Abstract: An EHAM system consists of a central monitoring system (CMS), a field monitoring device (FMD), an electronic detection circuit that generates a detection signal upon the occurrence of a predetermined event, e.g., the absence of the monitored individual from a monitoring location, and a communications network. The communications network consists of at least one communications link wherein a fee-based communications mode may be used. The CMS is installed at a central monitoring location, the FMD is installed at the monitoring location, and the electronic detection circuit is attached or otherwise coupled to the individual to be monitored at the monitoring location. The occurrence or non-occurrence of the predetermined event is detected during a prescribed reporting time period. Regular or random communications are established between the FMD and CMS during the reporting time period to inform the CMS about the occurrence or non-occurrence of the predetermined event.

Abstract: A computer system and method for programming it for storage of individual medical histories on a storage device, preferably about the size of a credit card, for adding new medical data about the individual to the device and for communicating with other computers to retrieve large data records about the individual; and for enabling a second computer to collate and sort data relating to selected medical fields from the data of such individual and from the data about other individuals transferred to the second computer.

Abstract: An interactive individual location and monitoring system includes a central monitoring system for maintaining health, location, and other data with respect to an individual. A watch unit carried by the individual receives medical and other information selected by and inputted directly from the individual. The watch unit broadcasts the medical and other information locally by radio in a region near the individual. A belt worn pod unit is worn by the individual, including a transponder for receiving the information from the watch unit. The pod unit transmits the information to the central monitoring system. The pod unit tracks the location of the individual and transmits the location to the central monitoring system. The pod unit includes a triaxial accelerometer for gathering acceleration data for transmission of the data to the central monitoring station for analysis at a later time.

Abstract: A method for remotely monitoring the activities of a minor or dependent child or adult, on command from a parent unit. The child unit contains a sensitive audio microphone to provide the holder of the parent unit the capability to periodically listen to activity in close proximity of the child unit, thereby offering the holder of the parent unit a measure of confidence in the state of well-being of the holder of the child unit. The preferred embodiment provides a means to transmit an alert signal from the child unit to the parent unit in the event of an emergency. The transmission media used to interconnect both units is wireless, and may comprise radio frequency or infrared optical means, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A surveillance and alarm device for room spaces, comprising an infrared radar for controlling the lights as well as a fire and burglar alarm. A basic alarm is provided with a light controller to be connected in series with a ceiling light fixture in a room under surveillance, and is further provided with a microprocessor or some other intelligent control circuit, adapted to control the alarm actions of said device either on the basis of a command issued by a lamp light switch or a wireless remote controller or on the basis of a command issued by a key switch. The light controller included in the basic alarm switches on said lighting fixture as someone enters a room under surveillance or flashes said lighting fixture in connection with an alarm.

Abstract: A patient monitoring system. A patient has access to a touch-tone telephone that has keys. The telephone is operated by a patient to generate DTMF tones. A central monitoring system is coupled to the touch-tone telephone. The central monitoring system generates questions concerning a health condition of the patient for the patient to answer using the keys of the touch-tone telephone. The central monitoring system stores answers to the questions for later retrieval. The central monitoring system include a DTMF modem decoder for receiving and decoding DTMF tones generated by the patient using the touch-tone telephone and transmitted to the central monitoring system. The DTMF tones represent the health condition of the patient. A computer processor is coupled to the DTMF modem decoder. A voice generator is also coupled to the computer processor and generates voice output under the control of the computer processor. The voice output is transmitted to the touch-tone telephone.

Abstract: A prescription reminder system and method provides patients with paging devices, and uses a database of information about the patients and their prescriptions to generate reminder signals, based on which paging signals are transmitted to the paging devices, causing the paging devices to display reminder messages instructing each patient that it is time to take a dose of a prescribed medication.

