Title: System, method of portable USB key interfaced to computer system for facilitating the recovery and/or identification of a missing person having person's unique identification, biological inform
Abstract: A system, method, and software for facilitating the identification and recovery of missing persons. In one aspect, the invention is a system comprising a portable device comprising a computer memory medium and means for interfacing with a computer system having a display device; a software program loaded on said computer memory medium, said software comprising means for receiving data indicative of a person's unique identification information, means for storing said received data on said computer memory medium, said computer memory containing data indicative of said person's unique identification information stored thereon, and means for displaying said stored data on said display device when said portable device is interfaced to the computer system. The invention stores all necessary data identification data for a person in a single location for ease of access and distribution to authorities in time of crisis.
Patent Number: 6,973,449 Issued on 12/06/2005 to Meltzer
| Inventors:
|
Meltzer; Andrew Mitchell (Mt. Laurel, NJ)
|
| Assignee:
|
National Association for Child Abduction Prevention (Medford, NJ)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
854896 |
| Filed:
|
May 27, 2004 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
707/1; 707/10; 707/200; 340/573.3; 382/115 |
| Intern'l Class: |
G06F 017/30 |
| Field of Search: |
707/1- 3,100-1041,200,10
709/203-228
340/581,748,75,753,755,759,761-762,106,539.13,573.1,573.3,573.4
379/384.1
705/3
713/200-202
348/158
382/115,181
455/404.2
|
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John Tonkyn, "california mising persons DNA program challenged with identifying
thousands of human remains", applied biosystems, p. 1-2.
Elizabeth Joyce, "pursuing the poer of DNA: forensic DNA's impact on crime victims
and their advocates", national center for victims of crime, networks, winter/spring
2003, pp 1-7.
University of north texas health science center at fort worth, Heath & science
quarterly, 2003, winter: DNA technology renews search for missing persons 4 pages.
Palafox,J.L problems of physiogonomic identification with video cameras, Security
technology, proceedings, IEEE 1999, pp 21-25.
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|
Primary Examiner: Channavajjala; Srirama
Attorney, Agent or Firm: O'Connor; Cozen, Fein; Michael B.
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/473,217,
filed May 27, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Claims
1. A system for facilitating the identification or recovery of a missing person comprising:
a portable USB key comprising a computer memory medium and means for interfacing
with a computer system having a display device;
a software program loaded on said computer memory medium, said software comprising
means for receiving data indicative of a person's unique identification information,
means for storing said received data on said computer memory medium, said computer
memory containing data indicative of said person's unique identification information
stored thereon, and means for displaying said stored data on said display device
when said portable device is interfaced to the computer system;
wherein said unique identification information comprises personal and biological
information selected from the group consisting of fingerprints, photographs, video,
audio, DNA information, medical history, name, age, height, weight, eye color,
and color of hair; and
said means for receiving comprises a user interface comprising a plurality of
templates having data entry fields in which a user can input said data.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said means for storing comprises a save data
button located within the user interface that when activated stores data that has
been inputted into said data entry fields onto said computer memory medium.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein each of said templates further comprises a window
for displaying information and/or instruction for completing that template.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein said user interface comprises a section displaying
an expiration date for said stored data.
5. The system of claim 1 comprising a template having data entry fields for receiving
data indicative of said person's name, nickname, address, social security number,
birth date, gender, nationality, native language, guardian's address, guardian's
name, and guardian's phone number.
6. The system of claim 5 wherein said template further comprises a window for
displaying safety tips and/or a message from a sponsor.
7. The system of claim 1 comprising a template having data entry fields for receiving
data indicative of said person's eye color, hair color, length of hair, hair style,
facial hair, height, weight, build size, skin color, complexion, birth marks, identifying
scars, identifying marks, physical disabilities, and mental disabilities.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein said template further comprises a window for
displaying informational statistics relating to missing persons.
9. The system of claim 7 wherein said template further comprises an automated
time and date stamp that is automatically updated when data is entered into the
template and stored.
