EP1623354A4 - Systeme de pistage et procede associe - Google Patents

Systeme de pistage et procede associe

Info

Publication number
EP1623354A4
EP1623354A4 EP04801948A EP04801948A EP1623354A4 EP 1623354 A4 EP1623354 A4 EP 1623354A4 EP 04801948 A EP04801948 A EP 04801948A EP 04801948 A EP04801948 A EP 04801948A EP 1623354 A4 EP1623354 A4 EP 1623354A4
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tag
data
sensor
fracker
processor
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP04801948A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1623354A2 (fr
Inventor
Gary Kochis
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Argo Tech Corp
Original Assignee
Argo Tech Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from PCT/US2003/014483 external-priority patent/WO2003104834A2/fr
Application filed by Argo Tech Corp filed Critical Argo Tech Corp
Publication of EP1623354A2 publication Critical patent/EP1623354A2/fr
Publication of EP1623354A4 publication Critical patent/EP1623354A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C5/00—Registering or indicating the working of vehicles
    • G07C5/08—Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle or waiting time
    • G07C5/0841—Registering performance data
    • G07C5/085—Registering performance data using electronic data carriers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/10—Office automation; Time management
    • G06Q10/107—Computer-aided management of electronic mailing [e-mailing]
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q50/00—Information and communication technology [ICT] specially adapted for implementation of business processes of specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
    • G06Q50/40—Business processes related to the transportation industry

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a system for tracking movable assets and a method for using the system. It finds particular application in conjunction with a tracking device that operates using global positioning system technology and a tracking information server that provides tracking information along with various types of supplemental information to a subscriber and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the invention is also amenable to other applications. For example, monitoring certain environmental and operating characteristics associated with the asset and controlling certain operations of the asset.
  • transponders and/or black boxes record either a location of an aircraft and/or activities occurring within the aircraft. While such systems are useful to obtain information for aircraft flight and operation, drawbacks exist in technology as it is now implemented. These drawbacks include a relatively low level of interaction between aircraft at various stages of a flight pattern, including the stages from taxiing and take-off through airborne flight patterns to landing. Further, these systems are commonly controlled and interconnected to the electronic infrastructure of the airliner or aircraft. Such a design provides the potential for disablement of these systems, for example, if intruders obtain unauthorized control of the aircraft.
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,545,601 to Monroe discloses a security and surveillance system for aircraft on the ground that incorporates a plurality of strategically spaced sensors including video imaging generators, audio sensors, motion detectors, and fire and smoke detectors for monitoring critical components and critical areas of both the interior and the exterior of the a commercial transport such as an aircraft.
  • the captured data and images are transmitted to a ground based security station for display on a monitor and may be recorded on a "black box" recorder as well as on a ground based recording system.
  • the multiple audio and image signals are multiplexed and sequenced utilizing split screen technology in order to minimize the recording and monitoring hardware required to process the images.
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,519,529 to Doyle discloses a system for tracking and monitoring the intermodal status of cargo trailers.
  • the system monitors the status of various sensors on the trailer.
  • the GPS unit provides the location and velocity of a trailer.
  • a wheel monitoring unit provides the status of the wheels of the trailer, specifically whether there is rotation of the wheels or not.
  • Anti-lock braking systems are used to provide signal information indicative of the wheel rotation status.
  • An independent wheel rotation sensor is also used to provide the wheel rotation status.
  • a computer processor determines the intermodal movement status of the trailer using the wheel rotation status and the location and velocity information.
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,510,380 to Curatolo et al. discloses a security and tracking apparatus, comprising at least two signaling units in communicating proximity, and means for identifying the location of the signaling units.
  • a security and tracking apparatus comprising at least two signaling units in communicating proximity, and means for identifying and automatically transmitting the location of the signaling units when the signaling units are separated by more than a preselected distance.
  • a method is provided to locate a person, an animal, or a material asset, comprising providing in contact with the person, animal, or material asset, at least two signaling units in communicating proximity, wherein at least one signaling unit is small and hidden and securely attached to the person, animal, or material asset, and the signaling units having means for identifying the location of the signaling units to a monitoring station; activating means for identifying the location of the signaling units by referencing the GPS system; and notifying the monitoring station of said geographic location.
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,490,523 to Doner discloses a method and apparatus for managing locomotives.
  • the apparatus includes an on-board tracking system including a locomotive interface, a computer, a GPS receiver, and a communicator, the computer programmed to determine a position of the locomotive and to transmit the position via the communicator, the computer further programmed to obtain locomotive discretes and to transmit the locomotive discretes via the communicator.
  • the method includes the steps of operating each on-board system to determine when its respective locomotive departs a locomotive assignment point, operating the on-board systems to determine a departure condition, to send a locomotive position message to a data center at a time corresponding to the locomotive assignment point, to simultaneously collect GPS location data for each respective locomotive and at the data center, collecting locomotive position messages corresponding to the locomotive assignment point to determine localized groups of locomotives, identifying candidate consists and lead locomotives.
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,339,397 to Baker discloses a portable self-contained tracking unit that includes an enclosure attached to a mounting plate, with a hollow interior cavity housing a GPS receiver, a microprocessor and a transmitter.
  • the GPS receiver will receive tracking data and the microprocessor will process the tracking data into a data packet.
  • the transmitter transmits the data packet to a remote receiving station, for transmission to a central database.
  • Photoelectric cells are mounted on the enclosure to recharge batteries which provide power to the electrical components of the tracking unit.
  • the enclosure is designed with a pair of vertically oriented side panels which are generally orthogonally oriented so that the solar panels mounted on the side panels will maintain a favorable solar incidence angle during a wide range of orientations.
  • the transmitter is a cellular telephone with an antenna mounted within the enclosure but spaced a distance from the metal mounting plate and electrical components approximately one-quarter wavelength of the operating frequency of the transmitter.
  • the enclosure is formed of a radio frequency and optically transparent material, so that the antenna and the solar panels may be housed within the hollow interior cavity of the enclosure.
  • tracking data is periodically transmitted via cellular phone to a cellular service provider, thence to a data service bureau which sends the data over the Internet to the database of a central server computer.
  • the central server computer will decode the information and provide an interface and value added products such as maps and reports for customers via a web page on the Internet.
  • an apparatus for tracking a movable asset and providing tracking information to a monitoring device is provided.
  • the apparatus includes: a tracker tag adapted to selectively receive position data and time data from multiple global positioning system satellites of a global positioning system satellite constellation, the position data representing a position of each global positioning system satellite from which data was received with respect to center of Earth and the time data representing a time of day associated with the position data, the tracker tag disposed along an exterior of the movable asset at a location facilitating reception of the position data and time data, the tracker tag combining the position data from the multiple global positioning system satellites for selectively transmitting combined position data and time data via a data communication network, wherein the tracker tag is adapted to selectively retrieve a message with command and control information via the data communication network, wherein the tracker tag is inoperative from equipment associated with the asset and a tracking information server for command and control of the tracker tag, wherein the tracking information server is adapted to selectively send the message with command and control information to the tracker tag via a messaging system, wherein the message is addressed to the tracker tag, wherein the messaging system is accessible to the
  • a tracking system in another aspect, includes: a monitoring device for displaying tracking information associated with a movable asset, a tracking information network in communication with the monitoring device for communicating the tracking information to the monitoring device, a data communication network, a tracker tag adapted to selectively receive position data and time data from multiple global positioning system satellites of a global positioning system satellite constellation, the position data representing a position of each global positioning system satellite from which data was received with respect to center of Earth and the time data representing a time of day associated with the position data, the tracker tag disposed along an exterior of the movable asset at a location facilitating reception of the position data and time data, the tracker tag combining the position data and time data from the multiple global positioning system satellites for selectively transmitting combined position data and time data via the data communication network, wherein the tracker tag selectively retrieves command and control information via the data communication network, and a tracking information server for command and control of the tracker tag, wherein the tracking information server selectively sends command
  • a method for monitoring sensor data associated with a moveable asset using a tracker tag in communication with a tracking information server includes: a) attaching a tracker tag to the moveable asset, wherein the tracker tag is disposed along an exterior of the movable asset at a location in which the tracker tag has line of sight access to the sky during normal movement of the asset, wherein the tracker tag is inoperative from equipment associated with the asset, wherein the tracker tag includes an installed tag profile that includes programmed instructions to control current operation of the tracker tag, wherein the tracking information server includes a master tag profile that is re- configurable and at least initially the same as the installed tag profile, b) re-configuring the master tag profile at the tracking information server to create a next tag profile, wherein the next tag profile includes programmed instructions to control subsequent operation of the tracker tag, c) selectively sending the next tag profile to the tracker tag in a message via a messaging system, wherein the messaging system
  • a method for tracking a moveable asset using a tracker tag in communication with a tracking information server includes: a) attaching a tracker tag to the moveable asset, wherein the tracker tag is disposed along an exterior of the movable asset at a location in which the tracker tag has line of sight access to the sky during normal movement of the asset, wherein the tracker tag is inoperative from equipment associated with the asset, wherein the tracker tag includes an installed tag profile that includes programmed instructions to control current operation of the tracker tag, wherein the tracking information server includes a master tag profile that is re-configurable and at least initially the same as the installed tag profile, b) re-configuring the master tag profile at the tracking information server to create a next tag profile, wherein the next tag profile includes programmed instructions to control subsequent operation of the tracker tag, c) selectively sending the next tag profile to the tracker tag in a message via a messaging system, wherein the messaging system is accessible to the tracker
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a tracking system incorporating the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a global tracking system incorporating the invention.
  • FIG. 3 depicts a GPS satellite constellation with multiple satellites in Earth orbit.
  • FIG.4 depicts an Iridium satellite constellation with multiple satellites in Earth orbit.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates orbital altitudes of various satellite constellations.
  • FIG. 6 shows the flow of GPS data in a satellite communication portion of an embodiment of a tracking system.
  • FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a tracker tag.
  • FIGs. 8-10 provide top and side views of an embodiment of a tracker tag.
  • FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a tracking information server.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a portion of a monitoring device display showing a street map and tracking information in accordance with one aspect of the invention.
  • FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a regional tracking system incorporating the invention.
  • FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a local tracking system incorporating the invention.
  • FIG. 15 is a block diagram of another embodiment of a tracker tag.
  • FIG. 16 is a flow chart of an embodiment of operation of a tracker tag in response to a power up/reset condition.
  • FIG. 17 is a flow chart of an embodiment of operation of a tracker tag in response to a change in state condition.
  • FIG. 18 is aflow chart of an embodiment of operation of a tracker tag in response to a data acquisition condition.
  • FIG. 19 is a flow chart of an embodiment of operation of a tracker tag in response to a data download condition.
  • FIG. 20 is a flow chart of an embodiment of operation of a tracking information server to configure change in state, data acquisition, and data download conditions for a tracker tag and send the configured conditions to the tracker tag in a message.
  • FIG.21 is an exemplary tag profile with programmed instructions for change in state, data acquisition, and data download conditions.
  • an embodiment of a tracking system 10 includes a tracker tag 12, a tracking infonnation server 14, an asset 16, a data communication network 18, a tracking information network 20, a monitoring device 22, and a GPS satellite constellation 24.
  • the GPS satellite constellation 24 is preferably a public GPS satellite constellation including a plurality of GPS satellites 240 (FIG. 3) orbiting the Earth. Each GPS satellite includes a clock and has an understanding of its own orbit with respect to the center of the Earth. Each GPS satellite continually broadcasts its position with respect to the center of the Earth and time with respect to a time of day reference.
  • GPS satellites are well known for enabling users with GPS receivers to locate their positions on or near the Earth. Such systems are commonly used for navigation in many different applications, such as aviation, nautical travel, automobile travel, etc.
  • the GPS satellite constellation 24 includes enough GPS satellites and the satellites are spaced apart so that from any point on Earth, four GPS satellites will be above the horizon.
  • Equipment with a GPS receiver can detennine its position with respect to the center of the Earth in longitude, latitude, and altitude from position and time data from four GPS satellites. If position and time data is received from three GPS satellites, the equipment can detennine its position in longitude and latitude. The equipment can also determine its velocity from the position and time data.
  • One public GPS satellite constellation is the NAVSTAR GPS satellite constellation developed by the U.S. Department of Defense.
  • the NAVSTAR GPS satellite constellation includes 27 GPS satellites (24 operational, 3 spare) orbiting at about 12,000 miles (19,300 km). '
  • the GPS satellites are dispersed around six planes with at least four GPS satellites in each plane. The orbits are arranged so that at any time anywhere on Earth, there are at least four GPS satellites above the horizon.
