WO2000050915A2 - Triggerable remote controller - Google Patents

Triggerable remote controller Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2000050915A2
WO2000050915A2 PCT/US2000/004672 US0004672W WO0050915A2 WO 2000050915 A2 WO2000050915 A2 WO 2000050915A2 US 0004672 W US0004672 W US 0004672W WO 0050915 A2 WO0050915 A2 WO 0050915A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
trigger signal
controller
telemetry
signal
command
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2000/004672
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2000050915A3 (en
Inventor
Alvin C. Allen, Jr.
Original Assignee
Global Trak, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=22977689&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=WO2000050915(A2) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Global Trak, Inc. filed Critical Global Trak, Inc.
Priority to EP00914676A priority Critical patent/EP1163533B1/en
Priority to AU36033/00A priority patent/AU3603300A/en
Priority to BR0008570-7A priority patent/BR0008570A/en
Priority to DE60010064T priority patent/DE60010064D1/en
Priority to AT00914676T priority patent/ATE265051T1/en
Publication of WO2000050915A2 publication Critical patent/WO2000050915A2/en
Publication of WO2000050915A3 publication Critical patent/WO2000050915A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G08SIGNALLING
    • G08GTRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/20Monitoring the location of vehicles belonging to a group, e.g. fleet of vehicles, countable or determined number of vehicles
    • G08G1/205Indicating the location of the monitored vehicles as destination, e.g. accidents, stolen, rental
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R25/00Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
    • B60R25/10Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles actuating a signalling device
    • B60R25/102Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles actuating a signalling device a signal being sent to a remote location, e.g. a radio signal being transmitted to a police station, a security company or the owner
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R25/00Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
    • B60R25/20Means to switch the anti-theft system on or off
    • B60R25/2009Antitheft state indicator
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R25/00Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
    • B60R25/30Detection related to theft or to other events relevant to anti-theft systems
    • B60R25/33Detection related to theft or to other events relevant to anti-theft systems of global position, e.g. by providing GPS coordinates
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01SRADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S19/00Satellite radio beacon positioning systems; Determining position, velocity or attitude using signals transmitted by such systems
    • G01S19/01Satellite radio beacon positioning systems transmitting time-stamped messages, e.g. GPS [Global Positioning System], GLONASS [Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System] or GALILEO
    • G01S19/13Receivers
    • G01S19/14Receivers specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S19/16Anti-theft; Abduction
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01SRADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S19/00Satellite radio beacon positioning systems; Determining position, velocity or attitude using signals transmitted by such systems
    • G01S19/01Satellite radio beacon positioning systems transmitting time-stamped messages, e.g. GPS [Global Positioning System], GLONASS [Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System] or GALILEO
    • G01S19/13Receivers
    • G01S19/34Power consumption
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01SRADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S5/00Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations
    • G01S5/0009Transmission of position information to remote stations
    • G01S5/0018Transmission from mobile station to base station
    • G01S5/0027Transmission from mobile station to base station of actual mobile position, i.e. position determined on mobile
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R2325/00Indexing scheme relating to vehicle anti-theft devices
    • B60R2325/20Communication devices for vehicle anti-theft devices
    • B60R2325/202Personal digital assistant [PDA]
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R2325/00Indexing scheme relating to vehicle anti-theft devices
    • B60R2325/20Communication devices for vehicle anti-theft devices
    • B60R2325/205Mobile phones
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01SRADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S2205/00Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations
    • G01S2205/001Transmission of position information to remote stations
    • G01S2205/006Transmission of position information to remote stations for emergency situations
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01SRADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S2205/00Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations
    • G01S2205/001Transmission of position information to remote stations
    • G01S2205/008Transmission of position information to remote stations using a mobile telephone network

