WO2014041363A2

WO2014041363A2 - Angeleye

Info

Publication number: WO2014041363A2
Application number: PCT/GB2013/052403
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tracy BUCKLAND
Original assignee: Buckland Tracy
Priority date: 2012-09-13
Filing date: 2013-09-13
Publication date: 2014-03-20
Also published as: GB201308082D0; WO2014041363A3; GB201302667D0; GB2505981B; GB2505981A; GB201216327D0; GB201306449D0; GB201219760D0

Abstract

According to the present invention there is provided wearable, lockable, waterproof and shock resistant transmitter and receiver units, made of tamperproof hypoallergenic materials, a liner for wear between skin and unit, tension indicator, skin and optical contact sensors, ECG, thermocouple or similar, plurality of links for altering size, touch screen and button control, radio frequency identification means, printed circuit board, microchip, global positioning system transceiver DGPS or similar, unique stowed key, fingerprint or numerical code locking, panic buttons or set distance, slot for emergency key, emergency key system, glow in the dark, torch, speaker, camera, at least one alarm, at least one power source inclusive of solar power, water and room temperature reader, cuff and barcode microchip connecting tag, hospital monitor.

Description

TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVING UNITS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to, touch screen, wearable, difficult to remove or tamper with, lockable waterproof transmitter and receiver units, more particularly but not exclusively to a vital signs monitor, formed of a plurality of interlocking sections, wherein at least two of said sections may be unlocked for purposes of altering the size. The transmitter and receiver will particularly, but not exclusively, monitor and receive the heart rate, temperature, pulse and blood pressure of a person or animal. The device will differ in design dependant on it being used for the general public or hospital services as illustrated in the diagrams. The transmitter unit will include a tracking transceiver for the purpose of tracking a person or animals whereabouts. The receiver unit will include a means for receiving location information from the transmitter unit whereby the touchscreen on the receiver unit is arranged to display such information including mapping. Said screen when swiped in first direction will track the transmitter unit up to predetermined distance, said screen when swiped in a second direction opposite to the first direction will track the transmitter unit greater than the predetermined distance. The transmitter and receiver will also include glow in the dark, a torch, a speaker, a camera, a tension indicator, water and room temperature reader, at least one alarm, a power source including solar power and long life batteries, a means of charging, at least one lock mechanism, a slot for emergency key, and an emergency key system consisting of a secure box with key card entry, coded key and secure database.

Background

Keeping track of a baby, child, adult or animal's vital signs is very important. Critical illness is all too forever missed because it is not noticed in time therefore medical attention is sought too late. Most critical illness or virus are associated with a very high or low temperature, pulse, blood pressure or heart rate. Wearing the devices containing this technology for the monitoring of vital signs, can undoubtedly save lives through critical illness.

Thought has also been given to care in the community whether that be the elderly, people with ongoing medical conditions, or persons with disabilities whereby family members can have peace of mind whilst away from their loved ones because the bands can be linked to the GP surgery and emergency services.

For most parents, monitoring their child's vital signs whilst they are sleeping will give them peace of mind. There are sensor monitors already on the market but none of them are capable of detecting vital signs.

The bands have been created for the purpose of reading and sending of the wearer vital signs and location.

The said technology has been created in many different designs for the purpose of monitoring vital signs and location both at home, in care homes, hospitals, veterinaries and whilst out and about.

Keeping track of young children, babies, vulnerable people and animals outside of the home is just as important as tracking their vital signs and can be very difficult, particularly busy places such as the beach, shopping centre or markets where there are a number of distractions and often a considerable amount of noise.

Typically the responsible person, such as the parent or carer, will try to keep the person or animal they are responsible for close to them, however this is not always possible.

Sometimes setting boundaries such as a set area for the child, vulnerable person or animal to stay in helps, however if the area is busy or not well known, the child, vulnerable person or animals may become confused and therefore easily lost.

Losing a child, vulnerable person or animal is a huge worry for responsible persons and as a consequence the responsible person may be over protective in order to ensure their charge remains safe. Unfortunately vastly restricting the activities of a child, vulnerable person or animal particularly by limiting their independence, may have an impact on developing useful life skills, especially with persons as to their confidence in social situations. Aforementioned persons and animals can be given identification devices to carry or wear such as a wrist band, however these can often be easily removed or lost and do not detect vital signs.

Some parents will allow their children use of a mobile phone so that they can keep in contact, however in some environments such as the seaside this is not practical and again the mobile phone is easily lost or stolen.

