FR2872917A1 - Person e.g. offender, monitoring and tracking system, has transmission beacons transmitting signals with data, where signals are received by one local monitoring device, when one beacon is found in reception area of local device - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has a set of transmission beacons (316, 320) that are attached to a set of monitored individuals and a central monitoring server. The transmission beacons transmit signals including data regularly. The signals are received by one of local monitoring devices (306, 308), when one beacon is found in a reception area of one local monitoring device for permitting the tracking of the monitored individuals. An independent claim is also included for a method for monitoring and tracking a set of individuals.

Description

MONITORING AND MONITORING NETWORK

  The present invention relates to a system and method for tracking individuals in general and in particular to a network system and method for tracking and monitoring persons using a communication line as well as radio frequency transceivers operating in conjunction with a central monitoring system that is able to collect and summarize the activity of the system.

  People monitoring and surveillance systems use wireless technology and GPS (Geographical Positioning System) to prosecute people such as offenders, people with mental disabilities or incapacities. Such monitoring of persons may be medically or legally required by the justice system.

  A personal surveillance system involves the use of a short-range radio frequency transmitting device carried on a limb (beacon), a wireless transmission device and a GPS location on the body, also known LOCATION AND TRANSMISSION (LTD) and a central monitoring station (CMS) to receive wireless information from devices worn on the body. The beacon communicates with the LTD to ensure that the LTD is in close proximity to the person being monitored. The tag usually has an anti-fraud mechanism. When a monitored person is tampering with the transmitting device or beacon or attempting to remove the limb tag, a wireless communication message is transmitted to the central monitoring station (CMS).

  Some similar apps also include a panic button. The panic button sends a wireless communication message routed to the central monitoring station. The body-worn LTD is functional in the geographic location of said device and for transmitting the location to a central monitoring station (CMS) through wireless communication. The geographical location in such a system is achieved through GPS technology. Through the operation of a GPOS receiver placed in the LTD, the geographical location of the LTD and a time stamp are stored temporarily in a memory device in the LTD and then transmitted via a wireless communication to the CMS. Wireless transmission is routed through a local wireless network. Some systems have the ability to connect to a fixed device for transmitting location and timestamp information over a land line. This function is performed only when the person being monitored is at home at a base station where such a device is located. The CMS is usually a computer connected to the wireless network. The CMS receives the transmissions sent from the different LTD, processes and displays the transmissions to the supervisory personnel. The processing involves summarizing the location and timestamps of each LTD monitored by the system as well as the status of the LTD and the beacon, such as the battery level, the condition of the anti-fraud mechanism, and so on. The CMS computer also traces the location of the LTDs given by the GPS coordinates received from the general satellites according to the timestamp also received from said satellites on an electronic card generated by the computer. In some people tracking systems, personnel monitoring the system may define rules and regulations for each person being monitored. These rules are referred to in the art as rules of constriction of location and time. Location and time constraint rules are sent over the wireless network to the appropriate LTD where they are stored in the LTD's memory. The LTD constantly compare the location and timestamp obtained from the GPS with the rules stored in their memory device. These rules are intended, for example, to prevent a person being monitored from being present in a certain place at a specific time. For example, a person may be prevented from entering a radius or area of two kilometers around a victim's home. In a typical operation of such a system, if a person violates the rules set by the system, a wireless message is sent to the CMS. Personnel monitoring the system in the CMS can then alert law enforcement officers to intercept the person, as well as send a warning message to the LTD placed on that person.

  The present proposed systems of the type described above have several disadvantages. For an estimate of the location and timestamp of the LTD using GPS technology, at least four satellites in orbit are required. Locally and during periods when satellite coverage is inadequate, the ability of systems to track down monitored individuals is diminished or non-existent.

  In addition, the use of a GPS receiver is energy demanding and requires the use of a high energy battery.

  The aforementioned people tracking system uses wireless communications for the transmission of information between LTD and CMS. However, wireless communication can be hindered by congested wireless systems. GPS / wireless monitoring and surveillance systems are intended for use primarily in urban areas that are already significantly encumbered by cellular communications. In addition, the loss of wireless connection under reduced reception conditions may also hinder the operation of the systems. This is important especially around a sensitive local setting, such as in and around a victim's homes, banks, workplaces and the like, where the wireless network often has diminutive reception. There is therefore a need in the art for a person tracking and monitoring system that is independent of GPS technology or wireless communications so that the lack of satellite coverage and wireless communications coverage does not interfere. monitoring and surveillance. There is a need for a system that can track and monitor a person around specific places at specific times and at the same time uses low weight, relatively inexpensive equipment by the monitored person.

  A monitoring system based solely on radio frequencies involves the use of local radio frequency (RF) signals for locating individuals that are being monitored. In such a system, the monitored person carries a unidirectional RF transmission beacon. This beacon transmits regularly and can also be adapted with some anti-fraud and panic mechanisms. The RF signals emanating from the beacon are received by a monitoring device (reception) generally located in an area where the person spends most of his time, such as the person's home. The local monitoring device is adjusted to identify only the specific beacon worn by the person.

  When the person carrying the beacon is placed in the reception range of the local monitoring device, the beacon identification code and a time stamp are sent to a central monitoring system through the telephone for processing and display. A disadvantage of this system includes the small coverage area of the system as a whole and the rigid association of the local monitoring device with a particular beacon. The monitoring system mentioned above is limited by the limited reception range of the single local monitoring device fitted to a beacon. People wearing a beacon can only be monitored when they are within the range of the specific monitoring device, usually around their house. Thus, when a person wearing a tag is out to go shopping, visit friends, etc. she is not supervised and her whereabouts are unknown.

  There is therefore a need for a monitoring system that is capable of monitoring anyone carrying an RF beacon at various locations in an inexpensive manner. There is a need for a monitoring system using a low weight beacon that is able to place monitored people at specific locations while using small and relatively inexpensive system components for the intended task.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide an innovative method and system that optimizes and adds to the capabilities of the tracking and monitoring systems of people, which overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, there is thus provided an extended monitoring and tracking system for monitoring and tracking a plurality of individuals, the system comprising: a computerized central monitoring server comprising a processor for processing the data, a device memory for storing the data and a display device for displaying the data; a plurality of transmission beacons attachable to monitored individuals, each having a unique identification code, each of the plurality of beacons includes a transmitter that regularly broadcasts a signal carrying first data about the individual to whom the beacon is attached , the first data includes the identification code of the tag; and a plurality of local monitors distributed at predetermined locations, each of the plurality of local monitors includes a receiver receptive to signals transmitted from any of the plurality of beacons when a beacon is in the range. receiving a local monitor, a data processor for processing the first data carried by said signals, a memory device and a communication device for communicating according to a predefined plan of the second data to the central monitoring server, the second data Data includes all of a portion of the first data and additional data regarding the identity and status of the local monitoring device communicating the second data.

