Remote supervision system and method

Abstract

A new and improved method for supervising and monitoring people from a remote location comprising the use of a communication system that builds upon telecommunications connections, computer interfaces, and information management via the internet. Strategically placed web cams, microphones, speakers, and display monitors are operatively linked to computers and information management means, and are used to permit a person in a remote location to view and listen to people in a plurality of active locations to verbally or visually prompt responses to inquiries or directives. The people in the active locations may also interact via these same interconnections to the person at the remote location. Touch screen technology may be included for purposes of automated supervision of tasks performed to accomplish a particular routine by the people in the active locations. Safety devices, such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and intrusion detectors, may also be installed to warn a remotely located supervisor, the police or fire departments, or emergency medical services.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]Notice: More than one reissue application has been filed for the reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 6,995,664. The reissue applications are application Ser. No. 12 / 027,031 (the present application), filed Feb. 6, 2008, and application Ser. No. 12 / 632,266, filed Dec. 7, 2009, which is a continuation reissue application.<?insert-end id="INS-S-00001" ?>[0002]The present invention pertains to a system and method for supervising and monitoring a plurality of people from a remote location, and more particularly to a new and improved system and method for using an integrated network of hardware and software to produce an interactive environment between a plurality of distinct active locations and a remote location, and to a new and improved system and method for providing assisted living services to persons with cognitive disabilities that greatly increases the independence of those disabled persons at a lower cost as a result of significantly increased product...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention provides a new and improved method for remote supervision of multiple people at different locations simultaneously. This method allows one supervisor to do the work of multiple supervisors who must be physically present in each location. It also improves staff productivity, frees the time of the remote supervisor, and increases the independence of people with cognitive disabilities. The communication system uses web cams, microphones, speakers, and display monitors to allow the remote supervisor to view and listen to people in real-time and to direct them. The system also includes touch screen technology for automated supervision of tasks and safety devices for alerting the supervisor or emergency services."

Problems solved by technology

This work force resource has grown increasingly scarce.

Limitations on government reimbursement rates for provision of community services makes it difficult for providers in this area to compete with other businesses for this scarce resource.

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