CA2302999A1 - Remote telemetry and control using asynchronous messaging - Google Patents
Remote telemetry and control using asynchronous messaging Download PDFInfo
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- CA2302999A1 CA2302999A1 CA002302999A CA2302999A CA2302999A1 CA 2302999 A1 CA2302999 A1 CA 2302999A1 CA 002302999 A CA002302999 A CA 002302999A CA 2302999 A CA2302999 A CA 2302999A CA 2302999 A1 CA2302999 A1 CA 2302999A1
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L41/00—Arrangements for maintenance, administration or management of data switching networks, e.g. of packet switching networks
- H04L41/12—Discovery or management of network topologies
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L51/00—User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail
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- Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to a system of communicating data between a remote device and a Central Processing Station. It defines how a remote site or device, be it fixed or mobile, is coupled with an apparatus that can collect and send data regarding the host and/or receive and respond to instructions sent by a Central Processing Station. It describes how the method of communication is through an asynchronous means, whereby the apparatus does not require a direct connection, handshaking protocol, or any immediate response from the Central Processing Station. This asynchronous connection, notably through the Internet electronic mail standard, is what distinguishes this system from other patents. The system also teaches the methodology whereby the Central Processing Station processes and responds to messages received from the remote devices. Finally, it defines the interaction of the end-user with the remote device, which is solely through requests made through the Central Processing Station, reports prepared and messages forwarded from that same station. The party monitoring or controlling the remote device (the end-user) does not have any direct interaction with the device - all interactions are made through the Central Processing Station
Description
Background of the invention There are many examples of situations where a manufacturer, vendor, end-users or other parties would benefit from the ability to monitor objects that are not in their immediate purview. These examples include a car manufacturer and its vehicles, a taxi dispatch and its fleet, security office and a monitored premise, or even a parent and his/her child. There are existing systems which enable such monitoring, for example, a home security system, or a trucking fleet monitoring system. A typical home security system utilizes a telephone, whereby a module in the home dials the security office when a breach has been detected. It requires the office to be available with sufficient phone lines, personnel, and equipment to answer the potential number of the calls and respond in a prescribed manner. A typical trucking fleet monitoring system utilizes a cellular system where a device on the truck makes a network connection with the monitoring station, requiring that a real-time network be available, such that a computer can receive the information and respond immediately to the transmitting device. Should the host not be operable at that immediate instance, a backup host must be available to receive and respond to the network request, otherwise the communication fails and a later attempt is required. Both systems prescribe a remote device communicating directly with an end-user, requiring the end-user to have sufficient equipment and capability to connect and engage in real-time communication with the calling device.
This patent teaches a significant improvement over both systems. Firstly, there is no direct connection between the end-user and the remote device. All messages go through an intermediary, which authenticates and processes all messages. An application located at the Central Processing Station would be programmed to respond to monitoring information received from each device, storing the information in a database, sending an automatic response to the sending device, or generating a report or alert for the end-user. The application would also authenticate and respond to requests from end-users, forwarding instructions on the remote device as necessary.
Using an asynchronous method of communication such as electronic mail reduces the equipment and bandwidth requirements compared to other systems. Remote devices and end-users would be connected to any number of Internet portals, through a variety of means including but not limited to phone lines, cable modems, wireless e-mail pagers, and/or cellular networks. An e-mail message containing data or requests would be sent or received using the portal's e-mail server. As part of the standard Internet e-mail infrastructure, these messages would ultimately be delivered to the e-mail servers) located at the Central Processing Station, whenever that server is operable and able to send or receive messages.
A monitored car, boat, vending machine or person could be equipped with a wireless e-mail device that would provide a connection to the Internet, facilitating the communication of Internet e-mails. A home, office, or object within a home or office could be coupled with a wired e-mail device. These e-mail devices would collect information about its host object and compose an e-mail message containing this data to be sent at pre-programmed or externally triggered intervals. These e-mails would then be transmitted between the monitored object and a Central Processing Station. A connection would then be established between the Central Processing Station and the manufacturers, vendors, owners, monitoring stations and other parties interested in monitoring or controlling the remote object. This connection could be made using a switchboard and operator, e-mail, web-page, or custom application utilizing the Internet or a private network.
On the remote monitored object, the e-mail device would be coupled to sensors to provide data about the monitored device. These inputs could include GPS or wireless location data, instruments for measuring performance and other telemetry data, outputs from computers, signal processors or other logic circuits, or switches that are triggered by an operator. In the example of an automobile, these inputs could be signals from the OBD-2 port of most current vehicles, anti-theft devices, odometer, airbag deployment circuit, GPS
unit, or driver input device consisting of a keypad, touch-screen, microphone or other apparatus.
The remote device could also be coupled with a control circuit to respond to e-mail messages sent from the Central Processing Station. These e-mail messages could be instructions to start or stop transmitting location data at specific intervals, to activate or deactivate the monitored object, to turn on or off security, or even to upgrade systems with data supplied in the current or subsequent messages. These e-mail messages could also be messages intended for the operator of the monitored object, forwarded from a monitoring station, dispatch, security office, or other third party, through the Central Processing Station.
In a preferred implementation of this system, a wireless e-mail pager would form the basis of a module installed in an automobile. This pager would be integrated with a logic module connected to a variety of data inputs such as the OBD-2 port of the vehicle, an airbag deployment sensor, the odometer, a GPS
receiver and/or an anti-theft unit. The module would collect data from the OBD-2 port and compose an e-mail whenever preprogrammed odometer values were reached. The module could also include circuitry that monitors the OBD-2 data and triggers a message to be composed and sent whenever unusual values are detected. The airbag deployment sensor could also trigger an emergency message be sent. Should an external event trip the anti-theft unit, this information as well as GPS
location information could be included in a message. A small apparatus consisting of a roadside assistance button and a 911 button could be installed on the dash of the vehicle, enabling the operator to trigger a message requesting a tow-truck or emergency vehicle be sent to the location determined by a GPS receiver. As well, a microphone connected with a circuit that digitizes, compresses and segments the audio signals into data that could be composed into an e-mail message would allow an operator to send an audio message. An external port or network connection would allow third party devices to also compose and send messages to the Central Processing Station, via the e-mail pager.
The logic module could also include provisions to respond to messages from the Central Processing Station. These messages could be those automatically generated by the Central Processing Station - for instance, a request to start transmitting vehicle location data, in response to an anti-theft alarm message.
These messages could also include those forwarded by the Central Processing Station from owners, manufacturers, or authorized monitoring facilities. These could be requests to unlock the doors, deactivate or reactivate the vehicle. They could also be audio or text messages directed at the operator of the vehicle, which the logic module would direct to a display panel or audio decompressor circuit for playback over a speaker.