Abstract: A method and system for remote assistance and review of an operator working with complex equipment. An operator at a station at a local site is coupled to an advisor at a station at a remote site, so that the advisor may view and hear the same stimuli as the operator, that the advisor and operator may communicate, and that the advisor may view and control the local apparatus. The operator has limited training or otherwise in need of support, and may be a field engineer or technician. The advisor has extensive training and able to provide technical support, and generally has extended and specialized knowledge with regard to the local apparatus, and may be a technical expert on the local apparatus. The operator may comprise an individual with technical training and knowledge, but lacking managerial or other authority, while the advisor comprises an individual with such authority.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a patient care and communication system which utilizes a central processing system and a plurality of remote stations electrically connected to the central processing system to facilitate visual and data communications. Each remote station includes telephone circuitry which is connected to a private branch exchange for telephone communications between stations. In addition, the private branch exchange is connected to a telephone exchange and a plurality of telephones for facilitating telephone communication therebetween. The central processing system facilitates the visual and data communications between the plurality of remote stations, and includes a system for determining which of the plurality of remote stations are transmitting the visual and data communications and which of the plurality of remote stations are to receive the visual and data communications.

Abstract: A personal response system which provides speakerphone mode and emergency audio mode by controlling microphone sensitivity when audio signals fall below an acceptable level. Adjustable microphone sensitivity which can be controlled by the response center and/or by the help console itself. Emergency audio mode allows low level voices from outside the room the help console is in to be heard by allowing the response center to control the gradual raising or lowering the microphone sensitivity to vary the listening range of the microphone. A simultaneous increase in speaker volume allows response center personnel to converse with a disabled individual who cannot come to the help console. A second microphone and speaker in the personal transmitter permits two-way voice communication even when the individual is disabled outside of the dwelling and the help console is no longer effective.

Abstract: A personal response system which automates self testing of help consoles and personal transmitters. Testing is automatically performed at predetermined time intervals by the help console and problems are reported to the response center on a periodic basis. Both the personal transmitter and its battery are tested on a periodic basis and error signals are forwarded to the response center after a predetermined time period. The help console contacts the response center at predetermined time intervals and the failure to contact the response center generates an exception report at the response center.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical alert distribution system which receives medical information (e.g. blood pressure, blood chemistry test results, etc.) from monitoring units worn by ambulatory patients. The system also receives medical selection and limit parameters from remote system subscriber units (e.g., a unit accessed by a doctor). The system repeatedly compares the medical information received form the ambulatory patients to determine if a selected parameter, as indicated by an asserted in-alert flag, has exceeded the limit parameters received form the remote subscriber units. If exceeded, the system sends a message (e.g., via a wireless paging message) to the system subscriber unit(s) which requested that the particular parameter be continuously compared against the selected limit parameters. Thus, the system selectively filters information and distributes filtered information to a subscriber processing unit by way of communications network.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for monitoring present location of a site arrestee confined to a permitted site of arbitrary size. Present location of the arrestee can be checked at selected time intervals of several hundred milliseconds to thousands of seconds, as desired. The arrestee wears a location-determining ("LD") unit that receives electromagnetic signals that contain information allowing determination of the present location of the LD unit and arrestee, from three or more non-collinear signal sources. These sources may be radiowave subcarrier transmitters, or may be a combination of radiowave subcarrier transmitters and (1) transmitters for a Loran, Omega, Decca, Tacan, JTIDS Relnav or PLRS or similar ground-based system, or (2) transmitters for a satellite-based positioning system, such as GPS or GLONASS. Present location or change in present location of the LD unit is determined and compared with the permitted site boundary at selected times to determine if the arrestee is present at the site.

Abstract: An advanced electronic alert system for monitoring computer network(s), environment, security and the status of tasks being processed by a computer. The system stores voice recorded and text alert messages on computer readable magnetic media; automatically dials designated persons when alert situation(s) are detected; and then replays the applicable recorded voice alert message(s) once an alert call has been completed. Alternatively, alert messages may be transmitted by the system using phone dialing tones, in those cases where an alert call is placed to a digital device, such as a pager. The system issues automatic alert warnings to one or more designated persons when main electrical power fails or is restored; the temperature becomes too hot or too cold; a loud sound is detected, such as that produced by a smoke detector, fire alarm, etc.