10. The system of claim 1 comprising a template having data entry fields for
receiving digital photographs of said person, digital fingerprints of said person,
digital video of said person, or digital audio clips of said person.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein said template further comprises a window for
displaying instructions for importing said digital photographs, said digital fingerprints,
said digital video, and said digital audio clips into said data entry field of
said template.
12. The system of claim 11 wherein upon importation of said digital photograph
into said data entry field, said digital photograph is automatically sized to fit
in the corresponding data entry field.
13. The system of claim 1 comprising a template having a data entry field for
receiving for receiving data indicative of a person's DNA sequence.
14. The system of claim 1 comprising a template having links to websites providing
safety and/or abduction prevention information.
15. The system of claim 1 comprising a template having data entry fields for
receiving data indicative of said person's medical history.
16. The system of claim 1 comprising a template having a window displaying a
sponsor's message and/or information.
17. The system of claim 1 comprising a template having data entry fields for
receiving data indicative of telephone numbers to contacts in the event of an abduction.
18. The system of claim 1 comprising a template for receiving missing information data.
19. The system of claim 18 further comprising means to automatically create an
electronic poster based on said unique identification information and missing information
data inputted into said data entry fields.
20. The system of claim 19 wherein upon creation, said electronic poster is saved
on said computer memory medium as a single file that can be printed or electronically transferred.
21. The system of claim 1 further comprising a computer bard drive interfaced
with said portable device and a display device.
22. The system of claim 1 wherein said means for displaying comprises a user
interface comprising a plurality of templates having data fields, the stored unique
identification information being displayed in data fields corresponding to the
that characteristic.
23. A method of facilitating the recovery of a missing person comprising:
downloading a software program to a portable USB key comprising a computer memory
medium and means for interfacing with a computer system having a display device,
said software comprising means for receiving data indicative of a person's unique
identification information, means for storing said received data on said computer
memory medium, said computer memory containing data indicative of said person's
unique identification information stored thereon, and means for displaying said
stored data on said display device when said portable device is interfaced to the
computer system;
wherein said unique identification information comprises personal and biological
information selected from the group consisting of fingerprints, photographs, video,
audio, DNA information, medical history, name, height, weight, eye color, and color
of hair; and
said means for receiving comprises a user interface comprising plurality of templates
having data entry fields in which a user can input said data;
interfacing said portable device to a computer system having a display device; and
displaying said person's unique identification information on said display device.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of systems and methods for
facilitating the prevention, recovery and identification of missing persons, and
specifically to software and computer-based systems and methods for facilitating
such recovery and identification.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the case of abducted persons, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation,
the first two to three hours following a stranger abduction are the most critical
to that person's survival. In this time it is imperative that accurate and up-to-date
physical and biological data be provided to the proper authorities so that proper
notice and comprehensive data can be promptly relayed to the community and/or other
division of authority. However, the necessary physical and biological data of such
persons is not easily and quickly accessible because the data is often stored in
various locations and/or not stored anywhere at all. This problem is further complicated
by the fact that during such situations, persons concerned about the abducted and/or
missing person are/understandablyistraught, emotionally, and/or unable to think
clearly enough to gather such information Moreover, a person can be abducted or
become missing when the concerned persons are not at home or at a location where
they do not have access to their personal belongings, including the necessary physical
and biological data of the missing person. Lastly, as most abductions are carried
out by a non custodial parent or known family members, every parent is a suspect
when a child becomes missing or is believed to be abducted. Consequently, precious
time is lost to police deposition before a proper search can be conducted. Having
all of a missing person's information in a consolidated and accessible form can
aid authorities in conducting an immediate search while the parent is questioned
and hopefully cleared of any wrong doing.
Such problems exist not only in the case of abducted children, but can also
delay identification and recovery efforts in situations arising from natural or
man made catastrophe, terrorist act, or otherwise act of war.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system, method,
and software for facilitating the identification and or recovery of a missing person.