  The transmission beacons may further include a receiver.

  The predetermined locations may include locations associated with each of the plurality of monitored individuals and wherein a local monitor placed at a location associated with a specific monitored individual includes in its memory device a set of rules regarding the presence and the the absence of said specific monitored individual within the reception range of the local surveillance device, and preferably any of the following: the house of a person under surveillance, an office, a public establishment, a public road, a public area, a vehicle and / or external locations at the home of the person being monitored.

  Preferably, during the violation of said rules by said specific monitored individual, a message is sent to the central monitoring server.

  A: 1Patents \ 22600 \ 22616.doc - 5 July 2004 - 4/32 Locations associated with monitored individuals may include residency or work sites of supervised individuals or other individuals or locations in which supervised persons perform activities. private or public and / or public locations not associated with a particular supervised individual.

  Preferably, the transmitter is a single or multiple channel RF transmitter.

  Local monitoring devices may include mobile monitoring devices. At least one of the local monitors is preferably installed in a vehicle.

  According to one embodiment, the central monitoring server processes the data communicated from the plurality of local monitoring devices to obtain information regarding the plurality of monitored individuals and further manipulates the information to track the monitored individuals by cross-referencing information about a particular monitored individual received from different local monitors. The information obtained is preferably displayed graphically in a map.

  The transmitting beacons may further include an anti-fraud mechanism for indicating attempts to remove and / or damage the beacon and wherein the first data carried by the transmitted signals includes data relating to attempted fraud.

  Local monitoring devices may further include a fraud proof mechanism indicating attempts to remove or damage the local monitoring device and in which, upon such an attempt a message is sent to the central monitoring server. .

  Preferably, the communication device for communication between a local monitoring device and the central monitoring server comprises a telephone line or a cellular telephone network or a data network or a telecommunications signal network.

  The telephone line is preferably a dedicated line.

  The communication device for communication between a local monitoring device and the central monitoring server may comprise a local or wide area network. A local monitor may further include a transmitter capable of broadcasting signals receivable by other local monitors having a reception / transmission range overlapping with the local monitor.

  According to embodiments: - the central monitoring server processes the data communicated from the plurality of local monitoring devices to obtain the information R: \ Patents \ 22600 \ 226I6.doc - 5 July 2004 - 5/32 concerning the plurality of monitored individuals and further manipulates the information to prosecute the monitored individuals by crossing information relating to a particular monitored individual received from different local surveillance devices. The information obtained can be displayed graphically in a map. As a variant, no display is required for this information and the central monitoring station of the system can operate without the use of a supervisor and without the use of a display.

  the local monitoring devices furthermore comprise a fraud proof mechanism indicating the attempts to remove or damage the local monitoring device and in which, at such an attempt, a message is sent to the central monitoring server .

  the local monitoring device further comprises a transmitter capable of broadcasting signals receivable by other local monitoring devices having a reception / transmission range overlapping with the local monitoring device.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an extended monitoring and monitoring method for monitoring and tracking a plurality of individuals. The method includes the steps of providing each of the plurality of individuals to monitor a tag that can be attached, each of the plurality of tags regularly broadcasting a signal carrying first data about the individual to whom the tag is attached, first data includes the identification code of the tag; distributing a plurality of local monitors at predetermined locations, each of the plurality of local monitors receiving signals transmitted from any of the plurality of beacons when a beacon is in the receive range of a local monitoring device; processing at the local monitor the first data carried by said signals; communicating from the local monitoring devices according to a predefined second data plan to the central monitoring server, the second data includes all or part of the first data and additional data concerning the identity and status of the local monitoring device communicating the second data. data.

  The predetermined locations may include locations associated with each of the plurality of monitored individuals and in which a local monitoring device located at a location associated with a specific monitored individual includes in its memory device a set of rules concerning the presence and the absence of said specific monitored individual in the reception range of the local monitoring device.

  The present invention will be better understood and appreciated from the detailed description above taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system of FIGS. 1 and 2; monitoring and surveillance of persons known in the art; Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing the data flow in the prior art tracking and monitoring system of persons illustrated in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention illustrating the relationship of supervised persons, local monitors and central monitoring device; Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of alternative modes of data transmission as well as a person geographic location capability of the preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of the data displayed at the central monitoring system of the present invention in a tabulated form; and Fig. 6 is a schematic illustration of data displayed at the central monitoring system of the present invention in a schematic map form.

  The present invention solves the disadvantages of the prior art by providing an innovative method and system that optimizes and adds to the capabilities of human tracking and monitoring systems.

  The general plan of the tracking and monitoring system of persons of the present invention comprises three major elements: at least one radiofrequency (RF) signal transmission beacon or the like carried by a supervised person, a multitude of local monitoring devices (LMD) ) each capable of receiving RF signals from a multitude of transmission beacons and converting the RF signals into data to be communicated to a central monitoring server (CMS) capable of transmitting and receiving the data to and from said multitude of local monitoring devices through a telephone or other communication paths. The central monitoring server processes and displays the data such that the location and location of any person carrying a tag can be identified to designated areas covered by the local monitoring device network. While the present invention uses as an example the transport of data from the LMDs to the CMS by means of a terrestrial line, other means of communication are also contemplated. These include any communication paths including, as non-limiting examples, cellular communication, satellite link, wide area and local area networks, and the like.

  Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which is a schematic illustration of a prior art surveillance system designated generally at 100. System 100 is generally used for home surveillance of persons such as offenders, mentally deficient, etc. The system can also be used to monitor or prosecute any other person or group of people. The system 100 comprises a central monitoring device (CMD) 102 (also known as a central monitoring server (CMS), a terrestrial telephone data line 106, a local monitoring device (LMD) 110 and a transmission beacon (beacon) 118. The beacon 118 is generally a device worn on a limb, worn on either the leg or the hand of the person being monitored 114. The beacon 118 is designed to fit the limb and is generally equipped with An anti-fraud mechanism (not shown) The anti-fraud mechanism of beacon 118 may include a strap anti-tamper mechanism and a mechanism for detecting the presence of a body in the girth circumference. for example, attempting to cut or remove the beacon triggers a fraud alert The beacon 118 includes a unidirectional RF transmitter regularly transmitting an RF signal 122 which carries an id code unique entification of tag as well as other information regarding the status of tag components.

  The local surveillance device (LMD) 110 is a hardware device generally placed in the home of the person. The device 110 may be connected to its location by means of securing means so that it can not be removed (not shown) and as the tag 118 includes anti-fraud mechanisms. Alternatively, the LMD 110 may include a motion sensor (not shown) that alerts the CMD 102 if an attempt is made to move the LMD 110. In this case, the LMB 110 can be mobile. The device 110 is capable of detecting RF signal transmissions from within the reception range 126 of the LMD 110. The LMD 110 can receive, identify, and process the RF signals from only a dedicated beacon 118. The device 110 processes then the RF message for the content and examines the identification code carried by the received signal. If the signal identification code corresponds to the identification code stored on the memory of the device 110, the processor of the device 110 adds a time stamp to the identification code from the RF signal of the tag 118 and temporarily stores it on a device memory (not shown). The LMD 110 may also include a sensor to determine whether the LMD device itself is open. With the aid of a modem device (not shown) the LMD 110 establishes a connection R: \ Patents \ 22600 \ 22616. doc - July 5, 2004 - 8/32 telephone data with the CMD 102 and predefined plan sends the data stored on the memory card through the telephone line 106.