Abstract: A safety cane incorporates an ambient light sensitive illumination device for conserving battery power. A tipping detector is also incorporated which sounds an audible alarm after a first time delay. If the cane is not retrieved by the end of the second time delay, the cane broadcasts an initiating instruction to a telephone dialing device.

Abstract: Data concurrence processes and systems for maintaining concurrence of parallel sets of data stored in telecommunication Network Elements. According to a preferred embodiment of such processes, a Network Element such as a Service Node sends a Request Message to a second Network Element such as a Source Service Control Point in order to update data on that Source. The Source then sends a Request Message to the other Network Element, such as a Target Service Control Point, in order to update the parallel data contained in that Service Control Point. The Network Elements whose data are updated may send appropriate Result Messages in order to verify integrity of the data. The processes and apparatus also allow resynchronization of the data to occur at desired predetermined interval.

Abstract: A method for the recording and retrieval of information relevant to the activities of a user. The invention may be employed to provide a memory prosthesis in the form of a highly portable device which records all kinds of information about the user's life, and provides a simple and rapid means of access to that information. The device receives and stores information from external sources, or objects, or from signal generators identifying specific machines, places, or people carrying other ones of the same type of device. Events comprising encounters between objects are recorded automatically, being time-stamped and stored chronologically, and a rapid search method for such a database is disclosed. The data can either be stored in the memory of the device itself, or, for better protection against failure, in a central data repository of the system, with a fail-safe backup.

Abstract: A system capable of remotely validating the identity of individuals and monitoring their locations includes a first device attached to the individual being monitored by a circumferential band worn around his wrist, ankle or neck that is capable of electronically generating a sequence of pseudorandom numbers that will cease to function if the band is cut or otherwise opened to detach the device from the individual. The system also includes a second device which is a remote microprocessor or computer based monitor synchronized to the same sequence of pseudorandom numbers and in occasional communication with the individual over telephone lines or some other remote means such as a radio frequency transmission link. The system may be used to limit remote access of computer data bases to authorized individuals or to limit entry to facilities such as offices or buildings on a campus. Access is authorized when the individual communicates a current valid pseudorandom number to the central computer-based monitor.

Abstract: A transmitter assembly is characterized by a buckle including fasteners for holding a strap and the buckle together on an appendage of an individual independent of a transmitter. The buckle also includes latches for attaching the transmitter to the buckle after the buckle is strapped to the individual. An optical fiber running through the strap is held by the fasteners with the ends of the fiber in predetermined positions relative to the buckle. The transmitter covers the strap fasteners, rendering the fasteners inaccessible to the individual, and aligns an emitter and sensor on the transmitter housing with the ends of the optical fiber in the predetermined positions. The ends of the strap are aligned adjacent one another by the buckle, so the buckle adds little to the length of the strap, permitting length measurements without considering the buckle contribution.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for selectively delivering electronic messages to an identified user or users in a system of mobile and fixed devices, including multiple display devices and multiple users, based on the context of the system and the environment of the identified user. Electronic messages intended for an identified user or users may be given a level of privacy and a level priority, and contextual attributes for its delivery may be specified. The system perceives contextual attributes for the recipient user or users, including display devices in close proximity to the identified users, and determines a display property for said electronic message based on the contextual attributes, the user profile properties of each user, and the level of privacy and level of priority of the electronic message.

Abstract: A personnel monitoring apparatus has a transmitter for transmitting a data encoded signal. A strap is provided for coupling the transmitter to a person to be monitored. An emitter is attached to the transmitter for emitting an optical signal. A detector is attached to the transmitter for detecting the optical signal. An optical fiber is incorporated with the strap for optically coupling the emitter and the detector. A comparator compares the optical signal and a reference signal, and the result of the comparison sets the value of a preselected data bit in the data encoded signal.