  • the GPS satellite constellation 24 is the NAVSTAR GPS satellite constellation.
  • the tracking system 10 works just as well with any other public GPS satellite constellation, such as the GLONASS satellite constellation maintained by the Russian Federation or the Galileo satellite constellation introduced by European countries.
  • the GPS satellite constellation 24 could also be a private satellite system.
  • the asset 16 is a movable asset, such as an aircraft.
  • the tracker tag 12 may be secured to any type of asset for which tracking information is desired.
  • the tracker tag 12 is secured to the asset 16 in a manner so that it normally has line of sight access to the sky.
  • the tracker tag 12 is removably secured to a top-side exterior of the asset 16 at its highest point.
  • any point with line of sight access to at least three or four GPS satellites is suitable. Access to at least four GPS satellite is required if altitude tracking information is desired.
  • the tracker tag 12 is positioned on the asset 16 so that no operators, crew, or passengers can access the tracker tag 12 during normal movement of the asset. This may prevent terrorists and other foes from being able to remove or disable the tracker tag 12.
  • the tracker tag 12 is independently powered and electrically isolated from the asset and does not require manual intervention during normal operation of the tracking system 10. Again, this feature may prevent terrorists and other foes from being able to disable the tracker tag 12.
  • the tracker tag 12 may interface with the asset and/or a transport vehicle associated with the asset. This interface may be adapted to receive information from asset/transport vehicle sensors and/or to control certain aspects of operation for the asset and/or transport vehicle.
  • the tracker tag 12 may be able to disable or shut down operation of the asset and/or transport vehicle.
  • the tracker tag 12 selectively receives wireless communications that are continuously broadcast by the GPS satellite constellation 24.
  • the wireless communications include the position and time data continuously broadcast by each of multiple GPS satellites 240 (FIG. 3) that are within line of sight of the tracker tag 12.
  • the tracker tag 12 combines the position and time data from each of the multiple GPS satellite to form combined position and time data.
  • the tracker tag 12 is in communication with the tracking infonnation server 14 via the data communication network 18 and selectively transmits the combined position and time data to the tracking information server 14.
  • the tracker tag 12 is a thin client using TCP/IP protocol.
  • the tracker tag 12 determines whether or not to receive the position and time data based on command and control information from the tracking infonnation server 14. Similarly, the tracker tag 12 determines whether or not to transmit the combined position and time data based on command and control information from the tracking infonnation server 14. Additionally, the tracker tag 12 may include one or more on-board sensors and programmed instructions to determine whether or not to receive the position and time. Similarly, the tracker tag 12 may include on-board sensors and programmed instructions to detennine whether or not to transmit the combined position and time data.
  • the tracker tag 12 may also use one or more asset/transport vehicle sensors in conjunction with the programmed instructions to detennine whether or not to transmit the combined position and time data.
  • the tracker tag 12 may receive the position and time data and store the combmed position and time data for subsequent transmission.
  • the tracker tag 12 may also store sensor data associated with the on-board sensors along with the combined position and tune data. The sensor data may also be included in subsequent transmission of the combined position and time data.
  • the tracker tag 12 may include an algorithm to resolve the position and time data for its own position with respect to the center of the Earth.
  • the algorithm generates XYZ data representing latitude, longitude, and altitude (requiring position and time data from at least four GPS satellites) or XY data representing latitude and longitude (requiring position and time data from at least three GPS satellites) in a trilateration fashion depending on the type of tracking information desired. Time data associated with XYZ or XY data is also generated.
  • the resolution of the resolving algorithm is about 18 inches in latitude (X), about 18 inches in longitude (Y), and about 18 inches in altitude (Z).
  • the combined position and time data includes XYZ or XY data and the associated time data.
  • the resolving algorithm reduces the amount of data transmitted to the tracking infonnation server.
  • the tracker tag 12 may include a data compression process to further reduce the amount of time required for data transmissions.
  • the tracker tag 12 may include encryption and decryption processes for secured communications with the tracking infonnation server 14.
  • the tracker tag 12 may include the encryption process to secure the combined position and time data transmissions. This may prevent tereorists and other foes from using the combined position and time data to locate and/or target the asset.
  • Communications between the tracker tag 12 and the asset 16 or the transport vehicle associated with the asset are optional and may be by wire or wireless. Communications between the tracker tag 12 and the data communication network 18 are wireless. Coimnunications between the tracking infonnation server 14 and the data communication network 18 are preferably by wire. However, this communication may also be wireless.
  • the data communication network 18 may implement any combination of wireless and wired communication technologies suitable for communications between the tracker tag and the tracking information server 14.
  • the data communication network 18 may be a public network, a private network, or any combination of public and private networks.
  • the data communication network 18 may include one or more of data communication satellite systems, tenestrial telephone systems, cable television systems, computer networks, and other suitable data communication networks in any combination.
  • the data communication satellite system may include a satellite telephone system or a private satellite network.
  • the satellite telephone system may be any public satellite telephone system, such as the Iridium satellite system, the Globalstar satellite system, the Orbcomm satellite system, the Inmarsat satellite system, or any other suitable public satellite telephone system.
  • the tenestrial telephone system may include any combination of land line or wireless telephone systems, such as the public switched telephone network (PSTN), broadband integrated services digital network (ISDN), digital subscriber line (DSL), cellular telephone network, personal communication system (PCS) network, or any other suitable tenestrial telephone network.
  • PSTN public switched telephone network
  • ISDN broadband integrated services digital network
  • DSL digital subscriber line
  • PCS personal communication system
  • the computer network may include any combination of wire line local area networks (LANs) and wireless LANs.
  • the computer network is Ethernet (i.e., IEEE 802.3 for wire line LAN and IEEE 802.11 for wireless LAN).
  • Ethernet i.e., IEEE 802.3 for wire line LAN and IEEE 802.11 for wireless LAN.
  • any other suitable network communication protocols may be implemented, such as Bluetooth, token ring, fiber distributed data interface (FDDI), ARCNET, and HiperLAN.
  • WAN wide area network
  • MAN metropolitan area network
  • the wireless communication between the tracker tag 12 and the data communication network may be implemented by satellite, cellular . telephone, PCS, wireless LAN, or any other suitable wireless technology.
  • the tracking infonnation server 14 selectively provides command and control information to the tracker tag 12 and receives the combined position and time data from the tracker tag 12.
  • the tracking information server 14 selectively processes the combined position and time data and selectively generates certain tracking infonnation for monitoring movement of the asset 16.
  • the tracking infonnation server 14 selectively makes the tracking information accessible to an authorized user of the monitoring device 22 via the tracking information network 20.
  • the authorized user for example, may be a subscriber, an employee assigned to monitor the asset, or an operator/administrator associated with the tracking infonnation server 14.
  • the fracking infonnation server 14 may also selectively receive command and control information from an authorized user of the monitoring device 22.
  • the tracking information server 14 is compatible with data communications via the data communication network 18 and the tracking information network 20 in TCP/IP protocol.
  • the tracking infonnation server 14 may include programmed instructions to determine: i) whether or not to provide commands or control infonnation to the tracker tag 12, ii) whether or not to process the combined position and time data, iii) whether or not to generate tracking infonnation and what type of tracking infonnation to generate, iv) whether or not a user is authorized, v) whether or not to make tracking information accessible to an authorized user, and vi) whether or not to receive commands or control information from an authorized user.
  • Other types of programmed instructions are also possible.
  • the programmed instructions may be initially configured, edited, and/or supplemented by an authorized user of the monitoring device 22. Some of the programmed instructions may be initially configured, edited, and/or supplemented, while the tracking system 10 is tracking the asset 16.
  • the commands may include tracker tag commands to begin receiving position and time data, begin transmitting combined position and time data, stop transmitting combined position and time data, and stop receiving position and time data.
  • Commands may also include tracking information server commands to begin processing combined position and time data, to begin generating certain types of tracking information, to stop generating certain types of tracking information, and to stop processing combined position and time data. Other types of commands are also possible.
  • the control information may include a tag profile, a link from the tracker tag to the asset, links from the asset to elements associated with the asset, and link infonnation associated with either the asset or an element of the asset.
  • the tag profile is tailored to the type of asset being tracked and the tracking infonnation services contracted for by a subscriber.
  • the tag profile may, for example, specify real-time tracking, tracking on certain detected events, periodic tracking, and/or tracking on command. Additionally, the tag profile may include thresholds associated with detected events, parameters associated with predicting estimated arrival times and/or travel paths, types of tracking information authorized for monitoring, and types of tracking information reports authorized.
  • the tag profile may include: i) tracking information to be monitored and frequency, ii) vibration thresholds associated with startup and shutdown, iii) vibration thresholds associated with normal movement, iv) restricted areas, v) hazardous areas, vi) planned course, vii) high stress conditions, viii) fuel and fuel consumption infonnation, and ix) reports to be processed and report frequency. Additional infonnation may also be included in the tag profile.
  • the tracker tag 12 includes tracker tag identification data that is embedded with communications to the tracking infonnation server 14. This is how the tracking information server 14 identifies the combined position and time data, particularly when multiple tracker tags 12 are communicating with the tracking information server 14.
  • the link from the tracker tag 12 to the asset 14 allows the tracking information server to associate the combined position and time data with the asset so that the tracking infonnation can reference the asset.
  • the tracker tag identification data may be linked to an aircraft tail number.
  • the combined position and time data can also be associated with an element of the asset by the additional link from the asset to the element.
  • an element can be a fuel pump on an aircraft engine.
  • the first link may associate the tracker tag identification data with the aircraft tail number and the second link may associate a fuel pump serial no. with the aircraft tail no.
  • Additional examples of elements include operators, crew member, passengers, asset owners, cargo items, operational equipment items, and support equipment items. Other types of elements are also possible. Multiple elements can be identified and linked to a given asset.
  • Link infonnation is descriptive infonnation associated with a link For example, i) asset identification data, ii) asset certification, iii) asset operational information, iv) asset maintenance information, v) element identification data, vi) element certification, vii) element operational information, and viii) element maintenance infonnation. Other types of link infonnation are also possible.
  • the programmed instructions in either the fracking information server 14 or the tracker tag 12 may include any combination of the various types of control infonnation.
  • the commands are typically included in the programmed instructions so that, as certain events are detected or as certain sequences occur, the commands can be communicated automatically.
  • the tracking infonnation server 14 may include the algorithm to resolve position and time data for the tracker tag 12 from raw GPS position and time data included in the combined position and time data.
  • the resolving algorithm generates XYZ data representing latitude, longitude, and altitude (requiring position and time data from at least four GPS satellites) or XY data representing latitude and longitude (requiring position and tune data from at least three GPS satellites) in the same manner as described above for the resolving algorithm in the tracker tag 12. This permits resolution of the XYZ data in either the tracker tag 12 or the tracking information server 14 depending on the preferences of the user and/or tracking infonnation service provider.
  • the algorithm also generates time data associated with XYZ or XY data.
  • the tracking information server 14 may include a data decompression process to decompress compressed combined position and time data transmissions.
  • the tracking infonnation server 14 may include encryption and decryption processes for secured commumcations with the tracker tag 12.
  • the tracking infonnation server 14 may include the decryption process to decrypt secure combined position and time data transmissions.
  • the tracking infonnation network 20 may implement any combination of wireless and wired communication technologies suitable for communications between the tracking information server 14 and the monitoring device 22.
  • communications between the fracking infonnation network 20 and the tracking infonnation server 14 and between the tracking infonnation network 20 and the monitoring device 22 are both by wire.
  • either of these communications may wireless or both may be wireless.
  • the tracking infonnation network 20 may be a public network, a private network, or any combination of public and private networks.
  • the networks identified above for the data communication network 18 may also be implemented in the fracking information network 20.
  • the tracking information network 20 may include the Internet, which is accessible through each of the major communication systems identified above.
  • the tracking infonnation network 20 and the data communication network 18 may be linked together forming a common tracking system network.
  • the monitoring device 22 is any type of device suitable for communicating with the tracking information server 14 and displaying the tracking information.
  • a personal computer a notebook computer, a personal digital assistance, a wireless personal digital assistance, a cellular telephone, a satellite telephone, a pager, or any other suitable display device.
  • the tracking information server 18 provides fracking infonnation via a Web server connected to the Internet with suitable security measures.
  • the monitoring device 22 preferably has access to the Internet for receiving the tracking information and monitoring movement of the asset.