  In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the LMD 110 may be placed in a variety of private and public locations. For example, the LMD 110 can be placed in public places where it can receive and monitor multiple subjects. The LMD 110 can be placed in a railway station, bank, shop or near roads and highways. The LMD 110 can also become a mobile unit that can be placed on a vehicle or carried by a person. Such an LMD 110 includes cellular communication means or other means of communicating with a central monitoring station. Such an LMD also has location identification functions. In one example, such a mobile LMD may comprise a GPS device connected thereto. In another embodiment, the LMD can be connected to the odometer and the vehicle wheel extrapolating the location of the vehicles at any given time depending on the initial location of the vehicle. Such a mobile LMD can be battery powered or connected to the power sources of the vehicle in which it is installed. The LMD can operate independently of the vehicle operator. Thus, many LMDs can be placed in many vehicles providing effective LMD coverage for areas with significant vehicle traffic. The ability to position the LMD 110 as noted above (both outside the offender's home and as a mobile device or transported by vehicle) allows the creation of a network of LMDs. The LMD network is described in detail later with reference to Figure 6. Placing the LMDs in this way also allows a central monitoring system to determine the location of a violator with greater accuracy through the reception of signals. multiples from the various LMDs and extrapolating the location of an offender and if such an offender complies with the rules that are provided to him.

  In the surveillance system designated 100, the CMD 102 is typically a computer device connected via a telephone line 106 to the LMD 110. The CMD 102 is generally programmed to receive information from a number any of LMD devices 110, each adjusted to a specific tag 118 which sends information regarding the presence or absence of the tag, as well as other hardware related data such as fraud and battery status and other equivalent status information about the specific tag. Generally, LMDs are placed in the person's home or in sites where this person's supervision is required. CMD 102 receives, processes information from each LMD, and displays this information to supervisory personnel. The information collected in CMD 102 can be used to inform about the presence or absence of the monitored person in the designated watch area. In the example shown in Figure 1, the monitored person 114 carrying the tag 118 can be found in a designated area 126. The CMD 102 is unable to follow the person 118 when it is not present in the receiving range. This particularity of the LMD and the beacon applies to the persons supervised by the home monitoring system of the prior art. The CMD 102 can download rules and constraint data into the LMD 110 via the telephone line 106. This data may include hours of confinement at the reception range and the like. As in similar surveillance systems, when a person is inconsistent with the rules and regulations set by the system, CMD 102 can be programmed to contact law enforcement officers (not shown) for the interception of the supervised person 114.

  Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is a flow chart showing a partial but essential data flow in accordance with the monitoring system illustrated in FIG. 1. The tracking and monitoring system shown in FIG. transmission beacon device, a local monitoring device and a central monitoring system (118, 110, 102 respectively in Fig. 1). At present, the system can provide monitoring of a plurality of persons in which each monitored person is equipped with a beacon (beacon) comprising a unique identifier and a local monitoring device (LMD) dedicated to said tag, that is to say, each LMD reacts only to its corresponding tag. Each beacon 201, 203 and 205 of FIG. 2 in the monitoring system has a beacon identification code which is unique. For example, the tag-1 201 has the identification code TAG IDx 202, the tag-2 203 has the identification code TAG IDy 204, etc., so that the tag-n 205 has the identification code TAG IDz 206. Each of the tags 201, 203 and 205 transmits an RF signal containing a message which includes the tag identification code as well as other parameters relating to the status of the tag such as the anti-fraud status, the level battery (not shown). When the beacons 201, 203 and 205 are in the reception range of the local monitoring devices (LMD) 208, 210 and 212, the LMDs receive the transmission of the beacons 201, 203 and 205 as observed in the steps 207, 209 and 211 respectively. In steps 214, 216, and 218, each LMD 208, 210, and 218 adds a timestamp and stores it temporarily in a memory device (not shown) so that in the memory device of LMD 1 208, an observed set of information at R: \ Patents \ 22600 \ 22616. doc - July 5, 2004 10/32 step 214 is built. This set of information contains the tag ID and status information (not shown) and the appropriate timestamp. For example, the set of information observed in step 214 in the memory device (not shown) of the LMD1 contains the IDx tag plus other relevant information plus the timestamp, the IDx tag, and other relevant information. plus time stamp2, etc. The same applies to LMD2 210 and LMDn 212 and their respective information sets observed in steps 216 and 218 respectively.

  In step 219, the LMDs 208, 210 and 212 connect via a modem (not shown) and a terrestrial line (not shown) to the CMS 220 and transfer the data of the created information sets to the steps 214, 216 and 218 to the CMS 220. Step 219 takes place on a predefined plane or by predefined rules. In the CMS 220, the data is processed by LMD as illustrated by steps 228, 230 and 232 and stored in a storage location (not shown). This means that for each LMD sending information to the system, there is a file containing tag IDs, other information, and timestamp. For example, in the CMS 220 illustrated in FIG. 2, the LMD1 data file 226 contains the data processed in step 228 such as TAG IDx plus other relevant information (not shown) and the timestamp, Tag IDx more other relevant information (not shown) and timestamp2, etc. The data file created in steps 203 and 232 for the LMD2 224 and for the LMDn 222 follows the same pattern as for the LMD1 226 described here and above. The system can monitor the presence or absence of the person carrying a beacon in a very small geographical area and when not present, no data belonging to the location of the person are known.

  Reference is now made to Figure 3 where a schematic illustration of a tracking and monitoring system of people according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The tracking system is designated at 300. Although the tracking and monitoring system described herein is intended to track and monitor offenders, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this system can be used to track and monitor offenders. other persons such as mentally unfit persons such as in the case of Alzheimer's disease, persons suffering from other neuro-degenerative diseases, mentally retarded individuals, young children and animals such as animals domestic like cats and dogs. In the following description, the tracking and monitoring system 300 is intended to continue the movement and the location of an individual. It can be easily understood that this system can also be used to confine a supervised person to a particular place or exclude him from certain areas.