Another object of the present invention to provide a system, method, and
software for facilitating the identification or recovery of a missing person that
stores the missing person's physical and biological information in a single location.
Yet another object of the present invention to provide a system, method, and
software for facilitating the identification or recovery of a missing person that
reduces the amount of time needed to furnish the missing person's physical and
biological information to the necessary authorities.
Still another object of the present invention to provide a system, method,
and software for facilitating the identification or recovery of a missing person
that stores the missing person's physical and biological information in a portable medium.
A further object of the present invention to provide a system, method, and software
for facilitating the identification or recovery of a missing person that reduces
the amount of time needed to compile the missing person's physical and biological information.
A still further object of the present invention to provide a system, method,
and
software for facilitating the identification or recovery of a missing person that
allows for time-efficient distribution of the missing person's physical and biological
information by electronic distribution, e.g., via the Amber Alert Broadcast Network,
the Internet, or by installing a portable device storing the missing person's information
into an internal or external computer hard drive and accessing the stored information.
These and other objects are met by the present invention which in one aspect
is a system for facilitating the identification or recovery of a missing person
comprising: a portable device comprising a computer memory medium and means for
interfacing with a computer system having a display device; a software program
loaded on the computer memory medium, the software comprising means for receiving
data indicative of a person's unique identification information, means for storing
the received data on the computer memory medium, the computer memory containing
data indicative of the person's unique identification information stored thereon,
and means for displaying the stored data on the display device when the portable
device is interfaced to the computer system. The unique identification information
can comprise the missing person's personal and biological information, such as
fingerprints, photographs, video, audio, DNA information, medical history, name,
age, height, weight, eye color, and color of hair. The system accelerates recovery
and/or identification of the missing person by compiling and storing all of the
missing person's unique identification information into one single location, the
computer memory of the portable device.
The portable device can be a writable DVD, diskette, CD, or a USB portable device,
such as a USB key or a USB pen. Preferably, the portable device can be incorporated
into and further comprise a key chain. The present invention will increase survival
rates of stranger abducted children by reducing the amount of time needed to compile
and ultimately furnish information to the Police and/or recovery/investigative
teams. The software-based identification system can also be used to unite and inform
surviving family members suddenly displaced from their home and or separated from
each other due to a natural or man made catastrophe, terrorist act, or otherwise
act of war.
The system of the present invention provides instant access to the missing person's
unique identification information and serves to protect and recover missing family
members negatively impacted, displaced and or separated. Preferably, the system
will be distributed in conjunction with the Homeland Security Act.
The portable device can be operably connected to any internal or external computer
hard drive and the software program can be executed, thereby accessing the computer
memory of the portable device and retrieving the stored unique identification information
and displaying the information on a display module connected to the computer hard
drive. In the event a person whose unique identification information is stored
on the system becomes missing, the portable device is preferably coupled to a computer
hard drive that is connect to a network, such as the Internet, allowing for uploading
of the missing person's unique identification information to the necessary authorities
and/or agencies, thereby affording instant or near instant distribution of the
information by electronic distribution. Such electronic distribution can be facilitated
by email or other instantaneous electronic means.
The stored unique identification information can be inputted or updated by operably
coupling the portable device to the computer hard drive in a similar manner and
inputting data via a keyboard or other user input device such as a mouse. The computer
memory of the portable device can be secured by password protection or other encryption means.
Additionally, the unique identification information of the missing
person can be uploaded to a digital database for storage. In such an embodiment,
it is preferred that the information be uploaded in a secure encrypted environment
that is encrypted at the gateway and at the data storage point. In one embodiment,
the software is stored on a server connected to the Internet and downloadable to
the computer memory of the portable device when the portable device is operably
coupled to a networked computer hard drive.