The present invention therefore arose in order to overcome problems associated with critical illness and keeping track of children, vulnerable persons and animals without limiting their independence.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following:

United States patent application US 20 120 050 532 (RHYINS) discloses a latch and locking device, comprising: a band, sized to be worn about a limb of a user; an electro-mechanical latch retaining device, holding said band on said user wrist, said retaining device having a mechanical locking mechanism with spring loaded push-button that releases the retaining device, an electrical switch that produces an electrical state indicative of whether said locking mechanism is opened or closed, and said latch retaining device also having an electronic locking mechanism that is activated based on an electrical signal; a housing, held on said band; an electronic assembly, located in said housing, said electronic assembly, communicating information to a remote device; said electronic assembly coupled electrically to said mechanical latch retaining device, and receiving said electrical state indicative of whether said locking mechanism is opened or closed, producing an output signal which controls said electronic locking mechanism, said electronic assembly having a position sensor, detecting its position, sending information to said remote device indicative of whether said position is outside of a specified parameter, and information indicative of whether said latch is opened or closed, and information indicative of whether said push-button has been pressed, and receiving information from said remote device indicative of a command to lock said electronic locking mechanism.

International patent application WO 2010 026 566 (KANER) discloses a multiple homing devices system that transmits corresponding multiple unique signals to a pre-setup mobile phone, the system comprises: a. a set of homing devices, each of which transmitting a unique signal to said pre-setup mobile phone and comprising: i. a transmitter; ii. a signal generator in operative communication with said transmitter; and b. a mobile phone that can receive, decode and monitor each of said unique signals from said set of signalling devices and can calculate

and indicate proximity and direction of each device in said set of signalling devices respectively and comprising: I means for selecting a monitoring mode in which mobile phone is being used to locate said set of homing devices; ii means for selecting the homing device the mobile device user desires to monitor; iii an application software executed on said mobile phone to calculate the location of said set of homing devices; iv means for displaying the proximity and location of each device in said set of signalling devices the mobile device's user desires to monitor.

Granted United Kingdom patent GB 2 469 893 (BENTLEY) discloses a portable tracking and communications device comprising a Global Positioning System (GPS) module and a mobile telephony module, the device including at least a first passive, electronic ground plane simulator comprising a pair of antennae that are grounded to a casing of the device and are selectively connectable in parallel one to the other in a circuit that includes a resistorcapacitance resonator, the resonator being tuned to a first predetermined frequency or frequency range and the circuit being connected to provide mobile telephony signals in the device when the antennae are not connected to one another, and GPS signals when the antennae are so connected.

United Kingdom patent application GB 2 442 778 (SMITH) discloses a portable security apparatus comprising a master transponder and a secondary transponder, wherein each transponder is associated with an alarm, the transponders being arranged to transmit and receive two signals of different frequency back and forth between each other, characteristics of the signals providing information dependent on the distance between the master transponder and the secondary transponder, and the apparatus is further arranged to monitor the signals such that, in use, should the distance between the master transponder and the secondary transponder exceed a specified distance then at least one of the alarms is activated.

United States patent application US 2007 205 895 (BERGENER) discloses a system that produces an alarm consisting of radio frequency tag(s) or other device that can be polled and a two-polling device with speaker and computer chip. It can be attached to straps so they can be worn around the neck, or under a persons clothing. Alternately they can be attached, or worn in other places if a person wishes. There can be two radio frequency tags, so that a person's own body does not block the signal. The two-way polling device is designed so it can be attached to, or built into the wallet or any other item a person wishes to protect, with a pin or any other type of fastener. United States patent application US 2007 182 548 (RAAD) discloses a portable GPS transmitter configured to be mounted to a user comprising: activation means for sending, when the activation means is activated, a GPS location signal indicating a position of the user to a remote monitoring unit; video, audio and photo recording means for providing visual and audio recordings from the portable GPS transmitter, the video, audio and photo recording means automatically being activated when the activation means is activated; locking means for removably securing the attachment means of the portable GPS transmitter to the user, the locking means being displaceable only through entry of a locking code unique to the portable GPS transmitter; and attachment means for connecting the portable GPS transmitter to the user, a housing being connected to the attachment means for mounting the activation means, the locking means and the video, audio and photo recording means thereon.

Granted United Kingdom patent GB 2 425 202 (PAREKH) discloses a personal security device comprises a watch 1 having an internal chip and panic button 2 that, when pressed, will send a signal 6 to a call centre 4 giving the exact location of the individual, e.g. GPS coordinates, so that emergency services 5 can be sent out. The device also includes a vibration alert so that, when the call centre 4 receives the signal 6, it will then send a vibratory signal back to the individual to let them know that help is on its way. The internal chip may be coded with a user specific identifier so that it can only be used by the correct person. (From GB2425202 A)

Granted United States patent US 7 259 671 discloses a proximity aware personal alert system comprising: a first mobile transceiver unit; and a second mobile transceiver unit in communication with the first mobile transceiver unit via an RF link, the second mobile transceiver providing an alarm indication when the first mobile transceiver has moved a predetermined distance from the second mobile transceiver unit.

