GB2470376A

GB2470376A - Tracking remote objects

Info

Publication number: GB2470376A
Application number: GB0908670A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rob Harwood; Simon Lowe; Peter Whelerton; Tim Williams
Original assignee: CELLHIRE PLC
Current assignee: CELLHIRE PLC
Priority date: 2009-05-20
Filing date: 2009-05-20
Publication date: 2010-11-24
Anticipated expiration: 2029-05-20
Also published as: GB2470376B; GB0908670D0

Abstract

A PDA, computer, cellphone etc autonomously determines its position using GPS and/or base-station identity and/or received signal strengths (RSS) and transmits it to a database for storage using a low data rate protocol such as short messaging (SMS). The stored data is presented to a user. Position may be repeatedly obtained at an interval which is reduced if the tracked object is moving faster than a threshold or by more than a preset amount between measurements. The position determining means may hibernate between measurements. The tracked object may also include a shared address book which includes an emergency contact who can called automatically if the user has not made a call within a predetermined period. The system may be used to monitor lone people in remote, dangerous locations.

Description

Improvements in Relation to Remote Tracking Systems The present invention relates to improvements in remote tracking systems. In particular, the invention relates to improvements in remote tracking systems using mobile, or cellular, telephone communications and global positioning technology.

More and more mobile, or cellular, phones comprise location detection capabilities, whether they be GPS receivers or otherwise. This allows a user of the mobile, or cellular, phone to request information on the position of the phone. However, this can only be done at the request of the user.

Therefore, there exists a need for a location detection system that can work effectively without any user input.

People, be they individuals or employees, now increasingly and more frequently, travel abroad in potentially dangerous places. Whilst abroad, family, friends or employers may wish to keep in touch with the individuals or employees to ensure that they are Ok. However, the costs of regularly calling each other are often prohibitive for both the individual/employee and family/employer.

Therefore, there exists a need to provide a cost effective way of allowing families/employers to keep in touch with and monitor the progress of individuals/employees in remote locations.

It is an object of the present invention to address these and other problems

associated with the prior art.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote tracking system comprising: a remote device having location determination means and transmitting means; a database for storing location data; and a presentation tier to access the location data stored in the database, wherein the remote device is operable to determine geographical position data and transmit said data to the database.

Preferably, the remote device is an electronic device connected to a telecommunications network. The remote device may be a computer, mobile telephone, personal digital assistant, or the like. Preferably, the remote device is a mobile telephone.

Preferably, the remote device comprises an operating system for running a computer program. Preferably, the operating system is a Symbian operating system.

Preferably, the remote device further comprises a control means to control the location determination means and the transmitting means. Preferably, the control means is a computer program. The computer program is preferably operable to control the activation of the location determination means and is operable to control the transmitting means to transmit data to the database.

Preferably, the computer program is compatible with the operating system of the remote device.

Preferably, the location determination means are operable to access a location based service. The location determination means may comprise a satellite receiver, preferably, a global positioning system receiver operable to receive a global positioning system signal. The location determination means may comprise a network positioning means to determine the position based on network signal. The location determination means may comprise a cell ID positioning means to determine the position based on cell site positions.

Preferably, the position determination means comprise a combination of one or more of the global positioning system means, network positioning means and cell ID positioning means, more preferably a combination of all three positioning means.

Preferably, the database is an SQL type database. Preferably, the database is saved on a server.

Preferably, the transmitting means is operable to transmit data from the remote device to the database. Preferably, the transmitting means is operable to transmit data to the server. Preferably, the transmitting means is operable to push data to the server. Preferably, the transmitting means is operable to push data from the remote device to the database.

Preferably, the transmitting means comprise a communication means to allow communication between the remote device and the database. Preferably, the communication means comprise an internet or network communication means.

Preferably, the communication means comprise a mobile telephone network communication means. Preferably, the communication means is operable to communicate via a communication protocol, preferably a low data protocol.

Preferably, the communication means are operable to send data from the remote device to the database. Preferably, the communication means are operable to receive information from the database. Preferably, the communication means are operable to communicate with the database on the server.

Preferably, the communication means further comprise short messaging service means. Preferably the short messaging service means are operable to send and receive short messaging service messages.

The presentation tier can include a variety of clients including standard clients (as part of a client/server application), Internet clients and reporting tools.

