abstract |
A personnel monitoring system includes a host central processing unit, or CPU, maintained by a supervising agency that automatically, or by request, receives and interprets data from individuals being monitored. The monitored individuals may wear or carry a transmitting or transponding unit that periodically, or upon request, transmits a uniquely encoded signal that identifies the person being monitored, as well as information about the condition or activities of the person being monitored. Lower risk monitored individuals may be required to simply contact the host CPU on a regular basis, e.g., weekly, monthly, or yearly. The host CPU includes a plurality of software submodules that can be selectively installed therein to allow a desired monitoring configuration to be used in order to best meet the needs of the monitoring agency. The communication link between the individual and the CPU may be by way of existing telephone lines or other telecommunicative links. From data received, the host CPU generates desired reports indicating the location, condition, status, and/or activities of the monitored individual. |