Abstract: An objection location system for locating and communicating with personnel or objects within a facility. Remote badges are coupled to respective objects or personnel to be located. The badges include transmission means for transmitting identification information associated with their respective objects or personnel. Operational parameters are stored in the badges and are monitored for controlling the operation of the badges. The badge may be in the form of a wristband.

Abstract: A programmable monitoring system for personal use in a home, medical ward, office or other localized area features a radio receiving base unit and one or more low power, radio-frequency battery-powered wireless transmitter units, each capable of transmitting uniquely encoded pulse-encoded serial digital signals at a common high frequency to the base unit. The base unit has a superregenerative receiver and a microcomputer for deciphering and validating the encoded information to ensure that the coded signal originated with a transmitter unit associated with the base unit. The portable transmitters, once activated, send a coded signal to the base unit indicative of a distress or alarm situation or a low battery condition, and which transmitter unit is transmitting. The base unit deciphers the coded signal and automatically contacts a central monitoring station via a telephone link. The base unit sends the serial number of the base unit, and the specific condition requiring attention, i.e.

Abstract: A locating and monitoring system includes transmitters worn by a person, animal, or equipment to transmit an unique identification code while moving about a facility. The code is transmitted by pulse bursts at diverse times during predetermined time intervals to prevent synchronization with resident signals in the facility. Receivers in the walls or ceilings of the facility respond to the infrared radiation of the pulse bursts and validate the identification code by a checksum of the code through a comparison with a checksum transmitted with the code. The receivers deliver validated codes to arbitrators and receive back signals indicative of the level of an individual assigned to a class wearing the transmitters. Signals from the receivers are received by arbitrators which forward the codes to a CPU for recording start and stop events indicative of movement by transmitters into and out of the reception range of the various receivers.

Abstract: Electronic circuitry is provided that is operative to detect telephone usage or doorbell activation, whereupon the circuitry causes a command signal, such as a muting signal recognizable by an audio or sound producing device, to be emitted and deactivate or mute the device. With respect to muting in response to a phone call, a manual operator input or detection of a telephone on-hook condition causes the device to be restored. Following doorbell activation induced muting, timing features of the circuitry cause a restoration signal to be sent to the device automatically after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. The muting circuitry is particularly suited as an enhancement to a personal emergency response system, as well as for a remotely monitored alarm system that incorporates a listening device. The system including the muting circuitry can function as a stand-alone system or be tied into an automated building data bus.

Abstract: A medical alert system enables an authorized user, such as a doctor, to remotely set selection and limit parameters pertaining to specific medical and geodetic information of an ambulatory patient and thereafter receive updates of that information over a wireless communications network when the parameters have been met. A telemetry device attached to the patient provides an inbound stream of medical and geodetic information to a host computer, which is configured to extract selected portions of that information in response to the parameters provided by a remote processing device via a communications network. Upon completion of the latter process, the host computer transfers the extracted information to the remote processing device over the network, thereby informing the doctor of a medical situation.

Abstract: An intercom capability is added to a basic radio telephone system by configuring the base station to function as a radio repeater for inter-active communication between a telephone/intercom handset and an intercom unit. A distinctive intercom ring signal permits a user to switch the handset to the intercom mode. Activation of the intercom receiver and transmitter on a timed basis limits battery drain. A purchaser, after setting up the base unit, need only position the intercom unit adjacent to a residence entry. Since no intercom wiring is required, the telephone/intercom is immediately ready for use with minimal installation. The base unit is also configured to prevent intercom access to or from the public telephone network.

Abstract: An electronic monitoring system monitors an individual for compliance with a protective order. When a violation is detected, the system automatically gathers evidence, independent of any that may be provided by the victim of the violation, to establish probable cause of such violation. The monitoring system includes a transmitter tag worn by the individual guilty of the violation (the "abuser") that transmits a unique identifying (ID) signal, either periodically or when triggered. A receiving/monitoring device (RMD), or equivalent, is carried by or positioned near the victim, e.g., in the victim's house and/or place of employment, for receiving the ID signal. A central monitoring computer is located at a central monitoring location that is in selective telecommunicative contact with the RMD.

