Field of the invention

The invention relates to a monitoring system and method, and in particular to a monitoring system for determining whether a monitored activity is being carried out in accordance with a predefined schedule. The invention is suitable for, and will be described with reference to, the monitoring of security officers as they patrol a protected area. However, it will be realised that the invention is not in any way limited to such application.

Background of the invention Security officers are typically tasked with patrolling a protected area, such as an office building, factory or outdoor area, by repeatedly traversing a particular path through the area and passing a number of locations or 'checkpoints' along the way. For reasons of security, the officer will typically be in radio communication with other officers and/or with an officer at a central monitoring station. Security officers generally follow a schedule to ensure that each checkpoint is visited a minimum number of times during the officer's shift, thereby providing adequate surveillance for the entire protected area, and it is important that conformance of the scheduling is monitored. In known approaches to providing systems to assist monitor such activity, the time at which the officer reaches each checkpoint can be recorded and forwarded to a monitoring station for reporting purposes. Patent publication WO-2003/088156 is an example of such a system, in which the security officer is equipped with a wrist-mountable device that incorporates a radio frequency identification (RFID) scanner to collect information from radio frequency location marker tags (RF tags) located at each checkpoint. Collected information from each RP tag is wirelessly transmitted to a computer at a monitoring station, via a suitable protocol. The information is recorded by the central computer, where it may then be used in the generation of monitoring reports. It will be noted that the system described in WO-2003/088156 has no means of determining whether the security officer patrols are carried out in accordance with predefined schedules.

Another example of a known monitoring system, this time in the context of cleaning of shopping centres, is described in published Canadian patent application CA- 2442895. A series of identification devices that incorporate RFID tags are located throughout the shopping centre. Cleaners are allocated a client unit that incorporates a RFID reader and a network interface card for connecting the unit to a server over a wireless local area network. Each time a cleaner passes an identification device, the client unit reads an RFID signal and forwards message to the server. Upon receipt of the message, the server determines whether a time limit between receipt of the last message has been exceeded. In the event a time limit is exceeded (meaning that a particular location in the centre has not been cleaned for an unacceptably long period of time), the server notifies a supervisor who can then initiate necessary action.

Unlike WO-2003/088156, this latter type of known system at least goes some way to determining and ensuring that the monitored activity (in this case cleaning) is being carried out in accordance with a predefined schedule. However, the system is very resource-intensive and relies wholly on specific means of communication and on said communication being uninterrupted, and would cease to function reliably in the event of a loss of communication between the client unit and the server.

In this specification, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was, at the priority date, part of common general knowledge, or known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned.

Summary of the invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a monitoring system comprising: remote monitoring computer means provided with schedule data for an activity to be monitored, the schedule data including data relating to one or more checkpoints to be attended during completion of said activity; and

at least one portable means in communication with the remote monitoring computer means to be carried by respective user(s) when carrying out said activity, the at least one portable means including: receiver means for receiving relevant schedule information for that user from the remote monitoring computer means; storage means for storing said relevant schedule information for that user; data acquisition means adapted to acquire data from interaction with the one or more checkpoints as the monitored activity is carried out; data processing means adapted to determine whether, in accordance with the acquired data and the stored schedule information, the user is deviating from the schedule; and alert means for alerting the user and/or the remote monitoring computer means in the event of a deviation. The present invention takes the approach of providing individual schedule information for each user equipped with a portable device whilst carrying out the monitored activity. Determination of whether there has been a deviation from the schedule can be carried out by way of the portable device, and does not rely on the device merely acquiring data and forwarding it to the remote computer for processing and recordal. This therefore provides a distributed programming system that takes advantage of the processing power of the portable devices and enables the application of more sophisticated schedules and the monitoring of more complex activities than hitherto possible.

Typically, the data acquisition means includes means for acquiring data from a location to be visited by the user when carrying out the monitored activity, the schedule information including a scheduled time for visiting the location, wherein a deviation is determined by the data processing means when the time data is acquired is later than the scheduled time.

Preferably, the data acquisition means includes means for acquiring user identification data, wherein a deviation is determined by the data processing means

if user identification data is not acquired within a prescribed time included in the schedule information.

The data acquisition means may also includes means for acquiring weapon identification data related to a weapon carried by the user, wherein a deviation is determined by the data processing means if weapon identification data is not acquired within a prescribed time included in the schedule information.

Preferably, the data acquisition means is a RFID reader configured to read a signal emitted from an RFID tag.

The portable means may further includes communication means for communicating acquired data to the remote monitoring computer. The communication means also communicates any deviation determinations to the remote monitoring computer.