The system described in this document shares some similarities with existing patents. Some of these are summarized below, with discussion detailing their commonalties and key differences.
US Patent #5,732,074, entitled 'Mobile Portable Wireless Communication System', teaches a rather complex system whereby numerous remote stations can access an operating system within a vehicle using an airlink. The vehicle would consist of a wireless device and a second network with a controller for coordinating the communication of various devices within the vehicle, with each device in the second network having a unique designation and capable of responding to requests for information. The patent teaches that the vehicle would have a web-server to respond to the requests for information from multiple remote stations, receiving from each station an address to transmit the response to. There is no provision for authentication or to prevent unauthorized access to information from the vehicle - the vehicle simply sends information back to the address of the remote station. There is also no provision for any functionality other than remote monitoring - remote stations can only request information from a vehicle. The system detailed in this document proposes a remote monitoring AND control system whereby only one authorized remote server is sent data from the vehicle and is able to request information or initiate actions. All messages are validated to prevent unauthorized access to the system. As defined in this document, the messaging apparatus coupled to any fixed or mobile object would not require a computer, operating system, or computer network connected to other network devices in order to provide monitoring information.
US Patent #5,432,841, entitled 'System for Locating and Communicating with Mobile Vehicles', relates solely to cellular telephone based systems and describes a methodology whereby a vehicle can be located using a cellular network. A remote computer with the specific task of identifying vehicle locations communicates by sending e-mail messages containing location data to a monitoring party. The system detailed in this document does not cover the determination of a vehicle location - it simply accesses an apparatus in the vehicle that provides the location data. The messaging apparatus then transmits the location data to a Central Processing Station, which simply receives that information by e-mail and communicates it on to an end-user, through e-mail or other means.
US Patent #5,539,810, entitled 'Data Messaging In A Communications Network', and US Patent #5,544,225, entitled 'Data Messaging In A Cellular Communications Network', both refer to a system utilizing a cellular telephone network whereby a cellular device mounted on a trucking trailer conveys location and status information. This is accomplished by altering the identifier of the cellular transceiver. A
mobile switching unit coupled with a cellular network detects this altered identifier and routes it to a platform. The mobile switching unit must be available to receive when the altered identifier is transmitted -this is a real-time network system. The platform translates the altered identifier to obtain location and status information and makes this available to remote users. This system is limited to a one way transfer of information from a trucking trailer to a platform to users of the information.
The transmitted data is limited to location and status information and is strictly intended for use with a cellular network.
US Patent #5,844,473, a 'Method and Apparatus for Remotely Collecting Operational Information of a Mobile Vehicle', teaches a system where a cellular device attached to a vehicle communicates vehicle use and safety inspection data to a central server when a request for information signal is sent by the central server. A unique cellular identifier identifies each remote device. The central server is required to poll each device in order to obtain information - each device must have a data collection unit in order to store the usage and safety inspection data until it is polled. This is simply a one way system - no provision is made for a central server to command and control the remote device. The vehicle mounted cellular must be available to receive the polling request at the moment it is transmitted. The central server must meet the same condition when the information from the vehicle is transmitted.
US Patent #5,708,417, a 'Monitoring System for Remote Units', describes a system whereby remote units are connected with a radio device to transmit proximity data to a local computer equipped with a radio receiver. This local computer generates an alarm, contacts a security office, and generates a report when the remote unit leaves the security area. This system is only intended for monitoring the presence of a vehicle inside a specific zone within range of a local computer equipped with a radio receiver. This is also a real-time system, requiring the local computer to be operational and ready to receive the signal, otherwise a remote unit may leave the security area without an alert being triggered.
The system detailed in this document provides a comprehensive system for any remote device, fixed or mobile, to communicate information about itself and objects connected to it to a Central Processing Station, whereby that information can be accessed by authorized parties. It also provides for authorized third parties and automated processes to communicate, via the Central Processing Station, requests for information and commands to initiate actions on the part of the remote device or items connected to it. It is based on an asynchronous messaging methodology, using store and forward technology such as Internet e-mail, to transmit predefined authenticated messages from the remote device to a Central Processing Station and vice versa. Cellular identifiers are not utilized - a unique address registered within the asynchronous store and forward messaging system is utilized - in the case of an Internet e-mail system, an e-mail address is used.
This system does not impose the strict requirement that the Central Processing Station be available to receive at every possible moment or face the possibility of losing a message -the utilization of a store and forward messaging system allows for system down-time. Messages would remain stored until such time as the Central Processing Station is able to receive it. The messaging apparatus could also be equipped with facilities to store a message for delayed transmission should it momentarily be unable to transmit.
Summary of the invention The present invention details a system that communicates commands, requests and data in the form of standardized Internet electronic messages between a Central Processing Station and a remote object coupled with a device that facilitates the transfer of messages via a asynchronous store and forward means, such as e-mail. The system also details the connection of interested third parties, manufacturers, vendors, agents and owners of the remote objects, to the Central Processing Station, whereby they may receive alerts and reports regarding the remote objects and request commands be sent to those same objects. This connection may be in the form of e-mail, web pages, telephone operator or menu system. Third parties would not have direct access to the remote devices.
The system includes at the remote site an Internet e-mail device capable of receiving and/or transmitting e-mail messages over a wireless or physical network which in turn is connected to the Internet.
This e-mail device would be encoded with a unique e-mail address, such that the device, and in turn its host object, can be distinctly identified. This device would be coupled with circuitry which would compose specific messages based on data received from sensors, switches and other apparatus. These messages would be sent to the e-mail address of the Central Processing Station. This circuitry could also include logic to authenticate and respond to e-mail messages received from the Central Processing Station. Possible connections to this circuitry include but are not limited to GPS receivers, wireless location units, automobile data ports, anti-theft sensors and control units, LCD display panels, touch screens, keypads, joysticks, I/O ports, and audio compressors/decompressors.
The system details a Central Processing Station, which may be singular or many. A Central Processing Station would consist of one or more e-mail servers, connected to the Internet for the purpose of receiving messages from the remote devices and from authorized third parties. An application would process each message received from remote objects, authenticating and determining the type of message. The e-mail address of the sender would be compared with a database registering each remote object with a unique e-mail address. Once the remote object has been identified, the application would respond in a pre-defined manner, based on the type of object and the type of message. These responses could be but are not limited to the notification of security or monitoring agencies, the generation of reports to be sent to manufacturers, or storage of data for future processing.
Messages received from authorized third parties would also be authenticated to prevent unauthorized parties from gaining access to information regarding a remote object or to request actions to be performed by that same object. Authorized parties would send requests to the Central Processing Station. These requests would be validated and forwarded on to the remote objects.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1: A diagram of the e-mail monitoring and control system - a generic system overview.