In contrast the present invention provides a failsafe means of tracking a child, baby, vulnerable adult or animal and has the advantage of the saving of lives through the reading of vital signs also. Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided for persons and animals, wearable, waterproof, shock resistant, multi linked, difficult to tamper with, lockable touch screen transmitter and receiver units capable of reading the wearers vital signs, determining the location of the transmitter wearers location, relaying of information between units, water and room temperature reading, glow in the dark, long life battery and solar powered, a charger, a speaker, a torch, a liner for wear between the unit and the skin, at least one alarm, at least one lock mechanism, a slot for emergency key and an emergency backup system for the removal of said bands comprising:

A wearable waterproof and shock resistant transmitter unit to be worn on the body, a liner for wear between the unit and skin, the unit comprising a band, formed of a plurality of interlocking sections, wherein at least two of said sections may be added/removed to alter size of the band and lock in electronics, tamper proof materials, a casing encasing electronics including active radio communications, a printed circuit board, a microchip, a slot for key locking, at least one lock mechanism, a fingerprint reader, a numerical code locking / unlocking means, a slot for an emergency key, the emergency key consists of a secure box with key card entry, a coded key and a secure data base, at least one button for sending a panic alert, a vital signs sensor reader by way of; ECG, a thermocouple, a skin contact sensor, an optical sensor, user interface control, screen for displaying said information of transmitter, a speaker, a camera, a tension indicator, water and room temperature reader, at least one alarm, a torch, glow in the dark, a power source including solar power, a low battery indicator and a slot for a spare battery, the transmitter being arranged to communicate with:

A wearable waterproof and shock resistant receiver unit, comprising a liner worn between a person's skin and the receiver, the unit being formed of a plurality of interlocking sections wherein at least two of the said sections may be added/removed to alter size of the band and lock in electronics, a unique stowed key, the unit is adapted to process information including identification information received from the transmitter unit, to process information including identification, vital signs and location information received from the transmitter unit, a touch screen to display the information, at least one button, a sequence of numbers, letters and symbols for coded locking and unlocking of the transmitter unit, a means for fingerprint locking and unlocking, a vital signs sensor reading by way of ECG, a thermocouple, a skin contact sensor, an optical sensor, means for receiving vital signs of the transmitter unit, a printed circuit board, a computer chip, a torch, glow in the dark, water and room temperature reader, a speaker, at least one lock mechanism, at least one alarm, a power source including solar power, a slot for a spare battery, a low battery indicator, and a slot for an emergency key. The receiver unit can also be a smart phone or a PC.

Both the above transmitter and receiver bands can vary in design as illustrated in the diagrams provided dependant on whom is using them, for example the general public or hospitals, for hospital usage the device can be designed to fit a patient with the hospital name tag or a supplied similar disposable tag which can also hold patient data on a circuit board and computer chip. This can be used without the tracking transceiver.

The emergency key system is adapted for use with the transmitter and receiver unit consisting of a coded key, a secure box, a key card and a secure database and has been designed for emergency removal of the transmitter and receiver units.

The transmitter unit is worn by or affixed to a baby, child, vulnerable person or animal and the receiver unit is worn by a responsible person such as a parent, carer, guardian, or user, so as to be able to identify the vital signs and location of the child, vulnerable person or animal at all times by means of the receiver unit.

The vital signs will be read by means of ECG, thermocouple, skin contact sensor and optical sensor.

For the detecting of temperature, this will work on a thermocouple technology, this is two precious metal wires welded together, when there is a change in temperature the resistance in the wires change causing a change in electrical signal, this then relates to a temperature change in the control electronics. The transmitter and receiver will work on ECG, for pulse and heart rate this detects and amplifies the tiny electrical changes on the skin which are caused by the heart muscle depolarizing during each heartbeat. These changes will be picked up by the use of a small metallic electrode which will work in conjunction with the skin contact sensor.

The optical sensor will read blood pressure, however, when using different designed equipment as illustrated in the diagrams, then a blood pressure cuff can be combined with the optical sensor for the reading of blood pressure, it is possible to make the cuff removable.

The transmitter and receiver unit will display room and water temperature.

The contact sensor can also detect if in contact with the skin, if the transmitter unit is not in contact with the skin it is assumed the transmitter unit has become removed and the receiver unit is notified. This will ensure that the transmitter unit is in constant contact with skin so as to read vital signs, location and makes it difficult be misused.

The transmitter unit is fitted or affixed to a wrist or leg or any other part of the body of a person or animal wearing the unit by means of a band produced of links or a hospital name tag, wherein said band may not be opened by unauthorised persons.

A tension indicator is fitted in the transmitter unit to alert the receiver unit by means of an alarm, if any sudden swelling occurs to the limb where the transmitter unit is affixed to.

