A monitoring system

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a monitoring system and, more particularly, to a monitoring system in an article of clothing that measures and reports on various variables such as the temperature, location, heart rate, radiation exposure, respiration and blast exposure of a wearer and/or its environment.

Discussion of the Background Art

Clothing that reports on an aspect of a wearer is available, such as in US Patent no. 7,448,874, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In particular, an embodiment of US Patent no. 7,448,874 discloses a garment with a temperature sensor that can report on the body temperature of a wearer. The temperature of the wearer of the garment may then be transmitted, preferably wirelessly. However, other potentially important variables are not measured and/or reported such as, for example, ambient temperature. In some situations, other variables are also important (and in some cases will be more important). For example, in military, emergency or police situations it may be important to also know other factors such as, for example, the pulse or heart rate of the wearer. Furthermore, where there are multiple garments it can be difficult to know which garment is which, particularly if the wearers have removed the garment. In large scale operations with multiple garments it can also be very difficult, if not impossible, to know which garment is sending particular readings, and why. For example, is it because of something relating to that particular garment, to its wearer, or to the environment at the location of that garment.

It is an aim of this invention to provide a monitoring article which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above, or which at least provides a useful alternative. The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the referenced prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in relation to the invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosure of the Invention

Accordingly in one aspect of the present invention there is there is provided an article comprising:

at least one sensor;

at least one tracking element; and

a transmitter adapted to transmit data from the sensor and/or tracking element. In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for monitoring environmental and physiological characteristics associated with a subject said system comprising:

an article of clothing fitted to the subject said article of clothing comprising: a first set of sensors configured to measure one or more physiological characteristics of the subject;

a second set of sensors configured to measure one or more environmental conditions to which the subject is exposed; and

a tracking module;

at least one processor coupled to the article of clothing said processor adapted to:

produce a current profile of the subject based on the environmental and physiological data collected by the first and second set of sensors;

compare the current profile of the subject with a base line profile of the subject complied from historical information on said subject and determine potential health and safety risks to the subject; and

present identified health and safety risks to the subject and/or third parties for assessment. In a preferred embodiment, the article is an article of clothing. Preferably the article of clothing comprises a plurality of sensors and/or tracking elements. More than one transmitter may be provided to transmit data from the sensor(s) and/or tracking element(s), but preferably only a single transmitter is utilised. The sensor(s) may sense internal and/or external factors. Preferably the transmitter also comprises receiver (e.g. to allow bidirectional communication with another transmitter/receiver).

The article may be any suitable article of clothing, but is preferably a garment such as a shirt, pants, footwear, headgear, undershirt or the like. The article of clothing may comprise more than one individual garment such as, for example, a combination of a shirt and pants. The garment is worn by an individual ('wearer"). The article may comprise various types of garments including body armour and specialised cooling garments.

This system could be attached to various types of weapons, ammunition, vehicles, food stuffs including drinks, general consumables, medicines or indeed any item that requires data retrieval and identification for re-supply, tracking or re-calibration.

Preferably the at least one sensor and at least one tracking element are electrically connected to the transmitter by a connector. The transmitter is preferably an electronic transmission module which is preferably programmed for electronic transmission of measured and/or recorded data from the at least one sensor and at least one tracking element.

The electronic transmission module may use any suitable transmission modulation and/or standard to transmit data. In a preferred embodiment the transmitter conforms to the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, or is at least a personal area network (PAN) based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard. The transmitter is preferably fitted into a portion of the article such as, for example, a shirt sleeve. Preferably the transmitter can be removed easily by disengaging a connector. A Synapse wireless network may be utilised and, in particular, a mesh network protocol. Preferably, the article has an embedded processor (e.g. a microcontroller). The embedded processor may comprise a Python interpreter (preferably supporting XML/RPC) for running application program(s). In an embodiment, the wireless network protocol of the transmitter is an auto-forming, self healing, multi-hop mesh network that allows over-the-air application changes. Nodes of the network may be battery powered, and are preferably able to route at least 38.4 Kbps sustained transfer rates and at least AES-128 bit encryption and 16 channel availability. Preferably the protocol will provide peer-to-peer networking and free-form RPC calls. All devices may be peers and every node can preferably bridge, route, and sleep. The Python based script language may interactively upload scripts via the network (e.g. over-the-air) to the processor. The provision of a sleep mode, for at least the transmit transmission data intervals, allows for lower power requirements. The network size is preferably capable of many nodes (e.g. articles) such as, for example, 63,000. In an embodiment the transmitter is configured with a 2.4GHz IEEE 802.15.4 module which has approximately a 3 mile range with line of sight or approximately a 1000 metre range when obstructed. This range may vary according to further development and particular locales. In an embodiment, the connector to the transmitter is a latching connector that is water, weather and/or shock resistant. The connector may be fitted to, for example, a shirt wiring loom. The loom may be integrated into a shirt so as to avoid exposed wires. The exit point from the shirt may be in a small pocket containing the electronic transmission module. The electronic transmission module may be fitted with a rechargeable battery, and/or be connected to a power source. The electronic transmission module is preferably removed from the article (e.g. shirt) prior to the article being laundered. This can also provide the electronic transmission module with an opportunity to be placed in a charger to recharge an energy storage means associated with the electronic transmission module. The transmitter preferably communicates with a remote device, preferably a portable device such as, for example, a laptop, netbook, notebook, PDA, phone, or the like.