Figure 2: Wireless e-mail for Automobile Telemetry and Control - an overview of a system specifically for monitoring and controlling motor vehicles.
Figure 3: In-car unit for Automobile Telemetry and Control - a diagram of the modules and connections within the car.
Figure 4: Central Processing Station for Automobile Telemetry and Control -flow diagram of the Central Processing Station of an automobile monitoring and control system.
Figure 5: Using Digital E-Mail Paging as a 2-way Digital Radio - a block diagram illustrating how a digital e-mail pager based system can be utilized for 2-way audio communications.
Figure 6: Some sample e-mail messages sent and received by in-car telemetry devices to illustrate how data and requests are formatted.
Detailed Description of the preferred embodiments With reference to Figure 1, an apparatus labeled 2 is coupled would a host object 1 such as a car, or a vending-machine. This apparatus would be programmed with a unique e-mail address, such that every host object could be uniquely identified. Any number of sensors 3 could be connected to the apparatus, such as GPS receivers, wireless location units, automobile data ports, anti-theft sensors and control units, LCD
display panels, touch screens, keypads, joysticks, I/O ports, and audio compressors/decompressors. The apparatus would be capable of composing an e-mail message to be sent to the Central Processing Station 7, containing data gathered from the input sensors. The apparatus would have a logic circuit programmed to determine which events would trigger a message to be sent. This logic circuit would also embed an authentication code into every e-mail message and possibly encrypt the message if required. The e-mail message would be communicated via a wireless connection 4, such as an e-mail pager, or a physical connection 4b, such as a telephone line and a modem. The wireless connection would utilize a wireless e-mail infrastructure consisting of land-based transceivers, relay stations, and/or satellites 4c. As is required by all Internet communications, the physical and the wireless connection would be routed through an Internet portal 5 at which an e-mail server would be situated 5b. The Internet portal would have one or more connections to the Internet backbone 6. The e-mail message from the host object would ultimately be forwarded to one or more e-mail servers 8 which are part of the Central Processing Station. An automated process would be initiated whereby each message would be authenticated 9 as being one sent by a valid device. The procedure would then identify the type of message as being one of any number of predefined standard messages to be sent from a remote host object. Next, the host object would be identified 10 by looking up a device database 11 and comparing the e-mail address of the sender (which is contained within the message) with that registered in the database. Finally, the message is processed 13 by an application that selects a task based on the message type. These tasks may be: Generate a report to a manufacturer, vendor, end-user or other authorized party 14; Generate an automatic reply to the remote host device 15;
Forward the message to a call center, manufacturer, vendor, end-user, or other authorized party 16.
Generated reports and forwarded messages could then be e-mailed to the vendor of the host object 17, the manufacturer 18, the end-user 19, or a call center 20. Using the Internet, these parties could also access the reports or notifications via a web site, provided proper measures are taken to prevent unauthorized access.
When a host device is manufactured or sold, it would be registered through a device registration web page 12, so that the device and its e-mail address are added to the device database 11.
When a vendor, manufacturer, end-user or call center desires a specific action to be performed by a remote object, they would make a request of the Central Processing Station 7, through an e-mail, web-page or custom Internet application. This would result in a message being sent to the e-mail server 8, which would be authenticated and identified 9. The device to be controlled would also be determined 10 and its e-mail address would be used when the message is processed 13 to generate a new e-mail 15 to be sent to the desired device. This new e-mail would go through the Internet to the portal and through the physical or wireless connection to the e-mail apparatus 2 on the host device. The logic circuit within the apparatus would authenticate and identify the message, and process it, sending a signal to the appropriate control module 3 or output device. In this manner, a device could be made to start or stop transmitting location data, lock or unlock doors, activate or deactivate itself, or perform other functions.
Using the same system, a third party such as family and friends of the host device operator 21 could request a message to be sent to the operator of the remote object, and messages generated by the operator of the device could be forwarded to other parties.
Figure 2 illustrates a system designed for monitoring and controlling automobiles. A Central Processing Station 1 communicates with automobiles 2 using a wireless e-mail system 3 such as wireless e-mail paging. The automobile 4 sends and receives wireless e-mails 5, which is made possible by a wireless e-mail pager 6 with a unique e-mail address. Circuitry 7 connected to the paging subsystem processes incoming e-mails and generates outgoing ones. Incoming e-mails instruct the circuitry to generate signals to data switches 8 which cause the car to unlock doors, disable the fuel pump, or perform other actions.
Outgoing messages are triggered by and contain information provided by data sensors 9 connected to the car's various systems. The e-mails are transmitted by the pager to the e-mail paging infrastructure 10 which consist of a network of repeater stations connected to the Internet 11. The e-mails ultimately arrive at the Central Processing Station 12 which processes the incoming messages and replies as necessary.
Figure 3 details the proposed device within an automobile. A standard e-mail pager consists of items 1 through 5. An e-mail paging chipset 2 is utilized to send and receive wireless e-mails. Incoming e-mail 3 is displayed on a LCD panel which is part of the pager user interface 5. Outgoing e-mail 4 is entered via buttons on the pager user interface and sent via the pager chipset. In the proposed device, the pager user interface is optional. Incoming e-mails are redirected to a circuit which authenticates the message 6 to determine if it is a valid e-mail sent from the Central Processing Station. If the e-mail fails this test, it is deleted, otherwise, additional circuitry processes the message 7. Depending on the message from the Central Processing Station, the circuitry could be triggered to display the message text on an LCD display situated in a dash mounted user interface module 8, or cause the vehicle to unlock the doors, disable the starter or fuel pump, or perform other functions. Other systems present within the vehicle 9 can be connected to the e-mail processing circuitry - for example, the airbag deployment sensor or the OBD-2 data port. The airbag deployment sensor would trigger the circuitry to transmit an emergency message to the Central Processing Station. The OBD-2 data port provides performance data and a GPS receiver 10 provides the location data that can be sent in an e-mail. The user interface module could include a button to trigger a road-side assistance request message, and another to generate an emergency message. This would provide the operator of the vehicle with a quick, easy method for requesting assistance. Other buttons and controls could be included to enable the operator to generate custom e-mails to be sent to a third party via the Central Processing Station.
Central Processing Station processing flow for an automobile telemetry and control system is diagramed in Figure 4. An e-mail server 2 receives messages from the in-car device 1. A process 3 authenticates the validity of the message and identifies the type of message received. Next the identity of the vehicle sending the message is determined 4 by looking up the unique e-mail address of the sender (which is contained in the e-mail) in a device database 5. This database registers the unique-email address assigned to the in-car device with the serial number and specifications of the vehicle - details which are registered by the manufacturer 6 when the automobile assembly has been completed. When a dealer sells a vehicle, the contact information of the purchaser can be registered in the database as well 7. After identifying the message type and the vehicle, the message is processed 8 and the appropriate task is triggered. If a 'service interval reached' message was received, it could be included in a report of clients requiring regular servicing, which could be e-mailed to the local dealer 9.