The transmitter and receiver will work on part solar power and long life battery, a backup battery will be supplied so as the units are never without power. The units can also be rechargeable in a charger unit. The transmitter and receiver bands may be altered in size as appropriate to the person or animal wearing the unit as it is formed of a plurality of interlocking sections wherein at least two of said sections may be removed or more sections may be added to compensate for growth in the animal or person, from baby, through child to vulnerable adult, from small to large animal.

The adjustments for the bands is on an internal face so as to prevent the band from being adjusted when worn and potentially removed by unauthorised persons.

Each interlocking section is accurate so as to match the shape of the body part it is worn on and to allow it to sit comfortably around the body part of the person or animal it is attached to. Each interlocking section has a uniform depth so as to be less likely to be caught, displaced or damaged whilst worn. One section of the band will lock down on the inner face to store the electronics so as is only accessible when not being worn.

The sections and any intermediate interlock parts are provided in materials that are difficult to tamper with, damage or more particularly cut. For example the sections, or band may be produced in surgical steel, titanium or carbon fibre, or other strong, durable, lightweight material that may not be easily broken. In all preferred embodiments the material used is suitable for constant, consistent contact with sensitive skin, being hypoallergenic, minimal irritation, neutral and not prone to capture of bacteria.

The transmitter and receiver unit is covered in a synthetic plastic or elastomer coating such as rubber or silicone, wherein said coating provides aesthetic appeal, removes sharp edges and aids in waterproofing. This can then be coated in liquipel for extra waterproofing.

The band will additionally include a liner for wear between the band and the wearer for improved comfort. Typically the liner is a soft, breathable fabric.

The transmitter and receiver have many different ways of locking and unlocking. One method is a unique code that can be input at an input device, which is optionally the screen, the input device can take the form of an input keypad or mechanical locking barrel or any other electronic or electro-mechanical or mechanical device which permits the inclusion of a 4, 5 or 6 digit combination, the number of combinations can be increased by permitting the use of letters as well as characters, such as '&' or '$' or '#', thereby creating a very high level of security, on the basis that so many possible combinations can be achieved with a 4, 5 or 6 code feature lock, the code can be backed up on a secure website, for example at the database, so that the user can input their own code directly via a connection to a secure site, as well as Input this into the band locally, Code matching may then be performed either at the database or locally on the band, transmission between the two is via a telecommunication, such as 'DGPS Or similar and this can be used to set the code, once used again this code then acts to lock and unlock the transmitter by communicating with the communication device, which again can be performed locally, that is at the device or remotely via telecommunication link.

Another locking and unlocking method is of a user fingerprint, directly onto the transmitter and receiver unit or the removable unique stowed key on the transmitter unit as shown in diagrams.

The band may be separated or hinged in order to be fitted to a wearer. Advantageously the band will be locked closed so that the band may only be opened by one of the locking methods, to prevent the child vulnerable person, adult or animal from losing the transmitter unit or the transmitter unit being removed by anyone other than the user. Such is an important security feature ensuring the safety of the vulnerable persons or animals by keeping track of their vital signs or whereabouts at all times.

The key which is attached to the receiver, although is removable, is unique to one transmitter device and or a set of transmitter units, for example the user has more than one vulnerable person or animal in their charge, more than one transmitter unit may be linked to one receiver unit, the same can be said for the finger print and unique code locking and unlocking method.

In some further embodiments as the transmitter unit is envisaged to be formed of materials that prevent unauthorised persons, it will be possible to register a master copy of a unique coded key with emergency services, so as to allow removal of the transmitter or receiver unit from an injured person or animal, all units will be made to adapt this key. The emergency unlock key will allow a number of secure coded master keys to be registered with the emergency services, this has the advantage to be locked in a secure cabinet with key card entry, these coded keys can then be registered on a secure website, once used the website will be alerted as to that key's exact location, the key will have a time limit for use, once the time limit is reached the key will cease to work until it is recoded. The said data collected on the secure web site will show the exact location of the used key enabling the secure website to store data details of when, where and what that key was used for. The key will then be recoded and replaced, this will act as a deterrent for misuse.

The active radio communications is active and sends periodical pulses to the receiver unit to provide vital signs and location information of the wearer of the transmitter.

A break in signals may be caused by lowering battery or solar power levels, wherein the transmitter unit slows signal regularity when battery levels or solar power are failing, and consequently the receiver unit displays a transmitter low power indication. Embodiments include a back-up battery, such as will be stored on the receiver and transmitter unit for constant battery supplies to both units.

The said transmitter and receiver units will have a speaker for a two way communication and a camera has been added for reasons of protecting staff and patients alike from false accusations or wrongful treatment, this can be reviewed over a period of time as it will be connected and stored in a computer database, also for relaying images of strangers whom approach children and vulnerable people, this will send periodical images when panic alarm is raised or when the transmitter unit goes out of set distance.

