MX2007007372A - Method and system for tracking mobile devices using radio frequency identification (rfid) tags - Google Patents

Abstract

An approach is provided for tracking a mobile device (105) over a wireless network.Multiple Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags (101, 103) are affixedcorrespondingly to stationary (or fixed) points to form a grid for conveyinglocation information. The module device includes an RFID reader (105a) configuredto obtain an identifier of one of the RFID tags (101, 103) , wherein the one RFIDtag represents a particular location of the mobile device within the grid.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRACKING MOBILE DEVICES USING RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION MARKS (RFID) Field of the Invention The present invention relates to data communications and more particularly, to mobile tracking devices. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Modern wireless networks can be easily configured to offer a variety of device tracking and telemetry services. One such service is the administration of flotillas and goods, whereby the management of vehicles within a flotilla as well as the goods involves obtaining information, generally in real time, about the location and movement of these objects. The administration of the flotilla uses this information, for example, to maximize the use of the resources of the flotilla. With the advent of the Global Positioning System (GPS) supported by a constellation of satellites, a vehicle can determine its location with great accuracy and convenience if there is no obstruction between the GPS receiver inside the vehicle and the satellites. Because the GPS receiver must obtain all ephemeral data from satellite signals, weak signals can be problematic. The location of a building or A location in any area that does not have a clear view of the satellite constellation, can prevent the GPS receiver from determining its geolocation. Thus, when the GPS receiver finds situations where signals can not be received, i.e., the goods are indoors, it is not possible to track objects. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, there is a need for a tracking system that integrates effectively GPS technology to ensure the timely acquisition of location information in a multitude of environments (exterior and interior). There is also the need to deploy, in a fast and cost-effective manner, an interior tracking system. The present invention addresses these and other needs. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for tracking a mobile device is described. The method includes selectively locating an identifier from a Radiofrequency Identification (RFID) mark associated with a fixed point. The method also includes transmitting the identifier to a processor, wherein the processor determines the location of the mobile device based on the identifier. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for supporting a system of tracking. The apparatus includes a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader configured to selectively locate an identifier from an RFID tag associated with a fixed point. Additionally the apparatus includes a communication module configured to transmit the identifier to a processor, wherein the processor determines the location of the apparatus based on the identifier. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the tracking system includes a plurality of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags fixed to stationary points that form a distribution network for transporting location information. The system also includes a mobile unit that includes an RFID reader configured to obtain an identifier of one of the RFID tags, wherein the RFID tag represents a particular location of the mobile unit within the distribution network. Still other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description, simply illustrating a number of particular embodiments and implementations, including the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. The present invention is also capable of other different modalities and their various details they can be modified in several obvious ways, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present, invention. In accordance with the foregoing, the drawings and description should be considered as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which the similar reference numbers refer to similar elements and in which: Figure 1 is a diagram of a Radio Frequency Identification System (RFID) capable of tracking mobile devices, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a flow diagram of a process for switching between a Global Positioning System (GPS) and the tracking system inside of Fig. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a flow diagram of a process for tracking a mobile device using the system of Fig. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a diagram of an integrated GPS and RFID system for tracking of fleets and goods, according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a diagram of a telemetry device used in the system of Figure 4, according to one embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 6 is a diagram of a computer system that can be used to implement an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A system, method and software for tracking mobile devices are described. In the following description, for explanatory purposes, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it is apparent to the person skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without these specific details or with an equivalent arrangement. In other cases, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a method for tracking mobile devices by Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags is provided. RFID tags are fixed to stationary structures in a configuration to provide location information about mobile devices. This configuration, in this way, constitutes a network of