  • the public Internet is not required for communications between the monitoring device 22 and the tracking infonnation server 14.
  • Other alternatives include communications through a private network or one-to-one dial-up-type connections through a public network.
  • the optional communication path between the tracker tag 12 and the asset 16 or the transport vehicle associated with the asset 16 may be implemented via any suitable wire line or wireless coimnunication technology.
  • the tracker tag 12 may include an interface to any type of suitable communication network or communication port associated with the asset 16 or the transport vehicle.
  • the communication network or communication port may implement various types of serial or parallel buses (e.g., controller area network (CAN) bus, universal serial bus (USB), etc.), Ethernet (e.g., IEEE 802.3 (wire line), IEEE 802.11 (wireless), etc.), or Bluetooth technologies.
  • serial or parallel buses e.g., controller area network (CAN) bus, universal serial bus (USB), etc.
  • Ethernet e.g., IEEE 802.3 (wire line), IEEE 802.11 (wireless), etc.
  • Bluetooth e.g., Wi-Fi
  • FIG. 1 depicts a tracking system 10 with one tracker tag 12 and one monitoring device 22, the system can be expanded to include multiple tracker tags and/or multiple monitoring devices.
  • Use of multiple fracker tags allows a user to monitor multiple assets, such as a fleet of aircraft or all airborne aircraft.
  • Use of multiple monitoring devices allows multiple users to monitor an asset.
  • a cargo aircraft can be monitored by various users associated with the cargo, as well as users associated with aircraft owner, the aircraft fuel pump manufacturer, the transport company, and government regulatory agencies. Of course use of both multiple fracker tags and multiple monitoring devices provides a combination of additional scenarios.
  • the tracking infonnation server 14 is housed in a single facility. However, it may be distributed among multiple facilities and networked together.
  • the tracking information server 14 is a ground-based system.
  • other types of platforms are possible, such as an airborne platform or a ship-based platform.
  • an embodiment of a global tracking system 26 includes the tracker tag 12, the tracking information server 14, the asset 16, the monitoring device 22, the GPS satellite constellation 24, an Iridium satellite constellation 28, an Iridium satellite/PSTN gateway 30, a PSTN 32, an Iridium satellite/Internet gateway 34, and an Internet 36.
  • the fracker tag 12, fracking information server 14, asset 16, monitoring device 22, and GPS satellite constellation 24 are as described above in reference to FIG. 1.
  • a global implementation of the fracking system 26 is provided by a data communication network 18 (FIG. 1) and a fracking information network 20 (FIG. 1) that provide global coverage (i.e., worldwide communications).
  • the data communication network 18 (FIG. 1) is provided by a satellite telephone system and a tenestrial telephone network.
  • the prefened satellite telephone system is the Iridium telephone system.
  • the prefened tenestrial telephone network is the PSTN.
  • other types of tenestrial telephone networks may be implemented.
  • the data communication network 18 (FIG. 1) is provided by the Iridium satellite constellation 28, the Iridium satellite/PSTN gateway 30, and the PSTN 32. '
  • the fracking infonnation network 20 (FIG. 1 ) is provided by a satellite telephone system and the Internet 36.
  • the prefened satellite telephone system is the Iridium telephone system.
  • the tracking infonnation network 20 (FIG. 1) is provided by the Iridium satellite constellation 28, the Iridium satellite/Internet gateway 34, and the Internet 36.
  • Global coverage of the fracker tag 12 secured to the asset is provided by the Iridium satellite system.
  • global access to the tracking information by a subscriber/client user at the monitoring device is provided by the Iridium satellite system.
  • the fracking information network 20 may implement other communication networks that provide regional or local access to the tracking infonnation server 14 while the data communication network 18 provides global coverage.
  • the data communication network 18 may implement other communication networks that provide regional or local fracking of the asset while the tracking information network 20 provides global coverage.
  • the GPS satellite constellation 24 includes multiple GPS satellites 240 orbiting Earth 37.
  • the Iridium satellite constellation 28 includes 66 Iridium satellites 280 orbiting Earth 37 in low Earth orbit (LEO) at an average altitude of 420 miles (670 km).
  • the Iridium satellites 280 lie in six (6) orbital planes, with eleven (11) satellites per orbital plane.
  • the Iridium satellites 280 communicate with Iridium telephones (i.e., radio transceivers or two-way radios) and gateways to tenestrial land line and wireless telephone systems, as well as gateways to the Internet.
  • the Iridium satellite system is an Internet service provider (ISP). Worldwide voice, data, and Internet services over the Iridium satellite system are provided by Iridium Satellite LLC.
  • ISP Internet service provider
  • the altitude of exemplary data communication satellite constellation orbits are illustrated.
  • a NAVSTAR GPS satellite constellation 38 and a Glonass satellite constellation 39 orbit Earth at a higher altitude.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates various orbital altitudes for satellite constellations that may be used in conjunction with concepts of the present patent application. By use of one or more of these satellite systems, the intended operations are obtained as discussed herein.
  • GPS data flows from the GPS satellite 240 to the tracker tag 12 on the asset 16 (e.g., a general aviation aircraft). Data transmissions from the tracker tag are relayed by the Iridium satellite 280 to the Iridium satellite/PSTN gateway 28.
  • FIG. 6 p articularly notes that the tracker tag sends data to an Iridium. Satellite which in turn sends this information to a ground station, and further use is shown of GPS satellites providing information to the tracker tag.
  • an embodiment of trie tracker tag 12 includes a power source and conversion module 47, a data communication link 48, and a data acquisition and processing module 49.
  • the power source and conversion module 47 provides electrical power to the data communication link 48 and the data acquisition and processing module 49. This permits the tracker tag 12 to operate independent of external power sources.
  • the data acquisition and processing module 49 selectively receives position and time data from GPS satellites 240 (FIG. 3) within line of site of the fracker tag 12 and combines the raw GPS position and time data to form combined position and time data and selectively stores the combined position and time data.
  • the data acquisition and processing module 49 selectively communicates the combined position and time data to the data communication link 48.
  • the data communication link 48 selectively transmits the combined position and time data to the tracking information server 14 (FIG. 1) via the data communication network 18 (FIG. 1).
  • the data communication link 48 also receives command and control information from the tracking information server 14 (FIG. 1).
  • the power source and conversion module 47 includes a power source 50, a backup battery 52, a power distribution module 54, and a battery charger 56.
  • the power source 50 provides power to the power distribution module 54.
  • the power source 50 may include any combination of a piezoelectric power generator, a solar collector panel 86 (FIG. 8), and a primary battery, as well as other types of suitable power sources.
  • the power distribution module 54 conditions the power so that suitable power is provided to the various components of the tracker tag 12.
  • the power distribution module 54 distributes power to the battery charger 56, data communication link 48, and data acquisition and processing module 49.
  • the battery charger 56 selectively applies charge cunent to the backup battery 52. For example, when power from the power source is low, the battery charger 56 may not apply the charge cunent.
  • the backup battery 52 selectively provides power to the power distribution module 54. For example, when power from the power source is suitable, the backup battery 52 may not provide power to the power distribution module 54.
  • the data communication link 48 includes an RF antenna 58, a radio transceiver 60, and an encryption/decryption process 62.
  • the radio transceiver 60 and RF antenna 58 selectively transmit the combined position and time data to the fracking information server 14 (FIG.
  • the RF antenna 58 and radio fransceiver 60 also receive command and control infonnation from the fracking infonnation server 14 (FIG. 1).
  • the encryption/decryption process 62 is optional and may encrypt and/or decrypt any type of communication transmitted or received by the tracker tag 12.
  • the encryption/decryption process 62 may encrypt all communications to the tracking infonnation server 14 and decrypt all communications from the tracking infonnation server 14. Alternatively, the encryption/decryption process 62 may be limited to encrypt the combined position and time data transmitted to the fracking infonnation server 14.
  • the data acquisition and processing module 49 includes a GPS antenna 64, a GPS receiver 65, an environmental sensor 66, a control device 67, and a controller 68.
  • the GPS antenna 64 and GPS receiver 65 selectively receive position and time data from GPS satellites 240 (FIG. 3) within line of site of the fracker tag 12.
  • the controller 68 combines the raw GPS position and time data to fonn the combined position and time data and selectively stores the combined position and time data.
  • the controller 68 selectively communicates the combined position and time data to the data coimnunication link 48.
  • the environmental sensor 66 is optional. If implemented, the environmental sensor 66 may include one or more accelerometers.
  • the environmental sensor 66 senses vibration and provides vibration measurements to the controller 68.
  • the controller compares the vibration measurements with predetermined thresholds to detect various types of events. For example, using the vibration measurements, the controller can detect i) startup of a power plant associated with the asset 16 (FIG. 1), ii) shutdown of the power plant, iii) start of movement of the asset, iv) cessation of movement of the asset, v) excessive increase in acceleration of the asset, and vi) excessive decrease in acceleration of the asset.
  • the controller 68 selectively stores detected event data along with associated combined position and tune data and may include detected event data in subsequent transmission of the combined position and time data.
  • the environmental sensor 66 may also sense other types of environmental conditions.
  • the environmental sensor may also include one or more temperature sensors, one or more strain gauges, and one or more other type of environmental sensor to sense, for example, voltages, pressures, electric fields (e- fields), and other quantifiable parameters.
  • the environmental sensor 66 represents any combination of one or more of any type of sensor.
  • any sensor can be used by the controller 68 to detect an event and subsequently change operation of the fracker tag 12.
  • the confroller68 can use the position and time data from the GPS satellites 240 to detect events associated with time and/or location and subsequently change fracker tag operation.
  • position and time data when combined position and time data is fransmitted to the tracking infonnation server 14 (FIG. 1) it may also include sensor data from any sensors associated with the tracker tag 12, particularly detected event data associated with the sensor data or the position and time data.
  • the controller 68 may use a detected event to determine whether or not the fracker tag 12 should begin receiving the position and time data, begin storing the combined position and time data, and begin fransmitting the combined position and time data. For example, the controller 68 can cause the tracker tag 12 to begin receiving position and time data and begin storing combined position and time data when the aircraft takes off, begin fransmitting combined position and time data when the aircraft begins to move, stop fransmitting after apredetennined period of time, begin fransmitting again when the aircraft experiences turbulence, stop fransmitting again after a predetennined period of time, stop receiving position and time data when the aircraft stops moving, begin fransimtting again when the aircraft stops moving, and stop transmitting when all the stored combined position and time data is fransmitted.
  • the control device 67 is optional and provides for manual startup and shutdown of the fracker tag 12.
  • the control device 67 can be any type of switch or control suitable for its intended purpose.
  • the control device 67 is in communication with the controller 68 and the power source and conversion module 47.
  • the power source 50 is enabled and the controller 68 begins an orderly power up sequence.
  • the controller 68 begins an orderly shutdown sequence and, at a suitable time, disables the power source 50.
  • the controller 68 includes a processor 70, a storage device 72, and an auxiliary input/output (I/O) port 74.
  • the processor 70 is in communication with the GPS receiver 65, environmental sensor 66, control device 67, storage device 72, auxiliary I/O port 74, and data communication link 48.
  • the storage device 72 includes a data buffer 76, a tracker tag identification data 78, and a tag profile 79.
  • the processor 70 receives position and time data from the GPS receiver 65.
  • the processor 70 combines the raw GPS position and time data to form the combined position and time data and selectively stores the combined position and time data in the data buffer 76.
  • the processor 70 selectively communicates the combined position and time data from the data buffer 76 to the data communication link 48.
  • the processor 70 may include the resolving algorithm described above in reference to
  • the processor 70 may temporarily store the combined position and time data while generating the XYZ or XY data and associated time data. Once the XYZ or XY data and associated time data is generated it is stored in the data buffer 76 and the conesponding raw GPS position and time data is purged.
  • the combined position and time data communicated to the data communication link 48 includes the XYZ or XY data and associated time data instead of the raw GPS position and time data.
  • the processor 70 detects the events associated with vibration measurements by the vibration sensor described above and/or other types of measurements by the various other types of sensors (i.e., temperature, strain, voltage, pressure, e-field).
  • the processor 70 may use the XYZ or XY data to detect additional events related to the position of the asset.
  • the processor 70 compares the XYZ or XY data to predetermined XYZ or XY coordinate limits to detect certain events.