Preferably, the presentation tier comprises an internet client, more preferably a website. Preferably, the presentation tier is secure. Preferably, the presentation tier comprises username and password, and/or smartcard and pin code authorisation means.

Preferably, the presentation tier is operable to access data from the database.

Preferably, the presentation tier is also operable to send data to the database.

Preferably, the remote tracking system further comprises a local device operable to access the presentation tier. Preferably, the local device is an internet connected device. The local device may be a personal computer, laptop computer, personal digital assistant, mobile telephone or the like.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of achieving accurate tracking in a remote tracking system comprising a remote device, the method comprising the steps of: a) determining a first geographical location of the remote device using location determination means; b) determining a second, subsequent geographical location of the remote device at a predetermined length of time after determining the first location; c) calculating a speed or distance of travel between the first geographical location and the second geographical location; d) comparing the calculated speed or distance against a threshold value; e) decreasing the time interval between consecutive determinations of geographical locations if the calculated speed or distance is above the threshold value.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of increasing the time interval between consecutive location determinations if the calculated speed or distance falls below the threshold value again.

Preferably, there is more than one threshold value. Preferably, there are two threshold values.

Preferably, the time interval is decreased if the first threshold value is exceeded, and decreased again if the second threshold value is exceeded.

Preferably, the first threshold value corresponds to the remote device travelling at a walking speed. Preferably, the first threshold value is between approximately 0.1km per hour and approximately 10km per hour, preferably, between approximately 0.2km per hour and 5km per hour, more preferably, approximately 0.5km per hour.

Preferably, the second threshold value corresponds to the remote device travelling at a driving speed. Preferably, the second threshold value is between approximately 5km per hour and approximately 20km per hour, preferably, between approximately 7km per hour and 15km per hour, more preferably, approximately 10km per hour.

Preferably, the location determination means are hibernated between consecutive determinations.

Preferably, the method of achieving accurate tracking further preserves the battery life of the remote device.

Preferably, the method of achieving accurate tracking ensures that a good trail of positions is maintained without large distances between determined positions.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of prolonging the battery life of a battery operated remote device in a remote tracking system, the method comprising the steps of: a) activating a location determination means to determine geographical locations of the remote device at pre-determined intervals; b) hibernating the location determination means between the pre-determined intervals.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of decreasing the pre-determined interval if a speed or distance threshold value is exceeded. There may be more than one threshold value. Preferably, there are two threshold values.

Preferably, the remote device comprises a computer program to control the activation and hibernation of the location determination means.

Preferably, the remote device comprises a transmitting means. Preferably, the transmitting means transmits the determined geographical position data to a database upon determination.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote tracking system having a low data consumption, comprising a remote device having location determination means and transmitting means for transmitting location data; a database for storing the location data; and a local access device to access the location data stored in the database, wherein the transmitting means are operable to transmit data via a low data protocol.

Preferably, the low data protocol is a User Datagram Protocol (UDP).

Preferably, the transmitting means are operable to transmit data via a User Datagram Protocol (UDP).

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote tracking system comprising a remote device comprising integral location determination means, communication means and telephone address book sharing means.

Preferably, the telephone address book sharing means are operable to communicate address book data between the remote device and a database.

Preferably, the remote tracking system further comprises a presentation tier.

Preferably, the presentation tier is operable to access data from the database.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of communication with at least one remote device comprising: a) preparing and storing a message in a database; and b) transmitting the message to the at least one remote device at a pre-determined time.

Preferably, the message is transmitted to the remote device via a communication protocol.

Preferably, the remote device comprises location determination means.

Preferably, the remote device further comprises communication means operable to use the communication protocol. Preferably, the remote device is operable to send location data to the database.

Preferably, transmission of the message to the remote device occurs when location data is sent from the remote device to the database.

Preferably, the message is prepared from a presentation tier. Preferably, the presentation tier is accessed from a local device.

Preferably, the message is transmitted to the remote device using either UDP or SMS, preferably SMS.

Preferably, a reply message may be sent from the remote device to the database in response to the message.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a remote tracking system for use by a lone worker, the remote tracking system comprising: a remote device having location determination means and transmitting means; and a database for storing location data and at least one emergency contact; wherein the database is operable to contact the or each emergency contact upon detection of an emergency situation.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of monitoring a lone worker using a remote tracking system comprising a remote device and a database having details of at least one emergency contact, wherein the lone user sends a message from the remote device to the database at predetermined intervals, and the database contacts the, or at least one of the, emergency contacts if the lone worker fails to send a message after a predetermined interval.