geo-coded interior layout. An RFID reader associated with the mobile device reduces the transmission energy in response to the detection of multiple marks and sends the RFID number corresponding to the RFID mark of strongest signal strength. In one embodiment of the present invention, the tracking system in the interior is integrated into a Global Positioning System (GPS) to locate the mobile device outdoors to support the administration of flotillas or goods. The location of the mobile device is stored and made accessible by a graphical user interface (GUI), such as a network browser. The above arrangement advantageously provides a cost-effective acquisition of the location of the mobile device, regardless of whether the device is indoors or outdoors. Figure 1 is a diagram of a Radio Frequency Identification System (RFID) capable of tracking mobile devices, according to one embodiment of the present invention. An indoor tracking system 100 displays RFID tags (or transponders) 101, 103 inside, for example, the stationary spots on a roof to track a mobile device 105 within a closed facility, building or structure. Unlike the conventional application of RFID tags, system 100 uses RFID tags 101, 103, not on the item to be tracked, but permanently fixed to stationary structures in a configuration to provide location information about the mobile device 105. As such, the marks 101, 103 are considered fixed or stationary in relation to an RFID reader 105a. Thus, this configuration constitutes a geo-coded internal distribution network. The specific configuration depends on the physical and environmental conditions of the system 100. It is contemplated that the geo-coded interior distribution network may be deployed in mobile structures, such as a ship, an airplane, etc .; in such scenarios, the marks 101, 103 are considered still located in fixed or stationary points. As the mobile device 105 moves indoors, the RFID reader 105a detects different RFID tags 101, 103 and captures the associated RFID signals. Each RFID tag 101, 103 includes a microchip and a spiral antenna for storing and transmitting location data. The RFID tags 101, 103 can be active or passive and do not need to be within the optical horizon with the RFID reader 105a. Active brands include electronics that require power to transmit data to the RFID reader 105a and therefore, are generally more expensive than passive brands. Passive marks use the magnetic field generated between the brands and the RFID reader 105a as energy to modulate and reflect RF signals emitted by the reader 105a. Additionally, RFID tags 101, 103 may be read-only, volatile read / write, or write / many readings. The particular type of RFID brands 101, 103 depends on the particular application and other factors, such as cost. To transport its location, the mobile device 105 includes an RFID reader 105a to obtain the brand identification. The RFID reader 105a is tuned to the same frequency as the markings 101, 103. The system 100 can be configured to operate in a variety of frequencies from low to ultra-high frequency (UHF) or even microwave, depending on the spacing between the markings. RFID 101, 103 and the RFID reader 105a. For example, UHF frequencies can support application distances of up to approximately 20 feet. The system 100 can operate in the frequency ranges from about 50 kHz to about 2.5 GHz. The output of the RFID reader 105a is then transmitted by a wireless communication module 105b of the mobile device 105, using various wireless protocols and frequency ranges, to a controller of the wireless system 109. In an exemplary embodiment, the RFID reader 105a is installed to operate upward towards the ceiling, where the RFID marks are permanently installed 101, 103 in a distribution network, numbered near the ceiling. The controller 109 of the wireless system couples the RFID tag number to a specific indoor location and displays identification information (eg, a mobile number uniquely identifying the device 105) in a graphical user interface (GUI) using, for example, example, conventional software of the Geographic Information System (GIS), eg, MAPINFO®. In an exemplary embodiment, a look up table is used by the controller 109 of the wireless system to couple the RFID tag number to a known location within the premises. This known location is referred to with an exterior reference point examined. Alternatively, the mobile device 105 itself can determine the location locally by a processor 105c; thus, the look-up table is stored locally in the mobile device 105. The determined location information (eg, geographic coordinates, Global Positioning System (GPS) data, etc.) can then be sent to the wireless system controller 107. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, each RFID tag 101, 103 is assigned a twenty-four digit number to specify location information as well as account information. For example, the first four digits on the left can designate a customer number. The second four digits represent the installation number specified for the client. The next three numbers can denote the floor number of the installation starting with zero for the ground floor. The next five digits specify a location number in the west-to-east distribution network. The following 'five digits denote a location number in the north-to-south distribution network. The remaining three digits of the far right can be reserved for other fields that can be specified by the client or by the service provider to accommodate scaling or future developments. As shown, the mobile device 105 has an optional ability to be tracked, being outdoors, using a Global Positioning System (GPS) through a GPS module 105d. It is contemplated that any type of global positioning system (with or without improved and / or differential assistance) or navigation system-e.g., GLONASS (Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System), GPS, etc. may be used. This embodiment can be implemented as part of a fleet and asset management system, as will be more fully described in