Thursday, February 14, 2013

Apple's New Patent Would Allow EVERYTHING to be Tracked; Including People

[UPDATE] Cambridge Consultants are already working on tracking packages

Apple has filed for a patent related to a "personal items network" that functions through movement-monitoring devices.

A network of systems like this could link together objects such as a: wallet, purse, personal data assistant, personal computer, watch, credit card, keys and cell phones through sensors that track and record changes in both environment and condition allowing the user to analyze data.

The patent reads, "The invention relates to sensing systems monitoring applications in sports, shipping, training, medicine, fitness, wellness, and industrial production."

"The invention specifically relates to sensing and reporting events associated with movement, environmental factors such as temperature, health functions, fitness effects, and changing conditions."

The movement monitoring devices (MMDs) will be able to attach to any item, as well as to people. The sensors record "chemicals, heart rate, temperature, humidity, pulse, pressure, stress, weight, environmental factors, and hazardous conditions."

Some may recognize a similarity between Apple's proposed tech and Nike's FuelBand, but Apple's MMD sensors have the ability to attach to packages so an individual can track how a delivery courier is handling your belongings. This could revolutionize delivery services that have been plagued with box-crushing employees as well as customers that fib about how their package was damaged before they recieved it. Should an unauthorized individual attempt to remove the sensor, it would alert you.

"A MMD of the invention can attach to furniture to monitor shipping of furniture. If the furniture were dropped, an impact event occurs and is recorded within the MMD, or transmitted wirelessly, with an associated time tag," the patent application added.

Tom's Hardware



Daniel, Jedi Editor
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