DE102014002665A1 - A method for linking a mobile location unit to a mobile surveillance unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for computer-aided linking of at least one mobile localization unit (1) to at least one mobile surveillance unit (2) in a central unit (4), wherein the current position of the localization unit (1) is detected by the localization unit (1) at least at certain times and signals corresponding to its current position are transmitted via a wireless transmission link (5) to the central unit (4) which is connected to the at least one monitoring unit (2) via a wireless transmission link (5), the current position of the at least one monitoring unit (2) is detected by the monitoring unit (2) at least at certain times and signals corresponding to its current position are sent via the wireless transmission link (5) to the central unit (4), and wherein the at least one localization unit (1) is connected to the at least one monitoring unit (2) is automatically linked in the central unit (4) if the signals received by the central unit (4) to the current positions of the at least one localization unit (1) and the at least one monitoring unit (2) at least over a predetermined or predeterminable period in compliance with a given or specifiable maximum allowable deviation.

Description

The present invention relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 1. It can be used in particular in the context of the localization of a mobile object or a plurality of mobile objects, for which purpose suitable methods are known per se.

A localization unit can be fixedly coupled to an object to be monitored, so that its current location can be determined at a monitoring unit linked thereto via a central unit or at several monitoring units linked thereto via a central unit.

However, the linking of the localization unit with the monitoring unit, which is also referred to as pairing, often makes relatively expensive and prone to error.

Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a method of the type mentioned, which allows a particularly simple linkage of the localization unit with the monitoring unit.

This object is achieved by a method according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and modifications of the invention will become apparent from the other claims.

It is essential in the solution according to the invention that the current position of the monitoring unit is detected by the monitoring unit at least at certain times and signals corresponding to its current position are sent to the central unit via the wireless transmission path, wherein the localization unit with the monitoring unit in the Central unit is automatically linked when the received signals from the central unit to the current position of the localization unit and to the current position of the monitoring unit at least over a predetermined or predeterminable time period while maintaining a predetermined or predetermined maximum allowable deviation.

The basic idea of the invention thus lies in the fact that the localization unit advantageously advantageously attached to a mobile object to be monitored as inconspicuously as possible and the monitoring unit connected thereto via a central unit are automatically linked or paired with one another if they are moved together long enough. The user does not have to perform any further complicated and complicated configuration steps for this, so that the process of linking or pairing can be carried out particularly simply and conveniently.

Both the time duration to be observed during pairing and the maximum permissible deviation of the position data transmitted to the central unit can either be fixed or freely set by a user.

The central unit can advantageously be formed by a computer, in particular by a server in a network, which is preferably connected via the Internet to the wireless transmission links, via which the localization unit or the monitoring unit communicate with the central unit.

An electronic terminal forming the monitoring unit can advantageously be a portable computer or an internet-enabled mobile telephone (smartphone).

In order to minimize the energy consumption of the localization unit and to allow the longest possible monitoring time, it is further proposed that the localization unit's current position be detected by the localization unit at least at certain times, and that signals corresponding to its current position only be sent to a user via a wireless transmission link Central unit and / or sent to a monitoring unit when the current position of the localization unit has changed from the last detected position of the localization unit by at least a predetermined or predeterminable minimum distance. If the current position of the object to be monitored, which was previously sent to a central processing unit or to a monitoring unit, does not change any further, no further energy needs to be consumed for a renewed transmission. This particularly energy-saving process can be used both independently and in conjunction with the method of pairing described above.

The subject matter of the present invention is also a system suitable for carrying out the pairing method of the type described above. In this respect, the present invention also relates to a system comprising at least one mobile location unit, at least one mobile surveillance unit and a central unit, which are configured in accordance with the previously described method for linking the location unit with the monitoring unit.

Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description to the embodiment shown in the drawing.

The drawing shows a schematic representation of an arrangement or a system with which the inventive method for linking (pairing) a mobile location unit 1 , which is also referred to as a direction finder, with a mobile monitoring unit 2 , which is made here by a smartphone, is executable.

The method according to the invention can be used against loss or unauthorized use in connection with the location of moving objects, such as the location for the protection of two-wheeled vehicles. The method is used to link a transmitter for transmitting geographic coordinates and a smartphone or other mobile device with an application for locating and displaying the location coordinates of the transmitter.