Preferably, the remote device further comprises location determination means.

Preferably, the remote device is operable to send location data to the database.

Preferably, the or each emergency contact can access location data of the remote device from the database, preferably via a presentation tier.

According to yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program product for controlling a method of determination of the location of a remote device, the method comprising the steps of: a) determining a first location of the remote device using location determination means; b) hibernating the location determination means; and c) determining a second location of the remote device after a predetermined interval using the location determination means.

Any of the abovementioned features may be taken in any combination, and with any aspect of the invention.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an overview of a remote tracking system of a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows an overview of a remote tracking system of a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 shows an overview of a remote tracking system of a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 shows a schematic of a process of the remote tracking system used by embodiments of the present invention; Figure 5 shows a schematic of a process of a remote device used by the present invention; and Figure 6 shows a schematic of a process of user interactions in relation to embodiments of the present invention.

Throughout the description and Figures, like reference numerals have been used to refer to like features.

Figures 1 to 3 show an overview of a remote tracking system of first, second and third embodiments 002,102,202 of the present invention. The remote tracking system 002,102,202 uses a remote device 004,104,204 having a position determination means and a communications means to provide position data from the remote device 004,104,204 to a database on a server 012,112,212 that can be accessed via a presentation tier 006,106,206 via a local access device 014,114,214.

Referring to Figure 1, a remote tracking system 002 according to a first embodiment of the present invention allows the position of a remote user, or device 004, to be tracked by a local user, or device 006.

The remote tracking system 002 comprises a remote device 004, and a presentation tier 006 accessed by a local access device 014. The remote device 004 has geographical position determination means (not shown) and network communication means (not shown).

The remote device 004 comprises a mobile, or cellular, telephone, for example, a smart telephone. The remote device 004 is provided with short messaging service (SMS) capability, and is both able to send SMS messages and receive SMS messages. The remote device 004 further comprises an operating system operable to run a computer program. The operating system is preferably a Symbian operating system.

The geographical position determination means comprise a location based service 008. Preferably, the location based service 008 comprises each of a global positioning system (GPS), a network based positioning system and a cell ID positioning system detection means. The remote device 004, therefore, has a GPS receiver (not shown), and is connected to a mobile, or cellular, telephone network.

In the global positioning system, the remote device 004 comprises a GPS receiver. Therefore, the remote device is able to pick up a signal from global positioning satellites to determine its location. The global positioning system is accurate up to approximately 20m, and provides a good global coverage, even in remote, rural areas. The coverage of the global positioning system may be restricted in high density areas, for example in cities.

In the network based positioning system, the position of the remote device 004 can be determined to within approximately 200m. This determination is achieved by triangulation, based on signal strength, from one or more network base stations. The network based positioning system is only operable with the collaboration of the mobile, or cell, network service provider. Therefore, agreements with different network providers in different countries are required for this system to work effectively.

In the cell ID positioning system, the position of the remote device 004 can be determined to within approximately l000m. The position is estimated according to the nearest cell tower to the telephone. This system is not dependent on the network provider, and can therefore, be easily operated on a global basis.

The global positioning system is the most accurate and effective of the three location based services 008, and is used where ever possible. However, each of the three systems 008 has its own strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, the use of each of the three systems 008 ensures that the position of the remote device 004 can be determined at any point.

The remote device 004 further comprises communication means. The communication means allow the remote device to communicate with a database on a server 012 for the storage of data. The communication means comprise internet or network communication means, for example 3G communication means, and allow data to be passed from the remote device to the database 012, and vice versa.

The communication means are operable to send and receive data packets using a predetermined protocol 010. Preferably, the communication means are operable to send and receive data packets using a simple protocol 010 to reduce data costs incurred from the network provider. Suitably, the communication means use the User Datagram Protocol (UDP).

The remote device 004 is provided with a computer program to control the determination of location and communication with the database 012. The computer program controls the geographical position determination means to obtain fixes on the position of the remote device 004 at pre-determined intervals. Such intervals and the obtaining of fixes will be described in more detail below. The computer program further controls the communication means to send data on the position of the remote device 004 from the remote device to the database 012 upon obtaining each fix. In this way, the data is "pushed" from the remote device 004 to the database 012, instead of the database having to "pull" the information from the remote device. Therefore, the data is sent to the database 012 as soon as it has been obtained, and the information stored in the database 012 is kept fully updated.