The software contains all of the code necessary to carry out the following functions
and display the associated interfaces on a computer display module. Preferably,
the software comprises code for facilitating the display of a user interface that
comprises a plurality of templates having data entry fields in which a user can
input a desired person's unique identification information via keyboard. Data entry
fields are preferably provided for receiving data indicative of a person's name,
nickname, address, social security number, birth date, gender, nationality, native
language, guardian's address, guardian's name, and guardian's phone number. Additionally,
the means for storing the inputted data can be a save data button located within
the user interface. When the save button is activated, the data that has been inputted
into the data entry fields is stored on the computer memory medium of the portable
device. Each of the templates can comprise a window for displaying information
and/or instruction for completing the specific template being displayed.
In order to ensure that the unique identification of the person whose data is
stored on the portable device is current, the user interface preferably comprises
a section that displays an expiration date for the stored data. It is further preferable
that one of the templates comprise a window for displaying safety tips, useful
web-links and/or a message from a sponsor. Moreover, an additional template is
preferably provided that has data entry fields for receiving data indicative of
a person's eye color, hair color, length of hair, hair style, facial hair, height,
weight, build size, skin color, complexion, birth marks, identifying scars, identifying
marks, physical disabilities, and mental disabilities. This template can further
comprises a window for displaying informational statistics relating to missing
persons and an automated time and date stamp that is automatically updated when
data is entered into the template and stored.
The system also preferably comprises a template having data entry fields for
receiving digital photographs of the person, digital fingerprints of the person,
digital video of the person, or digital audio clips of the person. This template
can further comprise a window for displaying instructions for importing the digital
photographs, the digital fingerprints, the digital video, and the digital audio
clips into the data entry field of the template. It is further preferable that
upon importation of the digital photograph into the data entry field of this template
that the digital photograph be automatically sized to fit in the corresponding
data entry field.
The interface also preferably comprises another template having a data entry
fields for receiving data indicative of a person's DNA sequence. Another template
can be provided that has links to websites providing safety and/or abduction prevention
information. Still another template can be provided that has data entry fields
for receiving data indicative of a person's medical history. Yet another template
can be provided having data entry fields for receiving data indicative of telephone
numbers to contacts in the event of an abduction. Any of the templates can be designed
to have a window displaying a sponsor's message and/or information.
The interface also preferably has a template for receiving missing information
data in the event the person goes missing. In this event, the software preferably
comprises means to automatically create an electronic poster based on the unique
identification information stored and the missing information data inputted. It
is further preferable that upon creation, the electronic poster is saved on the
computer memory medium of the portable device as a single file that can be printed
or electronically transferred when the portable device is interfaced with a computer
hard drive.
In another aspect, the invention is a method of facilitating the recovery of a
missing person comprising: downloading a software program to a portable device
comprising a computer memory medium and means for interfacing with a computer system
having a display device, the software comprising means for receiving data indicative
of a person's unique identification information, means for storing the received
data on the computer memory medium, the computer memory containing data indicative
of the person's unique identification information stored thereon, and means for
displaying the stored data on the display device when the portable device is interfaced
to the computer system; interfacing the portable device to a computer system having
a display device; and displaying the person's unique identification information
on the display device.
In another aspect, the invention contains an output feature for composing and
printing out identification cards that can be carried in a pocket, wallet or purse.
The identification card contains vital information about a person for identification
and or proper medical treatment of the individual featured on the identification
card. The identification card will also bear telephone contact information of a
parent/guardian or nearest relative.
In another aspect, the invention contains another such output feature that allows
for the generation and printing of a missing person's poster. Such poster can be
outputted in the form of a display poster or can be sent electronically sent via
fax, email or other electronic medium. Such poster shall contain the missing or
abducted person's vital characteristics and any known suspect information and facts
surrounding the person's disappearance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable USB key according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates a user interface displaying a personal information template
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 illustrates the user interface displaying a vitals template according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 illustrates the user interface displaying a digital photograph importation
template according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 illustrates the user interface displaying a fingerprint importation template
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 illustrates the user interface displaying a digital video importation
template according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 illustrates the user interface displaying a audio importation template
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 illustrates the user interface displaying a resources template according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 illustrates the user interface displaying a key sponsor template according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 illustrates the user interface displaying a DNA sequence importation
template according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 illustrates the user interface displaying a medical history template
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 illustrates the user interface displaying a contacts template according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 illustrates the user interface displaying a create poster template according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 illustrates the user interface displaying a poster template illustrating
a poster created according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the USB key of FIG. 1 being inserted into the
USB port of a computer hard drive.