Devices are known from the prior art that can determine a location and transmit this location to a receiver within range of the transmitter.

This is disadvantageous in that the devices must be put into a pairing mode via functions with each other and data such as PIN numbers must be transmitted. This is complicated and is performed by many users only inadequate. For example, many companies use default settings that do not provide adequate protection against misuse.

Furthermore, devices are known from the prior art, which transmit their location via mobile, and in which the configuration and use via the sending of text messages to the device. This is disadvantageous in that the device must be able to receive information from the mobile network. In addition, these devices consistently have a high energy consumption, so that a high maintenance is associated with this technique.

The present compaction has the advantage that the device is intuitive to use, and provides a direction finding device that requires no controls and can be installed completely hidden in the object to be protected against theft. Furthermore, it has the advantage of not requiring reception of information via wireless communication systems.

The present invention comprises a locating unit advantageously provided with a GPS receiver for determining location coordinates. Furthermore, it is preferably equipped with a compass and / or with sensors for detecting the position and / or acceleration of the localization unit. Moreover, it comprises a processor, a memory, a mobile radio transmitter and a power supply unit.

Furthermore, it is provided that different locating methods can be used in the device, for example the triangulation of mobile radio cells, or methods for determining the position in buildings.

Advantageously, the device for determining location coordinates can be designed as simple as possible, so that individual boundary conditions such as energy consumption, size of the device, installation position and visibility of the device for the user can be optimally adapted to the purpose of use, the device can be completely hidden be so that in the theft sabotage can be excluded by removing the security device.

For the applications described in this invention, it is sufficient if the bearing advance only transmits its location coordinates when it is moved.

Furthermore, a device for displaying the location coordinates is provided, the device consists of an application on a smartphone or preferably another mobile device, which communicates with a mobile radio network and has a device for determining location coordinates. It is advantageous that the user can buy the device without having to worry about the device of the radio connection. The worldwide and well-developed roaming network infrastructure ensures intuitive operation.

The invention consists essentially of a method for linking the device for determining location coordinates with a display device, wherein a combination of the device for determining location coordinates and the at least one device for displaying the location coordinates automatically by the approach of the devices within a predetermined distance from each other, the device for determining location coordinates being exclusively operated remotely and the devices communicating only with the mobile radio network indirectly, and the device for determining location coordinates being used only in the normal operating mode.

Advantageously, the pairing does not happen by transitioning to a pairing mode. Thus superfluous operating steps are eliminated, the operation becomes more intuitive.

Furthermore, a method is provided for linking a device for determining location coordinates and a display device, characterized in that it has an application on a first smartphone and the transfer of rights is displayed on an application of a second smartphone or can be prevented.

In contrast to many common linking methods, in this case the link is limited to a few basic conditions such as motion and / or time synchronicity and local proximity of the devices. The security is ensured by the retention and release of access rights of an already existing link and by the consent of the legal guardian.

Furthermore, the invention comprises a system consisting of a device for determining location coordinates and a display device and at least one server, wherein the devices are linked to each other via mobile radio.

The drawing shows a preferred arrangement of the invention, wherein a device for determining location coordinates or direction finding device 1 and a display device preferably a mobile device or a smartphone 2 equipped with an installed application program (app) in each case in conjunction with a mobile network 5 and a server 4 stand.

The direction finder 1 preferably comprises a device for determining the location coordinates such as a GPS receiver, compass, one or more position sensors, an acceleration sensor, a processor, a memory, a mobile radio transmitter and a power supply unit.

The smartphone 2, in turn, preferably has a device for determining the location coordinates, such as a GPS receiver, compass, one or more position sensors, an acceleration sensor, a processor, a memory, a mobile radio transmitter and a power supply unit.

The direction finder 1 is used to determine the location coordinates and the motion events of a moving object, such as a vehicle, luggage, an electronic device, art object or the like.

The smartphone 2 determines the whereabouts of the owner of the object to which the direction finder is connected.

The direction finder 1 can also directly with the smartphone 2 In connection, preferably according to the invention a connection is provided only with the mobile network.

The direction finder 1 and the smartphone 2 are assigned to each other by means of pairing, so that a location of the direction finder 1 through the smartphone 2 preferably in the case of unauthorized removal of the protected object or manipulation of the direction finder 1 is provided.

