Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
  • H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
  • H04L67/01—Protocols
  • H04L67/12—Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
  • H04L69/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services independent of the application payload and not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
  • H04L69/30—Definitions, standards or architectural aspects of layered protocol stacks
  • H04L69/32—Architecture of open systems interconnection [OSI] 7-layer type protocol stacks, e.g. the interfaces between the data link level and the physical level
  • H04L69/322—Intralayer communication protocols among peer entities or protocol data unit [PDU] definitions
  • H04L69/329—Intralayer communication protocols among peer entities or protocol data unit [PDU] definitions in the application layer [OSI layer 7]
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
  • H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
  • H04L67/50—Network services
  • H04L67/52—Network services specially adapted for the location of the user terminal

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a system for positioning/position finding and surveillance by means of a surveillance device arranged with a plurality of sensors for measuring/metering of surveillance parameters or collection of parameter data.
• the device is connected to a server for storing of data, and for access and processing of stored data by a user of the system via a user interface .
• Telematic services for the intelligent home are today marketed by for instance " eHem” and the “Hej-huset”.
• eHem delivers services for the intelligent home where Dotcom installs broadband
• Hej- huset is the equivalent of the Swedish State Power
• An overall aim of the present invention is to combine the need of safety/security related services and products with the new technology within wireless communication, GPS- positioning, picture and data transmission as well as storing and processing of these, to reach a large number of users. This in its turn makes receipts possible via subscriptions, selling of hardware and occupied network time. To in an active way be able to attend to and follow one's belongings and property will be more and more desirable. Accordingly it is an aim to offer a system which can contribute to, or facilitate, alarm at theft or translocation outside indicated area, to recover lost property and to guard house and home.
• One aspect of this aim is to have possibility to read and collect reported data, and to have possibility to see and store pictures, positions and data from optional place via fixed or wireless Internet connection/set up.
• One aspect of this aim is to offer, to users, access to a user friendly and easily accessible portal which supports collected picture, sound and data sampling (PSD), makes storing and interactive processing of these possible.
• PSD collected picture, sound and data sampling
• the portals shall be accessible from stationary PC as well as from mobile wireless Internet.
• One further aspect is to offer hardware, here called L-box, a unit arranged for collection and communication of PSD via a communication network. Further it is an aim to arrange a system where PSD collected from different units can be stored on a common device in the system.
• the system according to the present invention consists of an L-box, an L-server, and one to the user adapted home page.
• the L-server collects user-adapted data - PDS (Picture Data and Sound) which is stored in a database arranged in, or connected to, the L-server. These data are coming to the database via Internet, the GSM-network, the Mobitex-network and also possibly via the terrestrial telecommunication network.
• the server PDS collects, from an L-box, an encapsulated device containing certain sensors, for instance interface, CPU/RAM and a communication module.
• the system user can, via Internet, interactively act with the L-box and via different kinds of messages (SMS, fax, e- mail etc) get information about current event which has been detected by the L-box. For instance, if the car has moved from locked GPS-position, or if the temperature has dropped below 11 degrees.
• SMS Short Message Service
• fax e-mail
• e-mail e-mail
• the database contains stored user profile, predetermined settings, product data etc. After logon, which secures against unauthorized utilization, it will be possible to make changes of settings, add more collection addresses etc.
• the invention is associated with a home page with to the system adapted structure.
• the concept according to the invention includes collection of PSD according to personal wishes to a home page stored on an L-server, and presentation/showing of said PDS on the home page via a terminal which is connected to the network in which the server is arranged, preferably Internet.
• Collected data/PDS can be a temperature information from an L-box as well as a linked web-camera, but just as well a picture or sound file which has been transmitted from mobile terminals to the server. It also can be GPS-positions from selected transmitters. For each PDS one wants to show, a window is opened with possibility to process received PDS.
• the user can open a window for just any PDS.
• the user can make a number of different settings for the window in question. It can be to set frequencies of how often picture or data shall be collected, or to set a specific occurrence which is to happen when a certain level is reached in a temperature graph.
• L-diary is also a window which is opened in similar way as all the other windows, however, with somewhat different content.
• L-diary can be adapted in form and color according to wishes.
• L-diary also exists as background program ("shadow program") which the user can load down on his/her PC. In L-diary there is possibility to browse forward and backward among collected data and write personal notes. Stills can be turned into film sequences. Data can be linked and matched to get statistics of collected data.
• Characteristic features of the system is that one as a user can open a window for just any information providing unit via one and the same home page.
• information providing units can, for instance, be the cameras of the National Road Administration, the L-box, a specific stock exchange index, my pictures from my telephone with camera etc.
• the user is given possibility to, via the home page, interactively act and control the connected sensors of/to an L-box or other device. The user also can select which data that shall be saved, deleted or transmitted, by presetting of the L-server.