  The system 300 described below uses the same general setting of the home monitoring system but adds to and enhances the system so that tracking of people carrying an RF beacon is possible over a very large geographical area. The person tracking system 300 includes a central monitoring system (CMS) 302 connected via a landline telephone data line 304 and / or other long-distance communication means to local monitoring devices (LMDs). 306 and 308 and through such communication means is capable of monitoring the location of the RF transmitters (beacon) 318 and 320. The beacons 318 and 320 are battery powered RF transmitters, anti-fraud , unidirectional, short and long range, capable of transmitting a unique identification code on a wave carrier signal and a multitude of other information related to the tag. The tags 318 and 320 are transmitters worn on a non-removable limb or hand (wrist) designed especially worn by persons 314 and 316 respectively. The tags 328 and 320 comprise a limb-shaped or hand-held housing (wrist) including an RF transmitter, a processor, a memory device, a battery, an anti-fraud device as well as sensors such as motion detection. , ambient temperature, acceleration, inclination and pulse for the purpose of monitoring and monitoring both the location and the fitness of persons 314 and 316. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that Other sensors may be added to the tags 328, 320. The person 314 and 316 generally carries tags 318 and 320 at any time. Beacons 318 and 320 can also be used to restrict the movement of people, such as, for example, to restrict the movement of people to certain designated places for a certain time such as home or workplace, to limit their presence. another place at any time, such as victims' homes, schools, play areas, bars and possible crime scenes. Beacons 318 and 320 are equipped with an anti-fraud mechanism and, optionally, a panic button, so that if people 314 or 316 try to manipulate or remove the beacons or if they press the button panic, an encrypted RF transmission is transmitted until a reset is made. The reset can also be performed by a special portable reset device carried by law enforcement personnel (not shown). Another characteristic of beacons 318 and 320 and the standby mode where the beacon interrupts the transmission of the RF signal to save battery power. This energy saving mode) is automatically activated depending on the type of person and the beacon.

  In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the local surveillance device 1 (LMD1) 308 is located in the residence 328 where the person 314 resides. while the LMD2 306 is located in the residence 326 where the person 316 resides. Although Figure 3 describes only two DMLs, additional DMLs may be placed in the home of a victim, the workplace of a person or victim, a bank, a store, and any other where the detection of a person being monitored is preferred. The LMD1 308 and the LMD2 306 are electrically powered, anti-fraud, tilt-protected, single-channel RF transmitters / receivers capable of receiving, processing, and sending any RF beacon signals in the receive range and frequency band. way. Processing and sending by said LMDs involves adding a time stamp, further processing of information, recording information and sending data over a communication line to a predefined plan. LMD1 308 and LMD2 306 include an RF transmitter / receiver, a processor device, a memory device, an internal clock (which may be part of the processor device), a modem device, an anti-fraud device, optionally, a tilt sensor, a power supply device such as a rechargeable battery and, optionally, telephone / data connections as well as an electrical input / output connection. In addition, the LMD may optionally include an infrared transmitter / receiver, a cellular transceiver, a backup power source, such as a backup battery pack to ensure continuous work in case the source of main power fails or is exhausted. The LMD may be waterproof installed outside the home where it is subject to weather elements. If installed outside a building, the LMD may also include a UV protection hood to prevent malfunctions due to ultraviolet light from the sun and exposure to high temperatures. In addition, and optionally, the LMD may include a heating or cooling device to heat or cool the LMD if exposed to extreme temperatures (such as less than 30 F or -1 C). The LMD1 308 and the LMD2 306 are set at their designated physical location and equipped with an anti-fraud mechanism such as lap and motion sensors in such a way that if anyone attempts to defraud with them or remove them, a special code is sent to the CMS 302 alerting the supervisor staff of attempts. LMDs 308 and 306 process, record and send information received from any beacon placed momentarily or permanently in the reception range of LMD receivers. The said LMDs operate according to predefined rules and regulations, pre-prepared by the manufacturer, updated at installation, as well as updated in real time during the course of the year. operation by downloading information from the CMS 302. A telephone line is generally used for the transmission of messages and the exchange of data between LMDs 308, 306 and CMS 302. The availability (through a tone) and the functionality (through the power status) of the telephone line are continuously evaluated by the LMDs. Any attempted fraud with the line evokes a coded massage sent to the CMS 302. The LMDs 306 and 308 are capable of transmitting RF signals through an RF transmitter device within them as described. further in conjunction with Figure 4.

  The central monitoring server (CMS) 302 is a computer device or a computer network connected via telephony or other means for communicating data (for example, LAN or WAN, long-range RF and the like) of land line at LMD 306 and 308 and a law enforcement facility 324. CMS 302 may also be connected to other relevant institutions, such as social institutions, health institutions, fire brigades, etc. The CMS 302 receives the data from the LMDs 306 and 308. The data includes an identification code of the tags 318 and 320 with respective timestamps as well as other information related to the tag. The LMD1 308 and the LMD2 306 also send data concerning the status of the LMD such as fraud status, telephone line status, battery and the like. The data is transferred to the CMS 302 and, if necessary (required) from the CMS 302 to the LMDs 306 and 308 according to a predefined plan and predefined event rules. For example, a predefined plan may involve a time report as well as a daily report. Any other transmission time frame may be used. The event rules are predefined events inviting the transmission of data and may include, among other things, the presence of a tag with a certain identifier with a certain reception range of LMD, the absence of a tag with a particular identifier, etc. the data is transmitted to the CMS 302 via the telephone. Alternatively, the data may be transmitted via RF transmissions or a combination thereof. Another option may include the optional use of a cellular network, a satellite network and other modes of data transmission. In CMS 302, data is processed, stored and displayed for monitoring staff. The CMS 302 data manipulation may include data defined according to specific tags, LMDs, location parameters, time frame as well as other data manipulations adapted to the purpose of tracking and monitoring people. In addition, the processing may include comparing received data against a set of predefined rules and regulations that apply to each particular tag 318. and 320. These rules may be redefined and altered by supervisory personnel. If the location and / or time data received from LMD1 308 and / or LMD2 306 conflict with defined rules and regulations, supervisory personnel will be alerted by the system. Optionally, law enforcement or a medical facility or equivalent institution or entity 324 is also alerted through a land line 304 as well as through other communication methods known in the art. The data received by the CMS 302 is stored in a memory device (not shown) so that the previously received data can be compared to the real-time received data as evaluated, analyzed, and displayed for the CMS 302 monitoring staff. The data is displayed in a user-friendly format such as tabulation, graphical representation and map plot. The data can further be manipulated such as printing via a printer device, sent over a computer network, as well as other modes of communication. The communication line 304 connecting the CMS 302 to the LMD 306 and 308 and other authorities such as the law enforcement authority 324 is checked regularly. These checks are performed, for example, by examining the electrical potential of the line. In a cellular network or a satellite network, the registration of the modem on the network is verified and determined a connection is established. If any LMD is not reached (busy line), the CMS tries again. If the line is still unavailable, routing information through the other LMDs as shown in Figure 4 is attempted. Other modes of communication where appropriate may also be attempted. If no connection is established, law enforcement or other institution 324 is informed so that appropriate action can be taken.