According to the invention, the pairing is initiated without contact, so that at the direction finder 1 no control element must be pressed to perform the pairing. The pairing will be carried out by the nearby smartphone 2 initiated and alone on the mobile network 5 and preferably from a server 4 in the mobile network 5 controlled.

The pairing preferably proceeds as follows:
The direction finder 1 When it is moved, it sends out its location coordinates at regular intervals, preferably every minute. The signal is transmitted over the mobile network 5 to a server 4 preferably sent in a computer cloud.

The application on the smartphone 2 is put into pairing mode, and together with the direction finder 1 as long as moved, until both devices by comparing their location coordinates from the server 4 clearly associated with each other and automatically linked when they fall below a predetermined distance from each other for a while. This can be done, for example, by the user using the smartphone 2 and the direction finder attached to a bicycle 1 drives around for a while.

The direction finder sends 1 at regular intervals their location coordinates via the mobile network 5 off, the server 4 is looking for a smartphone 2 that is in pairing mode or not yet with the direction finder 1 and its location coordinates with the coordinates of the direction finder 1 sufficiently agree. The successful link will be on the server 4 saved and on the smartphone 2 displayed.

When pairing other preferred authentication and identification data are exchanged and / or stored in addition to the location coordinate, in particular Mac addresses, IP or IPv6 addresses, certificates of authenticity, pin codes and the like.

Furthermore, a time period for the final confirmation or connection of the pairing process can be provided, in which the owner of the smartphone 2 must confirm the pairing or in which the related devices must be moved together or in which the two devices must be at a predetermined distance from each other.

The link is then usually for life or up to a predetermined event that determines the separation of the two units, such as selling the protected item together with the direction finder 1 , Furthermore, the link can be removed by operating the smartphone application by the owner.

Rule:

The direction finder 1 sends a status report with the location coordinates at regular intervals, preferably every minute.

The direction finder 1 is not visible from the outside installed in an object to be protected, in the case of a bicycle, for example in the frame tube, in the handlebar tube, in a hub, in the saddle or in a lamp. Will the bike by the user of the smartphone 2 used direction finder move 1 and smartphone 2 uniform and have location coordinates that are within a first range radius of each other.

Furthermore, the owner can always retrieve the most recently transmitted location coordinates on the smartphone and, for example, view them on a map.

Theft case:

After the cyclist has put the smartphone application into the monitoring mode, an alarm is automatically triggered and sent to the smartphone 2 transmitted when the bicycle is moved and an automatically determined distance to the smartphone 2 exceeds. The alarm can be transmitted, for example, by a text message, a push message, or an automatic call on the smartphone. The owner can follow the movement of the bicycle on the smartphone.

As long as the cyclist himself rides on the bike and the direction finder 1 and the smartphone 2 are moved uniformly and locally close to each other, so no alarm is triggered.

The process is also known as geofencing. The smartphone 2 In this way it is also possible to determine the whereabouts of several direction finding devices 1 on a bicycle, a network of direction finding equipment 1 Locate within range of the bike or interact with the bike.

It is further provided that a smartphone application with multiple direction finding devices, which are attached to different vehicles, for example, is linked.

In addition to the signal of the coordinates and other information can be transmitted as preferred state of charge of the battery, state of the power supply, error messages, temperature, billing data, video and / or audio data.

In alarm mode, the location coordinates in a map on the smartphone 2 of the user. Other options are preferably associated with it, such as preferably emergency call, call additional contact telephone numbers, message to social networks, read data from the direction finder, in particular video and audio data. It is further provided that in the alarm mode, the monitored object, as far as it is remotely controllable, can be automatically put into an alarm mode.

Furthermore, also by the smartphone 2 the alarm mode will be triggered even if the direction finder 1 is not in the alarm mode. Also can be through the smartphone 2 the alarm mode will be ended,

hijacking:

It may happen that an unauthorized person attempts to use the direction finder 1 to capture. In this case, a second smartphone is placed in the pairing mode, and as described with the direction finder 1 moved together.

Also other devices 3 can take over the rights to the pairing. The respective device with the older rights, however, is informed of the transfer of rights and can refuse the transfer of rights at any time. In this case, the smartphone becomes 2 with the older rights, which so far with the direction finder 1 is informed about the attempt to reconnect and put into an alarm mode. The location coordinates of the direction finder become 1 shown on a map. Furthermore, personal information such as name, telephone number, etc. are transferred from the smartphone that is reconnecting to the device with the older rights. This is to prevent fraud by fraud.