Figures 4 and 5. In the example of Figure 1, the wireless system controller 109 can be interconnected with a network of Local area (LAN) 109. LAN 109 provides connectivity to a network server 111 for storing and displaying the location of mobile device 105, together with information about mobile device 105 itself. The LAN 109 has connectivity to a public data network 113, such as the global Internet, by means of which a browser on the network 115 can access the information stored on the server of the network 111. Figure 2 is a diagram of flow of a process for switching between a Global Positioning System (GPS) and the indoor tracking system of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In step 201, the mobile device 105 is monitored and tracked by a GPS system. Next, it is determined if the GPS system is available, as in step 203. This determination may involve detecting if the "LOCK condition" of the GPS exists through the GPS module 105. If the GPS signals can still be received and it can be determining the location of the device 105, then the mobile device 105 continues to use the GPS system. However, if the GPS system is not available, then the mobile device 105 is switched, through the step 205, to the indoor tracking system 100. At this point, the location of the device mobile 105 is monitored using the RFID tag set 101, 103 (step 207). In the event that the indoor tracking system 100 becomes unusable, for example, due to malfunction or equipment failure, as determined in step 209, then an operator or administrator of the tracking system is notified. in interiors 100 (step 211). Figure 3 is a flow chart of a process for tracking a mobile device using the system of Figure 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The mobile device 105 moves in an area where the GPS system is not available, such as indoors (as in step 301). The RFID reader 105a, in one embodiment of the present invention, can intelligently provide power control in such a way that if the GPS system used outside the installation fails to "LOCK" due, for example, to the mobile device 105 moved inside, an RFID transmitter (not shown) associated with the RFID reader 105a, will increase its output power until it starts to decode RFID tags 101, 103, through step 33. However, if the RFID reader 105a begins to decode too many marks 101, 103 (as determined in step 305), such as alternating RFID tags instead of adjacent ones, or ones on different floors, transmitter power is reduced RFID until only one or two RFID tags are decoded (through step 307). Such a determination may be based on a pre-determined, configurable threshold of the number of detected marks. The RFID reader 105a includes a signal strength indicator, e.g., Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), to determine the signal strength of each of the respective RFID tags 101, 103. This method advantageously secures the exact mobile location when the RFID reader 105a sends the RFID number of the strongest signal strength RFID tag for processing. In this example, the RFID reader 105a first communicates with the RFID tag 101 to obtain the tag number and subsequently transfers the tag number to the wireless communication module 105b for transmission to the controller of the wireless system 109, through the tags. steps 309 and 311. During step 313, the mobile device 105 also transmits its identification information, eg, the mobile number. This mobile number is necessary to uniquely identify the device, since, multiple mobile devices are used in practical systems,. In step 313, the wireless system controller 109 then determines the location information carried by the RFID mark number which was transmitted by the mobile device 105. The controller 109 can determine the location by simply mapping the brand number to a location point within the distribution network defined by the RFID tags 101, 103. The location of the mobile device 105 is provided. as well as information about the device 105, such as its mobile number, to a browser or network interface 117 (step 315). Among the many advantages of the tracking system 100 are their cost-effective versatility. The system 100, for example, can be used in manufacturing and storage facilities. Additionally, system 100 can be implemented in military pre-location groupings, as well as in hospitals and office parking lots. In addition, the system 100 can be used in high-rise apartment buildings and office buildings. Underground parking lots can also benefit from the tracking capability of the system 100. In addition, the tracking system 100 can be deployed in a variety of applications. One such application is the administration of fleets and goods, as explained below. Figure 4 is a diagram of an integrated GPS and RFID system for the tracking of fleets and goods, according to with a · modality of the present invention. System 400, in contrast to the system of Figure 11, uses a combination of stand-alone GPS and Assisted GPS (A-GPS); in particular, the mobile-centric A-GPS. The system 400 includes a Network Operation Center (NOC) 401 for tracking telemetry devices 403, which, in this scenario, reside inside the vehicles 405. It is contemplated that the telemetry device 403 may be fixed to a good (or any other object). A wireless network 407 supports a two-way communication between the telemetry devices 403 and the NOC 401; the wireless network 407, in an exemplary mode, is a two-way paging system that employs Motorola's ReFLEX ™ protocol for advanced two-way message transmission. 403 telemetry devices have two modes of operation: autonomous GPS mode and A-GPS mode. When operating in the A-GPS mode, the system 400 can provide an improvement in geolocation in a building or obstructed view in an area of the paging system. When you are outside the network coverage area, stand-alone GPS can be used to obtain geolocation data that can be stored in the device for later transmission. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, wireless network 407 provides encrypted messages over the air.

