Apple Patents Network That Uses Sensors to Track Everything

Network of sensors would track movement of an individual and their belongings.

Apple has applied for a patent that would see a network utilizing sensors to track everything, including people.

The company filed for a patent related to a "personal items network" that functions through movement-monitoring devices. The system would link items 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.

"The invention relates to sensing systems monitoring applications in sports, shipping, training, medicine, fitness, wellness, and industrial production," the patent application reads. "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) are able to attach to any item, as well as to people. The sensors record "temperature, humidity, chemicals, heart rate, pulse, pressure, stress, weight, environmental factors, and hazardous conditions."

Unlike technology that powers wearable fitness trackers such as Nike's FuelBand, Apple's MMD sensors have the ability to attach to packages so an individual can track how, for example, a delivery courier is handling your belongings. 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.

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