Preferably, a power source is provided to power the at least one sensor, at least one tracking element, and/or the transmitter. The power source preferably comprises a storage element, such as a battery or supercapacitor. The storage element is preferably charged when near a suitable power supply such as, for example, mains power or by USB. The power source may comprise energy harvesting and/or scavenging mechanisms that harvest energy from available sources. Suitable energy harvesting mechanisms include solar power, kinetic power (e.g. by movement of the wearer), thermal energy (e.g. by utilising the body heat of the wearer) and/or scavenged (e.g. by RF harvesting). RF harvesting may rely upon intentional RF sources, anticipated ambient RF sources, and/or unknown ambient RF sources). Preferably, one or more sensors are provided to at least measure internal factors such as, for example, aspects of the wearer including temperature, respiration, pulse/heartbeat, perspiration, hydration, fat content, and the like. One or more sensors may be provided to measure external factors such as, for example, ambient temperature, humidity, pressure, acceleration, radiation, gas levels (e.g. oxygen levels, CO ₂ levels, etc), chemical levels, ambient light levels, and the like.

The sensor(s) may include a temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the wearer (e.g. internal 'body' temperature) and/or the temperature of the environment that the wearer is in (e.g. external temperature). The temperature sensor may comprise a thermistor. Preferably the thermistor is small (some known thermistors are approximately the size of a rice grain). In an embodiment, the thermistors) are located in an armpit region of a tightly fitting t-shirt garment such that, in use, the thermistor is located under the armpit wearer. The thermistor may be attached to the transmitter, which is preferably small in size (e.g. approximately the size of a packet of matches, or smaller) which may also be located around the armpit area. The sensor(s) may include: a strain gauge that measures respiration of the wearer of the article, a heart rate monitor that determines the rate of heartbeat of the wearer, a pressure transducer (or array of transducers) to measure pressure conditions and changing pressure conditions in the environment of the wearer, an accelerometer(s) to measure direction and magnitude of movements (e.g. blast exposure) in all three dimensions/planes including lateral and circular movements of the wearer, and/or a sensor array to detect chemical, biological, and/or radiation exposure. Preferably blast exposure will be measured in three planes of force direction, or as many as six planes of lateral direction, together with rotational/circular movements.

The tracking element may be a close range tracking element, such as barcode or an RFID tag, and/or may be a long range tracking element such as a GPS locator. In a preferred embodiment both a close range tracking element and a long range tracking element are provided. An RFID tag may be integrated with, or affixed to, the article. The RFID tag can be used to track the article (e.g. tracking at a point(s) of interest such as entry/exit points etc.), and/or to provide data in relation to the article such as a unique identifier. The RFID tag may be utilised to record and update the location of the article such as when the article passes an RFID reader. RFID readers may have fixed positions, or may be mobile. In the event that an RFID reader is mobile, its position may be known by any suitable means such as by entry of an operator, or through GPS. The tracking element, or a tracking element, may comprise an identifier. The identifier may be, for example, a barcode or an RFID tag fitted to, or in, the article. The identifier is preferably electronically readable. The identifier (also known as a mobile electronic tracker, or MET) may be used to assist the article to be tracked to virtually any terminal location. For example, whether an article has left a certain building, passed a security or safety checkpoint, or has been loaded into storage. It is envisaged that dedicated equipment may need to be affixed or installed at locations of interest (either fixed or mobile) to allow reading of passive identifier elements. The identifier may be triggered from a vehicle in the vicinity of the article such as a low flying plane, or by individual carrying an identifier reader. The identifiers may be used as an automated roll call, allowing articles (and therefore their wearers) to be logged as being present (or at least within a certain vicinity).