The NOC 401 provides the functions of fleet and asset management, such as the creation and administration of the user account, access control and deployment of business rules. The NOC 401 also supports remote administration capabilities through the guests 409 through a 411 data network, such as the global Internet. To better understand the hybrid environment of the A-GPS system 400, it is instructive to describe the operation of the general operation of a mobile-centric A-GPS system. The telemetry device 403 has hardware and GPS intelligence by means of which the 407 network in conjunction with the NOC 401 employs mechanisms to provide GPS assistance data (or assistance data). The 407 network includes base transmitters and some base receivers containing GPS hardware from which the ephemeral and approximate location can be obtained, constituting a GPS reference network 413. The assistance data that is transmitted to the 403 devices, in an exemplary mode , they can include correct GPS data different from the ephemeral data, timing data and / or other help data. Using the help data (or assistance), 403 telemetry devices perform geolocation calculations, producing a number of advantages. For example, the devices 403 telemetry can generate real-time speed and route adherence alerts. Additionally, geolocation data transmission does not need to be frequent. Geolocation data transmission is more compact because it is a real location instead of pseudo-range data. The 403 telemetry devices may also more intelligently require assistance data because the 403 devices themselves can determine when the ephemeral data is no longer valid. The hybrid A-GPS system 400 therefore allows a fast and accurate geolocation when it is in the coverage of the 401 network, while providing immunity against the obstructed view of the sky. Also when the switching is made to the stand-alone GPS mode (when it is outside the coverage area of the network 401), the devices 403 can still obtain geolocation data. This data can be stored in the device 403 and transmitted to the NOC 401 when the associated vehicle 405 returns to the coverage area of the network. As noted above, the telemetry devices 403 may be attached to a host entity such as a vehicle or other valuable asset. The device can be used to track, monitor and control aspects of the host entity. These 403 devices are configurable with respect to the existence and number of digital inputs / outputs (1/0), analog inputs / outputs (I / O) and interfaces of the device's ports for connection with peripheral devices. By way of examples, digital inputs can be used to monitor the various components of 405 vehicles: ignition status, door lock state; generic status of switches, state of the headlights and occupancy status of the seats. The digital outputs can be used to control, for example, the starter, and the door locks and to monitor such parameters as the engine temperature, load temperature, oil pressure, fuel level, ambient temperature and voltage of the battery. The exact configuration of 403 telemetry devices can be based on the consideration of cost and / or applications. The telemetry devices 403, in an exemplary embodiment, employ a wireless protocol for receiving commands and transmitting data and alerts (eg, high-speed alerting) through the radio network 407. The 403 telemetry devices can sort in a row the alerts, message replies and scheduled data whereby if 403 devices are unable to send messages, messages are ordered in a row and sent when the 403 device returns to network coverage Wireless Prioritized rows are used and include, for example, rows for high, normal and low priority messages. In the exemplary implementation, critical changes to the state of the device are given the highest priority, while other alerts and responses are given a normal priority. Scheduled data messages are given the lowest priority. The rows are configured according to the first to occur, first to exit, where the new messages are dropped when their corresponding row is full. This arrangement advantageously allows the state of the device 403 to be known at the time of the transmission failure even when the data stored in the data log at the time of transmission has been overwritten. The 403 telemetry devices can also respond to status queries (eg, position, speed, digital I / O port status, analog input channel status, peripheral state or other device states) transmitted by NOC 401 The status query may require either the current status or the state within a time and date range. The device 403 responds to the query with either the current state or all the states in a time and date range that is currently stored in the device's data record. " As far as data registration is concerned, devices 403 support the use of one or more schedules for data acquisition. The data record involves storing the data locally in the device 403. This data, which may include position, speed, state of the digital I / O port, analog input channel state, peripheral state or other state The device is not automatically transmitted through the air. Instead, the data is stored for a limited period of time and made available for use through scheduled data acquisitions, on-demand data acquisitions, and data acquisitions associated with alerts. The data record is circular due to the fact that when the last memory available for the data logger has been written, the data logger begins to register new data in the first location of the available memory for the data logger. With the programmed acquisitions of data collected by the data logger, the data is transmitted in the data register by means of the device 403 according to a configurable programming at the configured transmission speed. Multiple schedules can be configured on device 403. Schedules are configured to obtain data at a regular interval based on time and calendar dates. The schedules can configured in such a way that they can be enabled and disabled based on the status of a digital input. For example, an ignition status input can be used to activate a programming of when the engine is on and deactivate programming when the engine is off. As mentioned above, telemetry devices 403 can be configured to monitor a variety of information related to the vehicle or through digital I / O and analog I / O. For example, alerts can be used to indicate the change of status of digital inputs. Each Digital Input Status Change Alert can be enabled and uninhabited through a configuration. The alert can be configured to transmit another state of the device registered at the time of the alert such as position, speed, status of other digital I / O ports, analog input status, peripheral status or other device status. As far as the digital output is concerned, the status of each available digital output can be changed or read. Similarly, the states of the analog inputs of the devices 403 are monitored by the change. In an exemplary embodiment, the multiple threshold levels (e.g., high and low) can be established, by means of which the alerts are generated (e.g.