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to location reporting apparatus and methods.
  • this invention relates to location reporting apparatus and methods that use the Global Positioning Satellite System ("GPS") to ascertain an object's location. Even more particularly, this invention relates to location reporting apparatus and methods that are triggerable and that report their location derived from GPS signals via cellular, satellite or terrestrial two-way paging signals.
  • GPS Global Positioning Satellite System
  • the lien-holder is faced with having to locate and take possession of the item covered by the lien. At times, such a process can be expensive, time consuming, and even dangerous, requiring the lien-holder to hire investigators to locate the debtor and, hopefully, the item covered by the lien. Stolen items present a similar challenge. In the case of automobiles, thieves can steal a car, take it to a "chop shop", or a specially outfitted body shop where the automobile is dismantled into salable parts in just a few hours. The traditional response to an automobile theft is to report the theft to the police who then do their best to find the automobile before it is dismantled.
  • the invention determines its location using GPS signals and reports the location via cellular, two-way page or satellite telemetry.
  • the telemetry is routed to a service provider, which takes an appropriate action, such as informing the lien-holder of the location of the object covered by the lien.
  • the page may include a command that will cause the invention to actuate an actuator or a sensor and report the results via the cellular, two-way page or satellite telemetry.
  • the invention features a triggerable remote controller, comprising a trigger signal including a command, a GPS processor coupled to the trigger signal, a position signal carrying position information generated by the GPS processor in response to the trigger signal, a telemetry transmitter coupled to the position signal, a telemetry transmit signal transmitted by the telemetry transmitter, the telemetry transmit signal carrying the position information, a trigger signal controller coupled to the trigger signal, an actuator coupled to the trigger signal controller, the trigger signal controller being configured to attempt to activate the actuator depending on the command.
  • Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following.
  • the trigger signal source may comprise a page receiver.
  • the trigger signal may activate when the page receiver receives a page.
  • the trigger signal controller may be coupled to the telemetry transmitter.
  • the trigger signal controller may be configured to transmit to the telemetry transmitter a command status signal indicating whether the actuator had been actuated.
  • the command status signal may be incorporated into the telemetry transmit signal.
  • the trigger signal controller may be coupled to an apparatus controller.
  • the trigger signal controller may be configured to transmit to the apparatus controller a command status signal indicating whether the actuator had been actuated.
  • the apparatus controller may be configured to transmit to the trigger signal controller an additional command and the trigger signal controller may perform a function in response to the additional command.
  • the triggerable remote controller may further comprise a second actuator.
  • the trigger signal controller may attempt to actuate the second actuator in response to the additional command.
  • the triggerable remote controller may further comprise a sensor.
  • the trigger signal controller may attempt to access the sensor in response to the additional command.
  • the invention features a triggerable remote controller comprising a trigger signal including a command, a GPS processor coupled to the trigger signal, a position signal carrying position information generated by the GPS processor in response to the trigger signal, a telemetry transmitter coupled to the position signal, a telemetry transmit signal transmitted by the telemetry transmitter, the telemetry transmit signal carrying the position information, a trigger signal controller coupled to the trigger signal, a sensor coupled to the trigger signal controller, the trigger signal controller being configured to attempt to access the sensor depending on the command.
  • the trigger signal source may comprise a page receiver.
  • the trigger signal may activate when the page receiver receives a page.
  • the trigger signal controller may be coupled to the telemetry transmitter.
  • the trigger signal controller may be configured to read information from the sensor when it accesses the sensor.
  • the trigger signal controller may be configured to transmit the information to the telemetry transmitter.
  • the information may be incorporated into the telemetry transmit signal.
  • the trigger signal controller may be coupled to an apparatus controller.
  • the trigger signal controller may be configured to read information from the sensor when it accesses the sensor.
  • the trigger signal controller may be configured to transmit the information to the apparatus controller.
  • the apparatus controller may be configured to transmit to the trigger signal controller an additional command in response to the information.
  • the trigger signal controller may perform a function in response to the additional command.
  • the triggerable remote controller may further comprise an actuator.
  • the trigger signal controller may attempt to actuate the actuator in response to the additional command.
  • the triggerable remote controller may further comprise a second sensor.
  • the trigger signal controller may attempt to access the second sensor in response to the additional command.
  • the method may further comprise including in the telemetry an indication of whether the function was performed. Attempting an action may comprise actuating an actuator. The method may further comprise including in the telemetry an indication of whether the actuator was actuated. Attempting an action may comprise sensing information from a sensor. The method may further comprise including in the telemetry the information sensed from the sensor.
  • the invention features a GPS antenna comprising a housing having a grommet shape, an antenna configured to receive a GPS signal, and the antenna being embedded in the housing.
  • Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a system incorporating one embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention.
  • Fig. 3 is a flow chart of the power management feature.
  • Fig. 4 is a block diagram of the controller.
  • Fig. 5 is a block diagram of the formatter.
  • Fig. 6 is a representation of the data received from the GPS receiver by the data selector.
  • Fig. 7 is a representation of the data output from the data selector.
  • Fig. 8 is a block diagram of the power controller.
  • Fig. 9 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the controller.
  • Fig. 10 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a system incorporating the invention.
  • Fig. 1 1 is a plan drawing of a panic switch according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 12 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 13 is a perspective drawing of the invention incorporated in articles of clothing.
  • Fig. 14 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 16 is a perspective view and a block diagram of an antenna system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the apparatus 12 is most likely hidden somewhere in the automobile, and may even be integrated into the body or the engine.
  • the apparatus may be integrated into the automobile's Primary Computer Module.
  • the apparatus can either be connected to the power source associated with the object, such as the automobile battery, or it may have a self-contained power source or sources, as further discussed below.
  • the apparatus 12 receives a page from the paging satellite 14 preferably initiated by personnel or some automatic device located at the service provider 16.
  • the page request can be initiated from any source.
  • the service provider 16 accepts requests from customers to locate objects that have been lost, stolen or otherwise hidden. For example, a lien-holder 18 may request that the service provider 16 locate an object for which the debtor has fallen into default.
  • the service provider's response is to send a page to the apparatus 12.
  • the page need not originate in the paging satellite 14 but can originate in any system capable of sending out pages.
  • a cellular network may be capable of sending out pages and could be used instead of the paging satellite 14.
  • the system need not use a page to communicate between the service provider 16 and the apparatus 12 but can use any system that allows the service provider 16 to uniquely address the apparatus 12 via a broadcast signal.
  • very low frequency signals or HF radio signals could be used to communicate between the service provider 16 and the apparatus 12.
  • the apparatus 12 receives the page it determines its location and direction of movement by accessing the signals of the GPS system 20, which comprises a plurality of satellites 22 broadcasting signals which can be used to determine an object's location and heading anywhere on the earth.
  • the apparatus 12 formats the location information into a cellular telemetry stream and transmits it via the cellular system's telemetry channels.
  • each cellular base station has 832 channels.
  • the 832 channels are divided among at least two competing cellular carriers.
  • Each cellular carrier uses 21 of the 416 channels to carrying control signals.
  • Each control channel includes a Forward Control Channel (FOCC) and a Reverse Control Channel (RECC).
  • the cellular base station uses the FOCC to send information to cellular telephones and the cellular telephones send information back to the cellular base station via the RECC.
  • the FOCC and RECC are used to establish a cellular telephone call through a local switch. Once the cellular telephone call is established, the call is moved to one of the non-control channels and the released control channel is made available to establish other cellular telephone calls.
  • the cellular base station broadcasts a System Identification ("SID”) signal, which identifies the cellular system to cellular telephones receiving it.
  • SID System Identification
  • the RECC transmission includes the telephone's Mobile Identification Number ("MIN”), which is a unique 10-digit number (analogous to a telephone number including an area code) that is programmed into the cellular telephone.
  • MIN Mobile Identification Number
  • the first six digits of the MIN identify the cellular telephone's home system.
  • the RECC also includes an Electronic Serial Number ("ESN"), a unique 32- bit serial number permanently stored in the cellular telephone which uniquely identifies the cellular telephone.
  • ESN Electronic Serial Number
  • the cellular base station will receive the MIN and ESN through the RECC and determine that the MIN does not correspond to a local number. Using the MIN, the cellular base station will determine the home system for the cellular telephone and send a validation signal to that system.
  • the cellular local switches in the United States are interconnected through the Intersystem Signaling Network, IS-41, which allows them to send and receive validation information.
  • the validation signal known under IS-41 as a RegistrationNotification Invoke (REGNOT) message, includes the cellular telephone's MIN and ESN.
  • REGNOT message also includes the identity of the cellular base station sending the message.
  • the cellular telephone's home system will respond with a RegistrationNotification Return Result (regnot) message.
  • the cellular telephone's home system will either indicate that it will take financial responsibility for calls made by the cellular telephone or it will refuse to validate the cellular telephone. If validation occurs, a subsequent exchange of messages establishes the features (such as call forwarding) available to the cellular telephone.
  • the validation process just described uses the cellular system's control channels. Again, once a cellular telephone call is initiated the control channel that was used to set up the call is released for other purposes.
  • Cellemetry for example, connects a Cellemetry Service Gateway to an IS-41 on a local switch and registers an SID on the IS-41 network.
  • Cellemetry radios transmit RECC signals to local cellular base stations.
  • the local cellular base stations transmit a validation signal to a Cellemetry gateway.
  • the MIN normally transmitted in a RECC signal is replaced by a 10-digit equipment identification number, identifying a Cellemetry gateway.
  • the 32-bit ESN normally transmitted can be used as a "payload" to transmit information from the Cellemetry radio or a device incorporating the Cellemetry radio to the Cellemetry gateway.
  • the Cellemetry gateway strips the payload information from the validation signal and sends it to a service provider.
  • the Microburst system is similar except that the payload is 55 bits instead of 32.
  • a similar system is used in digital cellular telephone applications such as CDMA and TDMA systems.
  • the apparatus 12 upon receipt of the page from page satellite 14, the apparatus 12 determines the location and direction of movement, if any, of object 10 using the GPS signals from the GPS system 20. The apparatus then formats the location and movement information into the payload portion of a cellular RECC signal and transmits it to a local cellular base station 24.
  • the MIN portion of the RECC signal may contain a unique MIN or it may be a MIN that is common ⁇ O all triggerable location-reporting apparatus serviced by a common service provider. Alternatively, the MIN may be different for each of the apparatus.
  • the cellular base station 24 determines that the apparatus 12 is a roamer and passes a validation signal into the IS-41 system 25 via a local switch 26.
  • the common MIN will cause the cellular base station to direct the validation signal to a gateway 28.
  • the gateway 28 receives the validation signal and reads the payload data and provides it to the service provider 16.
  • the gateway may also use the information regarding the cellular base station that originated the validation signal to determine an approximate location of the cellular telephone and pass that information on to the service provider 16 as well.
  • a company such as Cellemetry or Microburst may provide the gateway or it may be provided by the service provider 16.
  • the gateway will preferably respond to the cellular base station with a regnot message indicating that the requested roamer status has been denied. The cellular base station will then know not to try to allocate a voice channel to the apparatus. Alternatively, the gateway may return a message to the cellular base station indicating that the request should be dropped. The cellular base station will eventually allow the request to expire. Further, under some circumstances, the cellular base station may signal the apparatus to turn on a voice channel.
  • a page receiver 34 receives power through controller 36, which may be a microprocessor such as a PIC processor. Preferably, the power is passed directly through the controller 36. Alternatively, the power may bypass the controller entirely and be applied directly to the page receiver 34.
  • controller 36 which may be a microprocessor such as a PIC processor. Preferably, the power is passed directly through the controller 36. Alternatively, the power may bypass the controller entirely and be applied directly to the page receiver 34.
  • a battery 38 supplies power to the controller 36. Alternatively, an external power source 40 may supply power to the controller 36.
  • the page receiver 34 may have a pager battery 42 separate from the power supplied to the remaining electronics in the apparatus 12. A separate battery allows the page receiver 34 to remain in a standby state for a long period of time without draining the power supply for the rest of the apparatus.
  • the page receiver 34 When the page receiver 34 receives a page over antenna 44 that is addressed to the page receiver 34, the page receiver 34 transmits a "power-on" signal 46 to the controller 36.
  • the controller 36 then switches power to a global position satellite system receiver 48, which receives GPS signals via antenna 50.
  • the GPS receiver 48 acquires the GPS signals and determines a variety of position data regarding apparatus 12.
  • the GPS receiver sends the GPS data 52 to the controller 36.
  • the controller 36 buffers and reformats the GPS data into a form acceptable to a cellular network transmitter 54.
  • the controller then switches power to the cellular network transmitter and sends a "data to transmit" signal 56 to the cellular network transmitter 54.
  • the cellular network transmitter (or the controller 36 or a similarly configured modem (not shown)) has had an opportunity to format the "data to transmit" into the payload section of the RECC signal
  • the cellular network transmitter 54 transmits the RECC signal, including the GPS payload, via antenna 58.
  • the cellular antenna 58 may be combined with the GPS antenna 50.
  • One or both of these antennas (or their combination) may comprise dielectric and conducting materials embedded in the object or attached to it with an adhesive or some other attachment mechanism.
  • the power-on signal 46 is provided to the controller 36 as the result of a page received by the page receiver 34, as discussed above.
  • an external trigger 60 may provide the power-on indication to the controller 36.
  • FIG. 3 A flow chart of the power management provided by the controller 36 is illustrated in Fig. 3.
  • the apparatus 12 receives a page 62.
  • the page receiver wakes up the controller 64.
  • the controller wakes up the GPS receiver and reads the GPS position information 66.
  • the controller wakes up the cellular network transmitter and sends it formatted position information 68.
  • the transmitter transmits the MIN and the payload to the cellular base station which forwards the data via the RECC transmission to the gateway.
  • the controller then puts the cellular network transmitter and GPS receiver back to sleep 70.
  • the controller then goes back to sleep 72.
  • This power management approach significant power is being used only when position information is being transmitted over the cellular network.
  • the controller may store the last location signal it receives from the GPS receiver. Consequently, if the apparatus receives a subsequent page and the GPS receiver cannot perform its function (because, for example, it is shielded from GPS satellite signals), the apparatus will report the stored position. The apparatus may also report the amount of time that has elapsed since the position information was stored. In another embodiment, the apparatus may turn on a homing beacon 74 (see
  • Fig. 2 if the GPS receiver is unable to perform its function.
  • the homing beacon will allow the object to be tracked by a receiver tuned to the beacon frequency.
  • GPS data 52 is received by a formatter 76 from the page receiver 34 where it is buffered and formatted into a form acceptable to the cellular network transmitter 54.
  • the formatter 76 buffers the reformatted signal and then transmits it as a "data to transmit" signal 56.
  • GPS data 52 is buffered by a buffer 78.
  • a data selector 80 selects data from the buffered GPS data 52 to be transmitted to the cellular network transmitter 54.
  • a buffer and formatter 82 buffer the selected data and convert it into a format acceptable to the cellular network transmitter 54.
  • a memory 84 may be provided to store the last reported position from the GPS receiver. The properly formatted "data to transmit" signal 56 is then transmitted to the cellular network transmitter 54.
  • FIGs. 6 and 7 An example of the data selector function is illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7.
  • the Motorola® GT Plus OncoreTM GPS family of chips produces an digital output signal 86 containing bits representing the latitude, longitude, height, velocity, and heading of the apparatus 12 and the current time, as shown in Fig. 6. Similar products manufactured by other companies may be used instead of the Motorola product.
  • the bits representing latitude, longitude, velocity and heading 88 are included in the data to transmit signal 56, as shown in Fig. 7.
  • the bits representing height and current time are discarded (although they may be sent in alternative embodiments).
  • the data selector selects the data to be transmitted and arranges it into the desired order.
  • the controller also performs a power management function, as discussed above.
  • a power controller 90 Upon receipt of the power-on signal 46 from the page receiver 34, a power controller 90 opens and closes switch 92 to apply and remove power to the GPS receiver 48. The power controller 90 also opens and closes switch 94 to apply and remove power to the cellular network transmitter 54.
  • FIG. 8 A functional block diagram of the power controller is illustrated in Fig. 8. While Fig. 8 shows the use of delayed action relays it should be understood that any electronics that provide the desired function may be used.
  • the power-on signal from the page receiver is applied to two delayed action relays.
  • Relay 96 engages as soon as the power-on signal is applied, which causes switch 92 to close. Sixty seconds later relay 96 disengages, which causes switch 92 to open.
  • the sixty-second power off delay is adjustable as necessary to allow the GPS receiver 48 sufficient on time to acquire the GPS satellites and determine the location of the apparatus.
  • Relay 98 actuates 45 seconds after the power-on signal is applied. Again, this delay is adjustable so that power is applied to the cellular network transmitter 54 only after the data to transmit signal 56 has been prepared.
  • the cellular network transmitter 54 is turned off 15 seconds after it is turned on, which allows the cellular network transmitter adequate time to transmit the RECC signal to the cellular base station.
  • the controller may have the ability to determine when the apparatus is moving. It can accomplish this by comparing the location data from the GPS location signal to the location data stored in the memory 84 or by examining the velocity data reported by the GPS receiver. In either case, the controller may leave the GPS receiver power on when the apparatus is moving. The controller can then cause the location data to be reported from time to time (e.g. every five minutes) through the cellular telemetry network by applying power to the cellular network transmitter for a short period of time. The controller may keep the GPS receiver operational for a period of time after the apparatus stops moving. This allows the apparatus to provide continuous updates on its position while it is moving.
  • a microprocessor system 100 receives the power-on signal 46 from the page receiver 34.
  • the microprocessor system may include an interconnected microprocessor, program storage area and data storage area.
  • the storage areas may include random access memory ("RAM”) and read only memory (“ROM”).
  • RAM random access memory
  • ROM read only memory
  • the microprocessor system may be implemented entirely with discrete logic elements or application specific integrated circuits ("ASIC").
  • ASIC application specific integrated circuits
  • the microprocessor system may be implemented with a combination of a microprocessor and discrete and ASIC logic elements.
  • the microprocessor When the microprocessor receives the power-on signal its stored program causes it to assert and un-assert bit outputs 102 and 104 in sequence, as described above.
  • the program may be developed in assembly language, machine language or a higher order language such as C++ or the function of the program may be accomplished with discrete logic or ASICs or a combination of any of these.
  • the program is compiled and linked as necessary and stored in one of the storage areas for execution by the microprocessor to accomplish the described functions.
  • a buffer 106 receives GPS data 52 from the GPS receiver 48 and buffers it.
  • the microprocessor system 100 extracts the buffered data through input 108, selects the data to be sent out as payload and rearranges it as necessary.
  • the microprocessor system outputs the selected and arranged data through output 1 10 to a buffer/formatter 112, which formats the "data to transmit" signal 56.
  • the function of the buffer/formatter 112 and/or the buffer 106 may be accomplished by the microprocessor system 100.
  • the microprocessor system 100 may communicate with the GPS receiver 48, the page receiver 34 and the cellular network transmitter 54 via serial or parallel communication lines 114, 1 16 and 118, respectively.
  • An alternative embodiment of the system that does not use the cellular network is illustrated in Fig. 10.
  • the apparatus 12 communicates its location and heading to the service provider 16 through telemetry communications through satellite 120.
  • a lien-holder In use, for example in the automobile recovery application, a lien-holder would contact the service provider and identify an automobile that the lien-holder wants located.
  • the service provider would cause a page to be sent to the apparatus secured within the automobile.
  • the apparatus would receive the page, ascertain its location using the GPS system, and return the location and heading information to the service provider.
  • the service provider could then tell the lien-holder the location and heading of the automobile. Because of the power management feature described above, the service provider could "track" the automobile as it is being driven, providing the lien-holder with multiple readings regarding the automobile's location.
  • the apparatus may be configured to provide multiple updates of its position while it is moving. The same function could be supplied with respect to any object, including large-screen televisions, computers or any other item.
  • panic switch 122 includes a blue switch 124, a green switch 126, a red switch 128 and a yellow switch 130. Pressing the switches in the correct order (e.g. red, red, green, yellow) will cause the external trigger 60 (Fig. 2) to actuate, causing the position of the panic switch to be reported to through the system illustrated in Fig. 2 to the police or other agency. The police can then query the apparatus 12 located in the panic switch 122 through the service provider in order to track its location if it is moved.
  • the correct order e.g. red, red, green, yellow
  • the police can then query the apparatus 12 located in the panic switch 122 through the service provider in order to track its location if it is moved.
  • the apparatus could be adapted to respond to alarm conditions associated with an object, such as the traditional car alarm, as illustrated in Fig. 12.
  • an object such as the traditional car alarm, as illustrated in Fig. 12.
  • car alarm 132 when car alarm 132 is tripped, it actuates external trigger 60 (Fig. 2) causing the location of the automobile to be reported via the system shown in Fig. 2. Subsequently, the police, the owner or anyone else with the capability can track the automobile through the service provider by sending pages to the apparatus 12.
  • the apparatus 12 could be used to locate people, as illustrated in Fig. 13.
  • the apparatus 12 could be hidden in a belt buckle or in the heel of a shoe. Subsequently, if another person became concerned about the location of the person wearing the apparatus, the concerned person could have the service provider page the apparatus 12 and locate and track it as described above.
  • the signal from the paging satellite 14 includes command data to be communicated to apparatus 12.
  • the page receiver 34 extracts the command data 140 and transmits it to a page data controller 142, which acts on the commands.
  • the page data controller 142 can be incorporated into the apparatus 12 or it can be a separate device connected to the apparatus 12 by a communications medium such as a cable or an electromagnetic or other type of connection.
  • the page data controller responds to the command data by actuating or sensing actuators and sensors 144 over signal lines 146.
  • the actuators can be any type of actuator.
  • the actuators may be the door locks.
  • the command data may command that the door locks be closed (or opened) in which case the page data controller causes the door locks to be closed (or opened).
  • the page data controller can interface directly with the door locks or it may interface through a microprocessor already present in the automobile.
  • actuators in the automobile context include: an actuator to remove the ground from the door locks so that they cannot be opened; an actuator to lock the trunk or hood of the automobile; an actuator to arm an alarm system; an alarm to trigger the alarm system; an actuator to cause the lights in the automobile to blink on and off; or an actuator to trigger a kill switch to prevent the automobile engine from being started or to turn it off if it is already on.
  • the page data controller 142 may send a signal to the controller 36 via controller communications lines 148 indicating whether it has complied with the command.
  • the controller 36 may respond by issuing additional commands to the page data controller 142 over the controller communications lines 148 or it may include the information in the data to transmit 56 to be transmitted to the service provider.
  • the page data controller 142 also reads information from sensors (part of block 142) and reports the information to the controller 36 via controller communications lines 148.
  • the page data controller 142 may be incorporated into the controller 36 or it may be a separate module.
  • the controller communications lines 148 may be cables or any other communications medium.
  • the controller 36 may act on the data directly by sending commands back to the page data controller 142 via the controller communications lines 148 or it may include the data in the data to transmit 56 for transmission back to the service provider 16.
  • the sensor may be attached to a locking mechanism on the truck's trailer that senses if the lock has been opened.
  • the page data controller 142 senses the state of the locking mechanism and reports it to the controller 36 via the controller communications lines 148.
  • the controller 36 can then incorporate that information into the data to transmit 56, leaving it to the service provider (or some other entity) to act on the information.
  • the controller 36 can send a command back to the page data controller 142 commanding it to close the lock.
  • the page data controller 142 would then actuate a lock actuator included in actuators and sensors 144 that would cause the trailer to lock.
  • FIG. 15 An example of a locking mechanism adapted to trigger a triggerable location reporting device is illustrated in Fig. 15.
  • a hasp 150 is secured to one of the rear doors (not shown) of a trailer by a hinge (not shown).
  • a staple 152 attached to the other of the rear doors (not shown) of the trailer, fits through a slot 154 in the hasp 150 when the two doors are closed. It will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that the hasp and staple described above are one of many conventional ways of securing one door with respect to another.
  • a lock 156 includes a shackle 158 which extends from one side of the lock
  • a lock position sensor 160 senses when the shackle 158 of the lock 156 is not in its locked position.
  • the sensing device may be a switch 162 which closes (or, alternatively, opens) when the shackle 158 is in its locked position.
  • the sensing device may be a two position switch, one position sensing when the shackle 158 is in its locked position and the other position sensing when the shackle 158 is not in its locked position.
  • the sensor may be an optical sensor that detects the presence of the end of the shackle 158.
  • sensing device is a wire that runs through the shackle 158 and connects to points inside the lock on either side of the shackle 158 (or the shackle 158 may be conductive so that a wire is not needed). In that case, the sensing device will detect when the shackle 158 is not in place or when the shackle 158 is cut.
  • the lock position sensor 160 sends a signal 164 to a trigger transmitter 166 which communicates with a trigger receiver 168.
  • the sensor may be configured so that it does not send the signal is opened properly, for example, with a key.
  • the communication of the signal may be electromagnetic, electric, optic or any other means of transmitting a signal from one location to another.
  • the trigger receiver 168 upon receiving the signal from the trigger transmitter 166 sends a signal to the page data controller 142.
  • the page data controller 142 reports the trigger to the triggerable location reporting device 148 via the controller communications lines 148.
  • the controller 36 within the triggerable location reporting device 148 can then incorporate that information into the data to transmit 56, leaving it to the service provider (or some other entity) to act on the information. Further, the trigger receiver can actuate the external trigger signal 60, which will initiate the sending of location data and other data to the service provider.
  • sensors in the automobile context include: a sensor to detect the speed of the automobile; a sensor to detect the number of miles the automobile has traveled; a sensor to detect the state of the door locks (which may have been actuated in response to a command from the page data controller 142); a sensor to detect whether the automobile windows are open; sensors to detect a variety of engine parameters; or a sensor that would allow access to all of the data gathered and stored in the automobiles computer.
  • An antenna system is illustrated in Fig. 16. The cable 170 from the antenna
  • the splitter/combiner 174 allows the vehicle antenna 172 to be used to receive page signals 176, transmit cellular telemetry signals 178, and continue to operate as an AM/FM antenna as it was originally intended.
  • the grommet 180 that normally separates the antenna 172 from the vehicle 182 is replaced by an antenna 184 which is configured to be visually similar to grommet 180. Because the antenna 184 is visually similar to the grommet 180, antenna 184 is hidden from casual inspection and provides a covert apparatus for receiving GPS signals.
  • a cable 186 carries the GPS signals from the GPS antenna 184 to the triggerable location reporting device 12.

