WO2012045181A1 - Suivi d'objet - Google Patents

Suivi d'objet Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012045181A1
WO2012045181A1 PCT/CH2010/000242 CH2010000242W WO2012045181A1 WO 2012045181 A1 WO2012045181 A1 WO 2012045181A1 CH 2010000242 W CH2010000242 W CH 2010000242W WO 2012045181 A1 WO2012045181 A1 WO 2012045181A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
checkpoint
tracking
timer value
control system
checkpoints
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CH2010/000242
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Manuel Haag
Bertrand SPÄTH
Original Assignee
Swisscom Ag
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
Application filed by Swisscom Ag filed Critical Swisscom Ag
Priority to PCT/CH2010/000242 priority Critical patent/WO2012045181A1/fr
Priority to TW100126741A priority patent/TW201224960A/zh
Publication of WO2012045181A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012045181A1/fr

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Classifications

    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a new method of tracking objects and thereby determining whether an object has reached its destination.
  • the invention also relates to a corresponding computer program product, to communication network elements and to an object tracking system.
  • GPS global positioning system
  • a tracking unit such as a GPS receiver
  • the GPS receiver is able to receive signals from a plurality of satellites and can thus determine the location of the GPS receiver. Once the position has been determined by the GPS receiver, it can transmit this information by means of a communication device to a central unit from where it is available to subscribers of the service.
  • sensors in or on a vehicle, with the sensors connected to the tracking unit. These sensors may detect changes in conditions related to the vehicle, such as opening or closing of a door of a vehicle, loading or unloading of cargo in or from the vehicle, etc. These sensors may then provide signals indicative of such events to the tracking unit, which may then further report the events to the central station to increase the amount of information in the asset tracking system about operational conditions at the vehicle.
  • a potential disadvantage of reporting and processing events in an asset tracking system includes the high power consumption of the devices involved, e.g. the tracking unit and its sensors. It has also been proposed to use event masking rules that may be applied at asset tracking units and/or at a central station to determine whether to report events detected by the asset tracking units. For instance, a rule of this type may provide that vehicle door opening and/or closing events are to be reported only during certain hours when such activities are not expected to occur.
  • asset tracking units It has also been proposed to program asset tracking units to observe a "geo-fence". This means that the asset tracking units declare an event (e.g. generate a report to the central station) whenever the vehicle to which the tracking unit is attached departs from or enters a predetermined geographical area.
  • the geo-fencing concept can be further refined by masking geo-fence events at certain times. For instance, during working hours the vehicle may be allowed to depart from the geo-fenced area without an event being reported.
  • asset tracking can be used for tracking a package on its route to its destination address.
  • WiFi wireless fidelity
  • RFID radio frequency identification
  • the known tracking systems often require a complex infrastructure.
  • the use of RFID may require tag readers or barcode scanners throughout the whole distribution chain. This leads to high costs, especially if deployed worldwide.
  • it is possible to misuse the known tracking methods for instance by attaching a tracking unit to someone's clothing or belongings and then using the system to track the movements of this person.
  • a user's privacy is not always protected in an optimal way.
  • a method for tracking an object for an object tracking system comprising a tracking module linked to the object to be tracked, a control system and a third party system, the method comprising the following steps performed by the control system:
  • the proposed method offers a cheap and reliable way of automatically improving service security and/or user privacy without the need for human intervention or an expensive infrastructure. If the first and second checkpoints are so-called trusted checkpoints, the possibly hidden path between the two checkpoints may be disclosed to the user terminal once it has reached the second checkpoint. This makes it possible for the user terminal to fully track the path of the object between the two checkpoints without any danger of misuse of the tracking service.
  • a computer program product for implementing the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention when loaded and run on computer means of a control system of a tracking system.
  • a control system for an object tracking system for tracking an object, the control system comprising means for: • defining checkpoints for the object;
  • an object tracking system for tracking an object, the object tracking system comprising the control system according to the third aspect of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a simplified network block diagram of a tracking system in which the teachings of the present invention can be applied in accordance with the described embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a timeline diagram illustrating the tracking method in accordance with the described embodiment of the present invention.
  • - Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating the tracking method in accordance with the described embodiment of the present invention.
  • - Figure 4 is another flow chart illustrating the tracking method in accordance with the described embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified block diagram showing some elements that are involved in the object tracking method in accordance with the present invention.
  • a package or parcel 101 contains a tracking unit or module 103 that is used for one directional or bidirectional communications through a radio interface with a cellular communication network 105, in this example a global system for mobile communications (GSM) network.
  • GSM global system for mobile communications
  • the tracking module 103 may also contain buttons for instance for turning it on/off or for giving other commands. It may also contain sensors, for instance a temperature or motion sensor.
  • the tracking module 103 can either be inside the package 101 or can be attached on the outside of the package 101.
  • the actual radio communication takes place between an antenna of the tracking module 101 and a base station (BS) that includes a transmitter, a receiver and signalling equipment for communicating directly with the tracking module 101 over the radio interface.
  • BS base station
  • the cellular communication network is not described in this context in more detail, as understanding the architecture of this network is not relevant in the present invention. Furthermore, the teachings of the present invention are not limited to the use of a cellular communication network.
  • a control system 107 which in this example is a central unit 107 that in this example is part of the GSM network.
  • the control system 107 could of course consist of several network elements.
  • the tracking module 103 is arranged to communicate over a radio interface with the central unit 107.
  • the central unit 107 is arranged to receive location information about the tracking module 103 and thus it can keep track of the whereabouts of the tracking module 103.
  • the central unit 107 is further arranged to communicate, preferably over a radio interface with a third party system, such as a user terminal 109, which can be for example a personal digital assistant (PDA).
  • PDA personal digital assistant
  • the central unit 107 is arranged to selectively transmit location information of the package 101 to the user terminal 109 as will be described later in more detail. It is to be noted that the central unit 107 and the user terminal 109 could actually be a single physical unit.
  • the present invention is based on an idea to embed the tracking module 103 for instance in postal shipments so that the tracking module 103 and/or the central unit 107 is able to automatically detect checkpoints or waypoints based on events such as geographical positions, sensor values, etc. without having to rely on complex infrastructures, for example involving RFID or barcode scanners.
  • the detection of a checkpoint is then used e.g. to trigger an alarm/notification or to enable/disable tracking of postal shipments and make it available to the customer.
  • the tracking module 103 and/or the central unit 107 is able to detect checkpoints automatically.
  • Checkpoints are points or areas of interest or events that take place during the journey of the package 101.
  • the tracking module 103 can reach several checkpoints. A checkpoint is reached if one or more of the following conditions is/are fulfilled:
  • - Detecting sensor events such as vibration or temperature thresholds
  • - Detecting user events such as button or keyboard inputs on the tracking module 103
  • Timer values time to next checkpoint, reserve time, etc.
  • value added services such as tracking, notification, alarming or even flight mode selection can be realized.
  • the package 101 will pass several predefined checkpoints until it reaches its final destination.
