently for different stakeholders. The polling and reporting frequencies can also be dynamically adjusted, for example when the tag Is in use, as will be discussed In more detail below.

It will of course also be understood that the hardware can be loaded with appropriate software and/or firmware, so as to cause the apparatus to operate as required. The software and/or firmware may be stakeholder specific and/or stakeholder configurable.

A stakehokier may be, by way of non-limiting example only, a security company or a local authority, or any other entity wishing to monitor the movement of people and/or objects.

The hardware also comprises a battery 216 for powering the device. In this embodiment the battery 216 Is a rechargeable battery. The battery may be a lithium-ion battery.

With reference to Figure 3 the tagging device 100 comprises metal pins 120 and 122.

The metal pins are connected to the rechargeable battery 216, and by means of an appropriate connector enable the rechargeable battery 216 to be charged. In Figure 3 the strap 112 is not shown for clarity.

In embodiments, the connector (not shown) enables the device 100 to be charged from a mains socket (which may be via an approprIate wall socket adapter), for example in a wearer's home. A separate battery pack may also be provided which allows battery to battery charging of the rechargeable battery 216. This may allow the battery to be charged when the wearer is away from a suitable mains supply. In embodiments the connector is universal such that it can plug into either a mains supply (or in to the wall socket adapter), or into the separate battery pack.

In embodiments the taggIng device 100 comprises a number of anti-tamper and anti-spooflng features.

Referring back to Figure 1, the device 100 comprises a strap 112 comprising at least one fibre optic cable 116. The fibre optic cable 116 is operable to channel Aght from the light source 211 through the strap, which can then be sensed by light sensor 212.

It wilt be understood that in other embodiments means other than fibre optics may be provided for channelling the light. The light source 211 can be pulsed so as to provide a pulsed or strobed light signal to be detected by the light sensor 212. The device 100 can be configured to determine the difference between a "normal" light pulsing and an abnormal light pulsing signal. Therefore if for example a wearer attempts to cut through the strap 112 to remove the tagging device 100, then the light pulse signal will vary, or may be completely stopped. The light sensor 212 will determine the abnormal light signal, and a signal can be transmitted via transceiver 214 to a relevant authority that the wearer has attempted to remove the device.

The strap 112 can be made from any suitable material. In embodiments the strap Is made of a fabric that is sufficiently strong to prevent easy removal thereof, but of a strength such that it can be broken in an emergency situatIon. For example the strength of the strap 112 is such that It will break if caught on the branch of a tree, rather than causing serious damage to a limb of the wearer.

In embodiments, after the hardware has been suitably connected to the interior of the device, the lid 104 is attached to the main body portion 102 in a permanent or semi-permanent manner. In one embodIment the lid 104 Is fused to the main body portion 102. In one embodiment the lid 104 is fused to the main body portion 102 by ultrasonic welding. In other embodiments different forms of strong adhesive may be used. The bonding of the main body portion 102 to the lId 104 Is such that a user cannot remove the lid without causing visible damage to the device. For example If a user attempts to separate the lId 104 from the main body portion 102 using a Stanley knife, then the extent of damage caused by such an action would be clearly visible to an authority and/or owner of the tagging device. Such bonding methods differs from, for example, a screw arrangement in which a wearer could feasibly unscrew and re-screw the Ad in a manner which would not leave sufficiently visible marks to be detected.

in embodiments, a light sensor is operable to determine when the lId 104 has been removed. The light sensor may be the same tight sensor 212 used for detecting the light passing through the fibre optic cable 116 as previously discussed, or a separate light sensor. When the processor 204 determines that a signal from the light sensor 212 has been received, or that the signal has changed in some way, then it can be determined that the lid 104 has been removed i.e. the device has been tampered with, and a suitable signal can be sent via transmitter 214 to the relevant authority. A wearer of the device may attempt to overcome this by attempting to remove the lid in a room wIth no light. However this would be extremely difficult due to the fused lid 104, and the light sensor 212 would in any case be activated as soon as the wearer leaves the dark room.

In embodiments, the device Is also configured to detect spoofing attempts. For example attempts to change a network address of the GSM chIp 206 can be detected.

Also, a relevant authority can configure their equipment to determine what constitutes a normal receipt of signals from the device e.g. GPS signals and signals from the GSM chip. if these signals deviate from defined threshold values then an alert can be raised.

For example it could be detected if attempts had been made to block signals to and from the device by use of aluminium foil or any other means of isolating the device.