In a preferred embodiment, the identifier, known as a MET, is a passive transmitter providing an output frequency provided from a parametric device that is pumped by energy derived from a received radio signal. A sub harmonic frequency produced by the parametric device is modulated and re-radiated without further amplification by means coupled to the parametric device. In particular, the MET provides a passive transmitter in which means are provided for receiving a radio signal at a 'pump' frequency in response to transmissions from a source. The parametric device is connected to the receiving means and is pumped by energy at the pump frequency. The parametric device then produces a sub harmonic output to which modulation means is connected to modulate the output thereof. The modulated output is then connected to a MET transmitter. The same transmitter, or antenna, may be utilised to receive the first radio signal and to radiate the modulated output.

During the storage and transport of the articles affixed with the MET, the MET transmitter would generally be inert and, preferably, relatively undetectable. Preferably the MET is concealed within the article, but may also be located under a barcode or other element, or the like. To activate the MET transmitter, a signal is transmitted in a specific frequency, in proximity to the MET. The MET receives the signal and utilises the energy derived therefrom as a source to power to transmit an identifying signal back using the same antenna. This MET generated signal can then be detected by a receiver tuned to the frequency and the identification of the article containing the MET can be determined. The receiver may have an LED (light emitting diode) to indicate proximity, or may have an LCD screen which indicates signal strength and direction to one or more METs. As the receiver is moved closer to the MET, the signal will increase in strength. The distance at which the MET transmitter is effective may be determined by the signal strength that is generated (as a result of receiving a signal). Accordingly, typically the more powerful the original transmitted signal the more powerful will be the resultant signal from the MET.

In an embodiment, the MET have a small battery storage, or electronic storage circuit, which can store induced energy received from the paired transmitter. The stored energy can then be utilised to send a more powerful signal (e.g. to a satellite). The signal may then be pinpointed using GPS, and the location of the article may be determined. Each MET preferably has a personalised identification code which may be utilised to assist in locating individual articles. To communicate with a satellite, it is assumed that there is a satellite available for reception of the signal, and retransmission to a receiver device. A handheld transmitter and receiver may also be utilised to trigger a passive MET. The transmitter and receiver may be built into one portable handheld unit which, when enabled, transmits a signal which may then be received and acted upon by the MET. Preferably the hand held unit has a display screen enabling location details of the article. Verbal directions may also be generated using the handheld unit such as, for example, "300 feet due north to 1288799". It is envisaged that range may be limited when using the handheld unit. However, a plane may perform a 'flyover' and transmit from a more powerful transmitter, thus triggering all the passive MET devices in the footprint of the aerial transmission. Once the passive METs have been triggered, the satellite may then relay the data back to the handheld units which can then display on the screen and show appropriate paths to the activated METs. Preferably the sensor(s) and tracking element(s) are permanently installed in the article. The power source and/or storage may be removable for washing of the article and/or charging of the power storage. However, it is envisaged that a water and weatherproof power supply could be utilised which would not need to be removed. Charging of such a power supply may be via any suitable means including, for example, via in built power generation means (such as solar panels) and/or by an external power source that transfers the power by either a cable or by induction or the like.

In a preferred embodiment, the article detects, reports, and/or records: the body temperature of a wearer, the pulse rate of the wearer, the respiratory rate of the wearer, the location coordinates of the article (and hence the wearer when in use), shocks and/or blast waves incurred by the wearer, radiation levels, radiological and chemical presence(s), changes in pressure, and the location of the article using a mobile electronic tracking means (preferably in a passive state that can be activated by a transmission). Additional information may accompany the sensory data such as Identification of the garment Wearer and Seat position in a vehicle. The recorded data may then be provided to one or more third parties to enable them to assess and/ or determine aspects of the health and safety of the wearer.

The article may further comprise an audio and/or video recorder. Preferably the audio and/or video recorder is miniaturised comprising a mini-cam and a microphone. Preferably the audio and/or video recorder enables not only recording and reporting of the surrounds of the article, but also allows conversations to take place between the wearer and a receiving entity (e.g. a computer, a control centre operator, or another wearer of an article). Depending on the method of modulation, simultaneous transmissions between wearers is preferably possible. All transmissions, and in particular audio and/or visual transmissions, can be encoded, encrypted, and/or scrambled to prevent unauthorised reception of transmitted signals. The audio and/or video recorder may be activated by triggers (e.g. particular readings from the sensor(s) and/or tracking element(s)) and/or manually by the wearer and/or a receiving entity.