This would enable a dealer to contact a client and inform him/her, for instance, that the vehicle has reached 100,000km and recommend that they come in for a timing belt change. If a 'telemetry data' message is received, the data would be compiled into a report and forwarded to the manufacturer 10. Automatic confirmations 11 could be sent to the vehicle upon receipt of a message. A 911 or roadside assistance request message would generate an alert to be sent to an attendant at a call center 12, who would then communicate via e-mail (which could contain voice messages - see Figure 5) with the driver of the vehicle 13. It is worth noting that this same system would authenticate and process messages sent by manufacturers, owners, and call-centers to be forwarded to a vehicle. For instance, an owner could request that a vehicle be unlocked - he could do this by dialing a phone number of a voice menu operated system, enter in an appropriate password, id and command code. This system would generate an e-mail to be sent to the Central Processing Station. The message would be verified and an automatic message would be generated and sent to the vehicle requesting that a door be unlocked.
Figure 5 details a process for transmitting and receiving voice messages using e-mail paging. In the example of an automobile system, a microphone 1 would be installed on the dash. Some event (a button, voice recognition, or other) would trigger the recording of a message. This audio signal would be converted to a digital signal and compressed 2. It would then be segmented 3 into data blocks of a maximum size determined by the e-mail system - ie. a e-mail pager may restrict message length to 2000 bytes. Next e-mails would be generated, one for each data block, with a header to identify that this is block #1, block #2, etc. These e-mails would then be transmitted by the in-car device 4 to the Central Processing Station 5, which would receive these messages and determine if the messages are to be forwarded on to a call-station, another vehicle or some other third party. If the target is not another vehicle, the segmented audio messages would be combined into one and forwarded. If the target is another vehicle, the segmented messages would be forwarded untouched. If a call center or third party were to send an audio message to a vehicle, these would have to be compressed and segmented before forwarding to a vehicle. When the in-car device receives 6 these segmented messages, it would recombine 7, decompress and decode 8 them. They would then be played back over a speaker 9 mounted in the vehicle.
iF~gure 6 illustrates the composition of some sample e-mail messages sent and received by the in-car devices. The first e-mail 1 is a message sent from the in-car device to a Central Processing Station. In this example, the address of the in-car device is 91293294332Ca?paQer.com. The address of the server is serverCa?autoserver.com. The subject line identifies the type of message, which in this case is ServiceInterval. This message is generated at a predetermined odometer interval and contains the odometer reading and vehicle sensor data within the body of the message. A line containing the authentication code is also included in the message. This authentication code would vary with each message and would be based on a complex verification algorithm. This message is shown with english keywords for ease of understanding but that may not be the case in actual practice. The message could also be encrypted to reduce the chance of fraudulent messages. E-mail 2 shows a service fault message, which would be generated if the in-car device detects abnormal values in the vehicle sensor data. E-mail 3 is a sample of a vehicle location message, containing the present coordinates of the vehicle.
Messages 4 to 6 illustrate one single audio message - 4 is the first e-mail of audio message 01223 (01223 is to identify this particular audio message as opposed to one which could be sent moments later). The '-1' in the subject line indicates this is the first of a number of e-mails. Message 5 is the second e-mail of audio message 01223 and message 6 is the last e-mail. Each of these messages would contain a segment of the compressed audio file within the message body. A 'Forward=' line is included to show that this message was intended to be sent to a third party - the Central Processing Station would receive these messages, reconstitute them and forward it on to myfriendCc~email.com. E-mails 7 to 9 illustrate instructions from the Central Processing Station. Message 7 is an instruction for the in-car device identified as 91293294332Ccana er.com to start transmitting location data. Message 8 instructs the vehicle to stop transmitting location data and message 9 causes the vehicle to unlock its doors.
Figures 2 to 6 illustrate a preferred system, whereby the messaging apparatus is installed in an automobile. Other implementations could involve the messaging apparatus being installed and connected to systems within boats, motorcycles or airplanes. The messaging apparatus could also be installed in premises such as homes, warehouses and other buildings. Motion sensors, contact switches and other sensors could be physically wired or connected via a wireless network to the apparatus, providing the telemetry data that could be transmitted to the Central Data Warehouse. A
proximity sensor attached to a messaging device could be mounted in a bracelet, to enable remote monitoring of a child, pet, or individual under house arrest or in a secured area. A GPS unit coupled with the messaging unit could assist in the tracking of animals under scientific study. A satellite television receiver coupled with the messaging device would allow a program provider to disable units when programming dues have lapsed, upgrade system software when these become available, and identify units with fraudulent enabling codes. These are just some examples of alternative embodiments of the present invention. There could be a single Central Processing Station to service all the embodiments, or multiple stations could exist, each one serving one or more embodiments of this invention.
While the present invention has been described and illustrated in various preferred and alternative embodiments, such descriptions are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not to be construed to be limitations thereof. In this regard, the present invention encompasses any and all embodiments with the scope of the present invention being limited only by the claims which follow.
This patent teaches a significant improvement over both systems. Firstly, there is no direct connection between the end-user and the remote device. All messages go through an intermediary, which authenticates and processes all messages. An application located at the Central Processing Station would be programmed to respond to monitoring information received from each device, storing the information in a database, sending an automatic response to the sending device, or generating a report or alert for the end-user. The application would also authenticate and respond to requests from end-users, forwarding instructions on the remote device as necessary.
Using an asynchronous method of communication such as electronic mail reduces the equipment and bandwidth requirements compared to other systems. Remote devices and end-users would be connected to any number of Internet portals, through a variety of means including but not limited to phone lines, cable modems, wireless e-mail pagers, and/or cellular networks. An e-mail message containing data or requests would be sent or received using the portal's e-mail server. As part of the standard Internet e-mail infrastructure, these messages would ultimately be delivered to the e-mail servers) located at the Central Processing Station, whenever that server is operable and able to send or receive messages.
A monitored car, boat, vending machine or person could be equipped with a wireless e-mail device that would provide a connection to the Internet, facilitating the communication of Internet e-mails. A home, office, or object within a home or office could be coupled with a wired e-mail device. These e-mail devices would collect information about its host object and compose an e-mail message containing this data to be sent at pre-programmed or externally triggered intervals. These e-mails would then be transmitted between the monitored object and a Central Processing Station. A connection would then be established between the Central Processing Station and the manufacturers, vendors, owners, monitoring stations and other parties interested in monitoring or controlling the remote object. This connection could be made using a switchboard and operator, e-mail, web-page, or custom application utilizing the Internet or a private network.