The database is preferably held on a server. Therefore, the data from the remote device 004 is sent to the server and stored on the database 012 once received by the server. The database 012 is preferably an SQL database, for example an SQL server 2005 database. The data held in the server preferably includes the latitude and longitude of the determined position of the remote device, along with the time that the data was obtained, and the identity of the remote device 004.

The presentation tier 006 comprises a secure website. The website 006 is secured, for example by way of a username and password, or by a smartcard and pin code. In this way, each user of the secure website 006 will have their own unique log-on to the website. The secure website 006 may store user information relating to the particular username and password or smartcard and pin code entered. Upon connection to the secure website 006, the user of the presentation tier can access the data that has been sent to the database 012 by the remote device 004 via the server. Preferably, the secure website 006 and the webserver use uS ASP.Net 3.5. The webservice interaction is preferably a client side AJAXljquery service.

The data from the database 012 that is accessed via the presentation tier 006 may be presented and viewed in a variety of ways. For example, the geographical position data may be plotted on a map. Such a map may be any freely available or subscription electronic map giving road, satellite or combined views. In this example, Google Maps is used as the electronic map upon which the data is plotted. Alternatively, if the local user has a subscription to Google Earth, or another such subscription service, the data may be plotted on that map. Each set of data in the database 012 is indicated by a separate dot on the map. The data is preferably shown as a trail on the map linking the dots between consecutive data sets to show in what order the remote device 004 has travelled past those points.

In cases where the remote device 004 has not moved between data sets, an algorithm on the website prevents the plotting of consecutive co-locational dots on the map to represent each of the data sets. This prevents the map becoming cluttered and difficult to read.

Alternatively, the data may be presented and viewed as a list of coordinates of latitude and longitude, with times at which each coordinate set was recorded.

Data may also be sent via the presentation tier 006 to the database 012 to be picked up by the remote device 004, as will be described in more detail later in

the description.

The presentation tier 006 can be accessed from any local internet connected, access device 014. The internet connected device 014 further comprises a web browser. The presentation tier 006 may be accessed from any of a personal desktop computer or laptop, a portable computer, a portable digital assistant (PDA) or any other device which has an internet connection, for example a mobile, or cellular, telephone. For this description, the local access device 014 is exemplified as being accessed from a personal computer.

Referring to Figure 2, a remote tracking system 102 according to a second embodiment of the present invention allows the positions of multiple remote users or devices 104a-e to be tracked by a single local user, or device 106.

In the second embodiment of the invention, each remote device 104a-e acts in an analogous way to the remote device 004 of the first embodiment of the invention.

The presentation tier 106 in the second embodiment of the invention allows the local user to access the data sent to the database 112 by each of the remote devices 104a-e. This allows a number of remote devices 104a-e to be tracked on the secure website 106 by the local user 114.

In this case, the data from the remote devices 104a-e may be viewed as a number of separate lists of coordinates, or as a number of distinct trails on a map.

Further, the local user may send data via the presentation tier 106 to the database 112 to be picked up by one or more of the remote devices 1 04a-e, as will be described in more detail below.

Referring to Figure 3, a remote tracking system 202 according to a third aspect of the present invention allows the position of a single remote user, or device 204, to be tracked by multiple local users, or devices 214a-c.

In the third embodiment of the invention, each local access device 214a-c acts in an analogous way to the local access device 014 of the first embodiment of the invention. Therefore, each local access device 214a-c is able to access to the positional data of the remote device 204 from the database 212 via a presentation tier 206. This allows multiple local users, i.e. users each with their own unique username and password, and/or smartcard and pin code, to view the positional data of the remote device 204.

Further, each local user 214a-c may send data via the presentation tier 206 to the database 212 to be picked up by the remote device 204, as will be described in more detail below.

Referring now to Figure 4, a basic operation of the remote tracking system 002,102,202 in determining the geographical position of a remote device 004,104,204 is outlined. The operation allows the position of the remote device 004,104,204 to be determined and viewed on a presentation tier 006,106,206.

In the operation, the computer program on the remote device is activated. The computer program instructs the position determination means to obtain a fix on the position of the remote device (step 400). This process will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 5 below. The fix on the location is obtained via GPS 402 in this example, but may also be obtained via the network based positioning or cell ID based positioning systems.