Abstract: A home health and communications support system and method which includes at least one health support unit for monitoring and supporting a patient, at least one monitoring terminal, and a network server coupled between the at least one health support unit and the at least one monitoring terminal for exchanging information between the at least one health support unit and the at least one monitoring terminal. The health support unit comprises a medication controller, communications module for interacting with the patient, central data processor, and external communications interface. The central data processor stores and manipulates patient data generated by the medication controller and by the communications module for patient interaction. The external communications interface allows access to patient data and accepts external data from an external source.

Abstract: An alarm clock produces a wake-up sound by simulating an incoming telephone and causing the telephone to ring. The alarm clock has a timing device for generating an alarm signal at a programmable time instant and a circuit responsive to the alarm signal for sending a signal simulating a standard incoming telephone signal to the telephone through a standard interface of the telephone.

Abstract: A supervisory system and method automatically tracks and reports the status, e.g., current address, employer, telephone number, etc., of a group of enrollees, and automatically collects a fee for such service. Each enrollee "reports in" to a host CPU of the system in accordance with a specific contact schedule, e.g., once a month, through a fee-based telephone network that automatically charges a prescribed toll fee to the originating telephone number whenever telephone contact remains established for more than a preamble time period. The host CPU, using individual calling line identification (ICLID) information included in the incoming telephone call, identifies the telephone number of the incoming call and determines if it belongs to an enrollee of the system. If not, the incoming call is disconnected before the preamble time period expires, thereby preventing the incoming caller from being charged the toll fee.

Abstract: A medical reporting system includes a medical data transmitter that receives medical data from a medical monitoring system. The medical data is then transmitted to a telephone network and received from the telephone network by a remote receiver. The medical data is displayed by the medical data receiver. Further, the medical data receiver may also emit an audible sound to indicate the presence of important data.

Abstract: A system for providing a personal location, access control and asset tracking service using an in-building telephone network is disclosed. In a first embodiment, users of ID badges containing an RF transmitter can be located across the telephone network for receiving incoming calls. Receiver units in or near telephone sets instruct the system of the identity of the user located near the telephone set. In another embodiment, access to a building or rooms therein is controlled according to the identity of the ID badge wearer. Similar receiver units located at building and room entrances receive the RF transmission from the ID badge to allow or deny access to the rooms or building. In a third embodiment, ID tags placed on material assets permit the system user to monitor the movement and location of specific material assets associated with that ID tag. The ID tag also contains an RF transmitter which is used to transmit an RF burst to receiver units located across the telephone network.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting telephonic control signals transmitted from a central station to a remote station. The signals are automatically adjusted according to the response of the remote station. The signals are adjusted to control speakerphone operation at the remote station in such a way as to provide communication with minimum audible annoyance. The method is especially useful in a personal emergency response system in which the speakerphone is part of a subscriber station to achieve a greater voice range than a voice activated speakerphone system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing a public switched telephone network which includes a voice messaging system (VMS) for providing to subscribers a checkup call service to initiate at times determined by the subscriber checkup calls to a premise designated by the subscriber. If a particular person at the premise does not respond appropriately to the personal checkup call or the telephone goes unanswered or is off-hook for a specified period of time a list of persons designated by the subscriber is notified of such failure to respond. The service is based upon utilization of the existing VMS equipment. The subscriber has the option to specify an activation schedule which specifies the days of the week on which the service is to be active. An activation schedule disable and enable control is provided. In a second mode the checkup is effected via a customer premise equipment (CPE) device which may be wall-mountable or stand alone and connected to the telephone network.