In use, the audio and/or video recorder may be activated to record events of interest. The audio and/or video recorder may be controlled to allow one or more particular video and/or audio recorder of an article in a group of articles to be activated. Other data, such as data measured by the sensor(s) may also be transmitted such as, for example, temperature, pulse rate, radioactivity exposure levels, chemical exposure levels, and other data that may provide information on the status of the article and its wearer. It is envisaged that the exact nature of the sensor(s), tracking element(s), transmitter/receiver, and/or video and/or audio recorders) may be altered depending on the intended use of the article. For example, soldiers may have certain sensors (e.g. blast magnitude detection sensors and high precision tracking GPS elements etc.) and firemen may have different sensors (e.g. external temperature, oxygen levels, chemical and/or radiation exposure, and lower precision more localised tracking elements (e.g. RFID tags)).

The article preferably comprises data storage means, such as data storage circuitry (e.g. including computer memory such as flash, RAM, ROM, or the like). The data storage circuitry may log information collected from the sensor and/or tracking element. Preferably the data storage has an output.

In an embodiment, the article is a military combat jacket, a relatively tightly fitting t- shirt, or upper body underwear (e.g. cooling or thermal underwear), garment having one or more direction blast sensors and a GPS locating/tracking element. Furthermore, the garment preferably comprises blast transducers, an identification element (e.g. electronically readable unique identifier), and data storage that logs data from the sensors and/or tracking/identification element(s). When the wearer of the article is exposed to a blast, the exact wearer can then be identified by the identification element and the location and magnitude of the blast can be determined from the measured data. Transmission of data from the article may be continual, upon an event (e.g. when certain conditions are determined such as, for example, a blast of predetermined magnitude), on demand (e.g. at certain locations, or on request), periodic (e.g. at certain time intervals, such as every 10 minutes), or a combination.

Data transmitted from the article is preferably received and recorded electronically. The captured data is preferably stored remotely in a database. The storing may be automated, or may be on demand (e.g. the article may request the transmitted information be stored at particular times/events). The transmitted data is preferably stored in at least one database entry relating to a wearer of the article and/or to a particular article. The data may be compared with previously captured data to identify and/or illustrate changes and/or trends in the data. The database is preferably located remotely on a portable computer, such as a laptop. Data transmitted from more than one article may be accumulated, collated, and/or compared to provide information over a range of positions. A plurality of networked articles connected to each other and/or a base station may respond to commands and/or issue orders to other articles (the commands may be for the articles themselves (i.e. to perform some particular function) or may be commands for a wearer of the article(s)). The base station, with its networked environment, can preferably view on a display (e.g. computer screen, TV, or projector) a simulated environment, and selectively monitor individual wearers/articles and their location, pulse rates, temperature, and exposure to blast waves, and the like (depending on the sensors). Software on a base station computer may be utilised to create a 'bird's eye view' of all wearers/articles by their tracking elements (e.g. by utilising a global positioning system or by a satellite link).

In use, the article may provide monitoring of aspects of a wearer, such as the body temperature, pulse rate, location coordinates, and blast waves affecting the wearer. To use the article, it is first placed on an individual. The article preferably resembles a normal garment, such as a t-shirt or a combat jacket, and is therefore easily worn by a wearer, preferably underneath any other garments the wearer may have (e.g. jacket). Preferably the article has at least one sensor suitably positioned to obtain a body temperature, pulse rate, location coordinates, and/or a blast wave reading affecting the individual. The article may have a connector configured to receive a transmitter (e.g. an electronic transmission module) programmed for electronic transmission. The transmitter is secured to the article, connected to the connector. Accumulated data from the article may be communicated to an electronic monitor over a local wireless connection, wherein the electronic monitor is configured to remotely receive and control electronic transmission from the transmitted. Preferably, the data inputs are displayed on the electronic monitor. The electronic monitor preferably has the capability to retransmit the aggregated data to a 'head unit' receiver. The head unit receiver may be located locally, having an enhanced capacity to retransmit or store the aggregated data from all articles in range, or in a predetermined range (e.g. a field of view). Data may be transmitted by satellite and back to a suitable display station, such as in a mounted vehicle or at a base station in military situations.