On the remote monitored object, the e-mail device would be coupled to sensors to provide data about the monitored device. These inputs could include GPS or wireless location data, instruments for measuring performance and other telemetry data, outputs from computers, signal processors or other logic circuits, or switches that are triggered by an operator. In the example of an automobile, these inputs could be signals from the OBD-2 port of most current vehicles, anti-theft devices, odometer, airbag deployment circuit, GPS
unit, or driver input device consisting of a keypad, touch-screen, microphone or other apparatus.
The remote device could also be coupled with a control circuit to respond to e-mail messages sent from the Central Processing Station. These e-mail messages could be instructions to start or stop transmitting location data at specific intervals, to activate or deactivate the monitored object, to turn on or off security, or even to upgrade systems with data supplied in the current or subsequent messages. These e-mail messages could also be messages intended for the operator of the monitored object, forwarded from a monitoring station, dispatch, security office, or other third party, through the Central Processing Station.
In a preferred implementation of this system, a wireless e-mail pager would form the basis of a module installed in an automobile. This pager would be integrated with a logic module connected to a variety of data inputs such as the OBD-2 port of the vehicle, an airbag deployment sensor, the odometer, a GPS
receiver and/or an anti-theft unit. The module would collect data from the OBD-2 port and compose an e-mail whenever preprogrammed odometer values were reached. The module could also include circuitry that monitors the OBD-2 data and triggers a message to be composed and sent whenever unusual values are detected. The airbag deployment sensor could also trigger an emergency message be sent. Should an external event trip the anti-theft unit, this information as well as GPS
location information could be included in a message. A small apparatus consisting of a roadside assistance button and a 911 button could be installed on the dash of the vehicle, enabling the operator to trigger a message requesting a tow-truck or emergency vehicle be sent to the location determined by a GPS receiver. As well, a microphone connected with a circuit that digitizes, compresses and segments the audio signals into data that could be composed into an e-mail message would allow an operator to send an audio message. An external port or network connection would allow third party devices to also compose and send messages to the Central Processing Station, via the e-mail pager.
The logic module could also include provisions to respond to messages from the Central Processing Station. These messages could be those automatically generated by the Central Processing Station - for instance, a request to start transmitting vehicle location data, in response to an anti-theft alarm message.
These messages could also include those forwarded by the Central Processing Station from owners, manufacturers, or authorized monitoring facilities. These could be requests to unlock the doors, deactivate or reactivate the vehicle. They could also be audio or text messages directed at the operator of the vehicle, which the logic module would direct to a display panel or audio decompressor circuit for playback over a speaker.
The system described in this document shares some similarities with existing patents. Some of these are summarized below, with discussion detailing their commonalties and key differences.
US Patent #5,732,074, entitled 'Mobile Portable Wireless Communication System', teaches a rather complex system whereby numerous remote stations can access an operating system within a vehicle using an airlink. The vehicle would consist of a wireless device and a second network with a controller for coordinating the communication of various devices within the vehicle, with each device in the second network having a unique designation and capable of responding to requests for information. The patent teaches that the vehicle would have a web-server to respond to the requests for information from multiple remote stations, receiving from each station an address to transmit the response to. There is no provision for authentication or to prevent unauthorized access to information from the vehicle - the vehicle simply sends information back to the address of the remote station. There is also no provision for any functionality other than remote monitoring - remote stations can only request information from a vehicle. The system detailed in this document proposes a remote monitoring AND control system whereby only one authorized remote server is sent data from the vehicle and is able to request information or initiate actions. All messages are validated to prevent unauthorized access to the system. As defined in this document, the messaging apparatus coupled to any fixed or mobile object would not require a computer, operating system, or computer network connected to other network devices in order to provide monitoring information.
US Patent #5,432,841, entitled 'System for Locating and Communicating with Mobile Vehicles', relates solely to cellular telephone based systems and describes a methodology whereby a vehicle can be located using a cellular network. A remote computer with the specific task of identifying vehicle locations communicates by sending e-mail messages containing location data to a monitoring party. The system detailed in this document does not cover the determination of a vehicle location - it simply accesses an apparatus in the vehicle that provides the location data. The messaging apparatus then transmits the location data to a Central Processing Station, which simply receives that information by e-mail and communicates it on to an end-user, through e-mail or other means.
US Patent #5,539,810, entitled 'Data Messaging In A Communications Network', and US Patent #5,544,225, entitled 'Data Messaging In A Cellular Communications Network', both refer to a system utilizing a cellular telephone network whereby a cellular device mounted on a trucking trailer conveys location and status information. This is accomplished by altering the identifier of the cellular transceiver. A
mobile switching unit coupled with a cellular network detects this altered identifier and routes it to a platform. The mobile switching unit must be available to receive when the altered identifier is transmitted -this is a real-time network system. The platform translates the altered identifier to obtain location and status information and makes this available to remote users. This system is limited to a one way transfer of information from a trucking trailer to a platform to users of the information.
The transmitted data is limited to location and status information and is strictly intended for use with a cellular network.
US Patent #5,844,473, a 'Method and Apparatus for Remotely Collecting Operational Information of a Mobile Vehicle', teaches a system where a cellular device attached to a vehicle communicates vehicle use and safety inspection data to a central server when a request for information signal is sent by the central server. A unique cellular identifier identifies each remote device. The central server is required to poll each device in order to obtain information - each device must have a data collection unit in order to store the usage and safety inspection data until it is polled. This is simply a one way system - no provision is made for a central server to command and control the remote device. The vehicle mounted cellular must be available to receive the polling request at the moment it is transmitted. The central server must meet the same condition when the information from the vehicle is transmitted.
US Patent #5,708,417, a 'Monitoring System for Remote Units', describes a system whereby remote units are connected with a radio device to transmit proximity data to a local computer equipped with a radio receiver. This local computer generates an alarm, contacts a security office, and generates a report when the remote unit leaves the security area. This system is only intended for monitoring the presence of a vehicle inside a specific zone within range of a local computer equipped with a radio receiver. This is also a real-time system, requiring the local computer to be operational and ready to receive the signal, otherwise a remote unit may leave the security area without an alert being triggered.
The system detailed in this document provides a comprehensive system for any remote device, fixed or mobile, to communicate information about itself and objects connected to it to a Central Processing Station, whereby that information can be accessed by authorized parties. It also provides for authorized third parties and automated processes to communicate, via the Central Processing Station, requests for information and commands to initiate actions on the part of the remote device or items connected to it. It is based on an asynchronous messaging methodology, using store and forward technology such as Internet e-mail, to transmit predefined authenticated messages from the remote device to a Central Processing Station and vice versa. Cellular identifiers are not utilized - a unique address registered within the asynchronous store and forward messaging system is utilized - in the case of an Internet e-mail system, an e-mail address is used.