Once the fix on the position of the remote device has been obtained, the computer program instructs the remote device to send the positional data to a predetermined server address over its UDP connection (step 404). The server houses the database in which the data is stored.

The local user then logs into the presentation tier using their unique username and password or smartcard and pin code. Upon recognition of the user's unique logon details, the secure website displays information on the remote device, or remote devices, that the user is monitoring (step 406). The positional data of the remote device is shown either plotted on a map (step 408) or as a list of raw coordinates (step 410), depending on the user's preference.

Referring now to Figure 5, the obtaining of fixes on the position of the remote device is described in more detail. GPS receivers are relatively power-intensive, making them unsuitable for long-term battery-based use. The process of obtaining fixes in the present invention addresses this problem and allows the battery life of the remote device to be preserved.

As shown in Figure 5, upon switching on of the remote device, the computer program is activated (step 502). On activation, the computer program instructs the remote device to send a test data package to the server (step 504). This process is repeated using varying connections until an automated message is received back from the server indicating that the test data packet has been received correctly. This initial test of the data connection between the remote device and server also allows the server to detect the network over which the data packet has been sent. Therefore, the test indicates which country the remote device is in. This provides an initial rough check on the location of the remote device.

Once the data connection has been tested, the computer program instructs the remote device to obtain a fix on its position (step 506). This first fix often takes a relatively long time since the position determination means must determine which location based service(s) can be used and must locate the satellites, network towers and/or cells in its vicinity. Therefore, a relatively long time is provided to obtain the first fix. The computer program instructs the position determination means to attempt to acquire a GPS fix for approximately 180 seconds. If that fails, it is followed by a network fix attempt for approximately seconds, followed by a cell fix attempt for approximately 90 seconds.

If it is possible to obtain a GPS signal, the position indicated by that service will be determined. If the GPS signal is unavailable, the position determination means will look for a network based positioning signal. If the position determination means are unable to determine the position of the remote device by network based positioning, cell ID positioning will be used instead. The details of the satellites, network towers and/or cells found during the first fix are stored in a temporary memory on the remote device.

Once the first fix has been received, the computer program instructs the remote device to send a data package to the server with information on its location, along with the identity of the device and the date and time of the fix.

This information is then stored in the database to be accessed via the local access device.

As soon as the data packet has been sent to the server, the computer program instructs the position determination means to hibernate, or power down (step 508). This prevents unnecessary utilisation of the remote device's battery.

After a predetermined interval, the computer program instructs the position determination means to obtain a second fix on the remote device's position (step 510). Since the details of the satellites, network towers and/or cells found during the first fix are stored on the remote device, the position determination means can use this information to help in obtaining a fix on the position. Therefore, the second fix is obtained in a relatively short period. For example, once an accurate fix has been obtained in the first fix, the synchronisation with the positioning system is maintained, and the second fix can be obtained in approximately 90 seconds. This is usually a GPS fix without the need for the network based or cell-DE based positioning systems.

The positional information obtained in the second fix is sent to the server for storing on the database and the position determination means are instructed to hibernate (step 512).

After second and third predetermined intervals during which the position determination means hibernate, third and fourth short fixes on the remote device's position are obtained and sent to the server for storage on the database (steps 514,516,518,520).

After a fourth predetermined interval, the position determination means are allowed a longer time to obtain a fix on the remote device's location (step 522).

This is to ensure that the position of the remote device is accurately detected, for example if the device has moved and new satellites, network towers or cells are need to be found to accurately detect the device's location. If necessary, the details of the new satellites, network towers or cells are stored in the temporary memory.

The position information is sent to the server for storage on the database, and the position determination means are instructed to hibernate (step 524).

The process of determining the position in a long fix followed by three short fixes is repeated until the computer program is deactivated or the remote device is switched off (step 526).

The predetermined intervals are preferably between approximately 15 minutes and approximately 30 minutes. This allows a good trail to be produced following the movement of the remote device. However, if the remote device is moving at a steady speed or a fast speed, more regular fixes are required to obtain a good trail, since the remote device travels further between fixes.