  • the processor 70 may detect when the asset is i) in the proximity of a restricted area, ii) in a restricted area, iii) in the proximity of a hazardous area, iv) in a hazardous area, v) at a way point, vi) at a destination, vii) off course, viii) nearing a high stress condition, ix) experiencing a high stress condition, x) experiencing excessive loss of altitude, xi) experiencing excessive increase in altitude, xii) experiencing unexpected stoppage or significant slow down, or xiii) exceeding a speed restriction. Additional types of detected events are also possible. [0081] Typically, the processor 70 selectively stores detected event data along with associated combined position and time data.
  • the processor 70 may use any of the detected events associated with position and time to determine whether or not the fracker tag 12 should begin receiving the position and time data, storing the combined position and time data, and transmitting the combined position and time data. Additionally, any type of detected event can be included in the fracking information provided to the subscriber/client user at the monitoring device 22 (FIG. 1).
  • the processor 70 receives command and control information from the data communication link 48.
  • the processor 70 receives command and control information by logging in to a messaging system (e.g., an e-mail system such as a point-of- presence 3 (POP3) e-mail server, a text messaging system, etc.) and retrieving a message to an address associated with the tracker tag 12.
  • a messaging system e.g., an e-mail system such as a point-of- presence 3 (POP3) e-mail server, a text messaging system, etc.
  • POP3 point-of- presence 3
  • the command and control infonnation is included in a message from the tracking infonnation server 14 (FIG. 1).
  • the message having been created by an authorized user of the monitoring device 22 (FIG. 1).
  • the messaging system may be within the tracking information server 14 (FIG. 1) or through an independent e-mail service provider.
  • the infonnation stored in the tag profile 79 may be predetermined and may be provided in control infonnation.
  • the tag profile 79 may be predetennined and permanently resident in the storage device 72.
  • the tag profile 70, or certain infonnation within the tag profile 70 may be configured and/or edited during operation of the fracker tag 12.
  • the processor 70 manages data transmissions to the fracking infonnation server 14 (FIG. 1) by controlling when the combined position and time data is communicated from the data buffer 76 to the data communication link 48.
  • the processor 70 controls data transmissions in a burst fashion by waiting for a group of the combined position and time data to accumulate in the data buffer 76.
  • the processor- 70 encodes each transmission burst with fracker tag identification data 78 so that the tracking information server 14 can associate the data fransmitted with the appropriate tracker tag 12.
  • Event data is typically stored in the data buffer 76.
  • a transmission burst may also include event data associated with the combined position and time data contained in the burst.
  • the processor controls the timing between transmission bursts to maintain a virtual private network (VPN) connection over a public data communication system within the data communication network 18 (FIG. 1).
  • the public data communication system may be the Iridium satellite system, a similar satellite system, or any type of wireless telephone system that provides for VPNs.
  • the processor 70 may control the timing between transmission bursts so that the tracking system 10 (FIG. 1) can provide real-time tracking information.
  • the processor 70 may control the timing to minimize transmission time over the data communication network. Thus, minimizing communication costs for public telephone networks or other carriers that charge for connect time.
  • the processor 70 may delay transmission bursts until a begin fransmitting command is received via the data communication network.
  • the processor 70 maintains the combined position and time data in the data buffer associated with each transmission burst until an acknowledgment of receipt of the transmission burst is received via the data communication network 18 (FIG. 1).
  • the auxiliary I/O port 74 is optional and provides a port for directly connecting a computer device to the fracker tag 12.
  • the computer device for example, can be used to perfonn fracker tag maintenance or to download combined position and time data from the data buffer 76.
  • the computer device may be a personal computer, a notebook computer, a personal digital assistance, or a similar device.
  • one embodiment of the fracker tag 12 has a teardrop- shaped housing 80.
  • Two air movement power/fan tubes 82 with power airflow levers 84 inside a portion of the tubes are provided in the housing 80.
  • a solar collector panel 86 is secured to the top of the housing 80.
  • the power airflow levers 84 and the solar collector panel 86 generate power and act as supplemental power sources 50 (FIG. 7).
  • Airflow 90 perpendicular to the leading edge 88 of the tracker tag 12 activates the power airflow levers 84 to generate electrical power.
  • the solar collector panel 86 generates electrical power from light.
  • the power source and conversion module 47, data communication link 48, and data acquisition and processing module 49 are shown with the top of the housing 80 removed.
  • FIGs. 8 and 9 illustrated is one embodiment of a tracker tag according to the concepts of the invention.
  • tracker tag 12 will include airflow technology having an air movement power/fan tube 82 and power air flow levers 84. As air flow 90 enters the tube, electrical power is generated.
  • a solar collector panel 86 is also provided on the fracker tag.
  • a backup battery 52 (FIG. 7) is interconnected with the power source and conversion module 47 (FIG. 7) within the fracker tag 12 to insure a constant operation of the fracker tag.
  • the battery may be selectively recharged by one of the alterative power sources.
  • the fracking system also includes a multidirectional fransmission and reception antenna and a radio-GPS receiver and RF two-way radio system package. It is also noted that this embodiment forms the fracker tag 12 with a low profile tear-shaped design in order to cut down on wind resistance.
  • the aerodynamic nature of the teardrop-shaped housing 80 is shown in a side view. As shown, the leading edge 88 is on the left.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates the side profile of the fracker tag 12 placed on the fuselage.
  • a larger overall picture showing the mounting of fracker tag 12 on an aircraft is also illustrated in FIG. 6.
  • the tracker tag 12 may be physically and electrically isolated from the internal systems of the aircraft. This insures independence of the fracker tag at all times.
  • the fracker tag is shown in this embodiment in a low profile tear-drop shape, other aerodynamic designs may also be appropriate.
  • the power generation has been illustrated as an air mount power fan tube and the solar collector panel, as well as the backup battery, it is to be appreciated that other forms of energy generation mechanisms may also be implemented.
  • one may also use gel cells, fuel cells, hydrogen cells, turbine technology, fly wheel technology and still other power generation arrangements in order to insure the reliable operation of the fracker tag 12.
  • the fracker tag 12 may be attached to a ground vehicle or a watercraft.
  • an embodiment of the fracking infonnation server 14 includes a system controller 92, a messaging system 93, a communication link 94, a data warehouse 96, a Web server 98, a file server 100, and a client communication interface 102.
  • the communication link 94 selectively provides command and control infonnation to the fracker tag 12 (FIG. 1) and receives the combined position and time data from the tracker tag 12.
  • the data warehouse 96 selectively processes the combined position and time data to form tag data, asset data, and/or element data.
  • the messaging system 93 is optional and may include at least one or more of an e-mail messaging system, a text messaging system, and a paging system.
  • the Web server 98 includes a set of Web pages for displaying tracking infonnation.
  • the Web server 98 in conjunction with the data warehouse 96 mining the tag data, asset data, and/or element data, selectively populates one or more of the Web pages with certain fracking infonnation for monitoring movement of the asset 16 (FIG. 1).
  • the Web server 98 in conjunction with the client communication interface 102, selectively makes the fracking information accessible to an authorized user of the monitoring device 22 (FIG. 1 ) via the fracking information network 20 (FIG. 1).
  • the data warehouse 96 may also process the tag data, asset data, and/or element data into tag reports, asset reports, and/or element reports. If report processing is implemented, the tag reports, asset reports, and/or element reports are stored on the file server 100.
  • the Web server 98 in conjunction with the file server 100 and the client communication interface 102, selectively makes the tag reports, asset reports, and/or element reports accessible to an authorized user of the monitoring device 22 (FIG. 1) via the fracking information network 20 (FIG. 1).
  • the Web server 98 in conjunction with the client communication interface 102, may selectively receive links between fracker tag identification data and assets, as well as associated link information, from an authorized user of the monitoring device 22 (FIG. 1).
  • the Web server 98 may selectively receive links between an asset and elements associated with the asset, as well as associated link information, from an authorized user.
  • the data warehouse 96 stores the links and link infonnation collected by the Web server 98 for use during generation of asset data and element data.
  • the system controller 92 provides overall control of the tracking information server 14 and, in conjunction with the communication link 94, control of the tracker tag 12. Overall control may be based on programmed instructions in the tag profile.
  • the programmed instructions in the tag profile are stored in the system controller 92.
  • the programmed instructions include command and control infonnation.
  • the tag profile includes control information, as described above.
  • the system controller 92 in conjunction with the client communication interface 102, may selectively receive command and control information from an authorized user of the monitoring device 22 (FIG. 1) to configure and/or edit the programmed instructions and/or the tag profile.
  • the system controller 92 includes a command and control module 103 and a tag profile 104.
  • the command and confrol module 103 processes programmed instructions for overall confrol of the fracking infonnation server 14 and, in conjunction with the communication link 94 and the data communication network 18 (FIG. 1), control of the tracker tag 12 (FIG. 1) by co mumcating command and control information. Certain parts of overall confrol may be based on the tag profile 104.
  • the infonnation stored in the tag profile 104 may be predetennined and may be provided in confrol information. Alternatively, the tag profile 104 may be predetermined and permanently resident. In another alternative, the tag profile 104, or certain information within the tag profile 104, may be configured and/or edited during operation of the tracking information server 14 and associated tracker tag 12 (FIG. 1).
  • the command/control module 103 may package the command and confrol information into programmed instructions for the tag profile, including command and confrol information provided by an authorized user of the monitoring device 22 (FIG. 1), as an e-mail message to an e-mail address associated with the tracker tag 12 (FIG. 1) and communicated via the messaging system 93 (e.g., e-mail system, text messaging system,etc.) .
  • the message maybe stored in the messaging system 93 within the tracking information server 14 for retrieval by the fracker tag 12 (FIG. 1).
  • the message may be communicated to an independent message service provider (e.g., an e-mail service provider, a text message service provider, etc.) for retrieval by the fracker tag 12 (FIG.
  • the communication link 94 includes an RF antenna 105, aradio transceiver 106, and an encryption/decryption process 108.
  • the RF antenna 105 and radio fransceiver 106 selectively receive the combined position and time data from the fracker tag 12 (FIG. 1) via data communication network 18 (FIG. 1).
  • the radio fransceiver 106 and RF antenna 105 also fransmit command and confrol infonnation to the tracker tag 12 (FIG. 1).
  • the encryption/decryption process 108 is optional and may encrypt and/or decrypt any type of communication fransmitted or received by the tracking infonnation server 14.
  • the encryption/decryption process 108 may encrypt all communications to the fracker tag 12 and decrypt all communications from the fracker tag 12. Alternatively, the encryption decryption process 108 may be limited to decrypt the combined position and time data received from the tracker tag 12.
  • the data warehouse. 96 includes a combined position and time storage area 110, a tag/asset/element link table 112, a data processor 114, atag data storage area 116, an asset data storage area 118, an element data storage area 120, a data mining process 122, and a report processor 124.
  • the combined position and time storage area 110 receives the combined position and time data from the fracker tag (FIG. 1) via the communication link 94.
  • the tag/asset/link table 112 stores the links and link infonnation collected by the Web server 98.
  • the link from the fracker tag 12 to the asset 14 allows the data processor 114 to associate the combined position and time data with the asset so that asset data may be generated.
  • the link from the asset 14 to an element of the asset allows the data processor 114 to associate the combined position and time data with the element so that element data may be generated.
  • Link infonnation is descriptive information that may be associated with an asset or an element. The link information is accessible to the report processor during generation of the asset and element data.
  • the data processor 114 may include a data decompression process to decompress compressed combined position and time data transmissions. If the combined position and time data does not include XYZ or XY data, the tracking information server 14 includes the algorithm to resolve position and time data for the associated tracker tag 12 from raw GPS position and time data described above in reference to FIG. 1. The algorithm generates XYZ data representing latitude, longitude, and altitude (requiring position and tune data from at least four GPS satellites) or XY data representing latitude and longitude (requiring position and time data from at least three GPS satellites) in the same manner as described above if the resolving algorithm is perfonned in the fracker tag 12. The algorithm also generates time data associated with XYZ or XY data.
  • the data processor 114 may use the XYZ or XY data to detect events related to the position of the asset.
  • the data processor 114 compares the XYZ or XY data to predetermined XYZ or XY coordinate limits to detect certain events.
  • the types of events that can be detected by the data processor 114 based on position include the same examples listed above for the tracker tag 12. Of course, additional types of detected events are also possible.
  • the detected events are communicated to the system controller 92 so that the system controller 92 can communicate suitable commands in response to the detected event.
  • the data processor 114 selectively stores detected event data along with associated combined position and time data.
  • the data processor 114 selectively processes the combined position and time data, detected event data, and link information based on control information from the controller (i.e., programmed instructions in the tag profile 104), links from the tag/asset/element link table, and detected events to form tag data, asset data, and/or element data.
