Came across this Patent, for an implantable homing device, filed in 1987. I would imagine, further upgrades may now include Wi-Fi?
Implantable homing device
United States Patent November 17, 1987
_http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=4,706,689.PN.&OS=PN/4,706,689&RS=PN/4,706,689
A new apparatus for location and monitoring of humans has been developed. The device employs a unique programmable signal generator and detection system to locate and monitor the movement of individuals. It additionally utilizes a physiological monitoring system to signal a warning for the necessity for immediate help. The device is small enough to be implanted in young children as well as adults. The power supply and signal generator are designed to function at a low duty cycle for prolonged periods before recharging.
The present invention provides a new means for locating and monitoring humans. Its utilization will decrease the fears and anxiety of parents whose children are more likely to be kidnapped and of diplomats at risk. This will lead to significant economic benefits in both the law enforcement and health care industries.
The locating and monitoring means are designed to be implanted under the skin behind the ear. Its small size and hidden, elevated location in the body make it an ideal transmitter system. The device is encapsulated in a high impact, hermetically sealed container which is subcutaneously or subperiostealy implanted. It may have protruding probes through a gromet structure in the skin. This device emits a signal in the range of the cellular telephone system and/or satellite communication system. A series of detection locations monitors the signal and locates the individual by triangulation. Continuous monitoring by computer locates and traces the movement of the individuals.
The device is composed of a power supply which is designed for long term use. Although not essential, this power supply is rechargeable. The signal generator is programmable and operates on a low duty cycle. This operation utilizes very little energy thus prolonging the life of the power source. The programmable function allows each subscriber to generate a unique signal, as well as, to generate a distress signal for emergency conditions.
A further advancement of the device is the incorporation of a physiological monitoring system. This system is programed with threshold valves for the physiological parameters monitored. These physiological parameters can be either physical (for example, heat, blood pressure), and/or chemical (for example pH, metabolities). The monitoring system has one or more probes to measure the physical or chemical changes in the body. Whenever an individual’s body changes, resulting in values above or below the threshold, whichever is appropriate, the distress signal is activated. This distress signal can also be manually activated.
The size of the device is such that it can be implanted in a variety of individuals from young children to adults, enabling a wide utilization of the device. An object of this invention is the monitoring of individuals at risk for being kidnapped. Additionally, this device will aid law enforcement agencies in monitoring house arrest and/or parole. Further utilization is in the monitoring of the recovery of outpatients so that they spend less time in the hospital or in nursing homes, such as patients suffering from Alzheimer disease.
Further down Patent page:
The tonal signal is passed through a standard transmission circuit comprising a transducer 35, amplifier 38 and a modulator 41. The astable multivibrator through the oscillator 44 sends the frequency to the modulator 41. The unique signature is then sent out in a selected frequency range. This frequency range can be either in the cellular, microwave, radio or satellite transmission ranges.
This unique signature, by way of illustration and not limitation, could be sent out in the frequency range of 806 to 960 mHz, which is the current frequency range in the cellular system.
As a further illustration and by no means limitation, the IHD can also operate in an expanded communications satellite system. Satellite systems already exist which receive in international radio frequencies for distress signals. Because of their ranges, communication satellites have an advantage over their main competitors, the microwave system and the coaxial cable system. Today’s satellites are equipped with sophisticated antennae and advanced electronic equipment that are necessary to provide clear and strong signals. Furthermore, communication satellites are placed in geostationary orbit directly above the equator at altitudes of 22,300 miles. Because of the apparent immobility, antennae can be permanently pointed at the satellite ready to beam and receive messages at any time.
The IHD can be used to beam a signal either to the cellular system or through a local cable television system which will then transmit it to the communication satellite and back to earth.