It will also be detected if any of the circuit boards within the device 100 have been tampered with, or if an attempt has been made to disconnect the battery 216. it will also be detectable if the GSM chip 206 or OPS chip 208 have been disabled or if attempts have been made to disable them.

Other features of the device can be appreciated by viewing Figure 4. FIgure 4 shows a geographical regIon 400 which has been dMded into a number of geographical zones or cells 402, 404, 406, 408 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, and 420. It will of course be understood that this Is by way of example only and that the size, shape and number of cells can be configured differently. in one example 600 cells are provided to define a region.

In this example the wearer's home 422 Is located in cell 410. A base station device or home-unit may be provided in the users home for connection with the device 100. The base station can communicate device information with appropriate equipment of the relevant authority. This may reduce battery consumption of the devIce 100 since It only needs to communicate with the locally positioned base station, and does not have to communicate directly with the equipment of the authority. Therefore when it is detected that the tag device 100 is located in the users home, then the device 100 can go into a relatively low power-consumption state. The devIce 100 may be configured such that when in the low power state, information collected from the device can be transmitted less often than if the user is outside of the home or another designated "safe place". By way of example only, when It is detected that a wearer of the tag is in a designated safe place, then the device may collect Information (e.g. OPS information) or information from any of the other chips and sensors, once every 2 minutes and transmit this information to the local base station and/or directly to the authority once per hour. On the other hand, when it is detected that a user is outside of a safe place then the tag devIce 100 may be configured to collect information every 30 seconds, and to transmit this to the authority every 2 minutes. It will of course be understood that these polling and reporting frequencies are by way of example only, and that they can be configured by the relevant authority as desired. Furthermore the polling and reporting frequencies may be dynamically adjusted as a user moves towards or away from a safe place and/or towards or away from a location considered to be unsuitable e.g. a school.

For example, a school is shown schematically at 424 in cell 420. An authority can set a radius around the school within which a wearer of the tag device 100 is not allowed to enter. By way of example only such distance maybe 500 metres. If it is detected via the 01'S chip 208 that the wearer has entered the defined prohibited radius, then an alert can be sent to the relevant authority. As discussed above, the frequency of polling of the tag device 100 maybe dynamically adjusted. For example, If a wearer was to leave their home 422 and walk towards school 424, then the frequency of polling and reporting of the device increases the closer the wearer gets to the school, Also, which sensors andIor chips are activated and therefore the amount of Information collected maybe dynamically adjusted. For example if it is detected that the user is in their home 422, then the accelerometer could be put into an inactive state so as to reduce battery consumption. Once the user has left the home 422. then the accelerometer can be reactivated. This may be true for any of the chips and I or sensors.

It will be understood that embodiments may prolong the period required between battery charges. For example, when It is determined that the person is at home or another safe place, then the tag can enter into a relatively low power consumption state in which information Is gathered and reported at relatively long intervals. When it is determined that a wearer is no longer in their home or safe place the tag can enter a higher power consumption state where the information is gathered and reported more frequently.

If a wearer attempts to completely leave the monitoring area, then an alert is also sent to the relevant authority.

As part of the system, the authority or a contractor of the authority can view the location of the wearer on a suitable display. For example the wearer of the device 100 may be shown as a dot or flashing dot on a computer generated map. The amount of information that is fed to the authority will depend upon the wearer's behaviour. For example when the user is in a safe place then such information can be appropriately displayed to the authority. Once the user has left the safe place then further Information can be provided e.g. location, speed of travel, proximity to prohibited areas etc. the authority can then use this information to determine whether to collect the wearer of the tag. The tag device 100 may be stamped with a tag number e.g. XVZ, such that when the authority collects the wearer they know they have picked up the right person.

Tagging devices according to embodiments may reduce the number of false caliouts, since the tag devIce 100 and/or the authority's equipment can be programmed and/or configured to differentiate between actual violations or whether the alert" is for some other reason. For example, ordinarily an authority would want to immediately send personnel to the wearer's location if it is detected that attempts are being made to remove the tag or tamper with the tag. Embodiments according to the present application can use Information from one or more of the sensors and chips to determine If the alert has been created for another reason. For example information can be obtained from the accelerometer which could be used to Interpret that the wearer has.

for example, fallen over which has caused the device to stop working. Whflst the authority may still want to investigate such a scenario, the urgency may be lower.

In embodiments the device is fully configurable by the relevant stakehoider e.g. authority. That is the stakeholder can program any or all of the features of the device.