• the present invention consequently relates to a system surveillance of parameters, including a surveillance device arranged with sensors for measuring of surveillance parameters or collection of parameter data, for instance GPS-receiver or a web-camera.
• the surveillance device includes a data processing device for control of the device, and a first communication device for communication via a first communication network with a server, arranged with a second communication device for communication with said device.
• the server further includes a database for storing of parameter values and parameter data PDS, user data and user controlled parameter settings.
• a web module is also included in the server for generation of a user interface.
• the user interface preferably a home page, is accessible to a user and arranged to, for each of said surveillance parameters, include a data input device and a data output device for presentation of said parameter values and parameter data, as well as control of said device.
• Figure 1 schematically shows included elements in a preferred embodiment of the system according to the present invention.
• PSD Picture Sound and Data includes different desirable parameter values or parameter data, for instance GPS-position, temperature, atmospheric moisture, barometric pressure, wind force, voltage, and signals from movement detector, magnetic contact, camera etc, which are collected from the system.
• L-box A device in form of an encapsulated transmitter which receives PSD, stores and transmits PSD to the server of the SPs, for instance via the GSM- network. Possibility exists to exchange the GSM- part for a Mobitex-modem, or a modem for fixed telephony.
• the L-box positions itself by GPS.
• the L-box can receive and change settings, and also can sense change of location and give alarm according to for the user preset values.
• L-hotel The home page of the SP; a space similar to a portal. Here it will be possible to register as new customer, buy products, upgrade for larger storing space, encrypted service etc.
• L-home The customer's own page which is allocated to the customer at registration, and which makes storing of PSD up to 10 MB possible.
• L-diary A function in L-home where the customer personally designs and give instructions about how his/her PSD shall be stored and in which way it shall be shown.
• L-software The software which supports that collected data can be stored and shown on the customer's own PC. L-software is preferably provided free of charge after registration and can be loaded down on PC and is at the same time accessible directly on the home page of the SP.
• SP Service Provider provides Telecommunication services, develops, operates and secures systems within the field.
• the concept according to the present invention is an interactive positioning/position finding and surveillance system, connected to a map via Internet with a plurality of extra functions.
• the system includes a plurality of different elements, which are described in detail below.
• the L-box 1 is a device in form of an encapsulated transmitter/receiver 2, which transmits position data and other data via suitable communication system, for instance GSM, Mobitex or via telephone modem.
• the L-box is a preferably small unit, for instance in the size of 2 liter, adapted for outdoor mounting for collection of surveillance data.
• the L-box consequently shall stand big variations of temperature and high degree of moisture.
• the L-box is preferably power fed via battery of 12 V DC, or via an electric mains and a suitable transformer.
• the L- box includes an internal battery for the internal memory in the data processing device 9.
• the L-box also has a built-in clock with a maximal error of 1 minute/month.
• one or more devices 3 for collection or measuring of data can be arranged.
• a GPS-receiver 3 which consequently can serve as source for deriving/collection of clock-pulse and by that constitute the built-in clock.
• the device 1 is arranged with an interface 4 for external connection of one or more units in form of sensors or meters/measuring devices. These units can include a still or video camera 5, a GPS-receiver 6, if such a one is not built-in in the device 1, and a thermometer 7. Other possible external units are movement detector or hygrometer, barometer, anemometer for measuring of atmospheric parameters etc. Control of the device 1 and its included internally and externally connected units, and the communication over the communication network 8, is managed by the built-in data processing unit 9 of the device.
• This data processing device includes a processor CPU and a memory RAM, as well as necessary software.
• the L-box 1 operates in different modes. There are two parallel mode models. The first model defines normal mode/active mode, and the second model defines alarm trig- mode/alarm off-mode/alarm on- ode .
• the to the L-box 1 connected external units 5,6,7 are preferably arranged to collect data either with predefined time intervals or at random. Collected data are saved in a memory device in the data processing unit 9 in the L-box 1.
• the stored data are preferably transmitted/transferred to the L-server 10 at predefined, or by event initiated, points of time, for instance at night. If a user 15 wants to activate collection of data at closer intervals, or have them reported immediately, the user can use active mode.
• the user determines settings for start time, stop time and time interval between each collection, where each collection of data is immediately followed by a transmission from the L-box 1 to the L-server 10.
• the user also can define which of the connected unit/units 5,6,7 that shall be used for collection of data in active mode.
• the L-box is again set in normal mode when the stop time has passed, or if the user actively has set the L-box back in normal mode .
• the user 15 can set the L-box in alarm trig- mode, at which the user's order is loaded down from the L- server 10 to the L-box 1.
• the L-box 1 is arranged to perform certain calculations to compare collected data with user defined settings. If the current collected data fall outside the frames which have been defined by the user defined settings, the L-box is arranged to automatically enter into alarm on-mode. In alarm on-mode the L-box 1 immediately transmits the latest collected data, which caused the entering into alarm on-mode, to the L-server 10.