Glow in the dark for reasons of seeing and being seen in the dark, so as ease of access of torch.

The said wearable transmitter and receiver could potentially lower the risk of cot death or severe meningitis or any other fatal illnesses which involves a sudden rapid change in temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, pulse or other vital sign by prompt alertness to any changes.

Any sudden dramatic changes will alert carers by way of an audible or flashing alarm and will display the results on the screen provided, on the pc or smart phone, even when the carer is in a different vicinity to the vital signs monitor wearer the carer will be made aware of sudden change.

The wearable vital signs transmitter also has the advantage of being one piece of readily available equipment thus cutting down on bulky apparatus and searching time for individual items. It also means it can be strapped directly to the patient anywhere at any time.

For the purpose of hospitals, care homes and veterinarians, the transmitter will link to the PC and the patient's relative or representative will have the option to purchase a receiver band or mobile phone or PC app so as to be kept updated with the patients progress. Not shown in the drawings.

The units produced for hospital, care home and veterinarian usage can be made to differ slightly in contrast to the bands but the concept will remain the same. Using the already in use waterproof hospital name tags or with the produced name tag with the adding of bar code, computer chip or both for the reading of patient details, which will be threaded through the monitor. Other benefits to this method are hygiene as the tags are disposable and can be changed between patients.

The tracking transceiver in the transmitter, the radio communications, provides location information for a set range from the receiver unit. After this range is breached, location information is provided by the DGPS or similar.

A pattern of regularity of signal transmission from the tracking transmitter unit can be set by the user or defined at manufacture or retail wherein if at any time the regular signal is not detected or a break in signals is detected by the receiver unit a warning notice is triggered on the receiver unit to advise the user that the signal from the transmitter unit has stopped or changed. Typically the warning notice may be visual such as a flashing light, audible alarm, a vibration warning notice or all of the above.

Additionally the tracker transmitter unit includes at least one button to activate the transmitter unit to send a panic alert to the receiver unit. In some embodiments for example the casing, band includes two buttons; for example on opposing sides of the casing which buttons when pressed simultaneously for a predetermined amount of time will activate the transmitter unit to send a signal to the receiver unit advising the user that the wearer of the transmitter unit wants to be found.

The use of two buttons pressed simultaneously reduces the chance of the buttons being pressed in error and erroneously alerting the user. In some embodiments the transmitter band may have a plurality of or continuous buttons.

However where this is not possible for babies, small children, vulnerable adults and animals, the predetermined set distance, will be used. Once the receiver unit has been alerted to the breach, the receivers screen will show the location and distance of the transmitter unit enabling the unit to be found.

It is envisaged that the panic alert may be similar or the same as the warning notice triggered if the periodical signal is lost to minimise components, for example provided with coded difference.

Typically the pressing of the buttons causes transmission of the signal from the transmitter unit to the receiver unit. It is envisaged that multiple signals may be triggered by pressing the buttons including active radio communication and DGPS or similar so as to ensure the signal is detected at any range or bearing.

The receiver unit is equipped to interpret the signal to establish location of the transmitter unit in relation to the receiver unit, wherein for example the transmitter unit may additionally include means of establishing location of the receiver unit. In some embodiments the receiver unit may be comprised by a standard unit, such as a smart phone or pc, wherein said unit may be adaptable by hardware, firmware or software so as to cooperate with the transmitter unit as required and appropriate.

The transmitter and receiver units include a screen to display information such as the vital signs of the wearer of both units and for the purpose of the combined tracking unit, direction in which, the transmitter unit is located and the distance from the receiver unit to the transmitter unit and show vital signs of the wearer of the transmitter and the receiver.

Typically the direction of the transmitter unit will be visually displayed on the screen of the receiver unit by means of an arrow or marker that points in the direction of the transmitter unit so as to guide the user of the receiver unit to the location of the transmitter unit,

The information will be recorded and stored so that it may be recalled at a later time. For example, a route of the transmitter unit over a period of time may be viewed.

A system of multiple bands may include a plurality of bands, each of whose codes may of course also be stored on the secure web site. An optional feature is to provide a master code allowing for multiple release of more than one or groups or sub-groups of bands. This feature has the advantage that the transmitter and receiver are less bulky.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an exploded isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the transmitter unit;

Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a side view of the embodiment of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows a second side view of the embodiment of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 shows a view from above of the embodiment of Figure 1 showing the casing;

Figure 6 shows a second view from above of the embodiment of Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 shows a third view from above of the embodiment of Figure 1 ;

Figure 8 shows a fourth view from above of the embodiment of Figure 1 ;

Figure 9 shows a view of a transmitter unit with key extended;

Figure 10 shows a transmitter with vital signs and spy camera;

Figure 1 1 shows a transmitter highlighting fingerprint locking;

Figure 12 shows transmitter with vital signs and skin contact electrode hidden in strap;

Figure 13 shows motor controlled shutter to seal off access and ratchet locking;

Figure 14 shows the emergency key in sealed box.