  • the order of the checkpoints is not predefined. Every checkpoint can trigger functionalities on the tracking module 103 and/or on the central unit 107.
  • Each checkpoint has an associated timeout or timer value to reach the next checkpoint. If the next checkpoint cannot be reached within its timeout, this can trigger a function on the tracking module 103 and/or on the central unit 107. For example, this is useful when implementing security features such as protection against the misuse of tracking devices. If predefined checkpoints are not reached, this means that the tracking module 103 is no longer on its intended way and tracking must be disabled for security reasons. In certain applications the timeout values are high enough to reach the next checkpoint under normal conditions, and low enough to disable tracking in the case of misuse.
  • certain parameter values can be associated with checkpoints.
  • the timeout values can then be defined based on these parameter values. For instance, a high trust value for a checkpoint could mean a high timeout value, whereas a low trust value for a checkpoint could mean a low timeout value.
  • the timeout value could be a parameter associated with a certain checkpoint. In this case the trust value could be defined based on the timeout value. For instance, a distribution centre being a checkpoint could have a high trust level for packets originating from the country where the checkpoint is located, whereas the same distribution centre could have a low trust level for packets originating from a foreign country.
  • checkpoints can be trusted or untrusted. Tracking information between two trusted checkpoints may be disclosed to the user, while tracking between untrusted checkpoints might be subject to restrictions.
  • the tracking according to the present invention is based on two tracking concepts, namely forward tracking (or real-time tracking) and retrospective tracking.
  • forward tracking real-time (or substantially real-time) tracking data is provided to the user of the service.
  • forward tracking is enabled only for a limited time period defined by t n associated with the specific checkpoint (CP n ). If t n is elapsed before the next checkpoint (CP n+ i) is reached, the tracking information is no longer provided to the user but still stored on the central unit 107 for later reuse (as explained below when describing the concept of retrospective tracking). If t n is zero, only one single point (the actual position) is provided to the user.
  • the tracking module 103 goes through a trusted checkpoint (e.g. a known distribution centre), the asset tracking path can be published to the customer, if the timer value related to this checkpoint is greater than zero.
  • a trusted checkpoint e.g. a known distribution centre
  • the past tracing information may be revealed and further tracking may be possible during a certain time.
  • the availability of the tracking information to the user depends on the timer values as explained above.
  • the asset goes through its last known trusted checkpoint. After a given time t n , tracking will be deactivated to the user as the timer value has elapsed.
  • the package 101 is prepared by a non-trusted source.
  • the tracking module 103 is activated.
  • the package 101 then reaches a first handling centre (also called distribution centre).
  • This event corresponds to CP 2 .
  • the CP 2 is defined based on geofencing and considered trustful (t 2 >0). From this point, forward tracking is enabled for the duration t 2 .
  • the forward tracking is enabled again as t 3 >0 and retrospective tracking is available due to the trusted relationship between CP 2 and CP 3 (t 3 >0 and t 2 >0).
  • the third distribution centre i.e. CP 4 is reached before t 3 has elapsed.
  • CP 4 has been reached and t 3 has not yet expired, this does not necessary mean that after having reached the CP , the not yet elapsed time can be tracked by the user.
  • the not yet elapsed timer will be overwritten with the next value t 5 .
  • the accessibility of this tracking information to the user depends on the timer value ( ) of the CP 4 . But as >0, the forward tracking will continue and the retrospective tracking is not applicable.
  • the fourth distribution centre i.e. CP 5 is reached before the expiration of - This means that the whole path between the CP 4 and the CP 5 can be tracked in real-time by the user.
  • the CP 5 is the last distribution centre and tracking will continue until t 5 has elapsed. Once t 5 has elapsed, the tracking information is no longer shown to the user, but the central unit 107 still continues tracking of the package 101.
  • the timer values and the checkpoints are defined by the operator or service provider that runs the delivery network, i.e. is responsible for the distribution centres.
  • the timer values can be defined based on the knowledge for a package to reach the next checkpoint (in this example a delivery centre). For instance, if it is expected to take a long time for a package to reach the next checkpoint, then a relatively high timer value is given.
  • step 301 the customer puts the tracking module 103 into his package 101 and activates the tracking module 103. Then the customer posts the package at a post office. Until the package 101 reaches a first distribution centre (first known trusted checkpoint), he cannot see the tracking information except the first point where he activated the tracking module 103.
  • step 303 the package 101 reaches a distribution centre of which the timer value is 12 hours. This step can be repeated numerous times as the package 101 may reach new distribution centres. Once a distribution centre has been reached, the tracking information is disclosed (forward tracking) to the user terminal 109 for at most 12 hours.
  • step 305 the package 101 reaches its final destination and thus the timer value associated with this checkpoint is 0. The tracking service is deactivated and the tracking module 103 is switched off.
  • step 303 the tracking process can also continue in step 307.
  • step 307 the package 101 has gone through an international hub of which the timer value is 24 hours. National and international shipments are handled slightly differently. The positions of international distribution centres in a country may be unknown, in which case the whole country serves as a trusted checkpoint. The package 101 is therefore tracked by the customer at least until a new country has been reached.
  • step 309 the package reaches a new country of which the timer value is set to 5 working days. This means that the forward tracking is allowed for at most 5 working days to the customer. This step can be repeated numerous times as the package 101 may enter new countries. After step 309 the process can also continue in step 303. Eventually the package reaches its final destination (step 305).
  • Figure 4 shows another flow chart illustrating the tracking method in accordance with the present invention.
  • the central unit 107 defines the checkpoints for the tracking module 103.
  • the last checkpoint is also defined. This checkpoint can correspond e.g. to switching off the tracking module 103.
  • step 403 one timer value is given to each checkpoint, and then in step 405 the central unit 107 starts to receive location information about the tracking module 103, this location information allowing the central unit 107 to follow the path of the tracking module 103 and thereby the object 101 to be tracked.
  • step 406 the location information is saved on the central unit 107.
  • step 407 it is determined whether the timer value related to CP n- i is expired. If the response is negative, then the location information is disclosed in step 409 to the customer based on the timer value related to this checkpoint (CP n- i) as was explained above. If the timer value is larger than zero, then real-time tracking is allowed. If on the other hand t equals zero, then only the position of the checkpoint (CP n- i) is disclosed to the user.
  • step 411 it is determined whether the current checkpoint (CP n- i) is the last one. If it is, then no further tracking information will be provided to the user and the tracking can be terminated. The tracking module 103 is thus deactivated in step 413, i.e. turned off or eventually runs out of battery. If on the other hand the current checkpoint (CP n- i) is not the last one, then the process continues in step 407.
  • step 407 it is determined whether the timer value related to the current checkpoint (CP n- i) is expired. If the response is negative, then the process continues in step 405. On the other hand, if the response is in the affirmative, then in step 417 it is determined whether the tracking information can be disclosed to the user retrospectively. As explained above, the timer values related to the CP n- i and CP n need to be both greater than zero for the hidden path to be disclosed to the user in step 419. From step 419 the process continues in step 409. Also if in step 417 it was determined that the hidden path cannot be disclosed to the user, then the process continues in step 409.
  • the invention likewise relates to a control system 107, such as the central unit 107 that is able to implement the method described above. It is also possible that the method is implemented by another tracking system element or some of the method steps are performed by the central unit 107 and some of the method steps are performed by the other element.
  • the invention also relates to a computer program product comprising instructions for implementing the steps of the method described above, when loaded and run on computer means of the control system, such as the central unit 107, capable of implementing the method.