In one embodiment, the monitored activity is the traversal of a path through a protected area by a security officer. Other monitored activities are envisaged within the scope of the present invention. Optionally, the portable means, which may be an integrated portable terminal, further includes one or more of the following: a display; a duress alarm for communicating a duress signal to the remote monitoring computer; a speaker and microphone; a GPS locater; a still or video camera; a data input means to allow the user to input data. The portable means may further include data input means configured to enable the security officer to sign on to the system at the beginning of a shift, whereupon schedule information is communicated to the portable means.

Preferably, the remote monitoring computer system has broadcast means to enable simultaneous communication to each of the portable means. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an inactivity monitoring system comprising: motion detector means configured to detect when an object carried by a user is not moving; and

alert means for generating an alert signal when it is determined that the object is not moving for a predetermined time.

Further, the system may include orientation determination means for determining the orientation of the object, and message means for forwarding an alarm message to a remote location in the event that no response to the alert signal is received from the user within a predetermined time and in accordance with the determined orientation of the object.

Typically, the orientation is an upright position.

The sensor assembly of the second aspect of the invention may be advantageously combined with the monitoring system according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the sensor assembly may be incorporated into the portable means and the remote location is the remote monitoring computer.

According to a third aspect of the present invention , there is provided a holster system for carrying a weapon, the holster system comprising: detector means for determining when the weapon has been drawn from a holster; and a communication means for forwarding a signal to a remote receiver to notify the receiver when the weapon has been drawn from the holster.

Preferably, the radio transmission device is a Bluetooth device. The holster of the third aspect of the invention may be advantageously combined with the monitoring system according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the receiver may be incorporated into the portable means.

The portable means is preferably a portable terminal in which all of the necessary functionality is integrated, such as a PDA-type device generally carried by a user on a belt. Alternatively, different aspects of the functionality of the portable means may be carried out by a plurality of separate devices in wireless or wired communication with one another.

The remote monitoring system may comprise any sort of appropriate computer- based facility, ranging from a single computer terminal maimed by a supervisor, to a

plurality of distributed servers monitored over a computer network automatically or through remote supervisors or other authorised personnel.

The invention therefore affords a reliable and effective means for provision of online wireless real-time protection and surveillance of personnel. The invention serves to enhance manual manpower-based supervisory check systems and methods, and in particular allows users to enhance the protection and safety of personnel involved.

When applied to the monitoring of a patrolled area or sentry post by one or more security officers, the invention ensures that the correct officers are present, with then- designated weapons and in a suitably operational condition in accordance with a prescribed roster. It can be readily and automatically established whether the assigned officer, wearing a portable terminal or other means, is at the correct place at the correct time in accordance with the schedule data. During an officer's tour, it can be verified whether the officer is carrying the correct equipment in an appropriate operational condition. Description of the drawings

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be further explained and illustrated by reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a monitoring system in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a portable device suitable for use in the monitoring system of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating the process of signing on to the system and downloading schedule information from the central computer;

Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating the process of data acquisition and processing whilst the monitored activity is carried out; and

Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of a motion sensor for use with the monitoring system of Figure 1.

In overview, the officer support monitoring system comprises three sub-systems, namely (i) a location/object association sub system, (ii) a motion detecting sub system, and (iii) a communication and alert sub system.

The location/object association sub system is used to track the location of the officers in accordance with a schedule or plan. If the officer does not traverse the assigned area accordingly, an alert is sent to the officer to remind him to act, alternatively or additionally an alert is sent to a central monitoring system to initiate appropriate action, by staff or automated means monitoring the system.

The motion detecting sub system allows the portable terminal to sense whether the officer is physically moving in a manner which is accepted to be an appropriate operational condition, or whether the officer is motionless, in which case an alert is provided to the officer to rouse him and to prompt remedial action, failing which an alert can be sent to the central monitoring system to initiate appropriate action, by staff or automated means monitoring the system. The communication and alert sub system consists of means for local and remote multicast alerts and messaging, enables the portable terminal to communicate wirelessly with the central monitoring system and/or with other portable terminals, such as those carried by officers within a designated geographic area.

Through the interactions of these three sub systems, customised in accordance with the particular application and circumstances of the system deployment, the invention provides a highly robust and reliable support system for security officers and other personnel, and can be readily scaled for use for the supervision of a large group of security officers deployed over a large and geographically diverse number of sites.

Turning to the figures, in Figure 1, officer support monitoring system 10 comprises a central monitoring computer system generally indicated at 12, and a plurality of portable handheld terminal devices 14 that are in communication with the monitoring computer system 12 over a GPRS wireless data and voice communication network 16, including a gateway GPRS support node 16a and a serving GPRS support node 16b, by way of base transceiver and controller station 21 as shown.