Preferably with the wireless communication that takes place; the articles and a single 'head unit' (e.g. a unit located in a computer) create a self forming/healing mesh network. The articles can preferably communicate with each other determine where the head unit is and to direct all traffic to it. At that point, the head unit, using a suitable communication format, may transmit data from one or more articles to a command and control element (e.g. by satellite). The range of the transmitter of the article(s) is preferably at least 1000 metres between articles. Preferably articles in range can communicate with each other extending the overall effective range. Each unit may store collected data/information and may be programmed to send the information periodically (e.g. every 1 minute, 1 hour, or as requested by the head unit). Alternatively, the data can be accessed by 'pinging' one or more article(s) selectively at a chosen time so as not to disclose its location. Furthermore, when the article is returned to a base, all data/information recorded may be downloaded for storage, analysis, review, comparison, or the like. Throughout the specification the term "comprising" shall be understood to have a broad meaning similar to the term "including" and will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the term "comprising" such as "comprise" and "comprises". BRIEF DETAILS OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that this invention may be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, and wherein:

Figure 1 is a rear view of a t-shirt embodiment of the invention illustrating possible locations of various sensors;

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the embodiment illustrated in figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a portion of a database system used in conjunction with the article;

Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating a portion of a database system used in conjunction with the article;

Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a portion of a database system used in conjunction with the article;

Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a portion of a database system used in conjunction with the article;

Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating a portion of a database system used in conjunction with the article;

Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating a portion of a database system used in conjunction with the article;

Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating a portion of a database system used in conjunction with the article; and

Figure 10 is a flow chart illustrating a portion of a database system used in conjunction with the article.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows an article of clothing, namely a t-shirt 10, with pressure sensors 11 , a heart rate sensor 12, a temperature sensor 13, a strain gauge 14, and an electronic module 15. The electronic module 15 contains a transmitter and a locating element. The t-shirt 10 is a tight fitting material which is elastic/stretchy such that it fits relatively tightly to the skin of a wearer, ensuring sufficient contact between the wearer and the sensors. The sensors and the electronic module 15 are electrically connected via wires located in the shirt 10 (although in other embodiments they may be wireless). In the illustrated embodiment, a locating element is located integral with the electronic module, but it will be appreciated that one or more locating elements may also be placed outside the electronic module. The electronic control module 15 has a power storage element, preferably a battery, which powers the circuitry when required. The locating element in the electronic control module 15 is a GPS locator chip. The shirt 10 may also have a passive close-range locating element such as an RFID tag with a unique identifier (MET), but this is not illustrated. The plurality of pressure sensors 11 detect changes in pressure such as, for example, from a blast or explosion. The locations of the pressure sensors (as illustrated in figure 2) allow not only the force of a blast to be determined, but also the direction from which a blast (or other pressure change) propagates. The heart rate sensor 12 detects and measures the pulse of a wearer, which is particularly useful in situations requiring great physical demands, as well as medical situations. The temperature sensor 13 is preferably a thermistor, but other temperature sensing means may be utilised. The sensor 13 in the illustrated embodiment is placed generally under the armpits of the wearer, giving a relatively accurate reading of the body temperature of the wearer. The strain gauge 14 is placed horizontally across the chest of the wearer, allowing it to detect and measure the respiratory rate of the wearer.

The electronic control module communicates with other electronic control module(s) and/or a head unit or base station using, or at least based on, the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, and therefore has components, such as an antenna that complies with the relevant standard. The antenna is preferably located externally to the electronic control module such as, for example, in a collar of the shirt 10 or mounted on the battery unit which is typically positioned on the upper back posteriorly.

Although the sensors and electronic module are illustrated in figures 1 and 2 at particular locations considered to be suitable, it will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that other locations for the illustrated sensors (and/or additional sensors) could also be utilised. In one embodiment of the present invention the article of clothing discussed in relation to figures 1 and 2 above may be incorporated into monitoring system for the management and collection of environmental and physiological data associated with wearer. The system preferably includes one or more additional components of hardware coupled to article of clothing such as a PC, or portable device such as a PDA, smartphone, iPad, laptop/notebook, netbook or the like. Such devices may include one or more software modules for the configuration of the hardware mounted on or in the article of clothing and the collection and processing data obtained form the various sensors disposed on the article of clothing. A number of theses processes are exemplified in Figures 3 to 11 which are discussed in greater detail below.

Figure 3 depicts the initialisation procedure for the monitoring system according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown on commencement of the initialisation procedure 301 the system determines whether a backup of all system data is necessary 302. In the depicted example the backup is prompted based on the amount of time which has lasped between successive backups. If the time between backups exceeds a preset threshold (in this case the threshold is set to 1 month between successive backups) the system commences a backup by prompting the user to specify a destination such as a drive (e.g. an external hard drive or other removable media e.g. a flash or USB drive or optical storage media such as a CD/DVD) or directory to which the backup is to be stored 303 before proceeding to create the backup data file.