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  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Economics (AREA)
  • Quality & Reliability (AREA)
  • Tourism & Hospitality (AREA)
  • Human Resources & Organizations (AREA)
  • Marketing (AREA)
  • Operations Research (AREA)
  • Development Economics (AREA)
  • Strategic Management (AREA)
  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • User Interface Of Digital Computer (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention porte sur un procédé de suivi d'un objet (101) pour un système de suivi d'objet comprenant un module de suivi (103) relié à l'objet (101) à suivre, un système de commande (107) et un terminal d'abonné (109). Le procédé comprend les étapes suivantes réalisées par le système de commande (107) : (a) la définition de points de contrôle pour l'objet (101); (b) la définition d'une valeur de temporisateur pour au moins certains points de contrôle; (c) la réception d'informations de localisation à partir du module de suivi (103) pour le suivi, par le système de commande (107), du trajet parcouru par l'objet (101); et (d) entre un premier point de contrôle et un second point de contrôle, la révélation, avant que l'objet (101) n'atteigne le second point de contrôle, du trajet parcouru par l'objet seulement jusqu'à l'expiration de la valeur de temporisateur liée au premier point de contrôle.
PCT/CH2010/000242 2010-10-05 2010-10-05 Suivi d'objet WO2012045181A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/CH2010/000242 WO2012045181A1 (fr) 2010-10-05 2010-10-05 Suivi d'objet
TW100126741A TW201224960A (en) 2010-10-05 2011-07-28 Object tracking