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 illustrates portable USB key
10 according to an embodiment of
the invention. Portable USB key
10 comprises an internal computer memory
medium (not illustrated) for data storage and retrieval. Portable USB key
10
is connected to key chain
11. Portable USB key
10 is a standard USB
key that can be operably coupled to USB port
15 of computer hard drive
16
(FIG. 15). When coupled to USB port
15 of computer hard drive
16,
computer hard drive
16 can access and retrieve data stored on the USB key's
10 internal computer memory medium. The stored data can then be displayed
on a display module, such a computer monitor, that is coupled to the hard drive.
Additionally, computer hard drive
16 can transmit and store/write data to
the internal computer memory medium of portable USB key
10 when portable
USB key
10 is interfaced with hard drive
16.
Stored on the computer memory medium of portable USB key
10 is software
containing the computer code necessary to execute and display the interface and
templates illustrated in FIGS. 2-14. The software also includes the computer code
necessary to perform all of the associated functions. The software can be distributed
for loading onto the computer memory medium of USB key
10 in several ways,
including but not limited to downloading from affiliated websites, point of purchase
at affiliated retailers, electronic kiosk locations, or independent distribution
through marketing organizations. The software is preferably customizable. The USB
key
10 can also have the software preloaded thereon and distributed at retailer
outlets. The software is compatible with any Windows, MAC, or Linux operating systems
and can be updated, printed, imported, exported, or stored electronically. Access
to the software and/or computer memory medium is pass-coded to avoid unauthorized
access and use. It can be further encrypted for additional protection. The identification
scheme incorporated by the software is compatible with the Amber Alert Network
and the Homeland Security Initiative security protocol. A user can also elect to
transfer, copy, and/or store text files associated with the software on a separate floppy.
The software is compatible with encrypted web based service bureaus that will
allow for the uploading, encrypted/secure storing, and retrieving of personalized
digital and text information/data. Such uploading, storing, and/or retrieving can
be accomplished electronically via a secure Internet connection and pass-coded
entry. Uploaded and stored information may be utilized to aid medical emergency
crews, law enforcement and FBI in locating a missing child, or treating an emergency
victim with information contained in the software. Electronic retrieval of stored
personal information from any affiliated web based service bureau using secure
128 bit encryption or higher as a standard security protocol is allowed.
When the software is loaded onto the computer memory medium of USB key
10
and accessed by computer hard drive
16, the interface and templates of FIGS.
2-14 are displayed on the computer's monitor. The various templates illustrated
in FIGS. 2-14 are accessed by depressing an graphic tab in the interface. These
interface and templates, and their functions, will now be discussed in turn.
Referring to FIG. 2, graphic user interface
100 is illustrated.
Graphic user interface
100 comprises a number of tabs
101-
109
that, when activated by a user, displays an associated template in the interface
100. In FIG. 2, personal information tab
101 is activated, thereby
displaying personal information template
110 in interface
100. Personal
information template
110 comprises a plurality of data entry fields
111
for receiving data inputted by a user that relates to a child's or family member's
basic and personal information, such as name, nickname, address, social security
number, birth date, gender, nationality, native language, guardian's address, guardian's
name, and guardian's phone number. This data is designed to comprehensively capture
the child's basic information and the parent's or legal guardian's contact information.