• the user also has a chance to in advance select if the L-box, when it has entered into alarm on- mode, shall start a continued reporting.
• a new alarm report will be transmitted with one by the user defined alarm transmission interval.
• the L- box remains in alarm on-mode and awaits a new order.
• the user can select to transmit an alarm off-command, for instance from the web- interface or from the alarm receiver.
• the L-box shall enter into alarm off-mode, which means that the data reporting which was started in the alarm on-mode shall be stopped.
• the L-box is not allowed to enter into alarm on-mode from this mode, that is, it is in alarm off-mode not arranged to compare current collected data with the user defined settings. The user, however, after that can activate the alarm function and the L-server at that transmits a command to the L-box to enter into the alarm trig-mode again.
• a plurality of different parameters can of course be used to trig the alarm function.
• One example is position alarm.
• the user it is possible for the user to define a predetermined area, for instance a rectangular or circular area, with which current position of the GPS- receiver 6 of the L-box is to be compared. The user defines this area on a map on the web-interface, and the geo- coordinates of the area are loaded down into the L-box. If the current position of the GPS-receiver 6 exceeds the defined borders of said area, the L-box shall immediately enter into the alarm on-mode. In one embodiment of the invention it also will be possible to compare current value of temperature 7, atmospheric humidity, atmospheric pressure and wind with predetermined max. and min. -values. The user defines the max. and min.
• the data processing and storing unit 9 of the L-box 1 is preferably arranged to store at least: a picture from each connected camera 5; a GPS-position; a data sample from each of the other meters/measuring devices 7; and user defined parameter settings.
• the user defined parameter settings preferably includes : point of time for collection for normal mode, that is, at which point of time metering/ measuring or photographing shall be made; two pairs of_ coordinates for defining of alarm area; ten levels for defining of max. and min.
• the position data can either be stored as an NMEA- string (National Marine Electronic Association) , or in a compressed format.
• the map projection should be WGS84 (World Geodetic System 1984) .
• Temperature, atmospheric humidity and atmospheric pressure data can be stored in plain text or in compressed form.
• the L-server 10 controls collection of the by the L-box collected/derived data.
• the L-server 10 also controls down-loading to the L-box of new parameter values set by the user. In the alarm on-mode, however, the L-box immediately transmits a report to the L-server. If the user want to have/study the data from the L-box 1, the L-server 10 transmits a request for a data report to the L-box 1.
• the request can define if the L-box 1 shall reply by stored data, or if it shall collect new data.
• the request also can include a decision of whether data from one or from more, or actually all, connected units to the L-box shall report to the L-server 10.
• the request is transmitted preferably from the L-server 10 via a circuit-switched connection 8 to the L-box 1, for instance via GSM. If the L-box utilizes GSM as carrier service, it must be equipped with an internal or external GSM-modem 2 with capacity for both SMS and circuit-switched data.
• the L-box also can use Mobitex as carrier service, and then must be arranged with an external Mobitex-modem 2.
• the L-box is arranged to communicate via PSTN
• PSTN-modem 2 Public Switched Telephone Network
• the L-server 10 is a central part of the system. All reported customer data and user defined parameter settings are stored in a database 11 arranged in, or connected to, the server 10.
• the server 10 also has a communication module 12, arranged to handle/manage the different carrier services 8 which to the server 10 connected L-boxes 1 are utilizing.
• the user can be granted access to the server via a web interface 13, but can also make certain settings from his/her personal GSM-terminal, GPS-terminal or the like.
• the map functionality is solved by an external web-service via a map module 14 in the server 10.
• the server 10 is arranged to store following data for each user: name, address etc; user name and password for an account; an identity code for the user' s L-box and the conversion from this to used GSM-number, Mobitex- number or the like; - configuration of the L-box, that is, which units 5,6,7 that are connected to it; two alarm receiver numbers, for instance GSM- numbers; alarm messages; - list of selected services; current user settings for all parameters in the L-box; current mode for the L-box, that is normal/active/alarm etc; - reported data for the latest period of time, for instance a period of 35 days; current invoice balance; the personalization of the layout of the user' s home page; and - a traffic log for all transactions for the aim of debiting and error examination.
• the database 11 preferably also includes information about all available services and products of the system, and flags for communication between the web module 13 of the server 10 and communication module 12.
• the map module 14 is used preferably for communication with an external map database, for instance provided by
• Metria Reported coordinates from the L-boxes are stored in the database 11. When then a user opens his/her home page via his/her browser, a request is transmitted together with said coordinates to said external map server. The server at that replies by transmitting a map with the position marked for the reported coordinates.
• the card module 14 also includes tools for zooming etc.
• Communication between the L-box 1 and the L-server 10 is made by means of the communication module 12 of the L- server.