Low Range, Low Range Output, High Range Input, and High Range Output). That is, if the value of the Analog Input drops below the Low Threshold, a Low Range Input Alert is generated. If the value of the Analog Input rises above the Low Threshold plus the hysteresis is the value, a Low Range Exit Alert is generated. Similarly, if the value of the Analog Input rises above the High Threshold, a High Range Input Alert is issued from the device 403. Also, if the Analog Input value falls below the High Threshold minus a Hysteresis value, a High Range Output Alert is generated. The alert can be configured to transmit another state of the device registered at the time of the alert, such as position, speed, status of other digital I / O ports, analog input status, peripheral status or other device status. By way of example, the 403 devices can be used to monitor excessive speed by a High Speed Alert Control, by means of which a High Speed Threshold can be established by a fleet manager. In addition, a duration parameter (i.e., High Speed Duration) can be used to specify the time over which the High Speed Threshold should be exceeded before the alert is generated. In addition, a High Hysteresis parameter is set Configurable speed as the delta change below the High Speed Threshold used to determine when the High Speed Threshold is no longer exceeded. The alert can be set to transmit another state of the device registered at the time of the alert, such as position, speed, status of other digital 1/0 ports, analog input status, peripheral status or other device status. The system 400 also allows users through the guests 409, to specify and configure areas of interest in the coverage area of the network 401 in such a way that the alerts can be generated when a device 403 enters or leaves the configured areas. The alert can be configured to transmit another state of the device registered at the time of the alert such as position, speed, status of other digital I / O ports, analog input status, peripheral status or other device status. The data collected and transmitted by the telemetry devices 403 are processed by the NOC 401. Figure 5 shows a diagram of a telemetry device used in the system of Figure 4, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The 403 telemetry device, which can be deployed in a vehicle (as shown in Figure 4 or attached to any good), operates inside a wireless network 407. By way of example, the components of the telemetry device 403 are described in the context of a narrowband network, such as a paging system; however, it is contemplated that the components for communications can be custom designed for the specific wireless network. In this exemplary embodiment, the telemetry device 403 includes a two-way wireless modem 501 for receiving and transmitting signals through the wireless network 407 according to the communication protocols supported by the wireless network 407, such as the ReFLEX ™ protocol. from Motorola for the two-way pager. By way of example, a Karli ReFLEX ™ module from Advantra International can be used for the 501 modem. The two-way wireless modem 501 is coupled to the two-way wireless antenna (not shown) that can be placed in close proximity to the 403 device or away from the 403 device (eg, 12 or more feet) to improve flexibility in installation. The telemetry device 403 also contains a GPS module 503 that is capable of operating in multiple GPS modes: autonomous GPS mode, and mobile-based A-GPS mode. The GPS module 503 can use, for example, a GPS receiver manufactured by FastraX-iTrax02 / 4. In stand-alone mode, they can GPS data is acquired without the assistance data provided by the wireless network 407. The GPS module 503 operates in the A-GPS mode when the 403 device is in the coverage of the wireless network, in which the assistance data is supplied. and may include ephemeral data and data to obtain location in obstructed view locations (in a building, wooded areas, etc.). In addition, assistance may include differential GPS (DGPS) to improve location accuracy under some conditions. The GPS module 503 is coupled to a GPS antenna (not shown) that can be placed near the device 403 or away from the device 403 (e.g., at 12 or more feet) to improve flexibility in the installation. The junction of the peripheral modules to the telemetry device 403 is supported by one or more peripheral ports 505. The ports 505, for example, can be used to connect to intelligent peripherals operating according to business rules and logic. These business and logic rules can be accommodated in a vehicle harness (not shown), which includes an A-Board Diagnostic (OBDII) and intelligence interface. Under this provision, a user can consult (e.g., flotilla administrator) any parameter available through the OBDII interface. For example, the data obtained for each recorded trace may include any combination of the following elements: RPM (Revolutions Per Minute), oil pressure, coolant temperature, etc. Such data recorded by the telemetry device 403 is stored in the memory 513. The acquisition period for the data is configurable, as well as the transmission interval to the NOC 402. In addition, the monitoring and subsequent data exchange can be governed by a configurable programming, which can specify parameters such as start date, start time, end time, recurrence (eg, daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) and duration. The data is recorded by the 507 data logger, made available for use through scheduled data acquisitions, on-demand data acquisitions, and data acquisitions associated with alerts. As mentioned, the telemetry device 403 can also be configured to include digital I / O 509 and analog I / O 511 for vehicle monitoring and control or else. The data logger 507 also collects data associated with these I / O ports 509, 511. The telemetry device 403 also includes a processor 525 that can handle arithmetic computations and can support the operational system and process the application. The 525 processor, although shown as a single block, can be configured as multiple processors, any of the which can support multipurpose processing or which can support a single function. The memory 513 of the telemetry device 403 can be arranged to include multiple rows to prioritize the messages to be processed by the device 403. In an exemplary embodiment, the memory 513 includes a High Priority row 515, a Medium Priority row 517 and a Low Priority row 519. Memory 513, although shown as a single block, can be configured as multiple memory devices, any of which can support static or dynamic storage, and can include a code for operating system functionality , a micro-code or application code. The data recorded by the telemetry device 403 may additionally be stored in a different storage medium than the prioritized rows 515, 517 and 519, such as in a programmable memory 523. A record (not shown) of information may be maintained so that the Information may be transmitted in accordance with a schedule, as discussed above, or, eg , upon receiving a request to send all the data that has been collected. Storage devices have only a limited amount of space for information storage and therefore information for only a limited number of messages can stored in either the prioritized rows 515, 517, 519 or the instant memory 523. To improve the availability of the telemetry device 403, an internal battery 521 is optionally included. With the internal battery, the telemetry device 403 can continue to monitor and transmit alerts and status information to the NOC 401 even when the vehicle's electrical system is inoperable. Additionally, the internal battery 521 can be used by the device 403 to cleanly report the power status wirelessly and disconnect cleanly when the energy level of the internal battery is so low to sustain the operation of the device. The 403 telemetry device includes a reader RFID 527 for an indoor operation, as previously described with respect to Figures 1-3. This method advantageously provides an integrated GPS system that supports continuous monitoring and tracking of the 403 device at minimal cost. Figure 6 illustrates a computer system 600 in which a mode according to the present invention can be implemented. The computer system 600 includes a bus 601 or other communication mechanism for communicating information and a processor 603 coupled to the bus 601 for process information. The computer system 600 also includes a main memory 605, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to the bus 601 to store information and instructions to be executed by the processor 603. The main memory 605 can also used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions by the processor 603. The computer system 600 may also include a read-only memory (ROM) 607 or other static storage device coupled to the bus 601 for storing information static and instructions for processor 603. A storage device 609, such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, is coupled to bus 601 to persistently store information and instructions. The computer system 600 can be coupled via bus 601, to a display screen 611, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display screen, active matrix display screen or plasma display screen, to visualize the information towards a user of the computer. An input device 613, such as a keyboard that includes alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to the bus 601 to communicate the information and command selections to the processor 603. Another type of input device is user is a cursor control 615, such as a mouse, a tracking sphere, or cursor direction keys, to communicate the address information and command selections to the processor 603 and to control the movement of the cursor in the display screen 611. According to one embodiment of the invention, the processes of the servers and clients in the systems of Figures 1 and 4 are performed by the computer system 600, in response to the 603 processor executing an ordering of instructions contained in the main memory 605. Such instructions can be read in the main memory 605 from another computer readable medium, such as the storage device 609. The execution of the ordering of instructions contained in the main memory 605 causes the processor 603 to perform the stages of the process described herein. One or more processors may also be employed in a multiple processing array to execute the instructions contained in main memory 605. In alternative embodiments, wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement the mode of operation. present invention. Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to any specific combination of the hardware and software circuitry.