This system does not impose the strict requirement that the Central Processing Station be available to receive at every possible moment or face the possibility of losing a message -the utilization of a store and forward messaging system allows for system down-time. Messages would remain stored until such time as the Central Processing Station is able to receive it. The messaging apparatus could also be equipped with facilities to store a message for delayed transmission should it momentarily be unable to transmit.
Summary of the invention The present invention details a system that communicates commands, requests and data in the form of standardized Internet electronic messages between a Central Processing Station and a remote object coupled with a device that facilitates the transfer of messages via a asynchronous store and forward means, such as e-mail. The system also details the connection of interested third parties, manufacturers, vendors, agents and owners of the remote objects, to the Central Processing Station, whereby they may receive alerts and reports regarding the remote objects and request commands be sent to those same objects. This connection may be in the form of e-mail, web pages, telephone operator or menu system. Third parties would not have direct access to the remote devices.
The system includes at the remote site an Internet e-mail device capable of receiving and/or transmitting e-mail messages over a wireless or physical network which in turn is connected to the Internet.
This e-mail device would be encoded with a unique e-mail address, such that the device, and in turn its host object, can be distinctly identified. This device would be coupled with circuitry which would compose specific messages based on data received from sensors, switches and other apparatus. These messages would be sent to the e-mail address of the Central Processing Station. This circuitry could also include logic to authenticate and respond to e-mail messages received from the Central Processing Station. Possible connections to this circuitry include but are not limited to GPS receivers, wireless location units, automobile data ports, anti-theft sensors and control units, LCD display panels, touch screens, keypads, joysticks, I/O ports, and audio compressors/decompressors.
The system details a Central Processing Station, which may be singular or many. A Central Processing Station would consist of one or more e-mail servers, connected to the Internet for the purpose of receiving messages from the remote devices and from authorized third parties. An application would process each message received from remote objects, authenticating and determining the type of message. The e-mail address of the sender would be compared with a database registering each remote object with a unique e-mail address. Once the remote object has been identified, the application would respond in a pre-defined manner, based on the type of object and the type of message. These responses could be but are not limited to the notification of security or monitoring agencies, the generation of reports to be sent to manufacturers, or storage of data for future processing.
Messages received from authorized third parties would also be authenticated to prevent unauthorized parties from gaining access to information regarding a remote object or to request actions to be performed by that same object. Authorized parties would send requests to the Central Processing Station. These requests would be validated and forwarded on to the remote objects.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1: A diagram of the e-mail monitoring and control system - a generic system overview.
Figure 2: Wireless e-mail for Automobile Telemetry and Control - an overview of a system specifically for monitoring and controlling motor vehicles.
Figure 3: In-car unit for Automobile Telemetry and Control - a diagram of the modules and connections within the car.
Figure 4: Central Processing Station for Automobile Telemetry and Control -flow diagram of the Central Processing Station of an automobile monitoring and control system.
Figure 5: Using Digital E-Mail Paging as a 2-way Digital Radio - a block diagram illustrating how a digital e-mail pager based system can be utilized for 2-way audio communications.
Figure 6: Some sample e-mail messages sent and received by in-car telemetry devices to illustrate how data and requests are formatted.
Detailed Description of the preferred embodiments With reference to Figure 1, an apparatus labeled 2 is coupled would a host object 1 such as a car, or a vending-machine. This apparatus would be programmed with a unique e-mail address, such that every host object could be uniquely identified. Any number of sensors 3 could be connected to the apparatus, such as GPS receivers, wireless location units, automobile data ports, anti-theft sensors and control units, LCD
display panels, touch screens, keypads, joysticks, I/O ports, and audio compressors/decompressors. The apparatus would be capable of composing an e-mail message to be sent to the Central Processing Station 7, containing data gathered from the input sensors. The apparatus would have a logic circuit programmed to determine which events would trigger a message to be sent. This logic circuit would also embed an authentication code into every e-mail message and possibly encrypt the message if required. The e-mail message would be communicated via a wireless connection 4, such as an e-mail pager, or a physical connection 4b, such as a telephone line and a modem. The wireless connection would utilize a wireless e-mail infrastructure consisting of land-based transceivers, relay stations, and/or satellites 4c. As is required by all Internet communications, the physical and the wireless connection would be routed through an Internet portal 5 at which an e-mail server would be situated 5b. The Internet portal would have one or more connections to the Internet backbone 6. The e-mail message from the host object would ultimately be forwarded to one or more e-mail servers 8 which are part of the Central Processing Station. An automated process would be initiated whereby each message would be authenticated 9 as being one sent by a valid device. The procedure would then identify the type of message as being one of any number of predefined standard messages to be sent from a remote host object. Next, the host object would be identified 10 by looking up a device database 11 and comparing the e-mail address of the sender (which is contained within the message) with that registered in the database. Finally, the message is processed 13 by an application that selects a task based on the message type. These tasks may be: Generate a report to a manufacturer, vendor, end-user or other authorized party 14; Generate an automatic reply to the remote host device 15;
Forward the message to a call center, manufacturer, vendor, end-user, or other authorized party 16.
Generated reports and forwarded messages could then be e-mailed to the vendor of the host object 17, the manufacturer 18, the end-user 19, or a call center 20. Using the Internet, these parties could also access the reports or notifications via a web site, provided proper measures are taken to prevent unauthorized access.
When a host device is manufactured or sold, it would be registered through a device registration web page 12, so that the device and its e-mail address are added to the device database 11.
When a vendor, manufacturer, end-user or call center desires a specific action to be performed by a remote object, they would make a request of the Central Processing Station 7, through an e-mail, web-page or custom Internet application. This would result in a message being sent to the e-mail server 8, which would be authenticated and identified 9. The device to be controlled would also be determined 10 and its e-mail address would be used when the message is processed 13 to generate a new e-mail 15 to be sent to the desired device. This new e-mail would go through the Internet to the portal and through the physical or wireless connection to the e-mail apparatus 2 on the host device. The logic circuit within the apparatus would authenticate and identify the message, and process it, sending a signal to the appropriate control module 3 or output device. In this manner, a device could be made to start or stop transmitting location data, lock or unlock doors, activate or deactivate itself, or perform other functions.
Using the same system, a third party such as family and friends of the host device operator 21 could request a message to be sent to the operator of the remote object, and messages generated by the operator of the device could be forwarded to other parties.
Figure 2 illustrates a system designed for monitoring and controlling automobiles. A Central Processing Station 1 communicates with automobiles 2 using a wireless e-mail system 3 such as wireless e-mail paging. The automobile 4 sends and receives wireless e-mails 5, which is made possible by a wireless e-mail pager 6 with a unique e-mail address. Circuitry 7 connected to the paging subsystem processes incoming e-mails and generates outgoing ones. Incoming e-mails instruct the circuitry to generate signals to data switches 8 which cause the car to unlock doors, disable the fuel pump, or perform other actions.