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/CH2010/000242 WO2012045181A1 (fr) 2010-10-05 2010-10-05 Suivi d'objet

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012045181A1 true WO2012045181A1 (fr) 2012-04-12

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PCT/CH2010/000242 WO2012045181A1 (fr) 2010-10-05 2010-10-05 Suivi d'objet

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TW (1) TW201224960A (fr)
WO (1) WO2012045181A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20140372335A1 (en) * 2013-06-18 2014-12-18 International Business Machines Corporation Cooperative Path Tracking

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040204969A1 (en) * 2003-04-11 2004-10-14 Po-Hsuan Wu System and method for automatic tracking of cargo
US20050113111A1 (en) * 2003-09-17 2005-05-26 Alcatel Method of detecting the presence or the absence of a mobile terminal on a path
GB2410850A (en) * 2004-02-03 2005-08-10 Michael Fish Means for tracking a person undertaking a journey
WO2009042640A2 (fr) * 2007-09-24 2009-04-02 Savi Technology, Inc. Procédé et appareil pour tracer et surveiller des conteneurs

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040204969A1 (en) * 2003-04-11 2004-10-14 Po-Hsuan Wu System and method for automatic tracking of cargo
US20050113111A1 (en) * 2003-09-17 2005-05-26 Alcatel Method of detecting the presence or the absence of a mobile terminal on a path
GB2410850A (en) * 2004-02-03 2005-08-10 Michael Fish Means for tracking a person undertaking a journey
WO2009042640A2 (fr) * 2007-09-24 2009-04-02 Savi Technology, Inc. Procédé et appareil pour tracer et surveiller des conteneurs

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20140372335A1 (en) * 2013-06-18 2014-12-18 International Business Machines Corporation Cooperative Path Tracking

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
TW201224960A (en) 2012-06-16

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