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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.