Outgoing messages are triggered by and contain information provided by data sensors 9 connected to the car's various systems. The e-mails are transmitted by the pager to the e-mail paging infrastructure 10 which consist of a network of repeater stations connected to the Internet 11. The e-mails ultimately arrive at the Central Processing Station 12 which processes the incoming messages and replies as necessary.
Figure 3 details the proposed device within an automobile. A standard e-mail pager consists of items 1 through 5. An e-mail paging chipset 2 is utilized to send and receive wireless e-mails. Incoming e-mail 3 is displayed on a LCD panel which is part of the pager user interface 5. Outgoing e-mail 4 is entered via buttons on the pager user interface and sent via the pager chipset. In the proposed device, the pager user interface is optional. Incoming e-mails are redirected to a circuit which authenticates the message 6 to determine if it is a valid e-mail sent from the Central Processing Station. If the e-mail fails this test, it is deleted, otherwise, additional circuitry processes the message 7. Depending on the message from the Central Processing Station, the circuitry could be triggered to display the message text on an LCD display situated in a dash mounted user interface module 8, or cause the vehicle to unlock the doors, disable the starter or fuel pump, or perform other functions. Other systems present within the vehicle 9 can be connected to the e-mail processing circuitry - for example, the airbag deployment sensor or the OBD-2 data port. The airbag deployment sensor would trigger the circuitry to transmit an emergency message to the Central Processing Station. The OBD-2 data port provides performance data and a GPS receiver 10 provides the location data that can be sent in an e-mail. The user interface module could include a button to trigger a road-side assistance request message, and another to generate an emergency message. This would provide the operator of the vehicle with a quick, easy method for requesting assistance. Other buttons and controls could be included to enable the operator to generate custom e-mails to be sent to a third party via the Central Processing Station.
Central Processing Station processing flow for an automobile telemetry and control system is diagramed in Figure 4. An e-mail server 2 receives messages from the in-car device 1. A process 3 authenticates the validity of the message and identifies the type of message received. Next the identity of the vehicle sending the message is determined 4 by looking up the unique e-mail address of the sender (which is contained in the e-mail) in a device database 5. This database registers the unique-email address assigned to the in-car device with the serial number and specifications of the vehicle - details which are registered by the manufacturer 6 when the automobile assembly has been completed. When a dealer sells a vehicle, the contact information of the purchaser can be registered in the database as well 7. After identifying the message type and the vehicle, the message is processed 8 and the appropriate task is triggered. If a 'service interval reached' message was received, it could be included in a report of clients requiring regular servicing, which could be e-mailed to the local dealer 9.
This would enable a dealer to contact a client and inform him/her, for instance, that the vehicle has reached 100,000km and recommend that they come in for a timing belt change. If a 'telemetry data' message is received, the data would be compiled into a report and forwarded to the manufacturer 10. Automatic confirmations 11 could be sent to the vehicle upon receipt of a message. A 911 or roadside assistance request message would generate an alert to be sent to an attendant at a call center 12, who would then communicate via e-mail (which could contain voice messages - see Figure 5) with the driver of the vehicle 13. It is worth noting that this same system would authenticate and process messages sent by manufacturers, owners, and call-centers to be forwarded to a vehicle. For instance, an owner could request that a vehicle be unlocked - he could do this by dialing a phone number of a voice menu operated system, enter in an appropriate password, id and command code. This system would generate an e-mail to be sent to the Central Processing Station. The message would be verified and an automatic message would be generated and sent to the vehicle requesting that a door be unlocked.
Figure 5 details a process for transmitting and receiving voice messages using e-mail paging. In the example of an automobile system, a microphone 1 would be installed on the dash. Some event (a button, voice recognition, or other) would trigger the recording of a message. This audio signal would be converted to a digital signal and compressed 2. It would then be segmented 3 into data blocks of a maximum size determined by the e-mail system - ie. a e-mail pager may restrict message length to 2000 bytes. Next e-mails would be generated, one for each data block, with a header to identify that this is block #1, block #2, etc. These e-mails would then be transmitted by the in-car device 4 to the Central Processing Station 5, which would receive these messages and determine if the messages are to be forwarded on to a call-station, another vehicle or some other third party. If the target is not another vehicle, the segmented audio messages would be combined into one and forwarded. If the target is another vehicle, the segmented messages would be forwarded untouched. If a call center or third party were to send an audio message to a vehicle, these would have to be compressed and segmented before forwarding to a vehicle. When the in-car device receives 6 these segmented messages, it would recombine 7, decompress and decode 8 them. They would then be played back over a speaker 9 mounted in the vehicle.
iF~gure 6 illustrates the composition of some sample e-mail messages sent and received by the in-car devices. The first e-mail 1 is a message sent from the in-car device to a Central Processing Station. In this example, the address of the in-car device is 91293294332Ca?paQer.com. The address of the server is serverCa?autoserver.com. The subject line identifies the type of message, which in this case is ServiceInterval. This message is generated at a predetermined odometer interval and contains the odometer reading and vehicle sensor data within the body of the message. A line containing the authentication code is also included in the message. This authentication code would vary with each message and would be based on a complex verification algorithm. This message is shown with english keywords for ease of understanding but that may not be the case in actual practice. The message could also be encrypted to reduce the chance of fraudulent messages. E-mail 2 shows a service fault message, which would be generated if the in-car device detects abnormal values in the vehicle sensor data. E-mail 3 is a sample of a vehicle location message, containing the present coordinates of the vehicle.
Messages 4 to 6 illustrate one single audio message - 4 is the first e-mail of audio message 01223 (01223 is to identify this particular audio message as opposed to one which could be sent moments later). The '-1' in the subject line indicates this is the first of a number of e-mails. Message 5 is the second e-mail of audio message 01223 and message 6 is the last e-mail. Each of these messages would contain a segment of the compressed audio file within the message body. A 'Forward=' line is included to show that this message was intended to be sent to a third party - the Central Processing Station would receive these messages, reconstitute them and forward it on to myfriendCc~email.com. E-mails 7 to 9 illustrate instructions from the Central Processing Station. Message 7 is an instruction for the in-car device identified as 91293294332Ccana er.com to start transmitting location data. Message 8 instructs the vehicle to stop transmitting location data and message 9 causes the vehicle to unlock its doors.