If the length of time between backups does not exceed the threshold value then the system prompts the user as to whether they wish to perform a backup 304. If the user elects to make a backup, the system then request the user to specify a destination drive (e.g. an external hard drive or removable media g. a flash or USB drive or optical storage media such as a DVD) or directory to which the backup is to be stored 305. Once the user has decided whether or not to create a backup 304 the system then determines whether this is the first time the system has commenced its operation 306, if so, the system proceeds to prompt the user to enter initial system settings 307. The system then cerates a username and encrypted passcode for the user 308. Additional security measures such as finger print and iris scanning and vocal recognition may also be utilised and could be initialised where available via the initial settings step 307. Once the initialisation procedure is complete, the system proceeds to the account creation verification phase per the flow chart illustrated in figure 4. As shown the system prompts the user for their credentials 401 produced in step 308 of the installation procedure to effect system login e.g. user name and passcode. Alternatively, other forms of user identification such as, for example, biometric identification i.e. finger print scan, rental scan, voice print verification or combination thereof could be utilised to effect system login if configure. Once logged the user is logged in the system then determines whether the user has an existing account 402 on the system. If so the system then presents the user with the option to change their existing setting 404. Should the user elect to modify their existing settings they are then presented with various setting selections 405.

In event that the user does not have an existing account the system proceeds to create an account for the user 403. During account creation the user has the option to create a voice profile for various functions such as dictation and voice print ID where biometric identification is provided. In addition to the creation of the voice profile the user may also configure a number of personal settings relating to the system. Once the account setup is complete the system then proceeds to step 404 discussed above. It will of course be appreciated by those of skill in the art that for newly created accounts the option to alter existing settings is in all likelihood to be answered in the negative, unless of course the user has exited account set up prematurely in which case they can adjust their setting by entering step 405 as discussed above.

Once the user has set up their account they are then presented with a number of tabs 406 relating to different system functions. The flow charts illustrated in figures 5 to 11 illustrate various functionalities to monitor, set up, and/or change settings of the article (e.g. sensor or GPS settings) which may be provided under various tabs in one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention. Figure 5 in this instance depicts a number of tabs including digital control and alert settings 501 , add notes and dictation settings 502, change sensor settings 503, change GPS settings 504. On selection of the tab 501 the digital control and alert settings the user is required to select a subject (e.g. a specific article ID which is associated with a particular subject or device). Once the system is provided with the relevant subject's details it then requests the user to select the relevant data parameters for a control sequence 509. The system then requests the user to set the event type required and the parameters to trigger the selected event 511. In addition to setting the event type and its trigger, the user is also required to set alerts and the digital device channels for the article prior to a test of the new control and alert settings is performed. Once the user has set the relevant parameters in step 511 the system then saves the settings 517 to the system database 100. Once the parameters are saved the system proceeds perform a set of tests for the control sequence, the results of which are then presented to the user. The user is then able to select the data from the test data for display 521. The resultant selections are then displayed on screen along with the digital control sequence 525 for comparative analysis.

As with the selection of the digital control and alerts tab 501 , selection of the add notes and dictation settings tab 502 causes the system to prompt the user to select the desired subject 506. Once the user has selected the desired subject the system prompts the user to select the data to which the addition of notes etc is to be made. On selection of the desired data the user is then required to log into the relevant their account (profile) 508. The user is then prompted to select relevant vocal profile 518 before dictating notes into the selected data file for the identified subject. The updated data is then stored 526 to the systems database 100. The user may then select the newly annotated data 530 for review. The selected information is then displayed on screen allowing the user to double check the notes and make any corrections if necessary 534. As in the cases of the above described tabs selection of the change sensor settings tab 503 again causes the system to request selection of the desired subject/device 507 for which the relevant senor settings are to be altered. Once the subject/device has been identified the system then prompts the user to select the senor for adjustment 509 i.e. the temperature sensor, the strain gauge, the heart rate monitor, one or more of the pressure transducer and the accelerometer(s) etc. The user having selected the relevant sensor is then able to adjust the settings associated with the selected senor 511. After the settings for the selected sensors are adjusted the system proceeds to test the new setting 513 prior to saving the new setting 525 locally on the device. The test results along with the new sensor settings are then saved 527 to the systems database 100. The user may then select the data associated with the new senor settings from the test results 529 for display and review 531.