Figure 15 shows vital signs transmitter with hospital tag for attaching to patient; Figure 16 shows vital signs transmitter with hospital tag and blood pressure sleeve attachment;

Figure 17 shows vital signs transmitter with attached band and blood pressure cuff for personal use;

Figure 18 shows side view of vital signs transmitter with written explanation; Figure 19 shows vital signs transmitter with single charger unit; Figure 20 shows vital signs transmitter with multiple charger unit

Detailed Description of Figures

In the pictured embodiment of the transmitter unit 1 is a band composed of five interlocking sections 2, at least 2 of said sections can be removed or added for re sizing, said sections formed in possibly either surgical steel, titanium or carbon fibre or other lightweight strong material that can't be easily broken or cut, covered in use with a silicone, plastic or rubber coating or jacket, glow in the dark, (not shown). The unit 1 also includes a casing 3 which contains electronics 4 including a PCB, active radio communications, microchip, and location tracking transceiver components, ECG and thermocouple, skin and optical contact sensors will be apparent.

Said electronics 4 with skin and optical contact sensor 6, will activate if a change in vital signs of the wearer is detected, Said other electronics 4 may be activated by the two buttons 5 (the buttons 5 being located on opposing sides of the casing) when this is not possible, such as for animals, babies young children and vulnerable adults then an alarm can be sent to the receiver unit when the transmitter goes out of a set preferred range, this can be set as appropriate.

When an older child raises an alarm by pressing both buttons 5 for 2 seconds, this will then alert the receiver unit and show the transmitter unit's location, in some embodiments including directions to the transmitter unit, if this is not responded to by the user the alarm will be sent through to the emergency services.

In preferred embodiments of the receiver unit the user swipes a finger across the receiver unit's screen to activate local tracking, to scan location and show the direction of any connected transmitters or units within a predetermined set range and swipes the finger in the opposite direction for a greater tracking range outside of set range, swiping again will cycle through all connected transmitter unit(s) or units.

The transmitter unit and receiver unit may be adjusted in length to suit the child, vulnerable adult or animal and tightened in place to make small adjustments, wherein it is possible to add links as the wearer grows. The bands are unlockable with a unique key (as shown in Figure 9 as 9) in the lock (Figure 2 as 10). Fingerprint method as shown in figure 1 1 or unique unlocking code method, the interlocking sections may be adjusted using an adjustor 9 in the adjustment means 7 when the band is opened or open, or the interlocking sections may be opened by means of the fingerprint, key or by means of the unique code method.

The transmitter unit 1 is activated when the transmitter unit 1 is secured or closed.

The receiver unit is a wearable unit so as to be close to hand at all times and easily worn, (Figure 9) with a unique removable key for the transmitter band hinged in the unit, that when not in use in a stowed position sits virtually invisible following the curve of the unit about a person, the receiver unit stores the unique locking code or fingerprint inside its technology if these methods are in use.

For example variation to the embodiment may be made by including a locking device with a code which includes a numerical code, the device may take the form of an input keypad or mechanical locking barrel or any other electronic or electro-mechanical or mechanical device which permits the inclusion of a 4, 5 or 6 digit combination, the number of combinations increase by permitting the use of letters as well as optionally characters, such as '&' or '$' or '#' or similar, thereby creating a very high level of security, on the basis that so many possible combinations can be achieved with a 4, 5 or 6 feature lock.

Optionally the code can be backed up on a secure website so that the user can input their own Code directly via a connection to a secure site as well as verify this by input into the bracelet locally, code matching may then be performed via a telecommunication link and this technique can be used to set the code, once used again this code then acts to lock and unlock the bands by communicating with the communication device, which again may be performed locally - that is at the device or remotely - that is via a telecommunication link.

A system of multiple bands may include a plurality of bands, each of whose codes may of course also be stored on the secure web site, an optional feature is to provide a master code for multiple release of more than one or groups or sub-groups of bracelets. This feature has the advantage that the transmitter and receiver are less bulky. Figure 10 illustrates a band with spy camera and alternative locking method, this will run with the coded and fingerprint locking which is illustrated in figure 1 1 and figure 13's shutter control, the coded locking previously mentioned in the description, where by a code is entered onto a secure web site is not illustrated.

Figure 12 is illustrating the vital signs on the digital screen and also the skin contact sensor on the underneath of the wrist with wires hidden in the strap leading back up to the digital screen to make contact with the already mentioned technology in the transmitter, the reason for this is that the vital signs can be detected easier underneath the wrist.