Central system 12 includes a communication server 1 Ia, a primary file server 1 If ₅ operator workstations 1 Id and 1 Ie, a 'hot standby' communication server 1 Ib, a 'hot standby' secondary file server l ie, and a web application server 1 Ig, operatively connected by way of an Ethernet LAN. A weapons management system and a human resources system are also operatively connected with central system 12 by way of respective interfaces WM and HR. Watch dog units WD interconnect the primary servers with their hot standby secondary servers as shown. Primary and secondary communication servers l la and 1 Ib communicate with GPRS network 16 via firewalls and routers as shown, referenced respectively 18';19' and 18";19". The servers are implemented on appropriate general purpose computers having processors, memory resources and required peripherals. The skilled reader will recognise that the system can be implemented by a variety of difference categories of computer hardware, and full details of appropriate hardware are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention. Web application server 1 Ig provides central system 12 with a web server interface, connecting the system by way of router 18 and firewall 19 by way of WAN 17 with a remote client 15. This permits clients, managers/supervisors, or other off-site entities to monitor a variety of officer duty tour functions via webpages viewed by way of a standard web-browser at one or more off-site locations. As Figure 1 illustrates, user identification, password authentication and firewall security are used to secure the web access and the various applications. Web browser access to the central system can be restricted by access level authentication. For example, it can be configured such that a particular client user is able to view an officer duty tour status report for a particular area of responsibility, but not for other areas.

A series of checkpoints 26 are located throughout the routes to be followed by each security officer, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag 28 is incorporated at each checkpoint 26. An overall schedule for the monitored area is prepared (either manually or by way of a suitable computer program) that divides up the area into security officer routes interconnecting the checkpoints 26. A set of security officer tour schedules, comprising schedule data representing the route through the

monitored area to be followed by each officer 13 and times at which checkpoints 26 are to be visited by the officer, is stored on primary and secondary file servers 1 If and lie.

Tour schedule data can be communicated by communication servers 1 Ia; 1 Ib to each officer's portable device 14 when the portable terminal comes online, or can be downloaded from the central server at regular intervals such as daily or weekly, as determined by rostering software running on central system 12. This is preferably done by processing and sending out all data in a batch function mode. Each security officer 13 carries a portable device 14 whilst making their rounds, as well as carrying a weapon such as a pistol 30 that is contained in a holster 32. RFID tags (not shown) are incorporated into the pistol 30 and into the holster 32. Each security officer also carries an identification card 24, in which a further RFID tag is incorporated.

In addition to tour schedule data, other information can be downloaded as and when required to portable terminals 14, such as training manuals or updated officer procedures.

Referring to Figure 2, the portable device 14 (similar in appearance and weight to a portable data assistant (PDA) device), includes a processor 50 for running an operating system 52, such as Windows CE, a function keypad (not shown), and a display screen 54 for displaying graphical and textual information and for receiving input from a user, such as through a stylus or similar instrument, or through a 'soft keypad' displayed on display screen 54.

Portable device 14 includes a built-in motion sensor 56, for detecting when device 14 is stationary, an optional GPS locater 58, in communication with a communications satellite (not shown), for receiving the current longitude, latitude and altitude of device 14, and an optional CCTV camera device (not shown), for capturing images to be transmitted to central system 12. The operation of the motion sensor will described in more detail below.

Portable device 14 further includes a duress alarm 60, a microphone-speaker combination 62 for voice communication with central system 12, a General Packet

Radio Service (GPRS) communication channel 64, a radio frequency (RF) communication channel 66, an RFID scanner 68, and a scheduling system 69.

As Figure 3 illustrates, tour schedule data (representing the officer's route for that shift) is downloaded from an officer duty tour scheduler on the central computer system 12 to the portable device 14 via the GPRS communication channel 64 (step 70), and upon reporting for duty at a sign-in post, the officer signs on to the system at step 72 by entering a password into portable device 14. The sign-in time for that device is noted and an activation signal is sent from the device to the central computer system 12 via GPRS communication channel 64. At step 74, the sign-on by each officer is recorded in an attendance register maintained at or associated with central computer system 12.