  • the tag data is stored in the tag data storage area 116.
  • the asset data is stored in the asset data storage area 118.
  • the element data is stored in the element data storage area 120.
  • the data mining process 122 mines the tag data, asset data, and/or element data based on data required by the Web server 98 to populate one or more of the Web pages with tracking infonnation.
  • the report processor 124 is optional. If report processing is implemented, the report processor 124 selectively processes the tag data into tag reports, the asset data into asset reports, and the element data into element reports.
  • the report processor 124 communicates the tag, asset, and element reports to the file server 100 for storage.
  • the tag reports may include: i) raw GPS position and time data, ii) XYZ position and time data, and iii) detected event data. Other type of tag reports are also possible.
  • the types of asset reports may include: i) asset log, ii) operation log, iii) operator log, iv) location and time in restricted area, v) location and time in hazardous area, vi) location and time off course, v) location and time in high stress condition, and vi) location and time of unexpected stoppage.
  • asset reports may include: i) element log, ii) operation log, iii) operator log, iv) location and time in restricted area, v) location and time in hazardous area, vi) location and time off course, v) location and time in high stress condition, and vi) location and time of unexpected stoppage.
  • Other types of element reports are also possible.
  • the asset log available from the tracking infonnation server 14 may be tailored to replace the traditional aircraft log.
  • the operation log may be tailored to replace the traditional flight operation log and the operator log may be tailored to replace the traditional pilot log.
  • Another aircraft report could identify the number of hours the aircraft has been above 14,000 feet or pressurized.
  • the element is a fuel pump on an aircraft engine
  • a location and time in high stress condition report can identify the total number of hours the engine has been exposed to high pressure conditions.
  • Another fuel pump report could identify takeoffs and/or landings and associated conditions.
  • the Web server 98 includes a data applet 126, a map applet 128, a map storage area 130, a tracking infonnation module 132, and a tag/asset/element link input/edit module 134.
  • the fracking infonnation module 132 includes the set of Web pages.
  • the tracking information module 132 presents fracking information to an authorized client user at a monitoring device 22 (FIG. 1) via the Web pages in response to client user selections and requests presented via one or more of the Web pages.
  • the map applet 128 and data applet 126 are web-based programs that respond to selections and requests by an authorized client user.
  • the tracking infonnation module 132 typically presents fracking infonnation via a map retrieved from the map storage area 130, supplemental graphics overlaid on the map by the map applet 128 and supplemental text provided by the data applet 126.
  • the map may be any map that is suitable for the type of asset being tracked.
  • the map storage area 130 may include one or more of a street map 136, an aviation map 138, a water map 140, a rail map 142, and a three-dimensional (3D) environment. Other types of maps may also be provided.
  • the map applet 128 may default to providing the aviation map 138 to an appropriate Web page for tracking an aircraft.
  • the Web page may permit the client user to select a different map. If the client user selects a different map, the map applet 128 changes the Web page to the display the selected map.
  • the data applet 126 may retrieve certain tag, asset, and/or element data from the data warehouse 96 and provide it to a given Web page by default. The Web page may permit the client user to select additional or different tracking information. If so, the data applet 126 responds to client user selections and requests accordingly.
  • the data applet 126 retrieves XYZ or XY position and time data from the data warehouse 96.
  • the XYZ or XY position data is provided to the map applet 128 and the fracking information module 132.
  • the map applet 128 generates an icon representing the XYZ or XY position on the map and overlays it on the map display provided to the tracking information module 132.
  • Multiple types of icons may be used, as well as coloring, flashing, and other suitable attributes of the icon, to symbolize certain conditions associated with the asset.
  • many other features that can be incorporated in Web pages can also be implemented to provide the fracking information.
  • FIG. 12 A sample map with several types of overlaid icons is provided in FIG. 12. While FIG. 12, does not include textual infonnation, the XYZ or XY position and time can also be overlaid on the map at a suitable location. Morever, icons and data for additional assets can be overlaid on the map for fracking, for example, a fleet of aircraft or all airborne aircraft.
  • the fracking information module 132 typically permits panning and zooming of the map display so that the client user can adjust the display to a particular preference.
  • the Web server 98 typically includes one or more Web pages that pennit an authorized user to configure links and link information.
  • the tag link input/edit module 134 works in conjunction with the one or more Web pages to collect the link and link information and communicate it to the data warehouse 96.
  • the Web server 98 also typically includes Web pages that permit an authorized user to configure the tag profile 104.
  • the client user typically has access to textual infonnation providing an audit frail for a particular tag, asset, and/or element.
  • textual infonnation providing an audit frail for a particular tag, asset, and/or element.
  • the concept of linking assets to tracker tags and elements to assets has the advantage of accumulating historical data for assets and elements that goes across different fracker tags and different assets. For example, if a tracker tag on an aircraft is replaced for any reason, the link between the asset and fracker tag is updated and the asset data for the aircraft includes data provided by the initial fracker tag and data provided by the new fracker tag.
  • historical tracking infonnation and reports for the aircraft can be comprehensive.
  • the file server 100 includes a tag reports storage area 144, an asset reports storage area 146, an element reports storage area 148, and a file fransfer module 150.
  • the file fransfer module 150 retrieves tag, asset, and/or element reports from the storage in responds to requests for reports from the Web server 98. Typically, this is in response to selections or requests from the client user via a Web page.
  • the client communication interface 102 includes a network interface 152, an Internet interface 154, an unsecured area 156, and a security check 158.
  • the network interface 152 provides a standard interface to a communication network in the tracking information network.
  • the network interface 152 may connect to a LAN, wireless LAN, tenestrial telephone network, satellite ' system, or any other suitable communication network.
  • the Internet interface 154 provides any type of standard interface to the Internet. Other suitable interfaces to the fracking information server 14 are also possible.
  • the monitoring device 22 accesses the fracking information server via the Internet interface 154.
  • the unsecured area 156 does not provide fracking information. This area requires the client user to perform a login sequence. The login infonnation is provided to the security check 158 to detennine whether or not the client user is authorized to enter the Web server for monitoring tracking infonnation, to configure the tag profile 104, or configure links and link information.
  • the unsecured area 156 may be Web-based and may contain information describing the tracking system and/or tracking services.
  • an exampleofaportionofamonitoringdevice22 (FIG. 1) display shows a street map 162. An aircraft departing from Chicago, Illinois 164 and arriving in Jamestown, New York 166. The fracking information 168 is shown by the sequence of anows pointing from Chicago to Jamestown.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates a map showing a portion of the United States wherein the anows from Chicago to Jamestown, New York illustrate the path which would be visually shown to a user having access to the tracking system. This would allow the user to constantly track the progress of the flight or ground vehicle of interest. It is also possible to provide such map fracking of watercraft.
  • an embodiment of aregional fracking system 170 includes the tracker tag 12, the fracking infonnation server 14, the asset 16, the monitoring device 22, the GPS satellite constellation 24, the PSTN 32, the Internet 36, a cellular telephone network 172, and a cellular telephone/PSTN gateway 174.
  • the tracker tag 12, tracking information server 14, asset 16, monitoring device 22, and GPS satellite constellation 24 are as described above in reference to FIG. 1.
  • a regional implementation of the fracking system 170 is provided by a data communication network 18 (FIG. 1) and a tracking information network 20 (FIG. 1) that provide regional coverage (i.e., regional communications).
  • the data communication network 18 (FIG. 1) is provided by a wireless tenestrial telephone system and a land line tenestrial telephone network.
  • the prefened wireless tenestrial telephone system is a cellular telephone system. However, other wireless tenestrial telephone systems that provide regional coverage may be implemented.
  • the prefened tenestrial telephone network is the PSTN. However, other types of tenestrial telephone networks may be implemented. More specifically, the data communication network 18 (FIG. 1) is provided by the cellular telephone network 172, the cellular telephone/PSTN gateway 174, and the PSTN 32.
  • the fracking infonnation network 20 (FIG. 1 ) is provided by a tenestrial telephone system and the Internet 36.
  • the prefened tenestrial telephone system is a land line telephone system.
  • other tenestrial telephone systems that provide regional coverage may also be implemented in the regional fracking system 170.
  • the fracking information network 20 (FIG. 1) is provided by the PSTN 32 and the Internet 36.
  • an embodiment of a local fracking system 176 includes the tracker tag 12, the tracking information server 14, the asset 16, the monitoring device 22, the GPS satellite constellation 24, a wireless LAN 178, a wireless LAN/LAN hub 180, and a LAN 182.
  • the tracker tag 12, tracking infonnation server 14, asset 16, monitoring device 22, and GPS satellite constellation 24 are as described above in reference to FIG. 1.
  • a local implementation of the tracking system 170 is provided by a data communication network 18 (FIG. 1) and a tracking infonnation network 20 (FIG. 1) that pro vide local coverage (i.e., local communications).
  • the data communication network 18 (FIG. 1) is provided by the wireless LAN 178, wireless/wire line LAN hub 180, and wire line LAN 182.
  • the fracking information network 20 (FIG. 1) is provided by the wire line LAN 182.
  • the fracker tag 12 (FIG. 1) includes a two-way radio and is operatively associated with an aircraft.
  • the tracker tag receives data transmissions from the GPS satellites. A position of the aircraft can be determined from the GPS data. In addition, the tracker tag has the capacity to send data and/or receive commands from a fracking infonnation server 14 (FIG. 1) transmitting and receiving radio signals at least partially via the Iridium satellite system.
  • the fracker tag is preferably mounted on a high side of a wing or fuselage of an aircraft. For other modes of transportation, such as automobiles, trucks, boats and trains, the fracker tag is preferably mounted on the high side of these vehicles and craft to permit a line of sight to the sky.
  • the fracker tag receives the GPS data from GPS satellites orbiting at high earth orbit and detennines a position of the fracker tag in XYZ coordinates (X being latitude, Y being longitude and Z being altitude).
  • the fracker tag includes a radio transmitter and radio receiver that can transmit the XYZ location in programmed tasks to communicate the position of the fracker tag to other orbiting satellites, for example, the Iridium satellite group, orbiting in low earth orbit.
  • the tracker tag and the systems to support the function receive query pings from the ground (i.e., fracking system server 14 (FIG. 1)) and have the fracker tag receive the ping and then trigger a character string to be transmitted to the communication satellite systems to report the XYZ location in real-time. Repeated pings will be responded to with repeated XYZ locations to a high degree of accuracy, on the order of 18 inches of reliable accuracy. If the programmed task is to constantly report location, the fracker tag will, in programmed sequence, report the constant location of the fracker tag and thus the location of the aircraft, ground vehicle or watercraft.
  • radio signals or data are translated as a coordinated point that is projected on template maps and charts as an icon representative of the particular fracker tag.
  • the fracker tag will include a unique number and identifier for the aircraft, ground vehicle and/or watercraft.
  • Encryption and data compression techniques will maintain the security of the system while at the same time giving access to subscribed users and/or authorized entities to receive "Tracker" information. Again, by using widely available and reliable technology, such as employed with pagers, cell phones, PDA computers and the Internet, this infonnation can be effectively transmitted and received with a desired level of security.
  • the tracker tag and the supporting systems provide the location of any general aviation aircraft, ground vehicle, or watercraft, worldwide, as long as the fracker tag has line of sight to the sky. If line of sight to the sky is lost, the "Tracker” data would reflect the last position that the fracker tag was exposed to line of sight, for example, in front of the hanger where the aircraft, ground vehicle, or watercraft is stored.
  • the "Tracker” data reflects any movement and location in real-tune of any aircraft, ground vehicle, or watercraft equipped with the "Tracker" and supporting system.
  • a fracker tag be placed on every general aviation aircraft prior to take-off and the unique number of the tracker tag attached to the aircraft would be included in any flight plan and reporting of any flight condition associated with the aircraft.
  • the tracker tag preferably comprises three main sub-systems that, when assembled in a system, provide the ability to track the position and perfonnance of an aircraft, ground vehicle, or watercraft anywhere in the world.
  • the sub-systems are broken down into the following: 1. Power generation and conversion 47 (FIG. 7), 2. Data acquisition and processing 49 (FIG. 7), and 3. Data communication link 48 (FIG. 7).
  • the tracker tag is small enough to be attached directly to the top of the aircraft fuselage, ground vehicle or watercraft and is intended to be non-intrusive to any of the electrical and/or mechanical systems of these modes of fransportation.
  • the tracker tag autonomously collects and processes all data as it pertains to the aircraft, ground vehicle, or watercraft and its operating parameters.