Figure 13 illustrates the shutter control lock which works with the fingerprint or code method, this will unlock the band for resizing, this will not be able to be achieved whilst the shutter is closed or whilst the device is being worn.

Figure 14 illustrates an emergency backup key housed in a secure cabinet, this will be accessible by way of a key card coded entry and will be linked to a secure website, once the box is opened the secure website will be alerted, the key will be set to work for a predetermined time and will cease to work when that time has expired, the key will be recoded and set back in the box, the secure website will know the keys exact location thus being able to detect why and where it was used, this system will prevent unauthorised use.

Figure 15 shows the vital signs transmitter with the use of a hospital identity tag, this method can be used by hospitals, care homes and veterinaries, the tag will thread through the monitor without interrupting the skin contact sensor, this has the advantage to hold the patient or animals name and lock on so that small children and vulnerable adults cannot remove it and animals cannot lose it, it also means better hygiene because the tags can be thrown away between patients and animals, these said tags will be of the same design for bar code and microchip patient data tags, not illustrated, the skin contact sensor, with the aid of ECG, thermocouple, optical sensor, will read the vital signs of the wearer then display the results on the screen, this transmitter will be waterproof and shock resistant.

Figure 16 shows the vital signs monitor with hospital tag but also shows the blood pressure cuff and where it will be attached, the blood pressure cuff will inflate at the touch of a button, show the results on the screen and quickly deflate, is detachable and is for back up purposes. Figure 17 shows the vital signs transmitter with the blood pressure sleeve and a strap attached, this will be made of hypoallergenic materials for sensitive skin, the reason for the strap is for the purpose of public sale, Figure 16 also highlights the skin contact sensor being on the underneath of the wrist with showing the concealed wires leading back up to the screen so as to make contact with the circuit board, this device will also still be waterproof and shock resistant.

Figure 18 shows a side view of said device attached to a hospital tag, with written explanation on how the device works.

Figure 19 shows said device in a single charger unit for use with the public devices.

Figure 20 shows the units in a multiple charger unit for use by hospitals and veterinary services, these charger units are mains adapted but can also run on solar power, the device itself has a backup battery for use on the move although the wrist band transmitter and receiver units will be more advisable for on the move situations.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above descriptions then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims Monitoring arrangement including:

1 . A wearable waterproof and shock resistant transmitter unit for persons or animals comprising: tamper resistant materials; a liner worn between person's or animal's skin and the transmitter; the unit comprising a band formed of a plurality of interlocking sections wherein at least two of said sections may be unlocked, said sections also being added / removed to alter the size of the band; a casing housing electronics including active radio communications; a printed circuit board; a microchip; a tracking transceiver for purpose of tracking device; a user interface; at least one button for sending a panic alert; a skin contact sensor; an optical sensor; a vital signs sensor reading by way of ECG; a thermocouple; a tension indicator; at least one alarm; a spy camera; a speaker; at least one lock mechanism; a fingerprint reader; a room temperature reader; a water temperature reader; a numerical code locking / unlocking means; a torch; glow in the dark; a power source including solar power; a slot for a spare battery; a low battery indicator; and a slot for an emergency key; the emergency key consists of a secure box with key card entry, a coded key and a secure database: the transmitter being arranged to communicate with;

A wearable waterproof and shock resistant receiver unit comprising; a liner worn between a person's skin and the receiver; the unit being formed from a plurality of interlocking sections wherein at least two of the sections may be unlocked; a unique stowed key; the unit being adapted to process information including identification information received from the transmitter unit; a means for receiving location information of the transmitter unit; a touch screen to display the information; at least one button; a sequence of numbers, letters and symbols for coded locking and unlocking; a water temperature reader; a room temperature reader; a vital signs sensor reading by way of ECG; a thermocouple; a skin contact sensor; an optical sensor; means for receiving vital signs of the wearer of the transmitter unit; a printed circuit board; a microchip; a torch; the unit being arranged to glow in the dark; a speaker, at least one locking mechanism; at least one alarm; a power source including solar power; a slot for a spare battery; a low battery indicator and a slot for an emergency key, the receiver unit can also be a smart phone or a PC.

2. A transmitter unit and receiver unit according to claim 1 wherein the transmitter unit includes a tracking transceiver for tracking a person or animal, and the receiver unit further includes a means for receiving location information from the transmitter unit whereby the touch screen on the receiver unit is arranged to display such Information, including mapping, said screen when swiped in a first direction will track the transmitter unit up to a predetermined distance, said screen when swiped in a second direction opposite to the first direction will track the transmitter unit greater than the predetermined distance.

3. A transmitter unit and receiver unit according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the unique stowed key is removable and is arranged to interface with interlocking sections of the transmitter unit whereby separation of the sections is limited to the user of the receiver unit.