If the link to a new device is not denied by an older device, it will automatically take effect. This makes it possible and provided that several smartphones are linked simultaneously with a direction finder. The presence of newer links is always displayed on older devices and can be revoked at any time. It is also intended that unauthorized linking to other devices on the device with the older rights by assigning a personal secret password or a sequence of digits, or can be complicated by biometric authentication.

The direction finder 1 can not only be installed in bicycles. Preferably, the direction finder 1 also be used on any type of vehicles, tools, computers, notebooks, cameras, jewelry, valuables, musical instruments, luggage, handbags and the like. Furthermore, it is provided that persons and animals, the direction finder 1 can lead with you.

According to further embodiments, the smartphone 2 can also be replaced by hardware, which may contain applications or service. These may be, for example, actuators or sensors worn in clothing or on the body, preferably watches, brooches or bands. Furthermore, the mobile network can administer these services independently, without having to resort to a server.

Cellular connections are not the only way of communication. So it is also possible that other wireless networks, services and protocols are used such. WiFi, RFID, NFC, Zigbee, eQ-3, Bluetooth, ANT + etc.

Claims (10)

Method for computer-aided linking of at least one mobile localization unit ( 1 ) with at least one mobile surveillance unit ( 2 ) in a central processing unit ( 4 ), whereby the current position of the localization unit ( 1 ) at least at certain times by the localization unit ( 1 ) and signals corresponding to their current position via a wireless transmission link ( 5 ) to the central unit ( 4 ) transmitted over a wireless transmission link ( 5 ) with the at least one monitoring unit ( 2 ), characterized in that the current position of the at least one monitoring unit ( 2 ) at least at certain times by the monitoring unit ( 2 ) and their current position corresponding signals over the wireless transmission link ( 5 ) to the central unit ( 4 ) and that the at least one localization unit ( 1 ) with the at least one monitoring unit ( 2 ) in the central unit ( 4 ) is linked automatically if the data received from the central 4 ) received signals to the current positions of the at least one localization unit ( 1 ) and the at least one monitoring unit ( 2 ) agree at least over a predetermined or predefinable period of time while maintaining a predetermined or predetermined maximum allowable deviation. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that an automatic linking of the localization unit ( 1 ) with a second monitoring unit ( 3 ) in the central unit ( 4 ) is prevented by a link lock when the localization unit ( 1 ) with at least one first monitoring unit ( 2 ) in the central unit ( 4 ) was linked. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that the linkage lock in the central unit ( 4 ) by at least one first monitoring unit ( 2 ) can be canceled. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the current position of the localization unit ( 1 ) corresponding signals only to the central unit ( 4 ) are sent when the location of the localization unit ( 1 ) compared to the last recorded position of the localization unit ( 1 ) has changed by at least a predetermined or predetermined minimum distance. Method for monitoring the current position of a localization unit ( 1 ), in particular according to the method according to one of the preceding claims in a central processing unit ( 4 ) with at least one monitoring unit ( 2 ), characterized in that the current position of the localization unit ( 1 ) at least at certain times by the localization unit ( 1 ) and that signals corresponding to their current position are transmitted over a wireless transmission link ( 5 ) only to a central processing unit ( 4 ) and / or to a monitoring unit ( 2 ) are sent when the location of the localization unit ( 1 ) compared to the last recorded position of the localization unit ( 1 ) has changed by at least a predetermined or predetermined minimum distance. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one localization unit ( 1 ) and the at least one monitoring unit ( 2 ) via a mobile network to the central unit ( 4 ) are connected. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the monitoring unit ( 2 ) is formed by a preferably internet-enabled mobile phone or by a portable computer. System for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one mobile localization unit ( 1 ) and at least one mobile surveillance unit ( 2 ) and a central unit ( 4 ). System according to claim 8, characterized in that the monitoring unit ( 2 ) Means for detecting their current position and means for transmitting signals associated with their current position over a wireless transmission link ( 5 ) to the central unit ( 4 ). Mobile location unit ( 1 ) as part of the system according to claim 8 or 9.

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