Abstract

A triggerable remote controller is disclosed which includes a trigger signal including a command, a GPS processor coupled to the trigger signal, a position signal carrying position information generated by the GPS processor in response to the trigger signal, a telemetry transmitter coupled to the position signal, a telemetry transmit signal transmitted by the telemetry transmitter, the telemetry transmit signal carrying the position information, a trigger signal controller coupled to the trigger signal, an actuator coupled to the trigger signal controller, the trigger signal controller being configured to attempt to activate the actuator depending on the command. A sensor may also be coupled to the trigger signal controller and the trigger signal controller may be configured to attempt to access the sensor. A GPS antenna embedded in a grommet-shaped housing is also disclosed.

Description

TRIGGERABLE REMOTE CONTROLLER Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to location reporting apparatus and methods.
More particularly, this invention relates to location reporting apparatus and methods that use the Global Positioning Satellite System ("GPS") to ascertain an object's location. Even more particularly, this invention relates to location reporting apparatus and methods that are triggerable and that report their location derived from GPS signals via cellular, satellite or terrestrial two-way paging signals.
Background of the Invention Frequently, people use credit to purchase consumer items, such as automobiles, televisions or computers. The purchasers take possession of the item and take it to their homes or offices and put them into use. They are responsible for making periodic payments to the creditor, the person or entity that extended the credit, to pay off the loan. The creditor retains a lien on the property and is also known as a "lien-holder".
In today's mobile society, people frequently move from one location to another. When they move, they typically take their possessions, including those possessions covered by a lien held by the lien-holder. Sometimes when they move they stop making their periodic payments to the lien-holder, perhaps believing that they no longer have to make payments and that the lien-holder will not be able to locate them.
Further, some people simply move a possession, such as an automobile, covered by a lien, in order to hide it from the lien-holder when they stop making payments.
In either case, the lien-holder is faced with having to locate and take possession of the item covered by the lien. At times, such a process can be expensive, time consuming, and even dangerous, requiring the lien-holder to hire investigators to locate the debtor and, hopefully, the item covered by the lien. Stolen items present a similar challenge. In the case of automobiles, thieves can steal a car, take it to a "chop shop", or a specially outfitted body shop where the automobile is dismantled into salable parts in just a few hours. The traditional response to an automobile theft is to report the theft to the police who then do their best to find the automobile before it is dismantled.
Other consumer items can be dismantled or otherwise placed into an underground market within just a few hours of their theft. Alternatively, such items can be removed to the thief s home, where they are hidden from the eyes of the police or other investigators. Even people are subject to being "stolen", or kidnapped. Again, the traditional response is to report a missing person to the police and other law enforcement agencies who then conduct a search for the missing person.
Summary of the Invention Upon receipt of a page or the occurrence of another triggering action, the invention determines its location using GPS signals and reports the location via cellular, two-way page or satellite telemetry. The telemetry is routed to a service provider, which takes an appropriate action, such as informing the lien-holder of the location of the object covered by the lien. The page may include a command that will cause the invention to actuate an actuator or a sensor and report the results via the cellular, two-way page or satellite telemetry.
In general, in one aspect, the invention features a triggerable remote controller, comprising a trigger signal including a command, a GPS processor coupled to the trigger signal, a position signal carrying position information generated by the GPS processor in response to the trigger signal, a telemetry transmitter coupled to the position signal, a telemetry transmit signal transmitted by the telemetry transmitter, the telemetry transmit signal carrying the position information, a trigger signal controller coupled to the trigger signal, an actuator coupled to the trigger signal controller, the trigger signal controller being configured to attempt to activate the actuator depending on the command. Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following. The trigger signal source may comprise a page receiver. The trigger signal may activate when the page receiver receives a page. The trigger signal controller may be coupled to the telemetry transmitter. The trigger signal controller may be configured to transmit to the telemetry transmitter a command status signal indicating whether the actuator had been actuated. The command status signal may be incorporated into the telemetry transmit signal. The trigger signal controller may be coupled to an apparatus controller. The trigger signal controller may be configured to transmit to the apparatus controller a command status signal indicating whether the actuator had been actuated. The apparatus controller may be configured to transmit to the trigger signal controller an additional command and the trigger signal controller may perform a function in response to the additional command. The triggerable remote controller may further comprise a second actuator. The trigger signal controller may attempt to actuate the second actuator in response to the additional command. The triggerable remote controller may further comprise a sensor. The trigger signal controller may attempt to access the sensor in response to the additional command.
In general, in another aspect, the invention features a triggerable remote controller comprising a trigger signal including a command, a GPS processor coupled to the trigger signal, a position signal carrying position information generated by the GPS processor in response to the trigger signal, a telemetry transmitter coupled to the position signal, a telemetry transmit signal transmitted by the telemetry transmitter, the telemetry transmit signal carrying the position information, a trigger signal controller coupled to the trigger signal, a sensor coupled to the trigger signal controller, the trigger signal controller being configured to attempt to access the sensor depending on the command.
Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following. The trigger signal source may comprise a page receiver. The trigger signal may activate when the page receiver receives a page. The trigger signal controller may be coupled to the telemetry transmitter. The trigger signal controller may be configured to read information from the sensor when it accesses the sensor. The trigger signal controller may be configured to transmit the information to the telemetry transmitter. The information may be incorporated into the telemetry transmit signal. The trigger signal controller may be coupled to an apparatus controller. The trigger signal controller may be configured to read information from the sensor when it accesses the sensor. The trigger signal controller may be configured to transmit the information to the apparatus controller. The apparatus controller may be configured to transmit to the trigger signal controller an additional command in response to the information. The trigger signal controller may perform a function in response to the additional command. The triggerable remote controller may further comprise an actuator. The trigger signal controller may attempt to actuate the actuator in response to the additional command. The triggerable remote controller may further comprise a second sensor. The trigger signal controller may attempt to access the second sensor in response to the additional command. In general, in another aspect, the invention features a method for remotely controlling an object comprising receiving a page incorporating a command; determining, in response to the page, the location of the object using GPS signals; transmitting the location of the object via telemetry; attempting an action in response to the command. Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following.
The method may further comprise including in the telemetry an indication of whether the function was performed. Attempting an action may comprise actuating an actuator. The method may further comprise including in the telemetry an indication of whether the actuator was actuated. Attempting an action may comprise sensing information from a sensor. The method may further comprise including in the telemetry the information sensed from the sensor.
In general, in another aspect, the invention features a GPS antenna comprising a housing having a grommet shape, an antenna configured to receive a GPS signal, and the antenna being embedded in the housing. Brief Description of the Drawings
Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a system incorporating one embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 2 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention.
Fig. 3 is a flow chart of the power management feature. Fig. 4 is a block diagram of the controller. Fig. 5 is a block diagram of the formatter.
Fig. 6 is a representation of the data received from the GPS receiver by the data selector.
Fig. 7 is a representation of the data output from the data selector. Fig. 8 is a block diagram of the power controller. Fig. 9 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the controller. Fig. 10 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a system incorporating the invention.
Fig. 1 1 is a plan drawing of a panic switch according to the present invention. Fig. 12 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 13 is a perspective drawing of the invention incorporated in articles of clothing.
Fig. 14 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 16 is a perspective view and a block diagram of an antenna system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments An object 10, such as an automobile, contains a triggerable location-reporting apparatus 12, as shown in Fig. 1. The apparatus 12 is most likely hidden somewhere in the automobile, and may even be integrated into the body or the engine. For example, the apparatus may be integrated into the automobile's Primary Computer Module. The apparatus can either be connected to the power source associated with the object, such as the automobile battery, or it may have a self-contained power source or sources, as further discussed below. The apparatus 12 receives a page from the paging satellite 14 preferably initiated by personnel or some automatic device located at the service provider 16. The page request can be initiated from any source. The service provider 16 accepts requests from customers to locate objects that have been lost, stolen or otherwise hidden. For example, a lien-holder 18 may request that the service provider 16 locate an object for which the debtor has fallen into default. The service provider's response is to send a page to the apparatus 12.
The page need not originate in the paging satellite 14 but can originate in any system capable of sending out pages. For example, a cellular network may be capable of sending out pages and could be used instead of the paging satellite 14. Further, the system need not use a page to communicate between the service provider 16 and the apparatus 12 but can use any system that allows the service provider 16 to uniquely address the apparatus 12 via a broadcast signal. For example, very low frequency signals or HF radio signals could be used to communicate between the service provider 16 and the apparatus 12. When the apparatus 12 receives the page it determines its location and direction of movement by accessing the signals of the GPS system 20, which comprises a plurality of satellites 22 broadcasting signals which can be used to determine an object's location and heading anywhere on the earth. The apparatus 12 then formats the location information into a cellular telemetry stream and transmits it via the cellular system's telemetry channels.
In the AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone System) cellular system, which is the analog cellular system used in the United States, each cellular base station has 832 channels. The 832 channels are divided among at least two competing cellular carriers. Each cellular carrier uses 21 of the 416 channels to carrying control signals. Each control channel includes a Forward Control Channel (FOCC) and a Reverse Control Channel (RECC).
The cellular base station uses the FOCC to send information to cellular telephones and the cellular telephones send information back to the cellular base station via the RECC. The FOCC and RECC are used to establish a cellular telephone call through a local switch. Once the cellular telephone call is established, the call is moved to one of the non-control channels and the released control channel is made available to establish other cellular telephone calls.
The cellular base station broadcasts a System Identification ("SID") signal, which identifies the cellular system to cellular telephones receiving it. When a cellular telephone is turned on, it compares the SID signal it receives against an SID stored within the telephone, which identifies the cellular telephone's home system. If the received SID is not the same as the stored SID, the cellular telephone is "roaming" and the "roam" indicator on the telephone is illuminated. Subsequently, the cellular telephone transmits its identity to the cellular base station via the RECC. The RECC transmission includes the telephone's Mobile Identification Number ("MIN"), which is a unique 10-digit number (analogous to a telephone number including an area code) that is programmed into the cellular telephone. The first six digits of the MIN identify the cellular telephone's home system. The RECC also includes an Electronic Serial Number ("ESN"), a unique 32- bit serial number permanently stored in the cellular telephone which uniquely identifies the cellular telephone. The cellular base station will receive the MIN and ESN through the RECC and determine that the MIN does not correspond to a local number. Using the MIN, the cellular base station will determine the home system for the cellular telephone and send a validation signal to that system. The cellular local switches in the United States are interconnected through the Intersystem Signaling Network, IS-41, which allows them to send and receive validation information.
The validation signal, known under IS-41 as a RegistrationNotification Invoke (REGNOT) message, includes the cellular telephone's MIN and ESN. The REGNOT message also includes the identity of the cellular base station sending the message. The cellular telephone's home system will respond with a RegistrationNotification Return Result (regnot) message. In the regnot message, the cellular telephone's home system will either indicate that it will take financial responsibility for calls made by the cellular telephone or it will refuse to validate the cellular telephone. If validation occurs, a subsequent exchange of messages establishes the features (such as call forwarding) available to the cellular telephone.
The validation process just described uses the cellular system's control channels. Again, once a cellular telephone call is initiated the control channel that was used to set up the call is released for other purposes.
At least two companies, Cellemetry and Microburst, have developed systems which allow the transmission of information from a cellular telephone to a gateway using the validation signals. Cellemetry, for example, connects a Cellemetry Service Gateway to an IS-41 on a local switch and registers an SID on the IS-41 network. Cellemetry radios transmit RECC signals to local cellular base stations. The local cellular base stations transmit a validation signal to a Cellemetry gateway.
In the RECC signal transmitted from the Cellemetry radio, the MIN normally transmitted in a RECC signal is replaced by a 10-digit equipment identification number, identifying a Cellemetry gateway. The 32-bit ESN normally transmitted can be used as a "payload" to transmit information from the Cellemetry radio or a device incorporating the Cellemetry radio to the Cellemetry gateway. The Cellemetry gateway strips the payload information from the validation signal and sends it to a service provider.
The Microburst system is similar except that the payload is 55 bits instead of 32.
A similar system is used in digital cellular telephone applications such as CDMA and TDMA systems.
Returning to Fig. 1, upon receipt of the page from page satellite 14, the apparatus 12 determines the location and direction of movement, if any, of object 10 using the GPS signals from the GPS system 20. The apparatus then formats the location and movement information into the payload portion of a cellular RECC signal and transmits it to a local cellular base station 24. The MIN portion of the RECC signal may contain a unique MIN or it may be a MIN that is common ΪO all triggerable location-reporting apparatus serviced by a common service provider. Alternatively, the MIN may be different for each of the apparatus.
The cellular base station 24 determines that the apparatus 12 is a roamer and passes a validation signal into the IS-41 system 25 via a local switch 26. The common MIN will cause the cellular base station to direct the validation signal to a gateway 28. The gateway 28 receives the validation signal and reads the payload data and provides it to the service provider 16. The gateway may also use the information regarding the cellular base station that originated the validation signal to determine an approximate location of the cellular telephone and pass that information on to the service provider 16 as well. A company such as Cellemetry or Microburst may provide the gateway or it may be provided by the service provider 16.
The gateway will preferably respond to the cellular base station with a regnot message indicating that the requested roamer status has been denied. The cellular base station will then know not to try to allocate a voice channel to the apparatus. Alternatively, the gateway may return a message to the cellular base station indicating that the request should be dropped. The cellular base station will eventually allow the request to expire. Further, under some circumstances, the cellular base station may signal the apparatus to turn on a voice channel.
The service provider 16 can now communicate the location of the object 10 to the owner 30, lien-holder 18, or to the police 32. A block diagram of the apparatus is shown in Fig. 2. A page receiver 34 receives power through controller 36, which may be a microprocessor such as a PIC processor. Preferably, the power is passed directly through the controller 36. Alternatively, the power may bypass the controller entirely and be applied directly to the page receiver 34. A battery 38 supplies power to the controller 36. Alternatively, an external power source 40 may supply power to the controller 36. As still another alternative, the page receiver 34 may have a pager battery 42 separate from the power supplied to the remaining electronics in the apparatus 12. A separate battery allows the page receiver 34 to remain in a standby state for a long period of time without draining the power supply for the rest of the apparatus.