• GSM-SMS is sufficient, or Mobitex.
• circuit-switched or packet oriented data for, for instance, GPRS (General Packet Radio Services) are necessary. Circuit-switched or packet oriented GSM-data, however, is used preferably only for pictures, and only in the direction from the L-box to the L-server.
• an alarm is generated if the L-box is set to do so .
• One in the database 11 user identified alarm message is at that transmitted to the two in the database 11 stored receiver addresses.
• Such an alarm address preferably emanates from one to the user 15 belonging terminal 16, for instance a GSM-telephone, a PDA or the like.
• the user 15 also can with his/her terminal 16 arrange the alarm function in alarm off-mode or alarm trig-mode. This can be used to switch off the alarm after an alarm message has been received, or to prevent an alarm for instance when the user moves the L-box 1.
• This is only possible by the in the database 11 defined alarm receiver addresses, that is, the L-server checks at incoming command from the user the calling GSM-number, IP- address or the like.
• the L-server 10 further includes a web module 13, which is arranged to read and write in the database 11 and to realize interface and functions for web use. All communication with other parts of the L-server 10 is made via the database 11. It is possible for a user to change all its parameter settings, however, not to register or annul subscriptions.
• Example of data which it is possible for a user to register are: user name; password; customer number; L-box identity; - organization or personal code number; company; and contact person.
• For each contact person preferably the following information should be registered in the database 11: - family name; first name; address; postcode/ZIP code; postal address; - e-mail address; telephone number; fax number; and GSM-number.
• communication addresses for instance IP-addresses, can be registered in the database 11.
• the user 15 is preferably arranged to communicate with the L-server 10 by means of a home page 17, which is distributed over a communication network 18, for instance Internet.
• the user has possibility to change the layout of the web page 17 by means of predetermined layouts which cover all typical configurations of L-box devices 1.
• the home page 17 includes means for a user to write/add written comments to collected data for each day. It is also possible for a user to browse through stored data for the latest 35 days, for which data and user comments are belonging together as in a diary.
• the user also has possibility to see current mode for the L-box, derived from the database 11. Normally the latest pictures 19 are shown on the home page.
• the pictures preferably are shown as thumb nails, and when the user clicks on a thumb nail, a new window is opened with the picture in normal size, according to known technology. The point of time when the picture 19 was taken is at the same time presented/shown to the user.
• Position data is presented/shown on a map 20,21,22, collected/derived from the external server via the map module 14. Temperature, atmospheric pressure and atmospheric humidity 23,24 are shown as diagrams on the home page 17. The latest value is in addition presented/shown in plain text. It is also possible for the user to configure his/her L-box 1 via his/her home page 17, for instance which external units 5,6,7 that shall be used. Via the home page 17 the user further can define points of time, intervals, and type of interval, that is, at random or regularly, that data shall be collected from units connected to the L-box 1. The value shall be given in hh:mm.
• the user defines which of the units 5,6,7 that shall transmit in active mode, that is, the units which shall collect and transmit data more often than in normal-mode, when all connected units are reporting. It is possible to set the transmission interval for active mode, which is at least 15 minutes for pictures and 1 minute for other data. Start and stop time can also be given in hh:mm, at which one data collection is made at the start time and one at the stop time.
• buttons at current data presentation 19-24 are also possible for the user to activate only one data collection. This is done by means of on the home page arranged buttons at current data presentation 19-24.
• the user 15 can, as has previously been mentioned, define which addresses /GSM-numbers that shall be used as alarm receivers 16. Further, the user 15 defines which alarm message that shall be given, either as a selection of existing alarm messages, or as an own created alarm message. The user 15 also has possibility to indicate all levels of the alarm, separately for each device except for the camera.
• the alarm area around the L-box position in question is drawn, preferably my means of a mouse, directly on the map 20,21,22 on the web page 17, at which the coordinates of the drawn area are returned to the external map server via the map module 14.
• the user 15 further has possibility to via the home page 17 set the L-box 1 in alarm off-mode or alarm trig-mode when the L-box 1 has entered into alarm on- mode.
• On the home page 17 is visually indicated which unit/units 5,6,7 that are giving alarm.
• the user 15 also has possibility to from the home page 17 check how much memory that has been used in the database 11 at the server 10, which shall be arranged to provide at least 10 Mbyte storing space to each user.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
• Signal Processing (AREA)
• Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Computing Systems (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Medical Informatics (AREA)
• Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)
• Alarm Systems (AREA)
• Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=20280582

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (2)

Citations (8)

• 2000
  • 2000-07-25 SE SE0002759A patent/SE519676C2/sv not_active IP Right Cessation
• 2001
  • 2001-07-05 WO PCT/SE2001/001558 patent/WO2002009059A1/en active Application Filing

Patent Citations (8)

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