The computer system 600 also includes a communication interface 617 coupled to the bus 601. The communication interface 617 provides a two-way data communication that is coupled to the network link 619 connected to a local network 621. For example, the interface 617 communication can be a digital subscriber line (DSL) card or modem, an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card, a wired modem, a telephone modem, or any other communication interface to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of communication line. As another example, the communication interface 617 can be a local area network (LAN) card (eg, for Ethernet ™ or an Asynchronous Transfer Model (ATM) network) to provide a data communication connection to a LAN compatible. Wireless links can also be implemented. In any such implementation, the communication interface 617 sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information. In addition, the communication interface 617 may include peripheral interface devices, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a PCMCIA (International Personal Computer Memory Card Association) interface, etc. Although only one is represented Communication interface 617 in Figure 6, multiple communication interfaces can also be employed. The network link 619 typically provides data communication through one or more networks to other data devices. For example, the network link 619 can provide a connection through a local network 621 to a host computer 623, which has connectivity to a 625 network (eg, a wide area network (WAN) or the global communication network). package data now commonly referred to as the "Internet") or to a data equipment operated through a service provider. Local network 621 and network 625 use both electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals to carry information and instructions. The signals through the various networks and the signals on the network link 619 and through the communication interface 617, which communicate digital data with the computer system 600, are exemplary forms of carrier waves carrying the information and instructions . The computer system 600 can send messages and receive data, including the program code, through the network (s), the network link 619 and the communication interface 617. In the Internet example, a server (not shown) could transmit the required code that belongs to an application program to implement a modality of the present invention through the network 625, the local network 621 and the communication interface 617. The processor 603 can execute the transmitted code while receiving and / or storing the code in the storage device 609, or other non-storage. volatile for a later execution. In this way, the computer system 600 can obtain an application code in the form of a carrier wave. The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein, refers to any means that participates in providing instructions to the 605 processor for execution. Such a medium can take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile media, volatile media and means of transmission. The non-volatile means include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as the storage device 609. The volatile means includes the dynamic memory, such as the main memory 605. The transmission means include coaxial cables, copper cable and optical fibers, including the wires comprising the bus 601. The transmission means may also take the form of acoustic, optical or electromagnetic waves, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a floppy disk, a hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic media, a CD-ROM, CDR, DVD, any other optical medium, punched cards, paper tape, optical marking sheets, any other physical media with hole patterns or other optically recognizable signs, a RAM, a PROM and EPROM , a FLASH-EPROM, any other chip or memory cartridge, carrier wave or any other medium from which a computer can read. The various forms of computer-readable media can be involved in providing instructions to a processor for its execution. For example, instructions for carrying out at least a part of the present invention may initially be contained in a magnetic disk of a remote computer. In such a scenario, the remote computer loads the instructions into the main memory and sends the instructions through a telephone line using a modem. A modem in a local computer system receives the data over the telephone line and uses an infrared transmitter to convert the data into infrared signals and transmit the infrared signals to a portable computing device, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) or a computer portable (laptop). An infrared detector on the portable computing device receives the information and instructions contained by the infrared signal and places the data on the bus. The bus transports the data to the main memory, from which a processor selectively locates and executes the instructions. The instructions received by the main memory can optionally be stored in a storage device either before or after execution by the processor. Although the present invention has been described in connection with a number of embodiments and embodiments, the present invention is not limited but covers several obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements, which fall within the substance and scope of the appended claims.

Claims (36)

1. CLAIMS 1. A method for tracking a mobile device, characterized in that the method comprises: the selective location of an identifier from a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) mark associated with a fixed point; and transmitting the identifier to a processor, wherein the processor determines the location of the mobile device based on the identifier.
2. 2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: determining if the Global Positioning System (GPS) is available to determine the location of the mobile device.