4. A transmitter unit and receiver unit according to claims 1 to 3 wherein an alternative locking device can be used, said locking device is made up of a unique code and can be input at an input device, which is optionally the screen, the input device can take the form of an input keypad or mechanical locking barrel or any other electronic or electro-mechanical or mechanical device which permits the inclusion of a 4, 5 or 6 digit combination, the number of combinations can be increased by permitting the use of letters as well as characters, such as '&' or '$' or '#', thereby creating a very high level of security, on the basis that so many possible combinations can be achieved with a 4, 5 or 6 code feature lock, the code can be backed up on a secure website, for example at the database, so that the user can input their own code directly via a connection to a secure site, as well as Input this into the band locally, Code matching may then be performed either at the database or locally on the band, transmission between the two is via a telecommunication, such as 'DGPS Or similar and this can be used to set the code, once used again this code then acts to lock and unlock the transmitter by communicating with the communication device, which again can be performed locally, that is at the device or remotely via telecommunication link.

A transmitter unit and receiver unit according to claims 1 to 4, wherein an alternative locking device can be used, said locking device being of user fingerprint, directly onto device.

A transmitter unit and receiver unit according to claims 1 to 5 wherein both transmitter unit and receiver unit will be adapted for use with an override coded key which will be registered with the emergency services, this will be locked in a secure cabinet with key card entry, be registered on a secure website, once said key is used its exact location will notify the secure website, said keys code will be deactivated after a set period of time which enables said key to be used on more than one person at an incident sight, said key will then be matched to the incident, said key will be re coded and re secured.

7. A transmitter unit and receiver unit according to claims 1 to 6 wherein the transmitter unit provides periodic information of vital signs and location then relays the information to the receiver unit using active radio communications.

8. A transmitter unit and receiver unit according to claims 1 to 7 wherein the transmitter unit and receiver unit includes skin contact and optical sensors adapted to detect if contact with the skin is maintained and aid along with thermocouple and ECG in relaying the vital signs of the wearer of transmitter unit and the receiver unit.

9. A transmitter unit and receiver unit according to claims 1 to 8 wherein the transmitter unit and the receiver unit will work on a mixture of solar power and long life batteries and be capable of being charged in a charging unit, said charger will be singular for public use and of a multiple capacity for use by hospitals, care homes and veterinarians.

10. A transmitter unit and receiver unit according to claims 1 to 9 wherein a variety of alarms by way of visual, audio or both will alert the wearer of the receiver unit and carers to sudden changes in vital signs, distance breech, panic alert, swelling of a limb of the wearer of the transmitter unit and low battery on the transmitter unit and the receiver unit.

1 1 . A transmitter unit and receiver unit according to claims 1 to 10 wherein a connection to a computer will be by way of live link so as patient vital signs and information can be viewed by doctors, nurses and veterinarians at their stations on wards.

12. A transmitter unit and receiver unit according to claims 1 to 1 1 wherein the spy camera has been added for reasons of protecting staff and patients alike from false accusations or wrongful treatment, this can be reviewed over a period of time as it will be connected and stored in a computer database.

13. A transmitter unit and receiver unit according to claim 1 to 12 wherein an already supplied hospital name tag or a tag with added bar code and computer chip to hold patient details can be used to attach the differently designed transmitter to a patient or animal thread through a manufactured gap between the monitor and skin contact, this tag can lock the device to the wearer, is readily available and can be changed between patients thus helping with hygiene, this design also has a detachable blood pressure cuff, all results will be displayed on the touch screen provided.

14. A transmitter unit and receiver unit according to claim 1 to 13 wherein the glow in the dark band is supplied with the transmitter unit and receiver unit for reasons of seeing and being seen in the dark.

15. A transmitter unit and receiver unit according to claims 1 to 14 wherein the speaker of the transmitter unit and receiver unit allow for two way conversation.

16. A transmitter unit and receiver unit according to claims 1 to 15 wherein the tension indicator is fitted in the transmitter unit to alert the receiver unit by means of an alarm, if any sudden swelling occurs to the limb where the transmitter unit is affixed to.

17. A transmitter unit and receiver unit according to claims 1 to 16 wherein a battery backup slot is provided in the transmitter unit and receiver unit.

18. A transmitter unit and receiver unit according to claims 1 to 17 wherein two buttons are added on opposite sides of the transmitter unit which includes the tracking transceiver, when pressed simultaneously for a predetermined amount of time, a panic alert will be sent to the receiver unit, the location of the wearer of the transmitter unit will appear on the screen of the receiver unit.

19. A transmitter unit and receiver unit according to claims 1 to 18 wherein the transmitter unit and receiver unit will display room and water temperature.

20. A transmitter unit and receiver unit according to claims 1 to 18 wherein the transmitter unit can be linked to GP and emergency services.