  According to the present invention, and unlike the previous systems, the person monitoring and surveillance system 300 continues and monitors any beacon regardless of the local monitoring device that detects the beacon. Each tag can be detected and recorded by any LMD connected to the CMS thus allowing a costly and distributed system for tracking people. This system is capable of covering large areas, greater than a single cell in a cellular network. In addition, the present system is less expensive to manufacture and use than dedicated GPS systems. Monitoring and monitoring by the system 300 may alternatively be carried out according to the LMD, geographical areas and equivalent. Figure 3 depicts two persons 314 and 316. Individuals 314, 316 may be any persons (such as offenders or patients or animals) followed or monitored. The person R: \ Patents \ 22600 \ 22616. doc - July 5, 2004 - 15/32 314 bearing tag 318 resides at residence 328 where LMD1 308 is located. The person 316, bearing the tag 320, resides in the residence 326 where the LMD2 306 is located. In Figure 3, the two persons 314 and 316 are located in the residence 326 where the LMD2 306 is located. This situation may correspond to the person 314 visiting the person 316, the person 314 passing near the reception area 312 of the LMD2 306, etc. In this example, the LMD1 308 receives no beacon transmission and this information is recorded and saved in the memory device it contains (not shown). This information consists of a rule violation such as when the person 314 must be in the reception range at this time. If this is the case, an event is activated and an immediate connection and data transfer to the CMS 302 occurs. The tags 318 and 320 carried by the persons 314 and 316 respectively are in the receiving range of the LMD2 306 only. This person may, in the present non-limiting example, be away from home or installation and a remote LMD of the LMD located at home or facility receives the transmission of the beacon. At this time, the LMD2 306 receives and records both beacons so that the CMS 302 is informed either immediately or after a delay on the location of the two beacons 318 and 320. If the person 314 presents the prohibition of enter the receiving range of the LMD2 306 as by a rule definition currently in the LMD2 memory device 306 (not shown) or is searched by the system so that entry into any LMD is a rule violation, the presence of the tag 318 of the person 314 triggers an event that is repeated immediately on the CMS 302 so that the appropriate action can be performed. Such action may include a message at the police station 324 as well as other actions. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that in areas comprising several LMDs, the level of resolution identifying the persons carrying tags is increased. Thus, for example, if the DMLs are placed in the homes of the supervised persons and in the various establishments in which people ordinarily go, such as banks, shops or the like, the system of the present invention allows for monitoring and control. specific monitoring of people in a large area.

  Turning now to Fig. 4, which is a schematic illustration showing alternative modes of data transmission as well as the geographic location capability of a person according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The person monitoring and monitoring system 400 described herein and above uses the radio frequency for the detection of the presence or absence of a beacon in the reception range of any local monitoring device. The transfer of information between the central monitoring station and any local monitoring device is preferably carried out via a landline telephone line. However, it can be achieved through wireless means such as a wireless network or a satellite network and the like. The information can also be transferred between the beacon and a receiver and between beacons.

  In the following description of variants of innovative modes of communication and data transfer between the central monitoring system and the local monitoring devices as well as between the local monitoring devices themselves are described. In addition, another innovative feature of the system is described, which is the ability of the system at certain locations to geographically accurately locate a person wearing an RF transmission beacon. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the reception ranges described in the preceding figures demonstrating the ability of an LMD to receive transmission from any beacon found in their reception range are for illustration only. It should be clear to those skilled in the art that for an LMD to receive any transmit beacons, transmission and reception ranges must overlap. The same applies to the possibility of transmission from one LMD to another. An emitter has a range under known conditions. The signal travels a distance depending on the transmission power and the efficiency of the antenna. The receiver is rated by sensitivity - a sensitive receiver can receive weak signals where a less sensitive receiver can only receive stronger signals. Therefore, the absolute range for the communication of the transceiver is determined by the transmitter. A better (more sensitive) receiver is capable, for any given transmitter, of identifying a transmission from a longer distance than a less sensitive receiver. In the present invention, a beacon can be considered a receiver when it receives a transmission from another beacon and acts as a receiver to receive said transmission. Thus, the tags can communicate with each other, thus extending the range of the system described in the present invention.

  The person monitoring and surveillance system 400 described in FIG. 4 comprises a central monitoring server (CMS) 402, four local monitoring devices (LMD) 1 to 4 designated 404, 406, 408 and 410 respectively comprising a receiver and a transmitter so that LMDs can receive and transmit RF signals. LMDs 1 to 4 have respective overlapping RF reception ranges designated at 412, 414, 416 and 418 respectively. These RF reception ranges described herein relate to the reception ranges of the beacon transmission. The beacon may also include a receiver through which the beacon parameters may be modified through a message provided by the LMD to the beacon. The LMD can also be connected to a power source while the beacons are connected to the batteries, therefore the LMDs are capable of transmitting to a higher range than the beacon. In another embodiment of the present invention, a beacon may also be programmed to react and act as an LMD and as a beacon. The tag can communicate with other tags and can communicate with the LMDs. In an alternative embodiment, the LMDs are battery powered. Powered batteries can include regular batteries or rechargeable batteries, which can be placed at large scale events, large-scale construction sites, large facilities, underground trains, airports and other designated areas. Since the LMD may include a larger antenna, the transmit / receive ranges between the LMDs are greater than those of the beacon and are determined by the transmission range of the LMDs. In addition, the LMDs 1 to 4 can be connected to the CMS 402 via dedicated dedicated communication lines designated at 405, 407, 409 and 411 respectively via a telephone switchboard 450. A person 440 carrying a beacon of RF transmission 444 is also described in FIG. 4 placed in a shared RF reception range 416 and 418 of LMD3 408 and LMD4 410 respectively. LMDs 1 to 4 generally placed in the particular area of interest such as the residence and / or workplace of the person being monitored, banks, shops, railway station, bus stations, airports, intersections central roads, etc. The RF reception ranges of the LMD1 to the respective LMD4 overlap due to their proximity. In reality, an effective RF reception range may be between about 100 and 500 meters, depending on many factors such as LMD transceiver parameters, transmit beacon parameters, terrain type, density, and frequency. dwellings, types and size of dwellings, as well as other factors. Optimized LMDs can have a superior reception range of up to 1,000 meters or more. RF reception depends mainly on the level of transmission power and the sensitivity of the receiving device. The reception and transmission can therefore be adjusted accordingly to suit the system requirements and the particular user of the system. A large number of local monitoring devices in a specific area may allow a zone of better collective reception for the system due to the overlap of the reception ranges. The LMD1 404 RF receive range 412 overlaps the LMD2 406 RF receive range 414 which also overlaps the uLLD3 408 RF receive range 418. The LMD3 408 RF receive range 416 overlaps the LMD2 406 receive range 414 It also overlaps with the reception range 418 of LMD4 410. In a mode of operation as previously described in FIG. 3, each LMD 404, 406 , 408 and 410 bi-directionally communicates with the CMS 402 directly via communication lines 405, 407, 409 and 411 through a telephone switchboard 450. A single standard 450 is described in FIG. however, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that the telephone lines connecting the LMDs to the CMS can be routed through many different standards and in no way move through the same path. Telephone lines may be over-congested due to system communication as well as other transmissions on the same paths due to other communications. In addition, telephone lines, relays, and standards along the path between an LMD and the CMS may disconnect or be interrupted. Messages and data transmitted from the LMD to the CMS and from the CMS to the LMD preferably routed over a landline can be routed so that a message sent from the CMS to a LMD connected to a disconnected telephone line or -encumbered can be routed. Routing is accomplished by sending a message or data from the CMS to an LMD over a telephone line and from such a location to the target LMD via an RF transmission. This can prevent phone line overhead by ignoring overloaded phone line paths and using less congested lines and RF transmission. It can also facilitate the transfer of LMD data to the CMS even when some phone lines are down or used in other CMS predefined situations such as fear of fraud, wiretapping or hookup, etc. In Figure 4, the arrows 430, 432 and 434 symbolize the transmission of RF data from one LMD to another. In FIG. 4, the ranges 416 and 418 represent the transmission ranges of the LMD3 and the LMD4 respectively, with respect to a beacon, while the transmission ranges 412 of the LMD1 and LMD2 of 414 represent the larger reception ranges compared to a beacon. another LMD. In Figure 4, LMD1 404 and LMD2 406 having overlapping RF transmission ranges can transmit RF signals and data 430 to each other. The same applies to LMD2 406 and LMD3 408 as well as LMD3 408 and LMD4 410. However, RF signals and data can not be transmitted to LMDs found outside the transmit / receive range. For example, data and messages can not be transmitted from LMD4 410 to LMD1 404, so no shared transmit or receive RF range exists between them. The reception range 490 of the LMD1 404 does not extend to the transmission range of the LMD4 410 and therefore, a direct communication of the LMD4 to the LMD1 n. is not possible. Indirect communication between LMD1 and LMD4 is however possible through the transfer of LMD1 transmissions from LMD1 to LMD2 and from LMD2 to LMD4. Thus, if the 405 connection of the LMD1 404 to the CMD 402 is inactive or can not be established, but the connection 411 of the LMD4 to the 450 and the CMD 402 is viable, then the transfer of transmissions between the LMD1 to the LMD2 and from LMD2 to LMD4 and then CMD 402 via connection 411 and standard 450 can provide an alternative way of transferring LMD1 transmissions to CMD 402. This way of operating is of particular importance because LMD1 can provide information the location of CMB 402 monitored people even if it is not connected directly to CMD 402.