When the page receiver 34 receives a page over antenna 44 that is addressed to the page receiver 34, the page receiver 34 transmits a "power-on" signal 46 to the controller 36. The controller 36 then switches power to a global position satellite system receiver 48, which receives GPS signals via antenna 50. The GPS receiver 48 acquires the GPS signals and determines a variety of position data regarding apparatus 12. The GPS receiver sends the GPS data 52 to the controller 36.
The controller 36 buffers and reformats the GPS data into a form acceptable to a cellular network transmitter 54. The controller then switches power to the cellular network transmitter and sends a "data to transmit" signal 56 to the cellular network transmitter 54. After the cellular network transmitter (or the controller 36 or a similarly configured modem (not shown)) has had an opportunity to format the "data to transmit" into the payload section of the RECC signal, the cellular network transmitter 54 transmits the RECC signal, including the GPS payload, via antenna 58. The cellular antenna 58 may be combined with the GPS antenna 50. One or both of these antennas (or their combination) may comprise dielectric and conducting materials embedded in the object or attached to it with an adhesive or some other attachment mechanism.
Preferably, the power-on signal 46 is provided to the controller 36 as the result of a page received by the page receiver 34, as discussed above. Alternatively, an external trigger 60 may provide the power-on indication to the controller 36.
A flow chart of the power management provided by the controller 36 is illustrated in Fig. 3. The apparatus 12 receives a page 62. The page receiver wakes up the controller 64. The controller wakes up the GPS receiver and reads the GPS position information 66. The controller wakes up the cellular network transmitter and sends it formatted position information 68. The transmitter transmits the MIN and the payload to the cellular base station which forwards the data via the RECC transmission to the gateway. The controller then puts the cellular network transmitter and GPS receiver back to sleep 70. The controller then goes back to sleep 72. With this power management approach, significant power is being used only when position information is being transmitted over the cellular network. The rest of the time the only drain on system power is the page receiver, which has a very low power requirement when it is waiting for a page. Even this power drain can be eliminated by using a separate pager battery 42, as shown in Fig. 2. The controller may store the last location signal it receives from the GPS receiver. Consequently, if the apparatus receives a subsequent page and the GPS receiver cannot perform its function (because, for example, it is shielded from GPS satellite signals), the apparatus will report the stored position. The apparatus may also report the amount of time that has elapsed since the position information was stored. In another embodiment, the apparatus may turn on a homing beacon 74 (see
Fig. 2) if the GPS receiver is unable to perform its function. The homing beacon will allow the object to be tracked by a receiver tuned to the beacon frequency.
A block diagram of the controller is shown in Fig. 4. GPS data 52 is received by a formatter 76 from the page receiver 34 where it is buffered and formatted into a form acceptable to the cellular network transmitter 54. The formatter 76 buffers the reformatted signal and then transmits it as a "data to transmit" signal 56.
A block diagram of the data formatter is illustrated in Fig. 5. GPS data 52 is buffered by a buffer 78. A data selector 80 selects data from the buffered GPS data 52 to be transmitted to the cellular network transmitter 54. A buffer and formatter 82 buffer the selected data and convert it into a format acceptable to the cellular network transmitter 54. A memory 84 may be provided to store the last reported position from the GPS receiver. The properly formatted "data to transmit" signal 56 is then transmitted to the cellular network transmitter 54.
An example of the data selector function is illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7. The Motorola® GT Plus Oncore™ GPS family of chips produces an digital output signal 86 containing bits representing the latitude, longitude, height, velocity, and heading of the apparatus 12 and the current time, as shown in Fig. 6. Similar products manufactured by other companies may be used instead of the Motorola product. Preferably, only the bits representing latitude, longitude, velocity and heading 88 are included in the data to transmit signal 56, as shown in Fig. 7. Preferably, the bits representing height and current time are discarded (although they may be sent in alternative embodiments). Further, it may be desirable to change the order that the various portions of the information are transmitted. For example, it may be desirable to send the heading portion first. The data selector selects the data to be transmitted and arranges it into the desired order.
Returning to Fig. 4, the controller also performs a power management function, as discussed above. Upon receipt of the power-on signal 46 from the page receiver 34, a power controller 90 opens and closes switch 92 to apply and remove power to the GPS receiver 48. The power controller 90 also opens and closes switch 94 to apply and remove power to the cellular network transmitter 54.
A functional block diagram of the power controller is illustrated in Fig. 8. While Fig. 8 shows the use of delayed action relays it should be understood that any electronics that provide the desired function may be used. The power-on signal from the page receiver is applied to two delayed action relays. Relay 96 engages as soon as the power-on signal is applied, which causes switch 92 to close. Sixty seconds later relay 96 disengages, which causes switch 92 to open. The sixty-second power off delay is adjustable as necessary to allow the GPS receiver 48 sufficient on time to acquire the GPS satellites and determine the location of the apparatus. Relay 98 actuates 45 seconds after the power-on signal is applied. Again, this delay is adjustable so that power is applied to the cellular network transmitter 54 only after the data to transmit signal 56 has been prepared. The cellular network transmitter 54 is turned off 15 seconds after it is turned on, which allows the cellular network transmitter adequate time to transmit the RECC signal to the cellular base station.
The controller may have the ability to determine when the apparatus is moving. It can accomplish this by comparing the location data from the GPS location signal to the location data stored in the memory 84 or by examining the velocity data reported by the GPS receiver. In either case, the controller may leave the GPS receiver power on when the apparatus is moving. The controller can then cause the location data to be reported from time to time (e.g. every five minutes) through the cellular telemetry network by applying power to the cellular network transmitter for a short period of time. The controller may keep the GPS receiver operational for a period of time after the apparatus stops moving. This allows the apparatus to provide continuous updates on its position while it is moving.
Another implementation of the elements enclosed in the dashed box in Fig. 4 is shown in Fig. 9. A microprocessor system 100 receives the power-on signal 46 from the page receiver 34. The microprocessor system may include an interconnected microprocessor, program storage area and data storage area. The storage areas may include random access memory ("RAM") and read only memory ("ROM"). Alternatively, the microprocessor system may be implemented entirely with discrete logic elements or application specific integrated circuits ("ASIC"). The microprocessor system may be implemented with a combination of a microprocessor and discrete and ASIC logic elements.
When the microprocessor receives the power-on signal its stored program causes it to assert and un-assert bit outputs 102 and 104 in sequence, as described above. The program may be developed in assembly language, machine language or a higher order language such as C++ or the function of the program may be accomplished with discrete logic or ASICs or a combination of any of these.
Preferably, the program is compiled and linked as necessary and stored in one of the storage areas for execution by the microprocessor to accomplish the described functions.
A buffer 106 receives GPS data 52 from the GPS receiver 48 and buffers it. The microprocessor system 100 extracts the buffered data through input 108, selects the data to be sent out as payload and rearranges it as necessary. The microprocessor system outputs the selected and arranged data through output 1 10 to a buffer/formatter 112, which formats the "data to transmit" signal 56. Alternatively, the function of the buffer/formatter 112 and/or the buffer 106 may be accomplished by the microprocessor system 100.
Alternatively, the microprocessor system 100 may communicate with the GPS receiver 48, the page receiver 34 and the cellular network transmitter 54 via serial or parallel communication lines 114, 1 16 and 118, respectively. An alternative embodiment of the system that does not use the cellular network is illustrated in Fig. 10. In this embodiment, the apparatus 12 communicates its location and heading to the service provider 16 through telemetry communications through satellite 120.
In use, for example in the automobile recovery application, a lien-holder would contact the service provider and identify an automobile that the lien-holder wants located. The service provider would cause a page to be sent to the apparatus secured within the automobile. The apparatus would receive the page, ascertain its location using the GPS system, and return the location and heading information to the service provider. The service provider could then tell the lien-holder the location and heading of the automobile. Because of the power management feature described above, the service provider could "track" the automobile as it is being driven, providing the lien-holder with multiple readings regarding the automobile's location. Further, the apparatus may be configured to provide multiple updates of its position while it is moving. The same function could be supplied with respect to any object, including large-screen televisions, computers or any other item.
The apparatus could be used to provide a "panic switch" capability, as illustrated in Fig. 1 1. For example, panic switch 122 includes a blue switch 124, a green switch 126, a red switch 128 and a yellow switch 130. Pressing the switches in the correct order (e.g. red, red, green, yellow) will cause the external trigger 60 (Fig. 2) to actuate, causing the position of the panic switch to be reported to through the system illustrated in Fig. 2 to the police or other agency. The police can then query the apparatus 12 located in the panic switch 122 through the service provider in order to track its location if it is moved.
The apparatus could be adapted to respond to alarm conditions associated with an object, such as the traditional car alarm, as illustrated in Fig. 12. For example, when car alarm 132 is tripped, it actuates external trigger 60 (Fig. 2) causing the location of the automobile to be reported via the system shown in Fig. 2. Subsequently, the police, the owner or anyone else with the capability can track the automobile through the service provider by sending pages to the apparatus 12.
The apparatus 12 could be used to locate people, as illustrated in Fig. 13. The apparatus 12 could be hidden in a belt buckle or in the heel of a shoe. Subsequently, if another person became concerned about the location of the person wearing the apparatus, the concerned person could have the service provider page the apparatus 12 and locate and track it as described above.
In another embodiment, illustrated in Fig. 14, the signal from the paging satellite 14 includes command data to be communicated to apparatus 12. The page receiver 34 extracts the command data 140 and transmits it to a page data controller 142, which acts on the commands. The page data controller 142 can be incorporated into the apparatus 12 or it can be a separate device connected to the apparatus 12 by a communications medium such as a cable or an electromagnetic or other type of connection.
The page data controller responds to the command data by actuating or sensing actuators and sensors 144 over signal lines 146. The actuators can be any type of actuator. For example, if the apparatus 12 is installed in an automobile, truck or other wheeled vehicle, the actuators may be the door locks. In that case, the command data may command that the door locks be closed (or opened) in which case the page data controller causes the door locks to be closed (or opened). The page data controller can interface directly with the door locks or it may interface through a microprocessor already present in the automobile.
Other examples of actuators in the automobile context include: an actuator to remove the ground from the door locks so that they cannot be opened; an actuator to lock the trunk or hood of the automobile; an actuator to arm an alarm system; an alarm to trigger the alarm system; an actuator to cause the lights in the automobile to blink on and off; or an actuator to trigger a kill switch to prevent the automobile engine from being started or to turn it off if it is already on.
The page data controller 142 may send a signal to the controller 36 via controller communications lines 148 indicating whether it has complied with the command. The controller 36 may respond by issuing additional commands to the page data controller 142 over the controller communications lines 148 or it may include the information in the data to transmit 56 to be transmitted to the service provider. The page data controller 142 also reads information from sensors (part of block 142) and reports the information to the controller 36 via controller communications lines 148. The page data controller 142 may be incorporated into the controller 36 or it may be a separate module. The controller communications lines 148 may be cables or any other communications medium. The controller 36 may act on the data directly by sending commands back to the page data controller 142 via the controller communications lines 148 or it may include the data in the data to transmit 56 for transmission back to the service provider 16. For example, in the context of long-haul trucking, the sensor may be attached to a locking mechanism on the truck's trailer that senses if the lock has been opened. The page data controller 142 senses the state of the locking mechanism and reports it to the controller 36 via the controller communications lines 148. The controller 36 can then incorporate that information into the data to transmit 56, leaving it to the service provider (or some other entity) to act on the information. Alternatively, the controller 36 can send a command back to the page data controller 142 commanding it to close the lock. The page data controller 142 would then actuate a lock actuator included in actuators and sensors 144 that would cause the trailer to lock.
An example of a locking mechanism adapted to trigger a triggerable location reporting device is illustrated in Fig. 15. A hasp 150 is secured to one of the rear doors (not shown) of a trailer by a hinge (not shown). A staple 152, attached to the other of the rear doors (not shown) of the trailer, fits through a slot 154 in the hasp 150 when the two doors are closed. It will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that the hasp and staple described above are one of many conventional ways of securing one door with respect to another. A lock 156 includes a shackle 158 which extends from one side of the lock
156, through the staple 152, and into the other side of the lock 156. When the shackle 158 goes through the staple 152 as shown and both ends of the shackle 158 are secured in the lock 156 (i.e., the lock is in its "locked" position), the two rear doors cannot be opened. When the shackle 158 is released, through any conventional technique including the use of a key or a combination, one or both ends of the shackle 158 may be removed from the lock 156, freeing the hasp 150 from the staple 152 and allowing the two rear doors to be opened.
A lock position sensor 160 senses when the shackle 158 of the lock 156 is not in its locked position. The sensing device may be a switch 162 which closes (or, alternatively, opens) when the shackle 158 is in its locked position. Alternatively, the sensing device may be a two position switch, one position sensing when the shackle 158 is in its locked position and the other position sensing when the shackle 158 is not in its locked position. Alternatively, the sensor may be an optical sensor that detects the presence of the end of the shackle 158. Another type of sensing device is a wire that runs through the shackle 158 and connects to points inside the lock on either side of the shackle 158 (or the shackle 158 may be conductive so that a wire is not needed). In that case, the sensing device will detect when the shackle 158 is not in place or when the shackle 158 is cut.
The lock position sensor 160 sends a signal 164 to a trigger transmitter 166 which communicates with a trigger receiver 168. The sensor may be configured so that it does not send the signal is opened properly, for example, with a key. The communication of the signal may be electromagnetic, electric, optic or any other means of transmitting a signal from one location to another. The trigger receiver 168, upon receiving the signal from the trigger transmitter 166 sends a signal to the page data controller 142. The page data controller 142 reports the trigger to the triggerable location reporting device 148 via the controller communications lines 148. The controller 36 within the triggerable location reporting device 148 can then incorporate that information into the data to transmit 56, leaving it to the service provider (or some other entity) to act on the information. Further, the trigger receiver can actuate the external trigger signal 60, which will initiate the sending of location data and other data to the service provider.
Other sensors in the automobile context include: a sensor to detect the speed of the automobile; a sensor to detect the number of miles the automobile has traveled; a sensor to detect the state of the door locks (which may have been actuated in response to a command from the page data controller 142); a sensor to detect whether the automobile windows are open; sensors to detect a variety of engine parameters; or a sensor that would allow access to all of the data gathered and stored in the automobiles computer. An antenna system is illustrated in Fig. 16. The cable 170 from the antenna
172 that is supplied with the vehicle is interrupted by a splitter/combiner 174. The splitter/combiner 174 allows the vehicle antenna 172 to be used to receive page signals 176, transmit cellular telemetry signals 178, and continue to operate as an AM/FM antenna as it was originally intended. Further, the grommet 180 that normally separates the antenna 172 from the vehicle 182 is replaced by an antenna 184 which is configured to be visually similar to grommet 180. Because the antenna 184 is visually similar to the grommet 180, antenna 184 is hidden from casual inspection and provides a covert apparatus for receiving GPS signals. A cable 186 carries the GPS signals from the GPS antenna 184 to the triggerable location reporting device 12.
The foregoing describes preferred embodiments of the invention and is given by way of example only. The invention is not limited to any of the specific features described herein, but includes all variations thereof within the scope of the appended claims.
What is claimed is:

Claims

1. A triggerable remote controller comprising a trigger signal including a command; a GPS processor coupled to the trigger signal; a position signal carrying position information generated by the GPS processor in response to the trigger signal; a telemetry transmitter coupled to the position signal; a telemetry transmit signal transmitted by the telemetry transmitter, the telemetry transmit signal carrying the position information; a trigger signal controller coupled to the trigger signal; an actuator coupled to the trigger signal controller, the trigger signal controller configured to attempt to activate the actuator depending on the command.
2. The triggerable remote controller of claim 1 wherein the trigger signal source comprises a page receiver; the trigger signal activating when the page receiver receives a page.
3. The triggerable remote controller of claim 1 further comprising the trigger signal controller coupled to the telemetry transmitter; the trigger signal controller configured to transmit to the telemetry transmitter a command status signal indicating whether the actuator had been actuated; the command status signal being incorporated into the telemetry transmit signal.
4. The triggerable remote controller of claim 1 further comprising the trigger signal controller coupled to an apparatus controller; the trigger signal controller configured to transmit to the apparatus controller a command status signal indicating whether the actuator had been actuated; the apparatus controller configured to transmit to the trigger signal controller an additional command; and the trigger signal controller performing a function in response to the additional command.
5. The triggerable remote controller of claim 4 further comprising a second actuator; the trigger signal controller attempting to actuate the second actuator in response to the additional command.
6. The triggerable remote controller of claim 4 further comprising a sensor; the trigger signal controller attempting to access the sensor in response to the additional command.
7. A triggerable remote controller comprising a trigger signal including a command; a GPS processor coupled to the trigger signal; a position signal carrying position information generated by the GPS processor in response to the trigger signal; a telemetry transmitter coupled to the position signal; a telemetry transmit signal transmitted by the telemetry transmitter, the telemetry transmit signal carrying the position information; a trigger signal controller coupled to the trigger signal; a sensor coupled to the trigger signal controller, the trigger signal controller configured to attempt to access the sensor depending on the command.
8. The triggerable remote controller of claim 7 wherein the trigger signal source comprises a page receiver; the trigger signal activating when the page receiver receives a page.
9. The triggerable remote controller of claim 7 further comprising the trigger signal controller coupled to the telemetry transmitter; the trigger signal controller configured to read information from the sensor when it accesses the sensor; the trigger signal controller configured to transmit the information to the telemetry transmitter; the information being incorporated into the telemetry transmit signal.
7?
10. The triggerable remote controller of claim 7 further comprising the trigger signal controller coupled to an apparatus controller; the trigger signal controller configured to read information from the sensor when it accesses the sensor; the trigger signal controller configured to transmit the information to the apparatus controller; the apparatus controller configured to transmit to the trigger signal controller an additional command in response to the information; and the trigger signal controller performing a function in response to the additional command.
1 1. The triggerable remote controller of claim 10 further comprising an actuator; the trigger signal controller attempting to actuate the actuator in response to the additional command.
12. The triggerable remote controller of claim 10 further comprising a second sensor; the trigger signal controller attempting to access the second sensor in response to the additional command.
13. A method for remotely controlling an object comprising receiving a page incorporating a command; determining, in response to the page, the location of the object using GPS signals; transmitting the location of the object via telemetry; and attempting an action in response to the command.
14. The method of claim 13 further comprising including in the telemetry an indication of whether the function was performed.
15. The method of claim 13 wherein attempting an action comprises actuating an actuator.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising including in the telemetry an indication of whether the actuator was actuated.
17. The method of claim 13 wherein attempting an action comprises sensing information from a sensor.
18. The method of claim 17 further comprising including in the telemetry the information sensed from the sensor.
9. A GPS antenna comprising a housing having a grommet shape; an antenna configured to receive a GPS signal; and the antenna being embedded in the housing.
PCT/US2000/004672 1999-02-25 2000-02-24 Triggerable remote controller WO2000050915A2 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP00914676A EP1163533B1 (en) 1999-02-25 2000-02-24 Triggerable remote controller
AU36033/00A AU3603300A (en) 1999-02-25 2000-02-24 Triggerable remote controller
BR0008570-7A BR0008570A (en) 1999-02-25 2000-02-24 Remote trigger controller, process for remotely controlling an object, and antenna
DE60010064T DE60010064D1 (en) 1999-02-25 2000-02-24 ACTIVATED REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE
AT00914676T ATE265051T1 (en) 1999-02-25 2000-02-24 ACTIVABLE REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/257,772 US6297768B1 (en) 1999-02-25 1999-02-25 Triggerable remote controller
US09/257,772 1999-02-25

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000050915A2 true WO2000050915A2 (en) 2000-08-31
WO2000050915A3 WO2000050915A3 (en) 2001-08-02

Family

ID=22977689

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2000/004672 WO2000050915A2 (en) 1999-02-25 2000-02-24 Triggerable remote controller

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (3) US6297768B1 (en)
EP (2) EP1420379A1 (en)
AT (1) ATE265051T1 (en)
AU (1) AU3603300A (en)
BR (1) BR0008570A (en)
DE (1) DE60010064D1 (en)
WO (1) WO2000050915A2 (en)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002024496A1 (en) * 2000-09-19 2002-03-28 Boomerang Tracking Inc. Tracking system using an existing wireless network
WO2004044670A2 (en) * 2002-11-13 2004-05-27 John Metcalf Position sensitive key and lock (pskl)
WO2005025278A1 (en) * 2003-09-04 2005-03-17 Vernon George Houle A method of controlling movement on the inside and around the outside of a facility
GB2407458A (en) * 2003-08-07 2005-04-27 Radioscape Ltd Preventing use of lost/stolen article by transmission of blocking code
FR2909771A1 (en) * 2006-12-07 2008-06-13 Igl Sarl Alzheimer disease affected person monitoring and localization device, has transmitting unit generating order to switch marker from low energy consumption waking mode to high energy consumption active mode generating carrier geolocation
WO2011078679A1 (en) * 2009-12-24 2011-06-30 Flister B.V. Radio wave transmitter
EP2548040A2 (en) * 2010-03-19 2013-01-23 Seek And Find As Seek and find location method, system and apparatus
CN104973514A (en) * 2015-05-18 2015-10-14 哈尔滨东建机械制造有限公司 Dismantling prevention method for tower crane operating state management and tracking controller
IT201900015896A1 (en) * 2019-09-09 2021-03-09 Alex Filippini SYSTEM FOR DETECTION OF THE POSITION OF A LOST OR STOLEN VEHICLE