Figures 2 to 6 illustrate a preferred system, whereby the messaging apparatus is installed in an automobile. Other implementations could involve the messaging apparatus being installed and connected to systems within boats, motorcycles or airplanes. The messaging apparatus could also be installed in premises such as homes, warehouses and other buildings. Motion sensors, contact switches and other sensors could be physically wired or connected via a wireless network to the apparatus, providing the telemetry data that could be transmitted to the Central Data Warehouse. A
proximity sensor attached to a messaging device could be mounted in a bracelet, to enable remote monitoring of a child, pet, or individual under house arrest or in a secured area. A GPS unit coupled with the messaging unit could assist in the tracking of animals under scientific study. A satellite television receiver coupled with the messaging device would allow a program provider to disable units when programming dues have lapsed, upgrade system software when these become available, and identify units with fraudulent enabling codes. These are just some examples of alternative embodiments of the present invention. There could be a single Central Processing Station to service all the embodiments, or multiple stations could exist, each one serving one or more embodiments of this invention.
While the present invention has been described and illustrated in various preferred and alternative embodiments, such descriptions are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not to be construed to be limitations thereof. In this regard, the present invention encompasses any and all embodiments with the scope of the present invention being limited only by the claims which follow.
Claims (19)
1. A system for communicating location and other telemetry information about a mobile or fixed item via an asynchronous store and forward messaging system, such as Internet e-mail.
This system would consist of a messaging apparatus attached to the mobile or fixed device or premise, a network connection for transmitting these messages, and a Central Processing Station to receive and respond to the messages generated by the apparatus.
This system would consist of a messaging apparatus attached to the mobile or fixed device or premise, a network connection for transmitting these messages, and a Central Processing Station to receive and respond to the messages generated by the apparatus.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein a messaging apparatus is coupled with any variety of objects that may benefit from remote monitoring or control. This includes but is not limited to automobiles, marine vessels, vending machines, animals and human beings.
3. The system of claim 1, comprising of a network connection, whether by a wireless device or a physical connection, whereby e-mail messages generated by the messaging apparatus would reach a Central Processing Station and vice versa, via the Internet.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein one or more Central Processing Stations receives, authenticates and processes the messages generated by the messaging apparatus. These messages may result in a variety of responses - automated replies may be sent to the apparatus; alerts may be issued to a monitoring station; messages may be stored for future processing; or reports may be issued to manufacturer, vendors, or end-users of the mobile or fixed item.
5. An apparatus for communicating location and other telemetry information about a mobile or fixed item (a host object) using Internet electronic mail. This apparatus will consist of an Internet e-mail unit having a unique e-mail address, coupled with the host object that facilitates the transmission of location, performance and other information to a distant Central Processing Station.
6. Each apparatus of claim 5 will be uniquely identified by an address registered within the asynchronous store and forward messaging system being is utilized - in the case of an Internet e-mail system, an e-mail address is used. No two devices will share the same address.
7. Each apparatus of claim 5 will be programmed with the e-mail address of its Central Processing Station, such that all messages generated by the apparatus will be sent to one specific location.
8. The apparatus of claim 5 may be connected via a physical or wireless connection to sensors, computer outputs and other data collection instruments to monitor such items as the performance or location of the host object. The connection between the apparatus and the sensors may be made using a radio or infra-red network, as an alternative to wires.
9. The apparatus of claim 5 will generate e-mail messages containing location or other telemetry information about its host object at regular, or event triggered intervals.
10. The apparatus of claim 5 will transmit e-mails via a wireless transmitter or physical connection to an Internet portal. The method of communicating this message includes but is not limited to standardized wireless protocols utilizing cellular or paging networks which are used for the transmission of Internet e-mail. This includes both satellite and land-based systems. The capability to store a message for delayed transmission could be built into the apparatus for situations where access to the network is momentarily unavailable.
11. The apparatus of claim 5 may also include a wireless receiver for receiving messages sent by a Central Processing Station. Messages received will be validated to verify authenticity and forwarded to a command and control unit within the apparatus that will respond to the message. These messages will result in certain switches, computer inputs or control units receiving a signal, such as one to unlock a door or disable a fuel pump. The connection between the apparatus of claim 5 and the switches, computer inputs and control units may be physical or wireless.
12. The apparatus of claim 5 may be attached to an interface module that enables the user of the host object to generate messages to be sent to as well as view messages received from the Central Processing Station.
13. A method of transmitting the collected data in the form of an electronic mail message - utilizing a standard Internet-based messaging system. The message will be addressed to the e-mail address of a Central Processing Station and will contain, in addition to the collected data, the originator's e-mail address, authentication data to prevent fraudulent messages, and a header to identify the type of message being sent.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein messages sent to the apparatus of claim 5 will originate at the Central Processing Station, contain the unique e-mail address of the apparatus, and contain authentication data and a header to identify the type of message.
15. A method of processing the e-mail messages sent by every apparatus of claim 5, whereby an e-mail server at the Central Processing Station receives the messages.
16. A method of claim 15 whereby an application would authenticate and verify the validity of each message received, identify the type of message and search a database to identify the host object coupled with the apparatus of claim 5, based on the unique e-mail address contained in the message.
17. A method of claim 15 whereby application system will act on the message received, varying its response based on the type of message and the type of host object. This system will interact with clients of the Central Processing Station by generating alerts or producing reports which can be e-mailed or accessed via a web-page.
18. A method whereby manufacturers, vendors, end-users and other authorized parties can interact with the remote objects by submitting requests to the Central Processing Station for various messages to be issued to the apparatus coupled to a specific host object.
19. A method of transmitting audio data using e-mail messages, such that e-mail size constraints do not prevent the communication of voice messages. This method entails digitizing the audio data, compressing it through any variety of compression techniques and segmenting the resulting data into blocks that do not exceed maximum e-mail size constraints. These blocks are then numbered and transmitted to the Central Processing Station. Segmented audio e-mails received from the Central Processing Station would be recombined, decoded and converted into an audio signal for playback through speakers.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002302999A CA2302999A1 (en) | 2000-03-15 | 2000-03-15 | Remote telemetry and control using asynchronous messaging |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002302999A CA2302999A1 (en) | 2000-03-15 | 2000-03-15 | Remote telemetry and control using asynchronous messaging |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2302999A1 true CA2302999A1 (en) | 2001-09-15 |
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ID=4165714
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002302999A Abandoned CA2302999A1 (en) | 2000-03-15 | 2000-03-15 | Remote telemetry and control using asynchronous messaging |
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| CA (1) | CA2302999A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP3373570B1 (en) | 2002-05-21 | 2020-01-29 | IoT IP GmbH | System and method for monitoring and control of wireless modules linked to assets |
-
2000
- 2000-03-15 CA CA002302999A patent/CA2302999A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP3373570B1 (en) | 2002-05-21 | 2020-01-29 | IoT IP GmbH | System and method for monitoring and control of wireless modules linked to assets |
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