Officers draw different weapons each time they report for duty, and the central system 12 therefore incorporates a weapons management system and a human resource system, to enable automatic updating of the monitoring system and portable terminal with a weapon identification to be linked to the officer drawing his weapon from the armoury (step 76 in Figure 3). The system's duty roster module, containing tour schedule data for each site, is configured to verify whether an officer is authorised to draw a weapon on a particular day (ie. if that officer is scheduled to be on duty on that day). The weapons management system includes a weapon issuing module, which enables the officer to sign-in and sign-out a weapon. Once the weapon is issued to the officer, the officer identification and weapon identification are consolidated and updated to the central system, and this information is then in turn downloaded to the officer's portable terminal 14. The officer identification is thus linked with his . weapon identification, enabling authentication when the officer performs his duty tour (see below).

Additionally, the system may include one or more biometric readers as an additional level of security to identify officers signing on to the system. These could be incorporated in each portable device 14, or by way of a separate workstation at an officer sign-in post.

An officer's route may be changed during a shift simply by downloading updated schedule information to portable device 14, as illustrated at step 78. The scheduling system 69 of portable device 14 therefore contains the officer's tour schedule information and real-time data associated therewith. The officer is then ready to make his rounds through the monitored area in the usual manner, by proceeding along his or her predefined route. As illustrated in Figure 4 at step 80, if officer 13 has not reached checkpoint 26 by the scheduled time, one or more signal prompts are provided to the officer by way of audio alert and display messages. The officer reaches checkpoint 26 at step 81, and as the checkpoint 26 is passed the RFID scanner 68 incorporated in the portable device scans the RFID tag at the checkpoint 26 (step 82) and a unique checkpoint identification number is read and the current time read and recorded. At the same time, RFID scanner 68 is then automatically instructed also to read the RFID tag on the weapon and on the identification card 24 (step 84). The step of rescanning of the officer's weapon and identification card 24 is to ensure compliance with set protocols, namely to determine that the particular assigned officer has his weapon with him at all times.

A computer program running on the processor 50 of portable device 14 interrogates the schedule information 69 to determine whether the officer has reached the checkpoint 26 at the designated time (depending on whether the scanned checkpoint identification number has been logged by that time, within a user-programmable tolerance, such as +/-5 minutes), as illustrated at step 86. Once a duty checkpoint has been logged, the officer moves on to the next checkpoint 26 (step 87) and the sequence is repeated. If, for a particular checkpoint, portable device 14 detects a schedule deviation of sufficient gravity (in accordance with prescribed conditions, such as three successive prompts by the portable device not resulting in a successful reading of checkpoint -RFID tag), a schedule deviation alert is relayed (step 88) to central system 12 to alert a supervisor to initiate action as appropriate.

It is to be noted that deviations are identified by the software running on the portable device 14 (and the distributed officer tour scheduling data), and the system does not therefore rely on all such monitoring being carried out an the central station. The system is configured such that, in the absence of any serious deviations, data is only

uploaded to the central system at the end of the officer's shift or at the end of the day (step 89).

As mentioned, at appropriate times all acquired data, including data relating to any deviation determinations, are uploaded to the central system 12 via GPRS communication channel 64, and a timer for recording the scanning time for weapon 30 and the identification card 24 is reset. The uploading of data to the central computer can be done at each transaction, or as a batch file at end of the shift or the end of the day. This system therefore automates employees' checkpoint attendance data collection, computation, and can further be integrated into or can be used to export data to a payroll software application module and/or to a management reporting module.

In one form of the system, the checkpoint RPID tag and the weapon RFID tag incorporate 125 kHz chips, whilst the officer identification card RFID tag incorporates a 13.56 MHz chip (based on ISO 14443, Type A, 13.56 MHz RF chip), and the RFID scanner on portable device 14 is configured to read the tags at both frequencies. The lower frequency weapon RFID tag provides longer range than a high frequency tag, and performs better than a HF chip in ferromagnetic environments.

Duress alarm includes a duress button built into portable device 14, enabling the officer to selectively alert the central system of any duress or crisis situation. When depressed for 3 seconds, a silent duress alarm signal is sent to the central system for a supervisor to initiate appropriate action. From the signal, the supervisor is able to determine the identity of the officer and the closest checkpoint 26 (or precise location, if GPS is employed), in order to dispatch a response. Additionally, the portable device may also incorporate a tamper alert system (not shown), whereby a prescribed physical action (such as an attempt to remove the device cover) results in an alert message being relayed to central system 12.