Therefore, the distance travelled between fixes is calculated by the computer program after obtaining each fix (step 528). If the remote device has travelled further than a first threshold distance between two fixes, i.e. the remote device is travelling above a certain speed approximate to a walking speed, the computer program instructs the position determination means to obtain fixes on the position of the remote device at shorter intervals of approximately 10 minutes (step 530). The threshold speed to indicate walking is approximately 0.5km per hour taking into account the maximum error on the GPS signal.

If the remote device has travelled further than a second threshold distance between two fixes, i.e. the remote device is travelling above a certain speed approximate to a driving speed, the computer program instructs the position determination means to obtain fixes on the position of the remote device at even shorter intervals of approximately 5 minutes (step 530). The threshold speed to indicate driving is approximately 10km per hour taking into account the maximum error on the GPS signal.

If the distance travelled between two fixes drops below either of the first or second threshold values again, the computer program instructs the intervals between fixes to be increased again.

This alteration of the time intervals between obtaining fixes on the position of the remote device creates a balance between preserving the battery life of the remote device and maintaining a good trail on the movement of the remote device.

The computer program runs on the remote device with little or no interaction required from the user. The user may, however, be able to override the computer program to set intervals for fixes on the position of the device to be obtained at. Furthermore, the user may be requested to accept a privacy statement upon activation of the computer program to confirm that they agree to the operation of the program on the device. The user may also be able to deactivate the computer program at any time.

Referring now to Figure 6, an operation of the user interactions with the remote tracking system is outlined. The operation gives an indication of the user interactions with both the local access device and the remote device. In order to obtain and send fixes on the position of the remote device, no user interaction is required, as described with reference to Figure 5. However, the user of the remote device may wish to use the device to send further information to the database for access by the local user.

In the present example, the local user logs in to the secure website (step 602).

As previously described, the user can then view the positional information sent to the database by the remote device (step 604). As well as, or instead of viewing the positional information, the local user can prepare a message to be sent to the remote device (step 606). The message could merely be a communication for the user of the remote device, or could be a command for either the remote device or the user.

Once the local user has prepared the message and confirmed that it should be sent, the message is stored in the database on the server (step 608). The message is picked up from the database by the remote device when the remote device obtains a fix on its position and sends the positional data to the database (step 610).

Alternatively, the local user can specify a date and time after which the message should be available to be picked up by the remote device. The date and time indicated by the user can be corrected to take account of different time zones. Therefore, the local user can specify the time in either their time zone or in the time zone in which the remote device is located. The time zone of the remote device is determined using the position information received from the remote device, or alternatively may be manually input by the user of the remote device. Times may also take into account daylight savings times.

Where the local user is monitoring the positions of a number of remote devices, the user can choose to send a message to all the remote devices, or to one or more of the remote devices. One or more of the remote devices can be selected by selecting the appropriate remote devices from a list or from their positions on the map.

When the message is a communication for the remote user, the remote user may use the remote device to send a message back to the database (step 612).

When a command is sent to a remote device, the command could be for the user of the remote device, in which case a specific response to the command is requested. The response is required to be input by the user of the remote device and is relayed back to the database in the same way as a response to a message (step 612).

Alternatively, the command could be for the remote device itself, in which case the computer program loaded on the remote device reacts to the command in a specific way, for example by changing a setting to obtain fixes at shorter intervals. The computer program may then also instruct the remote device to send a response back to the database to confirm that the command has been received and/or complied with (step 612).

As well as messages being relayed to the remote device, the local user can upload a phone book onto the secure website to be shared with the or each remote device. Once the phone book has been created or uploaded to the secure website, it is stored in the database in the same way as a message.

The phone book is then sent to the remote device when the remote device sends its next position fix to the database. The computer program on the remote device processes the phone book and adds it to the memory of the remote device. In this way, local users can ensure that the or each remote device is kept updated with important contact details.

The local user may be able to export the position data from the secure website.

Alternatively, the data may be emailable in html or kml format from the website.

This allows the data to be transferred easily to, for example, emergency services.

The user interface of the secure website may be different for business and personal users, and may be personalised to provide information in a way requested by the user.

The remote tracking system of the present invention allows a local user to securely monitor the position of a remote user. Such a system is of particular use in both domestic and business situations.

In domestic situations, the system may be used in circumstances such as when a student is on a gap year. The student has a mobile or cellular telephone with the mobile detection system software installed thereon. The student's parent, guardian, or even friends, can then monitor the travels of the student, and send messages to the student on the secure website.