A user inputs the data into data entry fields
111 via a keyboard, mouse,
or other input device. The end user populates data entry fields
111 by depressing
the tab key on a keyboard each time a field
111 is completed. The inputted
data can be updated at any time. Template
110 also allows for a mother,
father and or guardian's separate and specific information. Template
110
further comprises a window
112 for posting a sponsor's message or important
safety tips.
When the user completes inputting data into all of the data entry fields
111,
he/she activates save data button
115 located in the header of interface
100. When save data button
115 is activated, the data that was inputted
into data entry fields
111 by the user is transmitted and stored on the
computer memory medium of USB key
10. Data is saved in a format so that
it can be displayed in the corresponding data entry fields upon retrieval.
The header of interface
100 also displays an expiration date and a version
create date
114 that is inputted by the user. The user can add additional
children or family members at anytime, simply by depressing the add child button
116 located in the header of interface
100. Similarly, the user can
eliminate a person's entry by depressing the remove entry button
117. Add
child button
116 and remove entry button
117 remain accessible regardless
of what template is displayed. Lastly, once the user has populated information
in a template, it is possible to backup saved information to any internal or external
drive by depressing the create disk button.
Referring now to FIG. 3, graphic user interface
100 is illustrated
with vitals tab
102 activated, thereby displaying vitals template
120
in interface
100. Vitals template
110 comprises a plurality of data
entry fields
121 for receiving data inputted by a user that relates to a
child's pertinent and vital information, such as, height, weight, shoe size, eye
color, blood type, identifying scars, physical/mental handicaps, or any characteristic
that generally stays static. All of the fields are useful in properly identifying
a emergency victim or missing child/other family member. There is an automatic
time and date stamp feature that populates in the first data entry field
121
of the template
120, once the user inputs and saves that data. This is used
to track the aging of the information recorded. Left window
122 of template
120 can be customized. As illustrated, an html file/web page is imbedded
for informational purposes.
When the user completes inputting data into all of the data entry fields
121,
he/she activates save data button
115 located in the header of interface
100. When save data button
115 is activated, the data that was inputted
into data entry fields
121 by the user is transmitted and stored on the
computer memory medium of USB key
10. Data is saved in a format so that
it can be displayed in the corresponding data entry fields
121 upon retrieval.
Referring now to FIGS. 4-7, user interface
100 is illustrated with
media tab
104 activated. When media tab
104 is activated, templates
130,
140,
150, and
160 for importing and exporting
digital photographs, digital fingerprints, digital video and audio clips can be
accessed. The various templates
130,
140,
150, and
160
of the media tab
104 are accessible via a second set of tabs
135-
138
located at the bottom of template
130.
FIG. 4 illustrates picture/photo tab
135 activated, thus displaying digital
photograph importation template
130. Digital photographs can be imported
into photo window templates
131 located to the right of the template
130.
The software is designed to automatically size each photo to the window
131
once the photo file has been loaded. Photographs can be imported from any internal
or external drive by activating the load button
139 to the right of the
picture window
131. A variety of file types can be imported/loaded into
the picture window
131, including but not limited to: Jpeg Image files (ipg),
Jpeg Image files, (ipeg) Bitmaps (bmp), Icons (ico), enhanced metafiles (emf),
and metafiles (wmf). The automatic picture sizing feature during picture loading
eliminates the need for the end user to know how to manipulate or size the imported
image. Each picture window
131 is characterized by picture type (Head Shot,
Full Body, Profile (no smile), Profile (smiling) and contains an actual "create
date" below the picture window
131, when the photograph was originally taken.
Template
130 further comprises window
132 which can be used to display
instructions for loading the photographs or other sponsored message or links.
When the user completes loading photographs into windows
131, he/she
activates save data button
115 located in the header of interface
100.
When save data button
115 is activated, the loaded photograph files are
transmitted and stored on the computer memory medium of USB key
10. The
photographs are saved in a format so that it can be displayed in the corresponding
window
131 upon retrieval.