  • a fully integrated GPS receiver 65 (FIG. 7) provides positional information so that exact operational parameters are collected.
  • Data is stored within the tracker tag for intenogation through several means.
  • the fracker tag has the provisions to transfer the data at a prescribed maintenance interval by direct contact with the fracking infonnation server, or the data may be collected in real-time through one of several remote wireless interfaces. These interfaces allow wide or local area connectivity.
  • the fracker tag is a device that can be integrated into a larger system due to its low profile, service life, power supply (solar, piezoelectric power generation and backup battery), the ability to withstand extreme conditions of operation (-40°C to a high end of +85°C) and effectiveness at all altitudes.
  • the tracker tag is capable of receiving GPS data and responding and/or reporting location and other data using paging technology through a communication satellite. These communications will be enabled to display location on a video template, such as a map or a chart, that can be displayed using a standard personal computer, a pager device, a video display cell phone or a Web-enabled video PDA computer. It is presently contemplated that the system would use a Web site dedicated to display the exact location of the fracker tag anywhere in the world in the XYZ coordinates on a map/chart (provided the fracker tag has "line of sight" to the sky and communications (i.e., receiving and transmitting RF) are not impeded).
  • a video template such as a map or a chart
  • the tracking system advantageously and seamlessly, integrates the GPS system, Iridium satellite system, ground-based telecoimnunication systems, and the Internet for communications and current "state-of-the-art" database storage (preferably systems that individually are in place and commercialized) in a manner that provides state of the art location in real time.
  • the system allows users/subscribers to have access to exact location in real-time using commonly used personal computers or any data-capable display device through Internet access.
  • Flight data collection techniques for vibration, locations and reporting data accumulated in real-time can also be incorporated into the system.
  • vibration data recording for accumulating empirical data to predict fuel pump condition and reliability, can be collected and analyzed for servicing decisions.
  • the fracking tag can integrate a GPS and environmental sensing techniques through the use of an accelerometer or another type of vibration sensor.
  • the power generation for GPS, radio transceiver, and other components in the tracker tag provides desired independence for the system.
  • the fracker tag can provide real-time communication of certain operational environmental parameters through a passive sensing device on an aircraft, ground vehicle, or watercraft as well as reporting the location of the aircraft, ground vehicle, or watercraft because the tracker tag is separately powered and not under the confrol of the aircraft, ground vehicles or watercraft or its operator/crew (i.e., staff).
  • Data associated with the fracking system can be displayed on various common devices (e.g., typical displays found on pagers, cell phones, wireless PDA computers) and is accessible over the Internet.
  • a scalable computer architecture and design pennits the system to handle all the data (database warehousing and distribution) that is being received (encoded, encrypted and compressed) from multiple fracker tags and create displays individually tailored to users/subscribers on pagers, cell phones and/or PDA computers via the Internet.
  • another embodiment of the fracker tag 12' includes the power source and conversion module 47, a data communication link 48', and a data acquisition and processing module 49 ' .
  • the power source and conversion module 47 operates as described above in reference to FIG. 7.
  • the data acquisition and processing module 49' selectively receives position and time data from GPS satellites 240 (FIG.
  • the data acquisition and processing module 49' also selectively communicates the combined position and time data to the data communication link 48' as generally described above in reference to FIG. 7.
  • the data communication link 48' selectively transmits the combined position and time data to the fracking information server 14 (FIG. 1) via the data communication network 18 (FIG. 1) generally as described above in reference to FIG.7.
  • the data communication link 48 also receives command and control information from the tracking information server 14 (FIG. 1) generally as described above in reference to FIG. 7.
  • the data communication link 48 ' includes the RF antenna 58, radio transceiver 60, encryption/decryption process 62, and a network processor 63.
  • the RF antenna 58, radio transceiver 60, and encryption/decryption process 62 operate as described above in reference to FIG. 7.
  • the network processor 63 selectively initiates communications to receive an updated tag profile with the latest programmed instructions from the fracking information server 14 (FIG. 1) via, for example, the e-mail system (e.g., POP3 e- mail server).
  • the network processor 63 also selectively initiates communications to transmit the combined position and time data to the tracking infonnation server 14 (FIG. 1).
  • the combined position and time data may also include sensor data.
  • the network processor 63 may also selectively initiate communications to page authorized users of the tracking information server 14 (FIG. 1) to notify them that certain conditions have occurred. In the fracker tag 12 shown in FIG. 7, these functions may be incorporated in the processor 70 (FIG.7) of the controller 68 (FIG. 7). In the embodiment being described, use of the network processor 63 to confrol data communications permits it to be either shut down or placed in a sleep state when data communications are not required. This permits the tracker tag 12' to incorporate additional power management features that conserve power and extend the life of the power source 50.
  • the data acquisition and processing module 49 ' includes the GPS antenna 64, GPS receiver 65, environmental sensor 66, control device 67, and a controller 68'.
  • the GPS antenna 64, GPS receiver 65, environmental sensor 66, and control device 67 operate as described above in reference to FIG. 7.
  • the controller 68' generally receives and processes position, tune, and sensor data as describe above in reference to FIG. 7.
  • the controller 68' also selectively communicates the combined position and time data to the data communication link 48' generally as shown in FIG. 7.
  • the environmental sensor 66 is optional and may include one or more of various types of sensors. Including vibration sensors, temperature sensors, strain gauges, voltage sensors, pressure sensors, electric field (e-field) sensors, and sensors capable of measuring other quantifiable parameters.
  • the enviromnental sensor 66 represents any combination of one or more of any type of sensor.
  • Any sensor can be used by the controller 68' to detect an event and subsequently change operation ofthe fracker tag 12'.
  • the controller 68' can use the position and/or time data from the GPS satellites 240 to detect events and subsequently change operation.
  • Several types of detected events include change in state conditions, data acquisition conditions, and data download conditions.
  • when combined position and time data is fransmitted to the tracking infonnation server 14 (FIG. 1) it may include the position, time, and sensor data associated with detected events since the last data download.
  • the controller 68' may use a change in state condition to wake up or start up the network processor 63 with instructions to check if a new tag profile has been configured by an authorized user ofthe fracking information server 14 (FIG. 1). If a new tag profile is found, it is retrieved by the network processor 63 and communicated to the controller 68'. The controller 68' installs the new programmed instructions contained in the new tag profile. Then, the controller 68' responds to subsequent change in state, data acquisition, and data download conditions in accordance with its current programmed instructions. The controller 68 ' may use a data acquisition condition to acquire and store sensor, position, and/or time data in accordance with its current programmed instructions.
  • the controller 68 ' may use a data download condition to wake up or start up the network processor 63 with an instruction to download with the data cunently stored by the controller 68' to the fracking infonnation server 14 (FIG. 1). Once communications for the data download are established, the controller 68' communicates the stored data to the network processor 63 which passes it oh to the tracking information server 14 (FIG. 1).
  • the controller 68 ' includes a sensor processor 71 , storage device 72, auxiliary I/O port 74, and an asset communication interface 75.
  • the sensor processor 71 is in communication with the GPS receiver 65, environmental sensor 66, confrol device 67, storage device 72, auxiliary I/O port 74, asset communication interface 75, and data communication link 48.
  • the storage device 72 includes the data buffer 76, fracker tag identification data 78, and tag profile 79 and operates as described above in reference to FIG. 7.
  • the tag profile 79 includes commands and instructions associated with change in state, data acquisition, and data download conditions as well as various other events that the fracker tag 12' is programmed to detect.
  • the auxiliary I/O port 74 operates as described above in reference to FIG.7.
  • the sensor processor 71 Upon an appropriate data acquisition condition, the sensor processor 71 receives position and time data from the GPS receiver 65, combines the raw GPS position and tune data to fonn the combined position and time data, and selectively stores the combined position and time data in the data buffer 76. Upon an appropriate data download condition, the sensor processor 71 selectively communicates the combined position and tune data from the data buffer 76 to the data communication link 48.
  • the asset communication interface 75 is optional and is adapted to receive infonnation from one or more asset/transport vehicle sensors monitor certain environmental and/or operational characteristics and to fransmit infonnation to one or more asset/transport vehicle control devices to control certain aspects of operation of the asset and/or transport vehicle.
  • the information from the asset/transport vehicle sensors may be used by the fracker tag 12' to identify change in state, data acquisition, data download conditions, and other detected events associated with operation ofthe tracker tag 12'.
  • the information from the asset/transport vehicle sensors may also be used by the tracker tag 12' to identify asset/transport vehicle control conditions.
  • the fracker tag 12' may use sensor, position, and or time data to identify asset/transport vehicle confrol conditions.
  • the fracker tag profile 79 may include commands and instructions associated with asset/transport vehicle control conditions as well as change in state, data acquisition, and data download conditions based on events detected by the one or more asset/transport vehicle sensors.
  • the asset communication interface 75 may implement various wire line and/or wireless technologies. When the asset communication interface 75 is by wire line, it includes an appropriate connector and an interface adapter compatible with communication protocols to the sensor processor and the conesponding devices in the asset/transport vehicle. Similarly, when the asset communication interface 75 is wireless, it includes an appropriate interface adapter compatible with communication protocols to the sensor processor and the conesponding devices in the asset/transport vehicle and an antenna/transceiver module. Accordingly, the asset communication interface 75 may implement any suitable type of wire line and/or wireless technology, including various types of serial or parallel buses (e.g., CAN bus, USB, etc.), Ethernet (e.g., IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.11, etc.), or Bluetooth.
  • serial or parallel buses e.g., CAN bus, USB, etc.
  • Ethernet e.g., IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.11, etc.
  • the sensor processor 71 may include the resolving algorithm described above in reference to FIG. 1. When using the resolving algorithm, the sensor processor 71 may temporarily store the combined position and time data while generating the XYZ or XY data and associated time data. Once the XYZ or XY data and associated time data is generated it is stored ' in the data buffer 76 and the conesponding raw GPS position and time data is purged.
  • the combined position and time data communicated to the data coimnunication link 48 includes the XYZ or XY data and associated time data instead ofthe raw GPS position and time data.
  • the sensor processor 71 detects events associated with vibration measurements by the vibration sensor .
  • the sensor processor 71 may use the XYZ or XY data to detect additional events related to the position of the asset.
  • the sensor processor 71 compares the XYZ or XY data to predetennined XYZ or XY coordinate limits identified in the commands and control information ofthe tag profile 79 to detect certain events, such as change in state, data acquisition, data download, and asset/transport vehicle confrol conditions.
  • the sensor processor 71 may detect when the asset is i) in the proximity of a restricted area, ii) in a restricted area, iii) in the proximity of a hazardous area, iv) in a hazardous area, v) at a way point, vi) at a destination, vii) off course, viii) nearing a high stress condition, ix) experiencing a high sfress condition, x) experiencing excessive loss of altitude, xi) experiencing excessive increase in altitude, xii) experiencing unexpected stoppage or significant slow down, or xiii) exceeding a speed restriction.
  • These types of detected events may be specified as change in state, data acquisition, data download, and asset/transport vehicle control conditions in the tag profile 79.
  • the sensor processor 71 detects the events specified in the programmed instructions within the tag profile 79 to identify change in state, data acquisition, and data download conditions associated with the GPS position and time data. Additionally, if one or more environmental sensor 66 is implemented, the sensor processor 71 detects the events specified in the programmed instructions within the tag profile 79 to identify change in state, data acquisition, and data download conditions.
  • the sensor processor 71 detects the events specified in the programmed instructions within the tag profile 79 to identify additional change in state, data acquisition, and data download conditions associated with the one or more asset/transport vehicle sensors. Moreover, if the asset communication interface 75 is implemented for fransmitting information to asset/transport vehicle confrol devices, the sensor processor 71 detects the events specified in the programmed instructions within the tag profile 79 to identify asset/transport vehicle control conditions associated with the one or more enviromnental sensor 66 and/or the one or more asset/transport vehicle sensors.
  • the sensor processor 71 selectively stores position, time, and sensor data associated with detected events such as change in state, data acquisition, data download, and asset/transport vehicle confrol conditions. This detected event data is stored along with any combined position and time data that is utilized for fracking. Like detected events associated with vibration, the sensor processor 71 may use any of the detected events associated with position and time to detennine whether or not the fracker tag 12' should begin receiving the position and time data, storing the combined position and time data, and transmitting the combined position and time data. Additionally, the data associated with any type of detected event can be included in the fracking infonnation provided to the subscriber/client user at the monitoring device 22 (FIG. 1).