The change GPS settings tab 504 enables a user to alter various parameters associated with the GPS transceiver module for a given article/subject. As with the above discussed scenario selection of the change GPS settings tab 504 causes the system to identify the article/subject which the GPS transceiver module is associated 508. Once the system has identified the relevant GPS transceiver module it then permits the user to select the desired functions of the GPS transceiver module to be modified 512 in the present example these are the Auto timer function and trigger function. Having made the appropriate selection the user is then able to adjust the settings associated with the selected functions 516. The system then proceeds to test the new settings by triggering the GPS module and monitoring the results 520 before saving the settings to the module 524. The test results along with the new sensor settings are then saved 528 to the systems database 100. The user is then able to select test data 532 for display 536. The display of the selected data in this instance could be in the form of a map depicting the current location of the of the module and/or a vocal read out of the position of the module.

Figure 6 depicts the operation of the capture data tab 601 , on selection of the capture data tab cause the system to prompt the user to select the desired subject/device for which data is to be collected 602. On receipt of the subject/device details the system then determines whether the selected subject/device is registered with the system. If the subject/device is not registered the system proceeds to create a new data file for the subject/device 603 which is then saved to the system's database 100. In the event that the subject/device is validly registered, the system simply appends any new data from the data capture session to the existing file for the given subject/device before saving the updated file to the systems database.

Once the relevant information on the subject/device is obtained the system then initiates the data capture process by firstly if the various sensor modules connected and transmitting 605. In the event that the one or more senor modules are not connected the system advises the user accordingly 606 before making the sensor monitoring tabs available 607. If all sensor modules are determine to be operational at step 605 the system proceeds to make the sensor monitoring tab available 607. In the depicted example the system makes two tabs available the start data monitoring tab 608 and select new subject/device tab 609. If the user wish to change the subject or add a subject/device for the current data capture session they can do so by simply selecting the select different subject tab 609 whereon the system reverts back to the subject/device identification/selection step 602 discussed above. At this stage the user may then be presented with one or more screen displays 619, 620 of the available subjects/devices and their geographical locations etc for selection purposes.

On selection of the start monitoring tab 608 the system proceeds to collect data 610 from the various sensor modules associated with the selected subject/device. The collection may be done by polling each sensor associated with the subject/device (i.e. on demand streaming of sensor information) or via download of a log file stored within a data storage unit housed locally on the subject/device. Once the desired data is retrieved from the subject/device the user may then save the data 611 to the systems database 100 before performing any post processing of the collected data. Once the data is saved the user has the option to review raw data from the various sensor modules before further analysis. In order to review raw data the user selects the desired data 612 for review which is subsequently presented onscreen 613.

The system may also at this time query 614 the user as to whether the wish to perform a detailed analysis of the collected data 610. In the event that analysis is not required at this particular juncture the system reverts to the subject/device identification/selection step 602 discussed above. If analysis is required the user is then presented with the analyse data tab 615 the selection of which causes the system to analyse 616 the data collected at 610 with prior data samples for the subject and data from other sensor modules from current session and various mathematical models etc to determine the effects of various environmental and/or physiological factors on the subject/device. The results of the analysis are then saved 617 to the database before being displayed on screen 618.

The display 613, 618 of both raw data and analysed data may be of particular benefit to one or more third parties. For example the provision of such information to third parties such as emergency personnel, medical personnel etc may assist them in assessing the heath of a particular subject which can greatly assist in the location and retrieval of subject during specific incidents. Such data may also be useful in performing triage of subject at the incident and/or emergency facility to which the are transported. Making this data available to emergency personnel prior to their arrival on scene would enable them to formulate an action plan to ensure that the individuals involved in the incident receive the best care without undue delay.

Figure 7 depicts the operation of the Item Monitoring 701 and Analysis 702 tabs according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown selection of the Item Monitoring tab 701 causes the system to request the user to identify or add the desired item to be monitored 703 i.e. entry of item ID. The system then selects the desired item based on the information provided by the user 705. The user is then presented with the option to adjust/set various properties associated with the selected item 707 such as capacity, test location etc. Once the user has set the desired properties associated with the item they are then prompted adjust/set the trigger points associated with the selected item 709. The user is then able to select data associated with the item for review 711 the resultant selection is then displayed on screen in a column based format 713.