Abstract: An apparatus for emergency dialing and oneway communication by telephone includes an autodialing circuit for dialing a preselected emergency telephone number. The circuit is activated by a switch and provides communication of audio information from the vicinity of the device to an emergency services operator during an emergency situation such as a criminal assault of a convenience store. The apparatus is characterized by the presence of a microphone, and the absence of a speaker connection for transmitting the voice of the emergency services operator. In this manner, the criminal assailant is not made aware that police have been contacted.

Abstract: An apparatus for remotely monitoring the performance of an implanted cardioverter defibrillator includes a remote apparatus adapted which receives commands from and transmits data to a central monitoring facility over telephone communication channels. The remote apparatus includes equipment for acquiring a patient's ecg waveform and transmitting that waveform to the central facility over the telephone communication channel. The remote apparatus also includes a segment, responsive to a command received from the central monitoring facility, for enabling the emission of audio tone signals from the cardioverter defibrillator. These audio tones are detected and sent to the central monitoring facility via the telephone communication channel. The remote apparatus also includes patient alert devices which are activated by commands received from the central monitoring facility over the telephone communication channel.

Abstract: A personal emergency response system in which a hand held portable transmitter (12) activates a base unit (14) interfaced with the telephone network (16) to dial 9-1-1 and permit direct communications with the operator (18) at the public safety answering point even though the user (10) is unable to reach a telephone (36). The transmitter (12) activates the base unit (14) as well as optional remote units (48) located throughout the user's residence or place of business. The base unit (14) and remote units (48) include speaker-phone communication capabilities which permit two-way communications between the user (10) and the 9-1-1 system operator (18).

Abstract: A wearable tag for use with an electronic house arrest monitoring (EHAM) system, or equivalent, is held against a limb of its wearer by a lockable strap. The tag includes tamper detection circuitry for detecting any attempt to remove the tag by cutting or breaking the strap, even when such cutting occurs in the presence of an electrolyte. The strap has a conductor imbedded therein that is in electrical contact, through known resistances, with respective terminals on the tag. The tamper detection circuit detects any change in the resistance of the strap. Further, the terminals are made of, or coated with, dissimilar metals, so that should the tag be immersed in an electrolyte, and the strap cut, the resulting galvanic action between the terminals allows the cut strap to be detected.

Abstract: The security for a person in a domicile, premise, or dwelling, is increased in the effectiveness thereof, by utilizing a remotely accessible security controlled audio link, which provides a hands free telephone answering system, that operates without the utilization of any conventional telephone located in the domicile. In a normal mode of this audio link, the telephone of a domicile is used in a conventional manner. However, when a telephone in the domicile is not answered within a time period of a designated number of rings, then the remotely accessible security controlled audio link operates to answer the incoming call by, in effect, functioning in an equivalent way, to lift up a conventional receiver, without the conventional receiver ever being raised.

Abstract: An electronic monitoring system monitors an abuser for compliance with a protective order. When a violation is detected, the system automatically gathers evidence, independent of any that may be provided by the victim of the abuse, to establish probable cause of such violation. The monitoring system includes a transmitter tag worn by the abuser that transmits a unique identifying (ID) signal, either periodically or when triggered. A receiving/monitoring device (RMD), or equivalent, is carried by or positioned near the victim, e.g., in the victim's house and/or place of employment, for receiving the ID signal. A central monitoring computer is located at a central monitoring location that is in selective telecommunicative contact with the RMD.

Abstract: A cellular-based electronic house arrest monitoring (EHAM) system (10) electronically monitors parolees, or other personnel, required to remain at a house arrest location (12) or to report in at the house arrest location during certain hours. Monitoring occurs automatically under control of a host computer (50) at a central monitoring location remote from the house arrest location, regardless of whether conventional telephone service is available at the house arrest location. Tamper detect circuitry detects any attempt to tamper with the components of the system. The EHAM system includes an electronic tag (14) worn by the person being monitored that periodically transmits a unique identifying (ID) signal (16). The ID signal is transmitted at low power, and is receivable only over a limited range, e.g., 150 feet. A field monitoring device (FMD) (20) placed within the house arrest location receives the ID signal only if the tag is within range of the receiver, i.e.