  • the sensor processor 71 receives command and confrol information from the network processor 63 ofthe data communication link 48 '.
  • the network processor 63 receives the command and confrol infonnation by logging in to the e-mail system (e.g., POP3 e- mail server) and retrieving e-mail to an e-mail address associated with the fracker tag 12'.
  • the command and confrol infonnation is included in an e-mail message from the tracking information server 14 (FIG. 1).
  • the e-mail message having been created by an authorized user ofthe momtoring device 22 (FIG. 1).
  • the e-mail system may be the messaging system 93 within the tracking information server 14 or through an independent e-mail service provider.
  • the information stored in the tag profile 79 may be initially predetennined.
  • the command and control information in the e-mail message may be provided as programmed instructions in a new tag profile.
  • the new tag profile is communicated by the network processor 63 to the sensor processor 71.
  • the sensor processor 71 may write or mask the new tag profile over the programmed instructions in the current tag profile 79 to update the tag profile 79 based on the e-mail message.
  • the sensor processor 71 manages data transmissions to the tracking information server 14 (FIG. 1) and power consumption by controlling when the network processor 63 sends combined position and time data and checks for a new tag profile with programmed instructions.
  • the sensor processor 71 controls data transmissions in a burst fashion by waiting for a data download condition to be detected before waking up or starting up the network processor 63. Then, after the data fransmission is confirmed, the sensor processor 71 may place the network processor 63 in a sleep state or shut it down. Additionally, the sensor processor 71 preferably controls checking for the new tag profile by waiting for a change in state condition to be detected before waking up or starting up the network processor 63. Then, after the sensor processor 63 provides the new tag profile to the sensor processor 71 or confirms that no new tag profile was found, the sensor processor 71 may again place the network processor 63 in a sleep state or shut it down.
  • the sensor processor 71 encodes each fransmission burst with tracker tag identification data 78 so that the fracking information server 14 (FIG. 1) can associate the data transmitted with the appropriate tracker tag 12'.
  • Sensor, position, and time data associated with detected conditions (or events) is also typically stored in the data buffer 76.
  • a data fransmission may include the sensor, position, and time data associated with detected conditions along with the combined position and time data used for tracking.
  • an embodiment of a process 200 for a fracker tag to respond to a power up/reset condition begins at step 202 where the power up/reset condition is initiated by, for example, activation ofthe confrol device 67 (FIG. 15).
  • a self- test ofthe fracker tag is performed.
  • the process determines if the self-test passed or failed. If the self-test passed, the process detects the completion ofthe self-test as a change in state condition based on a self-test pass event (step 208). Conversely, if the self-test failed, the process detects the completion ofthe self-test as a change in state condition based on a self-test fail event (step 210).
  • step 208 or step 210 the process performs programmed instructions for a change in state condition in accordance with the current tag profile 79 (FIG. 15).
  • an embodiment of a process 220 for a fracker tag to respond to a change in state condition begins at step 222.
  • step 222 it is presumed that the fracker tag is powered up and that the power up/reset condition of FIG. 16 is completed.
  • step 224 the change in state condition is detected (step 224).
  • One or more change in state conditions are defined in the cunent tag profile in the storage device of the conesponding fracker tag.
  • the change in state conditions are defined in tenns of position, time, temperature, strain, voltage, pressure, e-field, self-test, and other parameters associated with sensors associated with the fracker tag, asset, and/or transport vehicle.
  • the position and time parameters are associated with the position and time data received by the GPS receiver.
  • the parameters for change in state conditions are associated with measurements by conesponding sensors.
  • the change in state condition is detected by comparing a change in state parameter in the cunent tag profile to a measurement from a conesponding sensor or to the GPS position or time data.
  • the sensor processor includes algorithms for comparing sensor, position, and time data to the change in state parameters in the tag profile to detect change in state conditions, including algorithms to convert the measured data and/or the parameters for the comparison.
  • the sensor processor wakes up from a sleep state.
  • the sensor processor starts up the network processor (step 228).
  • the network processor initiates communication with the e-mail system (e.g., POP3 e- mail server) responsible for handling e-mail messages containing new tag profiles with new programmed instructions for the tracker tag from the fracking information server.
  • the e-mail system may be the messaging system 93 within the fracking information server 14 (FIG.
  • the process confinns that communications between the network processor and the e-mail system have been established (step 232). If communications are confirmed, at step 234 the network processor checks for new e-mail to the fracker tag. Next, the network processor determines whether or not there is a new tag profile for the fracker tag based on whether or not there is new e-mail (step 236). If there is no new tag profile (i.e., no new e-mail), at step 238, the network processor tenninates communications with the e-mail system. Next, the sensor processor shuts down the network processor (step 240). At step 242, the sensor processor goes into a sleep state. Next, the process performs programmed instructions for change in state, data acquisition, and data download conditions in accordance with the cunent tag profile 79 (FIG. 15).
  • step 232 if commumcations between the network processor and the e-mail system are not confirmed, the network processor resets the data communication link ofthe tracker tag and returns to step 230 to try again (step 246).
  • step 236 if there is a new tag profile (i.e., new e-mail), at step 248, the network processor uploads the new tag profile.
  • the network processor terminates commumcations with the e-mail system (step 238).
  • step 240 after the network processor communicates the new tag profile to the sensor processor, the sensor processor shuts down the network processor.
  • the sensor processor installs the new programmed instructions from the new tag profile into the tag profile 79 (FIG. 15) within the storage device 72 (FIG. 15) associated with the sensor processor 71 (FIG. 15) (step 249).
  • the new programmed instructions overwrite conesponding programmed instructions.
  • the sensor processor goes into a sleep state.
  • the process performs programmed instructions for change in state, data acquisition, and data download conditions in accordance with the current tag profile 79 (FIG. 15) (i.e., including the new programmed instructions).
  • a text messaging system may be used in place ofthe e-mail system.
  • direct two-way communication may be used in place ofthe e-mail system.
  • the network processor may be brought out of a sleep state in step 228 and returned to a sleep state in step 240 instead ofthe start up and shut down operations refened to in FIG. 17.
  • steps 226, 228, 240, and 242 are removed and both the network and sensor processors remain in full up operation during the process.
  • steps 228 and 240 are removed and the network and sensor processor are combined in a single processor.
  • the single processor may either be brought out of a sleep state in step 226 and returned to a sleep state in step 242 like the sensor processor or remain in full up operation during the process.
  • the tracker tag 12' may be programmed to periodically perform a self-test which creates at least a periodic change in state condition and a conesponding periodic communication with the e-mail system.
  • the fracking infonnation server 14 (FIG. 1) can determine that the tracker tag 12' is either shut down or unable to communicate with the e-mail system if an e-mail to the fracker tag 12' was not retrieved within the periodic self-test interval for the fracker tag 12'.
  • the fracking infonnation server can identify a situation where the fracker tag is not communicating with the e-mail system when it is expected to be communicating as a problem so that maintenance personnel can investigate the situation.
  • an embodiment of a process 250 for a fracker tag to respond to a data acquisition condition begins at step 252.
  • the fracker tag is powered up and that the power up/reset condition of FIG. 16 is completed.
  • the change in state condition of FIG. 17 has also been completed.
  • the data acquisition condition is detected (step 254).
  • One or more data acquisition conditions are defined in the cunent tag profile in the storage device ofthe conesponding tracker tag.
  • the data acquisition conditions are defined in terms of position, time, temperature, strain, voltage, pressure, e-field, self-test, and other parameters associated with sensors associated with the fracker tag, asset, and/or transport vehicle.
  • the position and time parameters are associated with the position and time data received by the GPS receiver. Otherwise, the parameters for data acquisition conditions are associated with measurements by conesponding sensors. Thus, the data acquisition condition is detected by comparing a data acquisition parameter in the cunent tag profile to a measurement from a conesponding sensor or to the GPS position or time data.
  • the sensor processor includes algorithms for comparing sensor, position, and time data to the data acquisition parameters in the tag profile to detect data acquisition conditions, including algorithms to convert the measured data and/or the parameters for the comparison.
  • the sensor processor wakes up from a sleep state.
  • the sensor processor acquires and stores sensor data and/or position and time data in accordance with the programmed instructions in the cunent tag profile (step 258).
  • the sensor processor may include algorithms for converting sensor, position, and time data into suitable information for local storage and subsequent use by the fracking infonnation server. For example, the position resolving algorithm described above converts the raw GPS position data into XYZ or XY data.
  • the data acquisition condition ends. Typically, this is simply after sufficient time has passed so that valid measurements can be obtained from the sensor and/or GPS position and time data.
  • the tag profile may define the end of data acquisition condition in a manner that is detected.
  • the tag profile may include programmed instructions for continuous data acquisition after the temperature rises above 40 degrees F until it drops below 40 degrees F. Data acquisition and storage begins after the first condition is detected and continues until the second condition is detected.
  • the tag profile may include programmed instructions specifying data acquisition for five minutes after an aircraft takeoff (e.g., vibration measurement) is detected.
  • the data acquisition condition is detected from, for example, a vibration measurement and ends after five minutes has expired.
  • step 262 the sensor processor goes into a sleep state (step 262). From this point, the process returns to step 254 when another data acquisition condition is detected. [00164] In another embodiment ofthe process for handling a data acquisition condition, steps 256 and 262 are removed and the sensor processor remains in full up operation during the process.
  • an embodiment of a process 270 for a fracker tag to respond to a data download condition begins at step 272.
  • step 257 it is presumed that the fracker tag is powered up and that the power up/reset condition of FIG. 16 is completed.
  • the change in state condition of FIG. 17 has also been completed.
  • the data download condition is detected (step 274).
  • One or more data acquisition conditions are defined in the cunent tag profile in the storage device ofthe conesponding fracker tag.
  • the data acquisition conditions are defined in terms of position, time, temperature, strain, voltage, pressure, e-field, self-test, and other parameters associated with sensors associated with the tracker tag, asset, and/or transport vehicle.
  • the position and tune parameters are associated with the position and time data received by the GPS receiver. Otherwise, the parameters for data download conditions are associated with measurements by conesponding sensors.
  • the data download condition is detected by comparing a data download parameter in the cunent tag profile to a measurement from a conesponding sensor or to the GPS position or time data.
  • the sensor processor includes algorithms for comparing sensor, position, and time data to the data download parameters in the tag profile to detect data download conditions, including algorithms to convert the measured data and/or the parameters for the comparison.
  • the sensor processor wakes up from a sleep state.
  • the sensor processor starts up the network processor (step 278).
  • the network processor initiates communication with the fracking information server fracking infonnation server 14 (FIG. 1).
  • the process confirms that coimnunications between the network processor and the tracking infonnation server have been established (step 282). If communications are confirmed, at step 284 the network processor sends apage to one or more users identified in the programmed instructions ofthe tag profile for receiving a page in conjunction with the detected data download condition.
  • the page is a text message to the user identifying the fracker tag, asset, and data download condition.
  • the text message may be delivered to the user by the tracking uiformation server via a paging system.
  • the sensor processor communicates the sensor, position, and time data stored in the data buffer of the storage device to the network processor and the network processor downloads the stored data to the tracking infonnation server 14 (FIG. 1) (step 286).
  • the network processor te ⁇ ninates communications with the fracking information server.
  • the sensor processor shuts down the network processor (step 290).
  • the sensor processor goes into a sleep state. From this point, the process returns to step 274 when another data download condition is detected.
  • step 282 if communications between the network processor and the fracking information server are not confirmed, the network processor resets the data communication link ofthe fracker tag and returns to step 280 to try again (step 294).
  • a text messaging system may be used in place ofthe paging system.
  • the e- mail system e.g., POP3 e-mail server
  • POP3 e-mail server may be used in place ofthe paging system.
  • an combination ofthe paging, text messaging, and e-mail systems may be used to deliver the text message to the user.
  • the network processor may initiate separate communications to deliver the text message and download the stored data.
  • the text message may be communicated to an independent service provider associated with the paging system, text messaging system, and/or e-mail system instead ofthe tracking information server.
  • the network processor may be brought out of a sleep state in step 278 and returned to a sleep state in step 290 instead ofthe start up and shut down operations refened to in FIG. 19.
  • steps 276, 278, 290, and 292 are removed and both the network and sensor processors remain in full up operation during the process.
  • steps 278 and 290 are removed and the network and sensor processor are combined in a single processor.
  • the single processor may either be brought out of a sleep state in step 276 and returned to a sleep state in step 292 like the sensor processor or remain in full up operation during the process.