  A possible and non-limiting example illustrating a possible use of the functions described in the context of the present invention comprises a rule definition event stored in the memory device (not shown) of the LMD4 410. Such a rule prevents the person 440 carrying the RF transmission tag 444 is inactive. When the person 440 is in the LMD4 410 RF receive range 414 and the tag 444 transmits RF data, the LMD4 410 receives the tag ID 444 and adds a timestamp. The LMD4 410 then compares the identification code and the time stamp containing the rules. The difference between the location of the 444 tag and the rules prompts an event. The event requires the LMD4 410 to contact CMS and report. The LMD4 410 then tries to connect to the 402 CMS via the 411 telephone line. Following a repeated failure, due to a telephone line malfunction, the LMD4 410 transmits information from the telephone. a message containing the tag identifier 444 and the time stamp, other tag information, a connection prompt event, the telephone line connection test failure and the automatic identifier and the time stamp by the The LMD3 408 relays this information after having added its own identifier and time stamp via a communication line 409 to the CMS 402. The communication line can also be a line of communication. cellular communication or a TCP / IP based and / or extended network and equivalent. Thus, the ability to route information through radio frequencies provides flexibility and credibility to system 400. The geographic location of a person carrying an RF tag can be achieved by analyzing the signal strength from the beacon. . The received signal strength indication (RSSI) provides additional factor data when the location of the monitored person is determined. The limitation of such an analysis is that the RSSI signal gives information regarding distance but not support. For higher precise location, two or more reads from the different receiving LMDs are required.

  In FIG. 4, the person 440 comprising an RF transmission beacon 444 is within the reception range 480 of the LMD4 410 and the reception range 416 of the LMD3 408. When the LMD4 410 receives an RSSI indication from the beacon 444, the LMD4 410 can locate the person 440 at a distance along the line 480 but not the exact location. When the LMD3 408 receives an RSSI indication from the tag 444, the LMD3 408 can locate the person 440 at a distance along the line 482 but not the exact location. The LMD3 408 can identify the approximate distance (on the radius) where the person 440 is but not the direction. Using the RF transmission capability mentioned herein and above, the LMD3 408 and the LMD4 410 exchange the RSSI readings so that the two LMDs 408 and 410 can isolate the position of the person 440 along the lines. intersection 480 and 482, narrowing the location of the person 440. The location calculation can alternatively be performed at the CMD 402 after receiving data stamped since both LMD4 410 and LMD3 408 and indeed the RF transmissions between said LMDs become redundant. It can be easily appreciated that the accuracy of the location increases as the beacon of the person is received by more LMD. Thus, an increased number of overlapping LMDs not only allows for better coverage and data transmission but also a geographic location of monitored individuals.

  The human tracking and monitoring system of the present invention can be used in conjunction with GPS / wireless tracking systems. For example, when the satellite coverage for a geographic location is inadequate, the GPS / wireless tracking system beacons, also using the RF signals, may be slaved to the present tracking and monitoring system so that the location and monitoring can be performed. These tags may be modified to work continuously with the present system for backup purposes as well as for the reduction of the use of the GPS device which consumes energy.

  Turning now to Figure 5 where a schematic illustration of data displayed at the central monitoring system level of the present invention in a tabulated form is illustrated and when the tabulated data 500 is generally displayed on a computer screen but may also be be displayed on a TV screen as well as any other display device known in the art. Table 500 is a non-limiting example of the possible data summarization forms that can be realized using a program R: \ Patents \ 22600 \ 22616. doc - July 5, 2004 - 21/32 special software to manage information received from LMDs. In addition, other information may be presented. This data can be derived from portable reset devices, telephone operators, the law enforcement agency, as well as other parties connected to the CMS.