3. 3. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that the method further comprises: detecting a blocking condition to determine if the Global Positioning System (GPS) is available.
4. 4. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the mobile device supports the telemetry functions.
5. 5. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the method further comprises: communicating with a server to supply the location of the mobile device in support of the administration of flotillas or goods.
6. 6. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the location and information about the mobile device are accessible through an in-line graphical user interface (GUI).
7. 7. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the identifier is transmitted through a wireless network to the processor.
8. 8. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the processor resides in the mobile device.
9. 9. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixed point is physically located above the mobile device.
10. 10. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the RFID tag is electrically passive.
11. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the RFID tag is located between a plurality of RFID tags arranged in a distribution network, the method further comprising: detecting signals corresponding to some of the RFID tags; and determining that the RFID tag associated with the identifier exhibits the strongest signal.
12. 12. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the RFID tag is in a plurality of RFID tags, the method further comprising: detecting a plurality of signals corresponding to the RFID tags; and reducing the energy of an RFID reader in response to detection of the plurality of signals.
13. 13. An apparatus for supporting a tracking system, characterized in that the apparatus comprises: a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader configured to selectively locate an identifier from an RFID tag associated with a fixed point; and a communication module configured to transmit the identifier to a processor, wherein the processor determines the location of the apparatus based on the identifier.
14. 14. An apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises: means for determining if the Global Positioning System (GPS) is available to determine the location of the apparatus.
15. 15. An apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that it further comprises: means for detecting a blocking condition for determine if the Global Positioning System (GPS) is available.
16. 16. An apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises: logic configured to provide telemetry functions.
17. 17. An apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the communication module is configured to communicate with a server to provide the location of the apparatus in support of the administration of fleets or goods.
18. 18. An apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the location and information about the device are accessible through an in-line graphical user interface (GUI).
19. 19. An apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the identifier is transmitted through a wireless network to the processor.
20. 20. An apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the processor resides in the mobile device.
21. 21. An apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the fixed point is physically located on the apparatus.
22. 22. An apparatus according to the claim 13, where the RFID mark is electrically passive.
23. 23. An apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the RFID tag is among a plurality of RFID tags arranged in a distribution network, wherein the RFID reader is further configured to detect signals corresponding to some of the RFID tags and to determine the RFID tag associated with the identifier that exhibits the strongest signal.
24. 24. An apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the RFID tag is between a plurality of RFID tags and the RFID reader is further configured to detect a plurality of signals corresponding to the RFID tags and to reduce the energy in response to RFID tags. the detection of the plurality of signals.
25. 25. A tracking system characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags fixed to stationary points forming a distribution network for transporting location information; and a mobile unit including an RFID reader configured to obtain an identifier of one of the RFID tags where the RFID tag represents a particular location of the mobile unit within the distribution network.
26. 26. A system according to the claim 25, characterized in that the mobile unit is configured to determine if the Global Positioning System (GPS) is available to locate the mobile unit.
27. 27. A system according to the claim 26, characterized in that the mobile unit is configured to detect a blocking condition to determine if the Global Positioning System (GPS) is available.
28. 28. A system according to claim 25, characterized in that the mobile unit is configured to provide telemetry functions.
29. 29. A system according to claim 25, characterized in that the mobile unit is configured to communicate with a server to provide the location of the system in support of the administration of flotillas or goods.
30. 30. A system according to claim 25, characterized in that the location and information about the system is accessible through an online graphical user interface (GUI).
31. 31. A system according to claim 25, characterized in that the identifier is transmitted through a wireless network to a remote processor to determine the geographical coordinates of the mobile unit.
32. 32. A system according to claim 25, characterized in that the mobile unit determines the geographical coordinates of the mobile unit based on the RFID mark.
33. 33. A system according to claim 25, characterized in that the stationary points are physically located above the mobile unit.
34. 34. A system according to claim 25, characterized in that the RFID tags are electrically passive.
35. 35. A system according to claim 25, characterized in that the mobile unit is configured to concurrently detect the signals corresponding to some of the RFID tags and to determine the RFID tag associated with the identifier that exhibits the strongest signal.
36. 36. A system according to claim 25, characterized in that the mobile unit is configured to concurrently detect a plurality of signals corresponding to the RFID tags and to reduce the energy in response to the concurrent detection.