Families Citing this family (197)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10361802B1 (en) 1999-02-01 2019-07-23 Blanding Hovenweep, Llc Adaptive pattern recognition based control system and method
US8352400B2 (en) 1991-12-23 2013-01-08 Hoffberg Steven M Adaptive pattern recognition based controller apparatus and method and human-factored interface therefore
US6560461B1 (en) 1997-08-04 2003-05-06 Mundi Fomukong Authorized location reporting paging system
AU2355200A (en) * 1998-12-07 2000-06-26 Global Trak, Inc. Apparatus and method for triggerable location reporting
US7966078B2 (en) 1999-02-01 2011-06-21 Steven Hoffberg Network media appliance system and method
US6611686B1 (en) * 1999-02-09 2003-08-26 Elite Logistics Services, Inc. Tracking control and logistics system and method
US6297768B1 (en) 1999-02-25 2001-10-02 Lunareye, Inc. Triggerable remote controller
US7356494B2 (en) * 1999-05-19 2008-04-08 I.D. Systems, Inc. Robust wireless communications system architecture and asset management applications performed thereon
US7656271B2 (en) * 2002-01-09 2010-02-02 I.D. Systems, Inc. System and method for managing a remotely located asset
WO2000070530A1 (en) * 1999-05-19 2000-11-23 I.D. Systems, Inc. Fully automated vehicle rental system
US6236358B1 (en) * 1999-06-18 2001-05-22 Jennifer Durst Mobile object locator
US6441778B1 (en) 1999-06-18 2002-08-27 Jennifer Durst Pet locator
US6172640B1 (en) * 1999-06-18 2001-01-09 Jennifer Durst Pet locator
US7783508B2 (en) 1999-09-20 2010-08-24 Numerex Corp. Method and system for refining vending operations based on wireless data
US6718177B1 (en) * 1999-09-20 2004-04-06 Cellemetry, Llc System for communicating messages via a forward overhead control channel for a programmable logic control device
US6856808B1 (en) * 1999-10-29 2005-02-15 Cellmetry, Llc Interconnect system and method for multiple protocol short message services
US6771946B1 (en) * 2000-07-31 2004-08-03 Michael F. Oyaski Method of preventing cell phone use while vehicle is in motion
US20050030175A1 (en) * 2003-08-07 2005-02-10 Wolfe Daniel G. Security apparatus, system, and method
US20050179541A1 (en) * 2001-08-31 2005-08-18 Red Wolf Technologies, Inc. Personal property security device
US7245928B2 (en) 2000-10-27 2007-07-17 Cellemetry, Llc Method and system for improved short message services
JP2002164465A (en) * 2000-11-28 2002-06-07 Kyocera Corp Wiring board, wiring board, their mounted board, and multi-chip module
US6469641B1 (en) 2001-02-28 2002-10-22 Beacon Marine Security Limited Marine vessel monitoring system and method
CA2355426A1 (en) * 2001-08-17 2003-02-17 Luther Haave A system and method for asset tracking
WO2003019925A2 (en) * 2001-08-27 2003-03-06 Numerex Corporation Detection and reporting defective telephone lines and alarm events
US7391761B1 (en) 2001-12-21 2008-06-24 At&T Delaware Intellectual Property, Inc. System and method for voice over internet protocol using a standard telephone system
US8477758B2 (en) 2001-12-21 2013-07-02 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Voice over network (VoN)/voice over internet protocol (VoIP) architect having hotline and optional tie line
US7801289B2 (en) * 2001-12-21 2010-09-21 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Voice-over network (VoN)/voice-over internet protocol (VoIP) architect using advance intelligent network alternatives
US6693585B1 (en) * 2002-02-07 2004-02-17 Aradiant Corporation Self-contained selectively activated mobile object position reporting device with reduced power consumption and minimized wireless service fees.
US8918073B2 (en) 2002-03-28 2014-12-23 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Wireless telecommunications location based services scheme selection
US6718237B1 (en) 2002-03-28 2004-04-06 Numerex Investment Corp. Method for reducing capacity demands for conveying geographic location information over capacity constrained wireless systems
US8126889B2 (en) 2002-03-28 2012-02-28 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Location fidelity adjustment based on mobile subscriber privacy profile
US8290505B2 (en) 2006-08-29 2012-10-16 Telecommunications Systems, Inc. Consequential location derived information
US7426380B2 (en) 2002-03-28 2008-09-16 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Location derived presence information
US7526076B2 (en) * 2002-03-29 2009-04-28 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Audio delivery of caller identification information
US7729687B2 (en) * 2002-04-01 2010-06-01 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Audio delivery of callerid information to a wireless communications device
US7317714B2 (en) * 2002-06-21 2008-01-08 At&T Deleware Intellectual Property, Inc. Internet call waiting messaging
US6931117B2 (en) * 2002-06-21 2005-08-16 Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation Caller control of internet call waiting
US20040036597A1 (en) * 2002-08-20 2004-02-26 Bluespan, L.L.C. Directional finding system implementing a rolling code
US7411495B2 (en) * 2002-08-27 2008-08-12 Hi-G-Tek Ltd. Smart container monitoring system
US6753775B2 (en) * 2002-08-27 2004-06-22 Hi-G-Tek Ltd. Smart container monitoring system
US7027842B2 (en) * 2002-09-24 2006-04-11 Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation Apparatus and method for providing hands-free operation of a device
US7899500B2 (en) * 2002-09-24 2011-03-01 At&T Intellectual Property I, L. P. Apparatus and method for providing hands-free operation of a device
US8666397B2 (en) 2002-12-13 2014-03-04 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Area event handling when current network does not cover target area
US7127220B2 (en) * 2002-12-23 2006-10-24 Spectrasite Communications Inc Apparatus and method to monitor and control power
US6838996B2 (en) * 2002-12-24 2005-01-04 Walter Deimel Apparatus and method improving safety in the operation of a crane
JP2004208183A (en) * 2002-12-26 2004-07-22 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Positional information notification system and communication terminal
US7715538B2 (en) * 2003-04-29 2010-05-11 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Privacy screening services
US20040232228A1 (en) * 2003-05-20 2004-11-25 Gotfried Bradley L. Monitoring system
US6888445B2 (en) * 2003-05-20 2005-05-03 Bradley L. Gotfried Vehicle identification system
US6923370B2 (en) * 2003-05-20 2005-08-02 Bradley L. Gotfried Access system
US7375654B2 (en) 2003-08-01 2008-05-20 Spectrum Tracking Systems, Inc. Method and system for providing tracking services to locate an asset
US20050029872A1 (en) * 2003-08-08 2005-02-10 Ehrman Kenneth S. Universal power supply
US7610210B2 (en) * 2003-09-04 2009-10-27 Hartford Fire Insurance Company System for the acquisition of technology risk mitigation information associated with insurance
US7711584B2 (en) 2003-09-04 2010-05-04 Hartford Fire Insurance Company System for reducing the risk associated with an insured building structure through the incorporation of selected technologies
US9311676B2 (en) 2003-09-04 2016-04-12 Hartford Fire Insurance Company Systems and methods for analyzing sensor data
DE10347836A1 (en) * 2003-10-10 2005-05-04 Daimler Chrysler Ag Vehicle data bus system
US8332910B2 (en) * 2003-10-13 2012-12-11 General Electric Company Method and apparatus for selective data control
US7260186B2 (en) 2004-03-23 2007-08-21 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Solutions for voice over internet protocol (VoIP) 911 location services
US20080090546A1 (en) 2006-10-17 2008-04-17 Richard Dickinson Enhanced E911 network access for a call center using session initiation protocol (SIP) messaging
US20080126535A1 (en) 2006-11-28 2008-05-29 Yinjun Zhu User plane location services over session initiation protocol (SIP)
US7483519B2 (en) 2003-12-23 2009-01-27 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Caller controlled systems to suppress system to de-activate 911 indicator
US7529351B2 (en) * 2003-12-23 2009-05-05 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Activating home network devices when 911 indicator
US7355507B2 (en) * 2003-12-23 2008-04-08 At&T Delaware Intellectual Property, Inc. 911 Emergency light
US8090599B2 (en) 2003-12-30 2012-01-03 Hartford Fire Insurance Company Method and system for computerized insurance underwriting
US7783505B2 (en) 2003-12-30 2010-08-24 Hartford Fire Insurance Company System and method for computerized insurance rating
US20050159890A1 (en) * 2004-01-16 2005-07-21 Humphries Laymon S. Method and system for scheduling of data retrieval from mobile telemetry devices
US7323970B1 (en) 2004-01-21 2008-01-29 Numerex Corporation Method and system for remote interaction with a vehicle via wireless communication
US7068760B2 (en) * 2004-01-30 2006-06-27 Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation Systems and methods for providing location signals/indicators when 911 dialed
US7245704B2 (en) * 2004-01-30 2007-07-17 Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation Automated third party call activated when 911 dialed
US7620156B2 (en) 2006-06-06 2009-11-17 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Systems and methods for providing location signals/indicators when 911 dialed
US20050170850A1 (en) * 2004-02-04 2005-08-04 Eric Edwards Methods and apparatuses for selectively disabling functionality of a device
KR100584446B1 (en) * 2004-02-11 2006-05-26 삼성전자주식회사 Method for controlling operation mode of mobile terminal in broadband wireless access communication system
US20060115057A1 (en) * 2004-04-30 2006-06-01 Donald Laliberte Method and system for control of a voice/data communications device using a radio frequency component
US7783013B2 (en) 2004-04-30 2010-08-24 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Method and system for routing emergency communications
DE102004061781B4 (en) * 2004-05-04 2017-11-23 Volkswagen Ag Key for a motor vehicle
US7580405B2 (en) 2004-05-27 2009-08-25 At&T Intellectual Property I, L. P. Method and system for routing emergency data communications
TWI246973B (en) * 2004-06-30 2006-01-11 Sin Etke Technology Co Ltd Vehicle anti-thief system by making the vehicle unable to operate normally
US20060029195A1 (en) * 2004-08-18 2006-02-09 Karen Mullis Methods, apparatus and computer program products for message notification in a voice over internet protocol communication system
US7626950B2 (en) * 2004-08-18 2009-12-01 At&T Intellectual Property, I,L.P. SIP-based session control among a plurality of multimedia devices
US7630328B2 (en) * 2004-08-18 2009-12-08 At&T Intellectual Property, I,L.P. SIP-based session control
US7937485B2 (en) * 2004-08-31 2011-05-03 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Streaming gateway
US7623155B2 (en) * 2004-09-29 2009-11-24 Kelliher Christopher R GPS enhanced camera for transmitting real-time trail data over a satellite/cellular communication channel
US8085309B1 (en) 2004-09-29 2011-12-27 Kelliher Christopher R GPS enhanced camera for transmitting real-time trail data over a satellite/cellular communication channel
US7113128B1 (en) 2004-10-15 2006-09-26 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Culled satellite ephemeris information for quick, accurate assisted locating satellite location determination for cell site antennas
US7629926B2 (en) 2004-10-15 2009-12-08 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Culled satellite ephemeris information for quick, accurate assisted locating satellite location determination for cell site antennas
US7411546B2 (en) * 2004-10-15 2008-08-12 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Other cell sites used as reference point to cull satellite ephemeris information for quick, accurate assisted locating satellite location determination
US6985105B1 (en) 2004-10-15 2006-01-10 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Culled satellite ephemeris information based on limiting a span of an inverted cone for locating satellite in-range determinations
TWI235718B (en) * 2004-10-29 2005-07-11 Sin Etke Technology Co Ltd Vehicular antitheft device featured with GPS recognition
GB2421619B (en) * 2004-12-09 2009-12-23 Dean John William Corrigan A communications system
US7455225B1 (en) 2005-02-22 2008-11-25 Sabioso, Inc. Method and system for monitoring and controlling goods while in transit
CN101185347A (en) 2005-03-01 2008-05-21 I.D.系统公司 Mobile portal for rfid applications
AU2006218710A1 (en) * 2005-03-01 2006-09-08 I.D. Systems, Inc. Mobile portal for RFID applications
US7453396B2 (en) * 2005-04-04 2008-11-18 Atc Technologies, Llc Radioterminals and associated operating methods that alternate transmission of wireless communications and processing of global positioning system signals
US7353034B2 (en) 2005-04-04 2008-04-01 X One, Inc. Location sharing and tracking using mobile phones or other wireless devices
US20060276199A1 (en) * 2005-06-02 2006-12-07 Omega Patents, L.L.C. Vehicle tracker having selectable transceiver mute mode and associated methods
US8830035B2 (en) * 2005-06-30 2014-09-09 Farpointe Data, Inc. Power consumption management for an RFID reader
US8660573B2 (en) 2005-07-19 2014-02-25 Telecommunications Systems, Inc. Location service requests throttling
US9282451B2 (en) 2005-09-26 2016-03-08 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Automatic location identification (ALI) service requests steering, connection sharing and protocol translation
US7825780B2 (en) 2005-10-05 2010-11-02 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Cellular augmented vehicle alarm notification together with location services for position of an alarming vehicle
US8532718B2 (en) * 2005-10-06 2013-09-10 Broadcom Corporation Mobile communication device with low power signal detector
US7907551B2 (en) 2005-10-06 2011-03-15 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) location based 911 conferencing
US8467320B2 (en) 2005-10-06 2013-06-18 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) multi-user conferencing
US7590432B2 (en) * 2005-10-06 2009-09-15 Broadcom Corporation Mobile communication device with low power receiver for signal detection
US8355757B2 (en) * 2005-10-06 2013-01-15 Broadcom Corporation System and method providing low power operation in a multimode communication device
US8397310B2 (en) * 2005-10-11 2013-03-12 Earl H. Parris Smart container system for charging, storing, and using electronic devices
US8150363B2 (en) 2006-02-16 2012-04-03 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Enhanced E911 network access for call centers
US8059789B2 (en) 2006-02-24 2011-11-15 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Automatic location identification (ALI) emergency services pseudo key (ESPK)
US7471236B1 (en) 2006-03-01 2008-12-30 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Cellular augmented radar/laser detector
US7899450B2 (en) 2006-03-01 2011-03-01 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Cellular augmented radar/laser detection using local mobile network within cellular network
US9167553B2 (en) 2006-03-01 2015-10-20 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. GeoNexus proximity detector network
US20080246656A1 (en) * 2006-04-25 2008-10-09 Ghazarian Ohanes D Automatic GPS tracking system with passive battery circuitry
US20070247359A1 (en) * 2006-04-25 2007-10-25 Ghazarian Ohanes D Automatic GPS tracking system with passive battery circuitry
US8208605B2 (en) 2006-05-04 2012-06-26 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Extended efficient usage of emergency services keys
WO2007136723A2 (en) 2006-05-17 2007-11-29 Numerex Corp. System and method for prolonging wireless data product's life
US20080258890A1 (en) * 2006-05-22 2008-10-23 Todd Follmer System and Method for Remotely Deactivating a Vehicle
US8630768B2 (en) 2006-05-22 2014-01-14 Inthinc Technology Solutions, Inc. System and method for monitoring vehicle parameters and driver behavior
US9067565B2 (en) 2006-05-22 2015-06-30 Inthinc Technology Solutions, Inc. System and method for evaluating driver behavior
US7653186B2 (en) * 2006-05-26 2010-01-26 Aeris Communications, Inc. System and method for event communication correlation
US7391231B2 (en) * 2006-06-19 2008-06-24 International Business Machines Corporation Switch selectable terminator for differential and pseudo-differential signaling
US20090231189A1 (en) * 2006-07-03 2009-09-17 Tanla Solutions Limited Vehicle tracking and security using an ad-hoc wireless mesh and method thereof
JP2008037414A (en) * 2006-07-11 2008-02-21 Denso Corp Vehicle communication system
US20080077451A1 (en) * 2006-09-22 2008-03-27 Hartford Fire Insurance Company System for synergistic data processing
US7899610B2 (en) * 2006-10-02 2011-03-01 Inthinc Technology Solutions, Inc. System and method for reconfiguring an electronic control unit of a motor vehicle to optimize fuel economy
WO2008057477A2 (en) 2006-11-03 2008-05-15 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Roaming gateway enabling location based services (lbs) roaming for user plane in cdma networks without requiring use of a mobile positioning center (mpc)
US8359209B2 (en) * 2006-12-19 2013-01-22 Hartford Fire Insurance Company System and method for predicting and responding to likelihood of volatility
US7945497B2 (en) * 2006-12-22 2011-05-17 Hartford Fire Insurance Company System and method for utilizing interrelated computerized predictive models
US8731146B2 (en) 2007-01-04 2014-05-20 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Call re-directed based on voice command
US7672142B2 (en) * 2007-01-05 2010-03-02 Apple Inc. Grounded flexible circuits
CN101236686B (en) * 2007-02-02 2010-11-03 厦门雅迅网络股份有限公司 Vehicle anti-theft remote self-help alarming method
US8265605B2 (en) 2007-02-06 2012-09-11 Numerex Corp. Service escrowed transportable wireless event reporting system
US8050386B2 (en) 2007-02-12 2011-11-01 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Mobile automatic location identification (ALI) for first responders
US8825277B2 (en) * 2007-06-05 2014-09-02 Inthinc Technology Solutions, Inc. System and method for the collection, correlation and use of vehicle collision data
US8666590B2 (en) 2007-06-22 2014-03-04 Inthinc Technology Solutions, Inc. System and method for naming, filtering, and recall of remotely monitored event data
US9129460B2 (en) 2007-06-25 2015-09-08 Inthinc Technology Solutions, Inc. System and method for monitoring and improving driver behavior
US7999670B2 (en) 2007-07-02 2011-08-16 Inthinc Technology Solutions, Inc. System and method for defining areas of interest and modifying asset monitoring in relation thereto
US8818618B2 (en) 2007-07-17 2014-08-26 Inthinc Technology Solutions, Inc. System and method for providing a user interface for vehicle monitoring system users and insurers
US8577703B2 (en) 2007-07-17 2013-11-05 Inthinc Technology Solutions, Inc. System and method for categorizing driving behavior using driver mentoring and/or monitoring equipment to determine an underwriting risk
US9117246B2 (en) 2007-07-17 2015-08-25 Inthinc Technology Solutions, Inc. System and method for providing a user interface for vehicle mentoring system users and insurers
US20090023425A1 (en) * 2007-07-20 2009-01-22 Syed Zaeem Hosain System and method for mobile terminated event communication correlation
US20090043615A1 (en) * 2007-08-07 2009-02-12 Hartford Fire Insurance Company Systems and methods for predictive data analysis
US20090051510A1 (en) * 2007-08-21 2009-02-26 Todd Follmer System and Method for Detecting and Reporting Vehicle Damage
US7876205B2 (en) 2007-10-02 2011-01-25 Inthinc Technology Solutions, Inc. System and method for detecting use of a wireless device in a moving vehicle
US8467804B2 (en) * 2007-10-16 2013-06-18 Sony Corporation Mobile terminals and methods for regulating power-on/off of a GPS positioning circuit
US7929530B2 (en) 2007-11-30 2011-04-19 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Ancillary data support in session initiation protocol (SIP) messaging
US9130963B2 (en) 2011-04-06 2015-09-08 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Ancillary data support in session initiation protocol (SIP) messaging
US20090177336A1 (en) * 2008-01-07 2009-07-09 Mcclellan Scott System and Method for Triggering Vehicle Functions
US9665910B2 (en) * 2008-02-20 2017-05-30 Hartford Fire Insurance Company System and method for providing customized safety feedback
US8688180B2 (en) 2008-08-06 2014-04-01 Inthinc Technology Solutions, Inc. System and method for detecting use of a wireless device while driving
US8068587B2 (en) 2008-08-22 2011-11-29 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Nationwide table routing of voice over internet protocol (VOIP) emergency calls
US8892128B2 (en) 2008-10-14 2014-11-18 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Location based geo-reminders
WO2010044837A1 (en) 2008-10-14 2010-04-22 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Location based proximity alert
US20100099432A1 (en) * 2008-10-21 2010-04-22 Enfora, Inc. Wireless device provisioning tool
US8963702B2 (en) 2009-02-13 2015-02-24 Inthinc Technology Solutions, Inc. System and method for viewing and correcting data in a street mapping database
US9301191B2 (en) 2013-09-20 2016-03-29 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Quality of service to over the top applications used with VPN
US8355934B2 (en) * 2010-01-25 2013-01-15 Hartford Fire Insurance Company Systems and methods for prospecting business insurance customers
US8336664B2 (en) 2010-07-09 2012-12-25 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Telematics basic mobile device safety interlock
WO2012005769A1 (en) 2010-07-09 2012-01-12 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Location privacy selector
US9460471B2 (en) 2010-07-16 2016-10-04 Hartford Fire Insurance Company System and method for an automated validation system
KR20120012943A (en) * 2010-08-03 2012-02-13 한국전자통신연구원 Real time location system and method using rfid tags which relay gps signal
US8688087B2 (en) 2010-12-17 2014-04-01 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. N-dimensional affinity confluencer
US8942743B2 (en) 2010-12-17 2015-01-27 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. iALERT enhanced alert manager
WO2012141762A1 (en) 2011-02-25 2012-10-18 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Mobile internet protocol (ip) location
KR101476114B1 (en) 2011-08-02 2014-12-23 캐비엄, 인코포레이티드 Lookup front end input processor
US9208438B2 (en) 2011-08-02 2015-12-08 Cavium, Inc. Duplication in decision trees
US9183244B2 (en) 2011-08-02 2015-11-10 Cavium, Inc. Rule modification in decision trees
US8649806B2 (en) 2011-09-02 2014-02-11 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Aggregate location dynometer (ALD)
US9479344B2 (en) 2011-09-16 2016-10-25 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Anonymous voice conversation
US20130069776A1 (en) * 2011-09-19 2013-03-21 Babaco Alarm Systems, Inc. Battery power regulated gps tracking system for cargo trucks
US8831556B2 (en) 2011-09-30 2014-09-09 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Unique global identifier header for minimizing prank emergency 911 calls
US9313637B2 (en) 2011-12-05 2016-04-12 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Wireless emergency caller profile data delivery over a legacy interface
US8984591B2 (en) 2011-12-16 2015-03-17 Telecommunications Systems, Inc. Authentication via motion of wireless device movement
US9384339B2 (en) 2012-01-13 2016-07-05 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Authenticating cloud computing enabling secure services
CN102602811B (en) * 2012-03-06 2014-07-16 徐州重型机械有限公司 Method, device and system for preventing disassembling of global positioning system (GPS) terminal of crane
US8688174B2 (en) 2012-03-13 2014-04-01 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Integrated, detachable ear bud device for a wireless phone
US9307372B2 (en) 2012-03-26 2016-04-05 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. No responders online
US9544260B2 (en) 2012-03-26 2017-01-10 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Rapid assignment dynamic ownership queue
US9338153B2 (en) 2012-04-11 2016-05-10 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Secure distribution of non-privileged authentication credentials
US9313638B2 (en) 2012-08-15 2016-04-12 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Device independent caller data access for emergency calls
US9208346B2 (en) 2012-09-05 2015-12-08 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Persona-notitia intellection codifier
US9456301B2 (en) 2012-12-11 2016-09-27 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Efficient prisoner tracking
US10083200B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2018-09-25 Cavium, Inc. Batch incremental update
US9195939B1 (en) 2013-03-15 2015-11-24 Cavium, Inc. Scope in decision trees
US9595003B1 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-03-14 Cavium, Inc. Compiler with mask nodes
US10229144B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-03-12 Cavium, Llc NSP manager
US8983047B2 (en) 2013-03-20 2015-03-17 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Index of suspicion determination for communications request
US9408034B2 (en) 2013-09-09 2016-08-02 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Extended area event for network based proximity discovery
US9516104B2 (en) 2013-09-11 2016-12-06 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Intelligent load balancer enhanced routing
US9479897B2 (en) 2013-10-03 2016-10-25 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. SUPL-WiFi access point controller location based services for WiFi enabled mobile devices
US9172477B2 (en) 2013-10-30 2015-10-27 Inthinc Technology Solutions, Inc. Wireless device detection using multiple antennas separated by an RF shield
US9275336B2 (en) 2013-12-31 2016-03-01 Cavium, Inc. Method and system for skipping over group(s) of rules based on skip group rule
US9544402B2 (en) 2013-12-31 2017-01-10 Cavium, Inc. Multi-rule approach to encoding a group of rules
US9667446B2 (en) 2014-01-08 2017-05-30 Cavium, Inc. Condition code approach for comparing rule and packet data that are provided in portions
DE102015113110B4 (en) * 2015-08-10 2019-03-14 MAQUET GmbH Drive device at least one drive device of a surgical table and method for driving
US10438431B2 (en) * 2016-06-30 2019-10-08 Integrated Device Technology, Inc. Wireless powered digital lock
US10394871B2 (en) 2016-10-18 2019-08-27 Hartford Fire Insurance Company System to predict future performance characteristic for an electronic record
US11125493B2 (en) 2018-03-07 2021-09-21 Carrier Corporation Method and system for controlling use of a portable cooling container
US11527147B2 (en) * 2019-08-09 2022-12-13 TeamOfDefenders LLC Devices, systems, and methods for monitoring controlled spaces for transitory uses

Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0242099A2 (en) * 1986-04-09 1987-10-21 Advanced Strategics, Inc. Anti-theft and locating system
US5334974A (en) * 1992-02-06 1994-08-02 Simms James R Personal security system
GB2279478A (en) * 1993-06-26 1995-01-04 Ian Paul Downing Hunter Vehicle security
WO1995013943A1 (en) * 1993-11-19 1995-05-26 J.F.A. Technology, Inc. System and method for remotely tripping a switch
WO1995017686A1 (en) * 1993-12-20 1995-06-29 Industrial Research Limited Radio location determination and notification
FR2718532A1 (en) * 1994-04-07 1995-10-13 Loisel Yves Self-protected remote monitoring and control system for fixed or mobile units
WO1996009941A1 (en) * 1994-09-29 1996-04-04 Trimble Navigation Concealed mobile communications system
US5515043A (en) * 1994-08-17 1996-05-07 Berard; Alfredo J. Cellular/GPS system for vehicle tracking
EP0799753A2 (en) * 1996-02-27 1997-10-08 DeTex Deutsche Textfunk GmbH Method and device for locating vehicles
DE19733579A1 (en) * 1997-08-02 1999-02-04 Kdm Sicherheitstechnik Gmbh Motor vehicle monitoring method
US5898391A (en) * 1996-01-03 1999-04-27 Jefferies; James Vehicle tracking system