  Table 500 displays data about the location of different people according to their respective tags. The column 502 of the table 500 is named ID-BALISE and displays below the different tag identification codes such as TAGx 510, TAGy 512, TAGz 514, etc. TAGz + l 516. The column 504 named ID-LMD displays below the identification code of the local monitoring device 10 relaying the information about the tags. The LMD-ID code can be numeric, such as LMD1 518, LMD2 522, LMD3 526 or any other form of identification code such as LMD at location x, etc. Column 506 named TIMER displays below the timestamp printed at the LMD at the time of receipt of the tag ID or at the time of occurrence of an event in the appropriate LMD receive range. TAGx 510 received by the LMD1 518 at the time timel 520, by the LMD2 522 at the time time2,524 and by the LMD3 at the time time3,528. The same applies to the other tags shown in the table 500. The table 500 can provide For example, a person wearing the TAGy tag 512 is in the receiving range of LMD3 526 and LMD2 526 at the same time so that accurate location can be obtained. Additional information such as the name and street number of the exact location of the person wearing the TAGy tag may be requested by surveillance personnel (not shown). In addition, the person wearing the TAGy 512 tag is with the person wearing the TAGx 510 tag in the receiving range of the LMD3 526 at the same time (timestamp3 528). Given an additional specific timestamp, neglected here for simplicity, the likelihood of association between people can be established from these readings only. This information may also be requested for the inside of surveillance personnel (not shown). The column 508 named Other displays below any particular events prompting to report or record data such as depression of a panic button (PANIC 560), fraud with the tag (FRAUDE 580) as well as as device-related information such as low beacon battery (LOW BATTERY BAT 570), unavailability of the communication line (NO LINE 590), etc. Other forms of table 500 may be made such as a table showing the first and last names of a person, previous crimes, temporal and spatial restrictions, as well as other information regarding the locations where R: \ Patents \ 22600 \ 22616.doc - 5 July 2004 - 22/32 find the person. Alternatively, surveillance staff may choose to see exclusion zones: bars for alcoholics, schools for pedophiles and the like, information about events or suspicious appointments with other people or negligent victims other less relevant data.

  Yet another display view may include the tag or LMD status. Yet another display option may include a display representation from the perspective of a specific LMD or LMD group, depending on the specific timestamp, and so on. Yet another option may involve tracking a person's path and displaying abnormalities regarding a known daily routine. Other non-mentioned graphic display forms such as a pie chart, columns, or other shapes can be made within the scope of the present invention.

  Turning now to Fig. 6 where a schematic illustration of data displayed at the central monitoring system of the present invention in a card form is illustrated and where the card is designated 600. Fig. 6 also illustrates the different locations where the LMD 110 of the preceding figures can be placed externally at the home of the person being monitored and also in various other places. This figure and the preceding figures should be read together with the use of tags such as LMDs and that the tags can communicate with each other. The map 600 illustrates typical urban environments with specific locations where local monitors can be positioned for tracking and monitoring people. These locations include houses 610, 612 and 614, building 616, trees 617, bank 618, vehicles 619 (which may include all types of vehicles, including cars, trains, airplanes and the like). railway station 620 or other mass transit locations such as airports, bus depots and the like, a 622 store, and a 624 road intersection or other locations along roads and highways, and the like . Monitoring devices can be placed and installed in a variety of locations depending primarily on the coverage requirements and the power supply capability. Power supply to mobile devices can be achieved through the use of batteries, rechargeable batteries, vehicle power systems, solar panels (either for direct power supply or recharging of rechargeable batteries ) and equivalent. In a number of these locations, personnel install local monitors (not shown) with RF receiving ranges so that the person 602, as well as others (not shown) can be tracked across multiple locations. . Monitoring devices such as LMDs can be placed in fixed or mobile locations. If installed in mobile locations, the initial location of the vehicle is brought into the central monitoring system and additional location determining devices are installed to track the monitoring device. These may include a global positioning system receiver having the ability to provide location information or a connection to the odometer or vehicle steering wheel, allowing tracking of vehicle movement. Once the movements of the mobile LMDs can be verified, then the relative position of the vehicle 619 and the RF reception range can be established. The RF reception ranges (RFRRs) of the local monitoring devices described in Figure 6 include RFRR 650 in and around house 612, RFRR 652 in and around house 614, RFRR 656 and 658 in and around houses. parts of building 616, the RFRR in and around tree 617, the RFRR 660 in and around bank 618, the RFRR 661 in and around vehicle 619, the RFRR 662 in and around parts of a railway station 620, RFRR 664 in and around store 622, RFRR 668 in and around the traffic intersection 624. Some of the RFRRs have overlapping reception ranges such as RFRR 650 and 652, RFRR 658, 660 and 664 as well as others. The reception ranges may overlap when mobile LMDs are used. This overlap of reception range is used in the determination of a person's location as previously described in Figure 4. Additional monitoring devices allow the various reception ranges to overlap and allow for greater capacity (resolution). optimized) to determine the location of a person being monitored. Other local monitoring devices may be installed at other sites. A large number of local monitoring devices increase the coverage and localization potential of the system. Although not shown in FIG. 6, a communication line connects all location parameters including a local monitoring device (not shown) installed as well as most other location parameters. The communication line may be a telephone line, cellular communication lines, a local or extended network or the like. In the present example, a telephone line may be installed in an area not normally containing such a line as a road intersection 624. Alternatively, other forms of communication between the local monitoring devices generating the RFRR 668 may be used as described above. The card 600 shown to the supervisory personnel in the CMS 604 also shown on the card is used to track and monitor the person 602 as well as other documents. people. The card 600 may be configured to show the locations of the person 602 at any particular time based on the information received from the LMDs at the various locations in the monitored area. A time frame indication 680 displays the date 682 and the time 684 of the data currently displayed on the map. The time frame is updated as the time passes and the officer or person monitoring the system sees the actual movement of the person 602 being monitored. Other information may be displayed on the card such as the person's personal information 602, tag information, rules and regulations belonging to the person being monitored, the history of the person, the current location of the potential victim and a host of other information related to the tracking and monitoring system. The 600 card can also be displayed in zoom in and zoom out modes so that a larger detail of the map can be seen. The map 600 can also show the person 602 tracking over time before the present time so that the path a person takes can be seen graphically. This path can also be cross-referenced to other people's paths as well as victim paths and another path of monitored personnel based on system information. CMS 604 and police station 606 can also be monitored and displayed. The monitoring of these location parameters can add information to the system such as in the case of visiting hours of the probation officer and equivalents. The 600 card can also display city metro, bus and tram lines as well as other means and transport routes for faster tracking of people. LMDs can be installed in trains, buses, taxis and other transport vehicles. Another card-type display as well as other display forms known in the art can be used with the present invention. In an alternative embodiment, the CMS device does not include a display device and all functions are performed automatically without the help of people. In this variant embodiment, the data such as the card 600 are not displayed, rather the CMS performs the analysis of the locations of the monitored locations and through these monitored persons and according to a predefined rules provides alerts to the agents of the law enforcement. The predefined rules may include rules such as notifying the office X if the offender Y is detected in the area 660 or notifying the <code> officer if the offender Y is detected in the same area as the offender T etc. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the many modifications that can be made with the system of the present invention. The system of the present invention allows for the unique identification of offenders at locations other than the home-based CDD of the offending party. As shown in the association with Figure 6, DMLs placed in various other areas can be used to identify the offender's movements and locations. The rules provided to the CMS are continuously checked by the CMS based on the data received from the LMDs.