Abstract: A remotely-activated telephone system for remote caller controlled communication with the disabled having a master unit connected to a telephone line and at least one satellite unit. The disclosed system provides channel means for bi-directional coupling of acoustic signals between the satellite unit and the telephone line through the master unit and control means responsive to a control signal received from a remote caller by way of the telephone line. The disclosed control means allow a remote caller to select a satellite unit and to establish two-way speech communications without intervention by the disabled party.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for permitting a telephonic device to select the mode of dialing, pulse or tone, which is proper for the local telephone network interface to which it is connected.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring personnel in an institution such as a correctional facility, hospital, school, military installation, and the like, includes a computer connected with one or more stationary transceivers in a defined area of the facility, and a portable transceiver unit worn by each individual who is to be monitored. The computer sends command signals to the stationary transceivers, which broadcast interrogation signals to the portable units. The portable units are configured to respond only to interrogation signals unique to that individual, and upon decoding an interrogation signal incident thereon, broadcast a response signal to the stationary transceivers. The stationary transceivers relay corresponding data to the computer, where the data is analyzed to provide an indication of the number, location and identity of the individuals.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting telephonic control signals transmitted from a central station to a remote station. The signals are automatically adjusted according to the response of the remote station. The signals are adjusted to control speakerphone operation at the remote station in such a way as to provide communication with minimum audible annoyance. The method is especially useful in a personal emergency response system in which the speakerphone is part of a subscriber station to achieve a greater voice range than a voice activated speakerphone system.

Abstract: An incarceree identifying circuit used in an incarceree monitoring system includes an incarceree identifier worn by the incarceree at a remote location with an electrical component having a selected electrical characteristic. A comparator circuit measures the selected electrical characteristic and compares the selected electrical characteristic to a reference electrical characteristic. The comparator circuit triggers a timer if the selected electrical characteristic matches the reference electrical characteristic. The timer provides a signal to a speech circuit to disable a speaker. The tone generator is responsive to the signal and provides a verification signal via a telephone link to a central station. A verification circuit at the central location receives the verification signal and determines the presence or absence of the incarceree at the remote location.

Abstract: An electronic house arrest monitoring (EHAM) system allows a monitoring officer, charged with the responsibility of making periodic and/or random physical checks with individuals whose presence at specific locations is being electronically monitored through the EHAM system, to immediately and silently report to a central monitoring location that backup help or assistance is needed at the monitoring location. The EHAM system includes an in-house monitoring unit (IMU) installed at or positioned near specific monitoring locations, that electronically monitors the specific monitoring location for the presence of a unique identifying signal, periodically transmitted from an electronic tag worn by a monitored individual. Telecommunicative contact is periodically and/or randomly established between the central monitoring location and the IMU. The monitoring office carries a small pocket transmitter.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for remotely verifying attendance of a particular person at a predetermined confined area. Monitoring and verification is performed through a telephone network including a telephone on the premises of the location of confinement and a control center. Voice verification, using voice analysis of speech transmitted in a telephone call from the site to the center is performed during periodic testing. A voice template vocabulary is established for the individual and used for voice verification. Caller line identification of each incoming call is performed to verify that call originates from the appropriate location. The confined individual is required, either randomly or at scheduled intervals, by the system to call the control center and recite a statement including randomly selected words from the template vocabulary.

Abstract: A home communicator includes aid request circuitry capable of establishing communication with a central monitoring station in response to a first predetermined activation step performed by a subscriber and test circuitry capable of self-testing the home communicator in response to a second predetermined activation step formed by the subscriber. The home communicator further includes enable/disable circuitry capable of transmitting an identification number to a central monitoring station in response to a third predetermined activation step with the aid request circuitry and the test circuitry being unresponsive prior to the functioning of the enable/disable circuitry.