  • the fracker tag 12' FIG.
  • the 15) may include the power up/reset condition process 200 (FIG. 16), change in state condition process 220 (FIG. 17), data acquisition condition process 250 (FIG. 18), and data download condition process (FIG. 19).
  • the power up/reset condition process 200 is performed first, then the change in state condition process 220 is performed when a first change in state condition is detected.
  • the data acquisition condition process 250 is perfo ⁇ ned to acquire and store data.
  • the data download condition process 270 which downloads the stored data from the tracker tag to the tracking information server.
  • the programmed instructions in the tag profile are such that the sensor, position, or time data causing the first change in state condition also causes a first data acquisition condition and a first data download condition to be detected.
  • the programmed instructions may specify that change in state conditions are detected when there is a transition from engine off to engine running and when there is a transition from engine running to engine off in conjunction with the vibration sensor.
  • the programmed instructions may also specify that data acquisition conditions are detected for position data and time data when a vibration change in state condition is detected and every ten minutes thereafter while the engine is running.
  • the programmed instructions may specify that data download conditions are detected for all stored data when a vibration change in state condition is detected and every two hours thereafter while the engine is running.
  • a priority scheme of servicing change in state conditions ahead of data acquisition conditions and data acquisition conditions ahead of data download conditions may be implemented.
  • the priority scheme may further provide for servicing multiple change in state conditions, multiple data acquisition conditions, and multiple data download conditions on a first in time basis.
  • multiple data acquisition conditions may be serviced in parallel.
  • an embodiment of a process 300 to configure a tag profile for a fracker tag begins at step 302 where a user is logged in to the unsecured area 156 (FIG. 11) ofthe fracking infonnation server 14 (FIG. 11) using the monitoring device 22 (FIG. 1).
  • the user selects a "configure tag profile" feature or option.
  • the tracking infonnation server performs a security check to confinn that the user is authorized to access this area ofthe tracking information server (step 306):
  • the tracking information server determines if the user is authorized to configure tag profiles.
  • the fracking infonnation server provides a fracker tag selection display to the user on the monitoring device (step 310). Otherwise, the process returns to step 302 because the user is not authorized.
  • the user selects a fracker tag, an asset associated with the desired tracker tag, or an element associated with the desired fracker tag for which the tag profile is to be configured.
  • the tracking information server provides the tag profile for the selected fracker tag to the user in a configure tag profile display (step 314).
  • the user selects desired change in state, data acquisition, and/or data download conditions to configure the tag profile.
  • the programmed instructions in the tag profile are updated (step 318).
  • the fracking infonnation server generates a message to the selected fracker tag with the newly configured tag profile.
  • the fracking infonnation server sends the message to the selected fracker tag (step 320).
  • the user may select any combination of multiple tracker tags, assets, or elements in step 312 when multiple tag profiles are to be commonly configured. This is useful, for example, for configuration of tag profiles associated with a fleet of aircraft, trucks, or other type of vehicles where the tag profiles for like or similar classes of assets are to be commonly configured.
  • the fracker tag selection display in step 310 may include classes of assets and classes of elements to simplify selection of multiple fracker tags for tag profile configuration.
  • the message in step 322 is sent to multiple conesponding fracker tags.
  • the message may be an e- mail message sent to an e-mail address associated with the selected fracker tag via the e-mail system (e.g., POP3 e-mail server).
  • the message may be a text message sent to a text messaging address associated with the selected tracker tag via a text messaging system.
  • the message may be a direct data communication to the selected fracker tag.
  • the e-mail and/or text messaging systems may be within the fracking information server or provided by independent service providers.
  • an example of programmed instructions (i.e., command and confrol information) included in a tag profile 79, 104 is provided.
  • the tag profile may also include programmed instructions directed to operation of the fracking infonnation server.
  • any programmed instruction directed to operation ofthe fracking infonnation server are removed from tag profiles in messages to conesponding fracker tags and tag profiles 79 stored in the tracker tags.
  • the following syntax rules are used: 1) a line beginning with a ampersand (#) is a comment, 2) the end of a line is identified by a semicolon (;), 3) variable are delimited from parameters by two colons (: :), and 4) parameters field are delimited by a comma (,).
  • any suitable syntax may be adopted for the tag profile, particularly common syntax rules for script files.
  • This tag profile is configured for a fracker tag that includes a GPS receiver for receiving GPS position and time data, a vibration sensor, and a temperature sensor.
  • a fracker tag may include any combination of one or more vibration sensors, temperature sensors, strain gauges, voltage sensors, pressure sensors, and e-field sensors.
  • Line 1 ofthe tag profile identifies tracker tag ID 123456789. This is a unique fracker tag ID and associates the tag profile with an individual tracker tag having a matching tracker tag ID 78 (FIG. 7).
  • Lines 2-13 define six change in state conditions. There are no change in state conditions for position (line 3) or time (line 4) in this exemplary embodiment. There are two change in state conditions for vibration. The first vibration change in state condition is defined as a transition from engine off to engine running (line 5). The second vibration change in state condition is defined as a transition from engine running to engine off and then remaining off for ten minutes (lines 6, 7). As described above, an accelerometer in the tracker tag can distinguish between vibrations associated with the engine running and vibrations associated with the engine off. Waiting for the engine to remain off for a period of time ensures that a change in state condition is not detected, for example, when a truck engine is merely shut down for a brief period for refueling.
  • Such a waiting period may be adjusted or removed to suit the asset being tracked.
  • These types of vibration change in state conditions are useful, for example, to log engine time and/or track movement ofthe asset with which the fracker tag is associated.
  • the first temperature change in state condition is defined as a rising transition in temperature to greater than 40 degrees F (line 8).
  • the second change in state condition is defined as a falling transition in temperature to less than 40 degrees F and then remaining below 40 degrees F for more than five minutes (lines 9, 10).
  • a temperature sensor can distinguish between greater than 40 degrees F and less than 40 degrees F. Waiting for the temperature to remain below 40 degrees F for aperiod of time ensures that a change in state condition is not detected for an acceptable variation in temperature.
  • other values may be selected for the upper and/or lower temperature thresholds and the waiting period may be adjusted or removed to suit the asset being monitored.
  • These types of temperature change in state conditions are useful, for example, to monitor refrigerated cargo containers, trucks, and rail cars
  • Lines 14-27 define six data acquisition conditions. There are data acquisition conditions associated with acquisition and storage of position, time, vibration, temperature, self- test-pass, and self-test-fail data.
  • Each data acquisition condition identifies a change in state condition to which it is related and provides additional instructions for acquisition and storage of certain types of data.
  • the position data acquisition conditions (lines 15, 16) are defined as on each vibration change in state condition and every ten minutes thereafter while the engine is ranning. In other words, a first position data acquisition condition is detected when the vibration change in state condition on transition to engine running is detected. Then, additional position data acquisition conditions are detected every ten minutes until the vibration change in state condition on transition to engine off is detected. Another position data acquisition condition is detected when the vibration change in state condition on transition to engine off is detected.
  • the time data acquisition conditions (lines 17, 18) are also defined as on each vibration change in state condition and every ten minutes thereafter while the engine is running. This coordinates acquisition and storage of position and time data while the engine is running. This data is useful for logging engine time and fracking movement ofthe asset.
  • the vibration data acquisition conditions are defined as on each vibration change in state condition.
  • the vibration data acquisition condition also includes instructions that position and time data is also to be acquired and stored along with the vibration data.
  • the temperature data acquisition conditions are defined as on each temperature change in state condition and every five minutes thereafter while the temperature is greater than 40 degrees F.
  • the temperature data acquisition condition also includes instructions that position and time data is also to be acquired and stored along with the temperature data.
  • the self-test-pass data acquisition conditions (lines 23, 24) are defined as on each self-test-pass change in state condition.
  • the self-test-pass data acquisition condition also includes instructions that position and time data is also to be acquired and stored along with the self-test-pass data.
  • the self-test-pass data may include infonnation identifying elements ofthe fracker tag that were tested and conesponding passing results.
  • the self-test-fail data acquisition conditions (lines 25, 26) are defined as on each self-test-fail change in state condition.
  • the self-test-fail data acquisition condition also includes instructions that position and time data is also to be acquired and stored along with the self-test-fail data.
  • the self-test-fail data may include information identifying elements of the fracker tag that were tested and conesponding passing or failing results.
  • There are no paging instructions for any data acquisition conditions (line 27). A paging instruction could be added for any or all data acquisition conditions.
  • Lines 28-39 define three data download conditions and two page instructions. There are no data download conditions for position (line 29), tune (line 30), and self-test-pass (line 35) in this exemplary embodiment. There are data download conditions associated with vibration, temperature, and self-test-fail change in state conditions. Each data download condition identifies a change in state condition to which it is related and provides additional instructions for the download of certain types of data.
  • the vibration data download conditions (lines 31 , 32) are defined as on each vibration change in state condition and every eight hours thereafter while the engine is running.
  • the vibration data download condition also includes instructions that all stored data (i.e., position, time, temperature, self-test-pass, and self-test-fail) is to be downloaded along with the vibration data.
  • the temperature data download conditions are defined as on each temperature change in state condition and every five minutes thereafter while the temperature is greater than 40 degrees F.
  • the temperature data acquisition condition also includes instructions that position and time data is also to be downloaded along with the temperature data.
  • the self-test-fail data download conditions are defined as on each self-test-fail change in state condition.
  • the self-test-fail data download condition also includes instructions that position and time data is also to be acquired and stored along with the self-test-fail data.
  • a first paging instruction specifies that user 123 is to be paged for all data download conditions (line 38).
  • User 123 may be someone assigned to monitor all activities associated with the asset to which fracker tag ID 123456789 is attached. Therefore, whenever new position, time, or sensor data is provided to the fracking information server, the appropriate person is paged so that he/she can log in to the fracking information server and review the new data. The monitor can then take appropriate action to coordinate further movement of the asset.
  • a second paging instruction specifies that user 456 is to be paged for self-test-fail data download conditions (line 39).
  • User 456, may be someone assigned to maintain tracker tag ID 123456789. Therefore, whenever new self-test-fail data is provided to the fracking information server, the appropriate person is pages so that he/she can log in to the fracking infonnation server and review the new data. The maintainer can then take appropriate action to coordinate further use ofthe tracker tag and schedule maintenance based on the nature ofthe failure.
  • the various components and processes described above for the fracking system may be implemented in hardware, software, database structures, or in any suitable combination of hardware, software, and database structures.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne un système de pistage (10) pour le suivi de biens mobiliers (16) ainsi que plusieurs procédés permettant d'utiliser le système. Ce système de pistage comporte un dispositif de surveillance (22), un réseau d'informations de pistage (20), un réseau téléinformatique (18), un badge de pistage (12), et un serveur d'information de pistage (14). Le badge de pistage utilise la technologie GPS. Le serveur d'information de pistage fournit au badge de pistage des informations programmées, dans des messages via un système de messagerie. Le badge de pistage récupère sélectivement les messages dans le système de messagerie. Le serveur d'informations de pistage fournit à un abonné des informations de pistage et les informations s'y rapportant. Dans un mode de réalisation, l'étiquette de pistage est en communication avec une constellation de satellites Iridium (28), l'information de pistage s'affichant chez l'abonné lorsque le bien mobilier est sensiblement quelque part dans le monde. Dans un autre mode de réalisation, le dispositif de surveillance est en communication avec la constellation de satellites Iridium, l'information de pistage s'affichant chez l'abonné lorsque l'abonné est sensiblement quelque part dans le monde, de préférence via l'Internet (36).
EP04801948A 2003-05-06 2004-05-06 Systeme de pistage et procede associe Withdrawn EP1623354A4 (fr)

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PCT/US2003/014483 WO2003104834A2 (fr) 2002-05-07 2003-05-06 Systeme de suivi et procede associe
PCT/US2004/014025 WO2005022292A2 (fr) 2003-05-06 2004-05-06 Systeme de pistage et procede associe

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EP1623354A2 (fr) 2006-02-08
RU2005137723A (ru) 2006-04-27
CN1806245A (zh) 2006-07-19
BRPI0410242A (pt) 2006-05-16
NO20055778L (no) 2006-02-06
AU2004269647A1 (en) 2005-03-10
WO2005022292A3 (fr) 2005-05-19
NO20055778D0 (no) 2005-12-06
MXPA05011880A (es) 2006-02-17
WO2005022292A2 (fr) 2005-03-10
JP2007521548A (ja) 2007-08-02

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