In a commercial situation, the system can be used to allow employers to monitor their employees whilst they are travelling, and/or to allow communication with individual employees or groups of employees via the secure website.

Alternatively, in a lone worker situation, the lone worker is required to complete a certain task on the remote device, or send a response to the server at pre-determined intervals. If the lone worker does not comply, the remote tracking system assumes that the worker can not respond and may be in trouble. A message is then sent from the database to at least one designated local device, i.e. at least one emergency contact, to inform the contact of the situation. The safety of lone workers can, therefore, be monitored.

The remote tracking system of the present invention allows the progress of the remote user to be monitored for reasons of security or otherwise with little or no interaction required on the part of the remote user. Therefore, the present invention provides an unobtrusive way of providing information to the local device.

The device of the present invention can be particularly useful if the user of a remote device gets lost. The local user can determine where the remote device, and therefore user, is and can either let the remote user know where he or she is, or direct the emergency services to the correct location to help the remote user. This cuts out the need to contact the network provider and get permission for the release of location details from authorities to determine where the remote device is.

Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise.

Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s).

The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

Claims 1. A remote tracking system comprising: a remote device having location determination means and transmitting means; a database for storing location data; and a presentation tier to access the location data stored in the database, wherein the remote device is operable to determine geographical position data and transmit said data to the database.
2. The remote tracking system according to claim 1, wherein the remote device comprises an operating system for running a computer program.
3. The remote tracking system according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the remote device comprises a control means to control the LI) location determination means and the transmitting means.

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4. The remote tracking system according to any preceding claim, wherein C\J the location determination means are operable to access a location based service.
5. The remote tracking system according to any preceding claim, wherein the transmitting means is operable to transmit data from the remote device to the database.
6. The remote tracking system according to any preceding claim, wherein the transmitting means comprise a communication means to allow communication between the remote device and the database.
7. The remote tracking system according to claim 6, wherein the communication means further comprises short messaging service means.
8. The remote tracking system according to any preceding claim, wherein the presentation tier is operable to access data from the database.
9. A method of achieving accurate tracking in a remote tracking system comprising a remote device, the method comprising the steps of: f) determining a first geographical location of the remote device using location determination means; g) determining a second, subsequent geographical location of the remote device at a predetermined length of time after determining the first location; h) calculating a speed or distance of travel between the first geographical location and the second geographical location; i) comparing the calculated speed or distance against a threshold value; and j) decreasing the time interval between consecutive determinations LI) of geographical locations if the calculated speed or distance is Q above the threshold value.

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10. The method of claim 9, wherein the method further comprises the step of increasing the time interval between consecutive location determinations if the calculated speed or distance falls below the threshold value again.
11. The method of either of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the location determination means are hibernated between consecutive determinations.
12. A method of prolonging the battery life of a battery operated remote device in a remote tracking system, the method comprising the steps of: c) activating a location determination means to determine geographical locations of the remote device at pre-determined intervals; and b) hibernating the location determination means between the pre-determined intervals.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the method further comprises the step of decreasing the pre-determined interval if a speed or distance threshold value is exceeded.
14. A remote tracking system having a low data consumption, comprising a remote device having location determination means and transmitting means for transmitting location data; a database for storing the location data; and a local access device to access the location data stored in the database, wherein the transmitting means are operable to transmit data via a low data protocol.
1 5. A remote tracking system comprising a remote device comprising integral Q location determination means, communication means and telephone Q address book sharing means. (\J
16. A method of communication with at least one remote device comprising: c) preparing and storing a message in a database; and d) transmitting the message to the at least one remote device at a pre-determined time.
17. A remote tracking system for use by a lone worker, the remote tracking system comprising: a remote device having location determination means and transmitting means; and a database for storing location data and at least one emergency contact; wherein the database is operable to contact the or each emergency contact upon detection of an emergency situation.
18. A method of monitoring a lone worker using a remote tracking system comprising a remote device and a database having details of at least one emergency contact, wherein the lone user sends a message from the remote device to the database at predetermined intervals, and the database contacts the, or at least one of the, emergency contacts if the lone worker fails to send a message after a predetermined interval.
19. A computer program product for controlling a method of determination of the location of a remote device, the method comprising the steps of: d) determining a first location of the remote device using location determination means; e) hibernating the location determination means; and c) determining a second location of the remote device after a predetermined interval using the location determination means. 1 15 L() (\J