For example the stakehokier can configure the geographical mapping and prohibited and safe areas that the wearer isflsnt allowed to enter. The stakeholder can also configure the frequency of polling and reporting from the device. The stakeholder can also configure the sensitivity of the sensors. For example the user can configure the sensitivity of the accelerometer 210 and the light sensor 212.

in embodiments, the device Is updatable by the stakeholder. For example the stakehoider can update the device software and / or firmware. In some embodiments updates are transmitted to the tag device 100 over the air (i.e. RF signals). in embodiments, information is also received and/or can be downloaded from the tag devIce 100 over the air. In alternative embodiments information can be uploaded/downloaded via any suitable connection to the device e.g. a USB connection.

a Wi-Fl connection, or via ZigBee®.

Additionally, the tag device 100 can be configured to operate differently dependent upon the time of day. For this purpose the device may also comprise a clock. For example a typical curfew may be between the hours of 7pm to Tam. Therefore, for example, the polling and/or reporting frequency may be Increased during those curfew hours, to ensure that the curfew is not being broken. The stakeholder can also configure the device to take account of varying curfew hours.

It will of course be understood that the above description Is by way of example only and that while the above described exemplifying embodiments of the invention, there are variations and modifications which may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Where for example lfrst and second Mates are discussed, it will of course be appreciated that more than two states can be provided. For example there may be many operating states, each operating state having Its own polling frequency and/or reporting frequency and /or power consumption levels.

Claims

Claims 1. A wearable tagging device comprising: a power source; S memory means; processing means; communication means; at least one information obtaining means; attaching means for attaching said device to a wearer; wherein the memory means and the processing means are configured to use information received from said information obtaining means to determine whether to operate said device in at least one of a first state and a second state.
2. A device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said information obtaining means comprises one or more of: a GPS chip; a OSM chip; an accelerometer; a light sensor: a temperature sensor; a dock.
3. A device as set forth in any preceding claim, wherein said device is configured to use said communication means to send information obtained by said information obtaining means at a frequency dependent upon whether the device is in said first state or said second state.
4. A device as set forth in claim 3, wherein said frequency comprises a temporal frequency.
5. A device as set forth in any preceding claim, wherein said device Is configured to use said communication means to send said obtained Information to an external entity.
6. A device as set forth in claim 5 wherein said external entity comprises a server.
7. An apparatus as set fotlh in claim 6, wherein said server is operated by an authority monitoring a wearer of said tagging device.
8. A device as set forth in any preceding claim, wherein said device Is configured to select said first or second state in dependence upon obtained location information.
9. A device as set forth In any preceding claim, wherein said device is configured to select said first or second state in dependence upon a type of movement detected.
10. A device as set forth in claim 9, whereIn said type of movement comprises at least one of: no movement; walking; running; Jumping; falling; moving in a vehicle.
11. A device as set forth in any preceding claim, wherein said first state comprises a different power state to said second state.
12. A device as set forth in claim 11, wherein said first power state comprises a low power state, and said second power state comprises a higher power state.
13. A device as set forth In any preceding claim, wherein said power source comprises a rechargeable battery.
14. A device as set forth in any preceding claims, comprising connection means for connecting said device to power-charging means.
15. A device as set forth in any preceding claim, wherein said attaching means comprises a strap,
16. A device as set forth In claim 15, whereIn said strap comprises at least one fibre optic cable for channelling light from a light source through said strap.
17. A device as set forth in claim 15, wherein said device Is configured to detect a change to said light channelled through said fibre optic cable.
18, A device as set forth in any preceding claim, comprising a main body portion, a lid, said main body portion and said lid defining a receiving area.
19. A device as set forth In claim 18, wherein at least said memory means, said processing means, said at least one information obtaining means and said power source are housed in said receMng area.
20. A device as set forth in claim 18 or cLaim 19, wherein said lid is fused to said main body portion.
21. A device as set forth in claIm 20, wherein said lid is fused to said main body portion by ultrasonic welding.
22. A device as set forth in any preceding claim, wherein said device is configured to send an alert when tampering with said device is detected.16
23. A method of operating a wearable tagging device comprising: obtaining Information from at least one Information obtaining means comprised in said device; and causing the device to operate in at least one of a first state and a second state In dependence upon said information received from said information obtaining means.
24. A computer program comprising computer executable instructions which when run on one or more processors perform the method claim of 23.
25. A wearable tagging device substantially as described herein with respect to the accompanying drawings.