FIG. 5 illustrates user interface
100 with media tab
104 activated
and having fingerprint tab
136 also activated, thereby displaying fingerprint
importation template
140. Fingerprint importation template
140 comprises
a plurality of fingerprint windows
141 for receiving and exporting user
inputted fingerprint information on a person. The top fingerprint windows
141
are for thumb prints only, while the bottom windows
141 feature the entire
left and right hand. Any window
141 can be opened by depressing the load
key
142 to the right of each window
141. A variety of file types
can also be imported/loaded into the fingerprint window to include but not limited
to: Jpeg Image files (ipg), Jpeg Image files, (ipeg) Bitmaps (bmp), Icons (ico),
enhanced metafiles (emf), and metafiles (wmf) Note, all fingerprint images once
imported are time and date stamped in accordance with the original create date
of the image.
When the user completes loading photographs into windows
131, he/she
activates save data button
115 located in the header of interface
100.
When save data button
115 is activated, the loaded photograph files are
transmitted and stored on the computer memory medium of USB key
10. The
photographs are saved in a format so that they can be displayed in the correct
windows
131 upon retrieval.
FIG. 6 illustrates user interface
100 with media tab
104 activated
and having video tab
137 also activated, thereby displaying digital video
importation template
150. Video importation template template
150
comprises a windows
151 for importing/receiving and exporting a digital
video. The load video button
153, when activated, allows for the user to
import video of a variety of formats, including but not limited to: wav files,
flash media and all formats compatible with Windows Media Player.
When the user completes loading video into window
151, he/she activates
save data button
115 located in the header of interface
100. When
save data button
115 is activated, the loaded video is transmitted and stored
on the computer memory medium of USB key
10.
FIG. 7 illustrates user interface
100 with media tab
104 activated
and having audio/sounds tab
138 also activated, thereby displaying audio
importation template
160. The user can import audio files from any internal
or external hard drive or create a new audio file by connecting a microphone to
the computer in use. An audio file is received/imported by a user activating the
load button
161. The file is saved to the computer memory medium of the
USB key upon importation.
Referring now to FIG. 8, user interface
100 is illustrated with
resources tab
106 activated, thereby displaying resources template
170
in interface
100. Resources template
170 displays safety web links
that will provide useful safety and abduction prevention tips. If the computer
in which USB key
110 is interfaced is connected to the Internet at the time
of use, the window will open in a web browser so as to allow the end-user to navigate
to different areas of interest on the web page. The Homeland Security version of
this CD/DVD/PORTABLE STORAGE-MEMORY DEVICE will feature safety survival tips and
web links.
FIG. 9 illustrates user interface
100 with key sponsor tab
107
activated, thereby displaying key sponsor template
180 in interface
100.
Key sponsor template
180 displays an HTML file from any internal or external
hard drive, into the software program. The "Key Sponsor" Tab can feature a corporate
sponsor's web site as well.
FIG. 10 illustrates user interface
100 with DNA encoding tab
105
activated, thereby displaying DNA sequence importation template
190 in interface
100. A user can load a file related to the DNA of a person by using the
load button
192 which will display the DNA file in window
191. The
DNA data file stored on the computer memory medium of USB key
10 by activating
save button
115.
FIG. 11 illustrates user interface
100 with medical history tab
103
activated, thereby displaying medical history template
200 in interface
100. Medical history template
200 comprises a plurality of data entry
fields
201 for receiving data inputted by a user that relates to a child's
or family member's medical history information, such as name, nickname, address,
social security number, birth date, gender, nationality, native language, guardian's
address, guardian's name, and guardian's phone number. This data is designed to
comprehensively capture the child's basic medical history information. A user inputs
the medical history data into data entry fields
201 via a keyboard, mouse,
or other input device. The end user populates data entry fields
201 by depressing
the tab key on a keyboard each time a field
111 is completed. The inputted
data can be updated at any time.