As noted above, the officer carries a weapon 30 in a holster 32 whilst performing their rounds, a gun holster device including a sensor is incorporated in the holster, and an RF communication link is established between a gun holster device and RF communication channel 66 on portable device 14, by way of a Bluetooth-enabled (or

similar RF communication protocol) sensor provided on holster 32. In the event that the gun is drawn from the holster, a signal is sent via this channel to the portable device. Via processor 50 this enables a 'weapon drawn' signal to be logged and forwarded to central system 12 via the GPRS communication channel, and a supervisor at the central station can then initiate appropriate action. In addition, an alert signal is sent to central system 12 if the gun holster device is off-line from RF communication channel 66, or if a weak battery signal for the gun holster device is detected. hi addition, a 'weapon drawn' signal may also be transmitted to the portable devices of other officers in the vicinity of the particular officer, in order to ensure rapid assistance can be provided. This can be realised either by way of a message from central system 12 determining, from the current system status, which officers are presently within a prescribed distance from the officer in question, and distributing an appropriate message to those officers, or can be realised by configuring the gun holster device also to send the 'weapon drawn' signal from the officer's gun holster device both to the officer's portable device 14 and to those within a certain distance, which may be determined in accordance with the range of the communication means used.

Li a preferred form, the holster 32 incorporates a magnetic sensor (not shown) able to detect the presence or absence of a ferromagnetic mass, ie weapon 30. If no weapon is detected, the gun holster device is configured to send the 'weapon drawn' signal to portable device 14. hi an alternative form, the holster is provided with a catch which must to released before the weapon can be withdrawn, and the gun holster device is configured such that the 'weapon drawn' signal is transmitted to portable device 14 on release of this catch.

Further security features for security officer 13 are incorporated into the system of the present invention. Motion sensor 56, built into portable device 14, is configured to detect whether the portable device has been motionless for a predetermined user- programmable time period, between 0.5 and 5 minutes (Figure 5, illustrated at step 92). A pre-alarm audio and display message alert signal is then activated on the portable device (step 94), requesting the officer to respond by moving or by pressing

a button on the device. A determination is made by the portable device (at step 96) as to whether a response has been entered by the officer, or movement has been detected, within a predetermined time period. If no response has been received, an alarm signal is then relayed to central system 12 to alert a supervisor to initiate action as appropriate. This functionality ensures that false alarms are not relayed to the central system. The portable device is configured to log the number of pre-alert alarms generated to allow monitoring of general performance.

The system is designed to afford discrimination between the type of motionless state of the officer, by incorporating a gyroscope or an equivalent device into the motion sensor in order to determine (at step 98) whether the portable device is in a prescribed orientation (usually, in an upright position), hi the event that the device 14 is motionless, but is determined to be in a substantially upright position (step 100), then the system can be configured to regard this as a low-level alert, and first alarm signal can be sent to the central system 12 (step 102), as the officer may merely be in a seated position carrying out paperwork, for example. In the event that the device 14 is motionless, but is determined not to be in a substantially upright position, then the system can be configured to regard this as a serious event, such as an officer being asleep or being injured, or having dropped the portable device, and a second alarm signal (a 'man-down' signal) can be relayed to the cental computer via the GPRS communication channel (step 104).

From the above, it will be realised that the progressive alert system, in combination with the portable device orientation detector, greatly reduces the incidence of false alarms being communicated from the portable device to the central monitoring computer system, and ensures that in accordance with the output of motion sensor 56 action is taken appropriate to the situation encountered.

The system utilises an appropriate open architecture relational database capable of handling the transaction loading to be met for the designated application. Details of the types of databases suitable for implementing the present invention are not provided herein, as the skilled reader will be familiar with such systems. In association with the database, central system 12 is able to provide full reporting functionality, including master data reports, patrol data reports, evaluation reports,

exception reports, checkpoint reports, officer reports, file transfer log reports, operator activity logs, and statistical summaries. As is conventional practice, the system is provided with suitable backup (backup data storage as well as backup power supply, including a backup battery system) and shutdown functionality to ensure fully reliable operation.

It should be noted that although the system has been described with reference to a security officer performing a duty tour around a plurality of checkpoints 26, it can also be used with a single checkpoint 26 (ie, a duty post), for monitoring the activity of an officer on duty there. For example, a sentry officer may be tasked with reporting in to the system every 15 minutes, and therefore at the required time will scan the duty post RFID tag with the portable device RFID scanner 68. Failure to report in this way at the duty post will result in an escalation of the deviation process flow, as described above and illustrated in Figure 4.

The invention is described above with reference to a security officer monitoring system, but it will be readily recognised by the skilled reader that the system and method can find a wide variety of applications to different situations where monitoring or surveillance of personnel, such as personnel moving in set routes, is required. For example, the invention may applied to monitoring cleaning schedules, litter collection schedules in public places, park-keeper activities, etc. In addition, the invention also finds application with respect to the monitoring of objects moving in predetermined paths, such as baggage or post handling processes in public or private facilities, etc.

Modifications and improvements to the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope of this invention.