Selection of the analysis 702 tab in this instance facilitates the commencement of a new data session 704 which requires the user to select data for analysis 706 for example data relating to a given location (i.e. multiple subjects/devices in single location), a single subject/device or multiple subject/devices in multiple locations etc. Once the relevant data for analysis is specified the system then allows the user to set a number parameters associated with the analysis to be performed as well as adding various mathematical calculations (eg statistical modelling etc) 708 to further assist in the analysis of the specified data. At this stage the user is also able to select/add various data channels for comparative analysis (e.g. able to compare data from different data sources broadcast on different data channels). Once the analysis is complete the user can then select portions of the analysed data 710 for subsequent display 712 for example the displayed data may simply be a full replay of collected (raw data) or modified data (i.e. post analysis). With reference to figure 8 there are illustrated a number of additional tabs which may be implemented under the system of the present invention. In this case the additional tabs include a compare tab 801 , an import/export tab 802, an email tab 803. Selecting the email tab 803 in this instance causes the system to open an email form 806 with the current data results attached. On completion of the form 810 by the sender/user the system verifies the email configuration 814 before the email is sent 817.

The comparison tab 801 in this particular example provides the user with the ability compare data from two or more channels. On selection of the comparison tab 801 the user is provided with displays 804 from two or more channels each display can display data channel for comparison. For each display the user is able to select a data channels for a given location (i.e. multiple subject/devices in single location, a single subject/device or multiple devices in multiple locations etc) and adjust the settings associated with the selected channels 807. The user may then be provided with the option to add additional analytical tools to modify the data display such as mathematical calculations etc 811. The user is then able to select various portions of the data displayed in each of the displays 815 (i.e. isolating a portion of the data within each display for display further detail etc) the resultant selections are then displayed on screen 825. This selection of data in some instance could be performed utilising a handheld or portable device with the resultant selection being transmitted/ transferred to a larger display e.g. standard monitor, projector etc. The import/export tab 802 enables the user in this instance to import data from backups etc or export the data to a desired storage media etc. On selection of the import/export tab 802 the system queries the user as to the type of operation to be performed i.e. import/export 805. In the illustrated example the system simply queries the user as to whether an import is to be performed if the query is answered in the negative the system assumes that an export is to be performed in which case it requests the user to specify the destination media 809 to which the data is to be exported e.g. thumb or CD/DVD drive etc. On receipt of the specified destination the system then checks to see if the destination is valid 813 i.e. thumb drive is mounted, blank CD/DVD inserted into drive etc. If the specified destination is not valid the system requests the user to respecify/double check the desired destination 816. Once the system has determined that the specified destination for the export is valid it proceeds to export the selected data to the destination 819. On completion of this operation the system then confirms the data transfer (export) 821 before confirming completion of the export 823 whereon the system advises the user that it is safe to remove/unmount the relevant destination media 824.

In the case of a data import (i.e. the user answers in the affirmative at step 805), the system requests the user to specify the drive, directory etc in which the data to be loaded is located 808. The system then verifies whether the specified drive or directory is valid 812 and if the specified import location is not valid the system requests the user to ensure that the specified drive is mounted etc or whether the directory is correctly specified 816. Once the system has determined that the specified drive or directory containing the data is valid it proceeds to import the specified data 818. The system then notifies the user of the data transfer (import) 820 before confirming the successful completion of the import 822 i.e. imported data successfully stored to system database 100.

Fig 9 depicts the operation of a set up tab 901 and Print tab 908 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown selection of the set up tab 901 causes the system to test the array of sensors to determine their operational status 902. If there is an error or the system detects that a sensor is missing from the array the system identifies the senor unit and notifies the user that the sensor need maintenance and/or replacement 903, before notifying the user of the exact operational status of the sensor array 904. As illustrated in the event that a the senor array is fully operation the system proceeds advise the user of the operational status of the array 904. The system then prompts the user to ensure that the system settings are correct to ensure data compatibility 905. Once the user has set the appropriate system data setting the users is then able to associate the current setting with a particular operational location or sensor array 906 before the settings are written to the systems config file 907. The print tab 908 in this instance is provided to enable the user to print 909 the data they are currently viewing to a printer or to a file (e.g. a PDF file or the like).

Figure 10 illustrates the operation of the exit tab 1001. To exit the system the user selects the exit tab 1001 which causes the system to prompt the user to create a backup 1002. If the user elects to create a backup before exiting the system request the user specify a destination (e.g. an external hard drive or removable media e.g. a flash or USB drive or optical storage media such as a DVD or directory) to which the backup is to be stored 1003. Once the backup is created the system shuts down 1004. In the event that the user does not wish to perform a backup at step 1003 the system proceeds to shutdown 1004.

It is to be understood that the above embodiments have been provided only by way of exemplification of this invention, and that further modifications and improvements thereto, as would be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art, are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the present invention described herein.