System and method for tracking individuals

US7123153B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Telenor ASA · NO

Inventors

• Bjorn Thorstensen · Tromsø, NO
• Tore Syversen · Tromsø, NO
• Bente Evjemo · Tromsø, NO
• Oyvind Johnsen · Harstad, NO
• Terje Geir Solvoll · Tromsø, NO
• Sigmund Akselsen · Harstad, NO
• Arne Munch-Ellingsen · Tromsø, NO
• Haakon Karlsen · Lyngseidet, NO

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 21, 2003
• Grant date: Oct 17, 2006
• Expiry date: Nov 1, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A01K29/005
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A system and method of tracking individuals divided into flocks by means of radio communication and positioning systems is disclosed. A flock leader is provided with a first electronic device (1) comprising a first transceiver (2) operating in a public radio communication network, e.g. GSM or GPRS, a position tracker (3), e.g. a GPS-receiver, and a second transceiver (4) operating in a short distance radio communication system, e.g. Bluetooth®. Each of the remaining individuals in the flock is provided with a second electronic device (6) comprising at least a third transceiver (7) also operating in the short distance radio communication system. The second electronic device (6) periodically transmits data identifying the associated individual to the first electronic device (1), so that the flock leader knows that the individual is localized in the flock (i.e. within the coverage area of the short distance radio communication system) as long as it receives the data. The first electronic device (1) communicates with a system controller through a public radio communication network managing the system and keeping track of the individuals in each flock.