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Patent No. 6239705  Intra-oral electronic tracking device (Glenn, May 29, 2001)

Abstract

An improved stealthy, non-surgical, biocompatable electronic tracking device is provided in which a housing is placed intraorally. The housing contains microcircuitry. The microcircuitry comprises a receiver, a passive mode to active mode activator, a signal decoder for determining positional fix, a transmitter, an antenna, and a power supply. Optionally, an amplifier may be utilized to boost signal strength. The power supply energizes the receiver. Upon receiving a coded activating signal, the positional fix signal decoder is energized, determining a positional fix. The transmitter subsequently transmits through the antenna a position locating signal to be received by a remote locator. In another embodiment of the present invention, the microcircuitry comprises a receiver, a passive mode to active mode activator, a transmitter, an antenna and a power supply. Optionally, an amplifier may be utilized to boost signal strength. The power supply energizes the receiver. Upon receiving a coded activating signal, the transmitter is energized. The transmitter subsequently transmits through the antenna a homing signal to be received by a remote locator.

Notes:

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, an improved stealthy, non-surgical, biocompatable electronic tracking device is provided in which a housing is placed intraorally. The housing contains microcircuitry. The microcircuitry comprises a receiver, a passive mode to active mode activator, a signal decoder for determining positional fix, a transmitter, an antenna, and a power supply. Optionally, an amplifier may be utilized to boost signal strength.

The power supply energizes the receiver. The receiver is in a passive mode until it is activated, to conserve power. Upon receiving a coded activating signal, the positional fix signal decoder is energized, determining a positional fix. The transmitter subsequently transmits through the antenna a position locating signal to be received by a remote locator.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the microcircuitry comprises a receiver, a passive mode to active mode activator, a transmitter, an antenna and a power supply. Optionally, an amplifier may be utilized to boost signal strength. The power supply energizes the receiver. Upon receiving a coded activating signal, the transmitter is energized. The transmitter subsequently transmits through the antenna a homing signal to be received by a remote locator.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, the power supply is replaced by a power storage device. Power is supplied to the storage device by establishing an intraoral galvanic reaction utilizing saliva and differing metals placed within the oral cavity, or alternatively, by collecting and storing RF energy.

The transmitter may be activated by the user or activation may be triggered by an external event, such as for example, a received coded RF signal or coded electromagnetic signal from, for example, a global positioning satellite ("GPS") signal. The tracking device is preferably capable of being programmed to remain in a dormant or passive mode until receiving an activating signal.

The tracking device can be affixed to the external surface of a tooth or teeth through the use of dental adhesives, bonding agents and/or ligation, or it may be incorporated completely within a dental restoration, endodontically prepared root canal system, a prosthetic tooth or denture.

One advantage of the present invention is that placement of the tracking device intraorally does not require an invasive procedure. In this manner, the device may be stealthy, yet still maintain non-surgical accessibility for maintenance and repair.

Another advantage of the present invention is the ease of removal when the device is meant to be utilized only for a short period of time.

Still another advantage of the present invention is the ability to utilize the galvanic potential of the oral cavity to power the device, eliminating or reducing the need for a separate power supply.

When an internal power supply is utilized, the intra oral location makes for easy accessibility to recharge the power supply without removing the device.

Still another advantage of the present invention is the ability to easily and regularly confirm the operability of the device during routine dental recall visits.

Another advantage of the present invention is the ability to service, replace or remove the locating unit on a regular basis during routine dental visits.

Another advantage of the present invention is the ability of a remote operator to activate and deactivate the transmitting feature of the locating unit, as necessitated by security requirements.

Still another advantage of the present invention is the relative ease of insertion intraorally, with excellent stealth capabilities.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is the ability for a military commander or police commander to know where their troops are at any given moment.

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Existing mobile phone technology allows the signal to be located within a small area of a cell. A mobile direction finding and locating device can then be brought to this pre-determined small cell area, and utilizing known locating and direction finding technologies, the signal homing beacon being transmitted by the locating unit, and hence, the person can be found.

In yet another embodiment, the transmitting signal beacon is received by orbiting satellites. Utilizing GPS technology, the satellites are able to determine the exact location of the locating unit and relay that location to a remote operator, or alternatively, the orbiting satellites relay the raw data to a remote location for determination of the locating unit's position.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with specific examples and embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is capable of other variations and modifications within its scope. For example, the housing or the receiving receptacle may be removably attached using hook and loop technology.

These examples and embodiments are intended as typical of, rather than in any way limiting on, the scope of the present invention as presented in the appended claims.