  Once an offender breaks a rule and is found to be outside the zone of its authorized locations or within a prohibited location an alert is issued.

  Those skilled in the art will appreciate that what is shown is not limited to the above description. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the examples shown above are by no means limiting and are shown to describe the present invention in an improved and adequate manner. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs will appreciate the many modifications and other embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described and such modifications and other embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. Although specific terms are used here, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to what is particularly shown and described above. Rather, the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the following claims.

  R: \ Patents \ 22600 \ 22616.doc - 5 July 2004 - 26/32

Claims (33)

  An extended monitoring and tracking system for monitoring and tracking a plurality of individuals, the system comprising: a computerized central monitoring server (302; 402) including a processor for processing the data; a memory device for storing the data and a display device for displaying the data; a plurality of transmission beacons (316, 320; 444) attachable to monitored individuals each having a unique identification code, each of the plurality of beacons includes a transmitter that regularly broadcasts a signal carrying first data relating to the beacon. the individual to whom the tag is attached, the first data includes the identification code of the tag; and a plurality of local monitors (306, 308, 404, 406, 408, 410) distributed at predetermined locations, each of the plurality of local monitors includes a receiver receptive to signals transmitted from any one of the plurality of beacons when a beacon is in the receiving range of a local monitor, a data processor for processing the first data carried by said signals, a memory device, and a communication device for communicating according to a predefined plan of the second data to the central monitoring server, the second data comprises all of a portion of the first data and additional data concerning the identity and status of the local monitoring device communicating the second data.   The system of claim 1, wherein the transmission beacons (316, 320; 444) further comprise a receiver.   The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined locations include locations associated with each of the plurality of monitored individuals and wherein a local monitor located at a location associated with a specific monitored individual includes in its device a set of rules relating to the presence and absence of said specific monitored individual in the reception range of the local monitoring device.   The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined locations comprise any of the following: the house of a person under surveillance, an office, a public institution, a public road, a public area, a vehicle.   R: \ Patents \ 22600 \ 22616.doc - 5 July 2004 - 27/32 The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined locations include locations external to the home of the monitored person.   The system of claim 3, wherein upon violation of said rules by said specific monitored individual, a message is sent to the central monitoring server.   The system of claim 3, wherein the locations associated with the monitored individuals include residence or work locations of the monitored individuals or other individuals or locations in which supervised persons perform private or public activities.   The system of claim 3, wherein the predetermined locations further include public locations not associated with a particular monitored individual.   The system of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the transmitter is a single or multiple channel RF transmitter.   The system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the local monitors (306, 308, 404, 406, 408, 410) comprise movable monitors.   11. System according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one of the local monitoring devices is installed in a vehicle.   The system of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the central monitoring server processes the communicated data from the plurality of local monitors (306, 308, 404, 406, 408, 410) to obtain the information regarding the plurality of monitored individuals and further manipulates the information to track the monitored individuals by crossing information about a particular monitored individual received from different local monitors.   The system of claim 12, wherein the obtained information is graphically displayed in a map.   R: \ Patents \ 22600 \ 22616.doc - 5 July 2004 - 28/32 The system of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the transmission beacons (316, 320; 444) further comprise an anti-fraud mechanism for indicating attempts to remove and / or damage the beacon and in where the first data carried by the transmitted signals includes data concerning attempted fraud.   The system of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the local monitors (306, 308, 404, 406, 408, 410) further include a fraud proof mechanism indicating attempts to remove or 10 to damage the local monitoring device and in which, in such an attempt a message is sent to the central monitoring server.   The system of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the communication device for communication between a local monitoring device and the central monitoring server comprises a telephone line or a cellular telephone network or a data network or a telecommunications signal network.   17. The system of claim 16 wherein the telephone line is a dedicated line.   The system of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the communication device for communication between a local monitoring device and the central monitoring server comprises a local or wide area network.   Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein a local monitoring device further comprises a transmitter capable of broadcasting signals receivable by other local monitors (306, 308; 404, 406 , 408, 410) having a reception / transmission range which overlaps with the local monitoring device.   20. Device according to claim 19, wherein, during a failure of the communication means between a local monitoring device and the central monitoring server, the local monitoring device broadcasts the second data through the transmitter to relay to the central monitoring server by other local monitors.   R: \ Patents \ 22600 \ 22616doc - July 5, 2004 - 29132 21. System according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein at least one transmission beacon (316, 320; 444) communicates with at least one other transmission beacon.   An extended monitoring and tracking method for monitoring and tracking a plurality of individuals, the method comprising: providing each of the plurality of monitored individuals with an attachable transmission tag, each of the plurality of tags regularly broadcasting a signal carrying first data concerning the individual to whom the beacon is attached, the first data comprises the identification code of the beacon; distributing a plurality of local monitors at predetermined locations, each of the plurality of local monitors receiving signals transmitted from any one of the plurality of beacons when a beacon is in the receive range of a plurality of beacons. local monitoring device; processing at the level of the local monitoring devices the first data carried by said signals; communicating from the local monitoring devices according to a predefined plan of the second data to the central monitoring server, the second data includes all or part of the first data and additional data concerning the identity and status of the local monitoring device communicating the second data. .   The method of claim 22, wherein the transmission beacons (316, 320; 444) further comprise a receiver.   The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein the predetermined locations include locations associated with each of the plurality of monitored individuals and wherein a local monitor located at a location associated with a specific monitored individual includes in its device a set of rules relating to the presence and absence of said specific monitored individual in the reception range of the local monitoring device.   25. A method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the predetermined locations comprise any of the following: the house of a person under surveillance, an office, a public institution, a public road, a public area, a vehicle.   R: \ Patents \ 22600 \ 22616.doc - 5 July 2004 - 30/32 The method of any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the predetermined locations include locations external to the home of the monitored person.   27. The method of claim 24, wherein during the violation of said rules by said monitored individual, a message is sent to the central monitoring server.   io The method of claim 24, wherein the locations associated with the monitored individuals include the places of residence or work of the individuals being monitored.   29. The method of claim 24, wherein the predetermined locations further comprise public places not associated with a particular monitored individual.   30. A method according to any one of claims 22 to 29, wherein at least one of the local monitors is installed in a vehicle.   The method of any one of claims 22 to 30, wherein the central monitoring server processes the communicated data from the plurality of local monitors to obtain information about the plurality of monitored individuals and manipulates the information to proceed. monitored individuals by crossing information about a particular monitored individual received from different local surveillance devices.   The method according to any one of claims 22 to 31, wherein a local monitoring device broadcasts signals receivable by other local monitors having a receiving / transmitting range overlapping with the monitoring device. local.   The method of any one of claims 22 to 32, wherein at least one transmitting beacon (316, 320; 444) communicates with at least one other beacon.   R: \ Patents \ 22600 \ 22616.doc - 5 July 2004 - 31/32