When the user completes inputting the medical history data into all of the data
entry fields
201, he/she activates save data button
115 located in
the header of interface
100. When save data button
115 is activated,
the medical history data that was inputted into data entry fields
201 by
the user is transmitted and stored on the computer memory medium of USB key
10.
Data is saved in a format so that it can be displayed in the corresponding data
entry fields upon retrieval.
Referring now to FIG. 12, graphic user interface
100 is illustrated
with contacts tab
108 activated, thereby contacts template
210 in
interface
100. Contacts template
210 comprises a plurality of data
entry fields
211 for receiving data inputted by a user that relates to important
telephone numbers and contacts for future reference. All fields can be updated
or changed at any time. The left panel
212 features a checklist of steps
a parent/guardian should take in the event they loose a child. The left panel
212
is updateable simply by importing an html file into the computer memory medium
of USB key
10. As discussed below inputted contact information, is used
to populate/complete the missing person's poster illustrated in FIG. 14.
When the user completes inputting the contact data into all of the data entry
fields
211, he/she activates save data button
115 located in the
header of interface
100. When save data button
115 is activated,
the contact data that was inputted into data entry fields
211 by the user
is transmitted and stored on the computer memory medium of USB key
10. Data
is saved in a format so that it can be displayed in the corresponding data entry
fields upon retrieval.
FIG. 13 illustrates user interface
100 with create poster tab
109
activated, thereby displaying create poster template
220 in interface
100.
Create poster template
220 comprises a plurality of data entry fields
221
for receiving data inputted by a user that relates to all of the pertinent information
concerning a child or other family member's disappearance. This data inputted into
data entry fields
221 is also used to automatically populate/complete the
Missing person's poster illustrated in FIG. 14. The template
220 is also
used to input, store, and reference important numbers that will be used during
the recovery of a missing child. Each of the relevant case and contact numbers
are made easily accessible for the end user.
When the user completes inputting the data into all of the data entry fields
221, he/she activates save data button
115 located in the header
of interface
100. When save data button
115 is activated, the data
that was inputted into data entry fields
221 by the user is transmitted
and stored on the computer memory medium of USB key
10. Data is saved in
a format so that it can be displayed in the corresponding data entry fields upon retrieval.
Create poster template
220 further comprises create poster button
222
and view poster button
223. Upon a user activating create poster button
222, an electronic poster
230 (FIG. 1) is automatically created as
single file based upon the data inputted by the user in the earlier filled data
entry fields. The end user can pick which picture is to be depicted in the electronic
poster
230 and ultimately view the poster
230 prior to distributing
by activating view poster button
223.
Referring to FIG. 12, the electronic poster
230 seen by the end
user when they push the view poster button
223. The illustrated electronic
poster
230 is shown blank as no information has been imported in the data
entry fields of the contact template or the create poster template. The contact
number on the poster
230 is usually the Local Police and or the parent/guardian's
home telephone number. The electronic poster
230 can be printed out and
mailed or faxed or the poster can be electronically and distributed via e mail
in an instant. Instantaneous transmission of poster images will save time and lives
as it eliminates traditional typified by fax or direct mail distribution.
While the invention has been described and illustrated in sufficient detail
that those skilled in this art can readily make and use it, various alternatives,
modifications, and improvements should become readily apparent without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention. Specifically, while the invention is
illustrated in the embodiment of a portable USB key, and portable device having
a computer memory medium can be sued such as, any USB portable device (e.g., USB
pens), key chain devices, CDs, floppy disks, and/or DVDs.
Moreover, while the invention is described specific to aiding in the recovery
of missing or abducted individuals, the invention can also be used to aid in the
proper medical treatment of an individual that may be unconscious, and in the case
of a child, does not have the ability/knowledge to speak intelligently about their
own medical condition. The same is the case with individuals with physical or mental
impairments. These individuals stand a greater risk of being misdiagnosed, improperly
medicated, or mistreated in an emergency medical situation. Thus, the software
of the invention can be used in a number of situations and can be modified to store
all or only a few of the categories of personal information.
*