Family Cites Families (62)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4651157A (en) 1985-05-07 1987-03-17 Mets, Inc. Security monitoring and tracking system
US4750197A (en) 1986-11-10 1988-06-07 Denekamp Mark L Integrated cargo security system
US4688244A (en) 1986-11-10 1987-08-18 Marwan Hannon Integrated cargo security system
US5187805A (en) 1989-10-02 1993-02-16 Motorola, Inc. Telemetry, tracking and control for satellite cellular communication systems
US5546444A (en) 1994-03-11 1996-08-13 Bellsouth Corporation Methods and apparatus for communicating data via a cellular network control channel
JPH0685727A (en) 1991-09-30 1994-03-25 Tokyo Electric Power Co Inc:The Mobile body communication system
US5539810A (en) 1992-01-27 1996-07-23 Highwaymaster Communications, Inc. Data messaging in a communications network
US5826195A (en) 1992-01-27 1998-10-20 Highwaymaster Communications, Inc. Data messaging in a communications network
US5808564A (en) 1992-02-06 1998-09-15 Simms Security Corp. Personal security system with remote activation
US5223844B1 (en) 1992-04-17 2000-01-25 Auto Trac Inc Vehicle tracking and security system
US5396540A (en) 1992-07-23 1995-03-07 Rockwell International Corporation Remote vehicle communications system and method
GB2271486B (en) 1992-10-07 1997-04-16 Motorola Ltd A communication system
US5777580A (en) 1992-11-18 1998-07-07 Trimble Navigation Limited Vehicle location system
US5418537A (en) 1992-11-18 1995-05-23 Trimble Navigation, Ltd. Location of missing vehicles
US5422813A (en) 1992-12-17 1995-06-06 Stanford Telecommunications, Inc. No-outage GPS/commercial RF positioning system
GB2274188A (en) 1993-01-12 1994-07-13 Tarek Ahmed Fouad Total security system
JPH06308218A (en) 1993-04-27 1994-11-04 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Gps receiving device
US5673305A (en) 1993-05-14 1997-09-30 Worldwide Notification Systems, Inc. Apparatus and method for tracking and reporting the location of a motor vehicle
US5917405A (en) * 1993-06-08 1999-06-29 Joao; Raymond Anthony Control apparatus and methods for vehicles
US5479482A (en) 1993-08-30 1995-12-26 At&T Corp. Cellular terminal for providing public emergency call location information
US5497149A (en) 1993-09-02 1996-03-05 Fast; Ray Global security system
US5557254A (en) 1993-11-16 1996-09-17 Mobile Security Communications, Inc. Programmable vehicle monitoring and security system having multiple access verification devices
US5588038A (en) 1993-11-19 1996-12-24 J.F.A. Tech., Inc. System and method for signaling a device at a remote location over a wireless network
US5629693A (en) 1993-11-24 1997-05-13 Trimble Navigation Limited Clandestine location reporting by a missing vehicle
US5929752A (en) 1993-11-24 1999-07-27 Trimble Navigation Limited Clandestine missing vehicle location reporting using cellular channels
US5652570A (en) 1994-05-19 1997-07-29 Lepkofker; Robert Individual location system
EP0734562A1 (en) 1994-10-13 1996-10-02 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. A wireless object locating system and a central station and a radio alarm apparatus
US5786789A (en) 1994-11-14 1998-07-28 Trimble Navigation Limited GPS and cellphone unit having add-on modules
WO1996026614A1 (en) 1995-02-24 1996-08-29 Global Locating Systems, Inc. Locating device and system using cellular technologies
US5532690A (en) 1995-04-04 1996-07-02 Itt Corporation Apparatus and method for monitoring and bounding the path of a ground vehicle
US5686910A (en) 1995-04-10 1997-11-11 Ford Motor Company Vehicular emergency message system with automatic periodic call-in
US5572204A (en) 1995-04-10 1996-11-05 Ford Motor Company Vehicular emergency message system
US5742509A (en) 1995-04-11 1998-04-21 Trimble Navigation Limited Personal tracking system integrated with base station
US6732077B1 (en) 1995-05-12 2004-05-04 Trimble Navigation Limited Speech recognizing GIS/GPS/AVL system
ES2110360B1 (en) 1995-06-15 1998-10-01 Segurmap Sa VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEM.
US5640139A (en) 1995-09-14 1997-06-17 Egeberg; Gerald W. Wireless control of electronic door locking devices for trailers
US5825327A (en) 1996-03-08 1998-10-20 Snaptrack, Inc. GPS receivers and garments containing GPS receivers and methods for using these GPS receivers
US5794174A (en) 1995-10-18 1998-08-11 Trimble Navigation Limited System for automatic vehicle location viewing via television
US5811886A (en) 1995-12-06 1998-09-22 Alertcall, Inc. Anti-carjacking apparatus
US5933100A (en) 1995-12-27 1999-08-03 Mitsubishi Electric Information Technology Center America, Inc. Automobile navigation system with dynamic traffic data
US5845203A (en) 1996-01-25 1998-12-01 Aertis Cormmunications Remote access application messaging wireless method
US5797134A (en) 1996-01-29 1998-08-18 Progressive Casualty Insurance Company Motor vehicle monitoring system for determining a cost of insurance
US5736962A (en) 1996-02-28 1998-04-07 Tendler Cellular, Inc. Time since last fix annunciation system for GPS-based wireless rescue system
IT1286178B1 (en) 1996-03-29 1998-07-07 Giuliano Landi SYSTEM FOR LOCALIZATION OF VEHICLES OR MOBILE OBJECTS
US5926086A (en) 1996-05-03 1999-07-20 Escareno; Joe System and method for vehicle theft prevention and recovery
US5929086A (en) 1996-05-10 1999-07-27 Pharmacia & Upjohn Company Topical administration of antimicrobial agents for the treatment of systemic bacterial diseases
US5838237A (en) 1996-05-22 1998-11-17 Revell; Graeme Charles Personal alarm device
US5914675A (en) 1996-05-23 1999-06-22 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Emergency locator device transmitting location data by wireless telephone communications
WO1998000988A2 (en) 1996-07-01 1998-01-08 Ericsson Inc. Method and apparatus for communicating information on mobile station position within a cellular telephone network
US6199045B1 (en) 1996-08-15 2001-03-06 Spatial Adventures, Inc. Method and apparatus for providing position-related information to mobile recipients
US5939975A (en) * 1996-09-19 1999-08-17 Nds Ltd. Theft prevention system and method
US6069570A (en) 1996-09-20 2000-05-30 Atx Technologies, Inc. Asset location system
US5973618A (en) * 1996-09-25 1999-10-26 Ellis; Christ G. Intelligent walking stick
US5918172A (en) 1996-09-27 1999-06-29 Highwaymaster Communications, Inc. Multiple number assignment module communication
US5873043A (en) 1996-12-18 1999-02-16 Cellemetry Llc System for communicating messages via a forward overhead control channel
US5742233A (en) 1997-01-21 1998-04-21 Hoffman Resources, Llc Personal security and tracking system
US5918157A (en) * 1997-03-18 1999-06-29 Globalstar L.P. Satellite communications system having distributed user assignment and resource assignment with terrestrial gateways
US5930713A (en) 1997-05-28 1999-07-27 Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ) Proactive communication of mobile station position information following inter-exchange handoff
US5940004A (en) 1997-12-18 1999-08-17 Fulton; John G. Personal recovery system
US6054928A (en) 1998-06-04 2000-04-25 Lemelson Jerome H. Prisoner tracking and warning system and corresponding methods
US6876858B1 (en) 1999-01-20 2005-04-05 Lojack Operating Company, Lp Methods of and system for portable cellular phone voice communication and positional location data communication using the cellular phone network control channel
US6297768B1 (en) * 1999-02-25 2001-10-02 Lunareye, Inc. Triggerable remote controller

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0242099A2 (en) * 1986-04-09 1987-10-21 Advanced Strategics, Inc. Anti-theft and locating system
US5334974A (en) * 1992-02-06 1994-08-02 Simms James R Personal security system
GB2279478A (en) * 1993-06-26 1995-01-04 Ian Paul Downing Hunter Vehicle security
WO1995013943A1 (en) * 1993-11-19 1995-05-26 J.F.A. Technology, Inc. System and method for remotely tripping a switch
WO1995017686A1 (en) * 1993-12-20 1995-06-29 Industrial Research Limited Radio location determination and notification
FR2718532A1 (en) * 1994-04-07 1995-10-13 Loisel Yves Self-protected remote monitoring and control system for fixed or mobile units
US5515043A (en) * 1994-08-17 1996-05-07 Berard; Alfredo J. Cellular/GPS system for vehicle tracking
WO1996009941A1 (en) * 1994-09-29 1996-04-04 Trimble Navigation Concealed mobile communications system
US5898391A (en) * 1996-01-03 1999-04-27 Jefferies; James Vehicle tracking system
EP0799753A2 (en) * 1996-02-27 1997-10-08 DeTex Deutsche Textfunk GmbH Method and device for locating vehicles
DE19733579A1 (en) * 1997-08-02 1999-02-04 Kdm Sicherheitstechnik Gmbh Motor vehicle monitoring method

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002024496A1 (en) * 2000-09-19 2002-03-28 Boomerang Tracking Inc. Tracking system using an existing wireless network
WO2004044670A2 (en) * 2002-11-13 2004-05-27 John Metcalf Position sensitive key and lock (pskl)
WO2004044670A3 (en) * 2002-11-13 2004-10-28 John Metcalf Position sensitive key and lock (pskl)
GB2407458A (en) * 2003-08-07 2005-04-27 Radioscape Ltd Preventing use of lost/stolen article by transmission of blocking code
GB2407458B (en) * 2003-08-07 2006-05-24 Radioscape Ltd Method of preventing use of a lost or stolen device including a digital transmission receiver
WO2005025278A1 (en) * 2003-09-04 2005-03-17 Vernon George Houle A method of controlling movement on the inside and around the outside of a facility
FR2909771A1 (en) * 2006-12-07 2008-06-13 Igl Sarl Alzheimer disease affected person monitoring and localization device, has transmitting unit generating order to switch marker from low energy consumption waking mode to high energy consumption active mode generating carrier geolocation
WO2011078679A1 (en) * 2009-12-24 2011-06-30 Flister B.V. Radio wave transmitter
EP2548040A2 (en) * 2010-03-19 2013-01-23 Seek And Find As Seek and find location method, system and apparatus
EP2548040A4 (en) * 2010-03-19 2013-12-25 Seek And Find As Seek and find location method, system and apparatus
US9451407B2 (en) 2010-03-19 2016-09-20 Seek And Find As Seek and find location method, system and apparatus
CN104973514A (en) * 2015-05-18 2015-10-14 哈尔滨东建机械制造有限公司 Dismantling prevention method for tower crane operating state management and tracking controller
IT201900015896A1 (en) * 2019-09-09 2021-03-09 Alex Filippini SYSTEM FOR DETECTION OF THE POSITION OF A LOST OR STOLEN VEHICLE

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US6476763B2 (en) 2002-11-05
EP1163533B1 (en) 2004-04-21
DE60010064D1 (en) 2004-05-27
WO2000050915A3 (en) 2001-08-02
ATE265051T1 (en) 2004-05-15
AU3603300A (en) 2000-09-14
EP1163533A2 (en) 2001-12-19
US20030063027A1 (en) 2003-04-03
BR0008570A (en) 2003-01-07
EP1420379A1 (en) 2004-05-19
US20020018014A1 (en) 2002-02-14
US6297768B1 (en) 2001-10-02
US6710738B2 (en) 2004-03-23

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6476763B2 (en) Triggerable remote controller
US6484035B2 (en) Apparatus and method for triggerable location reporting
US7561102B2 (en) Method of and system for expanding localized missing customer-vehicle law enforcement-aided VHF recovery networks with location-on-demand supplemental service features via such networks for improved law enforcement-aided recovery, and via the internet for providing supplemental customer service features
US5898391A (en) Vehicle tracking system
US5550551A (en) Position monitoring system and method
US5874889A (en) System and methods for triggering and transmitting vehicle alarms to a central monitoring station
US5673305A (en) Apparatus and method for tracking and reporting the location of a motor vehicle
US5939975A (en) Theft prevention system and method
US6329901B2 (en) Electronic vehicle key
CA2392326A1 (en) Monitoring system and method
US20010040506A1 (en) Two way tracking system and method using an existing wireless network
CA2176393A1 (en) Programmable multi-access verification vehicle monitoring system
WO1994023404A1 (en) System for selectively positioning and tracking a movable object or individual
CA2359675A1 (en) Method and system for location data communication using a cellular phone network
US7443281B2 (en) Method and system for unlocking of objects
GB2394587A (en) Condition responsive telephone with automatic dialling
US7215241B2 (en) Tamper detection sensor antenna
EP1878628B1 (en) Anti-theft system
US20050231335A1 (en) Vehicle alarm remote paging system
US7688197B2 (en) System for identifying an unauthorized use of a telematic device
RU2351489C1 (en) Method of radio search of stolen vehicles
EP1259834B1 (en) Two-way tracking system and method using an existing wireless network
GB2309132A (en) Object location system
JPH11170981A (en) Method for discovering and alarming vehicle theft, and its device
WO1994027395A1 (en) Apparatus and method for tracking and reporting the location of a motor vehicle

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AE AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY CA CH CN CR CU CZ DE DK DM EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT TZ UA UG UZ VN YU ZA ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AE AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY CA CH CN CR CU CZ DE DK DM EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT TZ UA UG UZ VN YU ZA ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2000914676

Country of ref document: EP

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 2000914676

Country of ref document: EP

REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642

WWG Wipo information: grant in national office

Ref document number: 2000914676

Country of ref document: EP