tracking control and logistics system and method (us patent 6611686)

8/12/2019 Tracking control and logistics system and method (US patent 6611686)

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IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIUS006611686B1(12) United States PatentSmith et al. (10) Patent No.: US 6,611,686E1(45) Date of Patent: Aug. 26, 2003(54) TRACKING CONTROL AND LOGISTICSSYSTEM AND METHOD

(21) Appl. Noc 09/317,388(22) Filed: May 24, 1999Related U.S.Application Data(60) Provisional application No. 60/119,378, filed on Feb. 9,1999, and provisional application No. 60/125,658, filed onMar. 22, 1999.

(51) Int. Cl............................04Q 7/20; GOSB 23/00(52) U.S. Cl. . 455/456; 340/989(58) Field of Search .................................55/440, 441,455/456, 457, 458, 459, 31.3;340/573,5.5, 539, 693.5, 825.49, 38, 988, 933, 989(56) References Cited

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS4,997,0535,043,7365,132,5515,224,5675,370,2015,418,5375,448,2185,490,2005,588,0385,777,5805,819,869

A 3/1991A 8/1991A 7/1992A 7/1993A 12/1994A * 5/1995A 9/1995A 2/1996A 12/1996A * 7/1998A 10/1998

Drori et al.Darnell et al.Carlo et al.TomlinsonInubushiBird ...............EspinosaSnyder et al.8nyderJanky et al.Horton

...342/357342/457

(75) Inventors: Joseph D. Smith, Freeport, TX (US);Austin L. Higgs, Lake Jackson, TX(US); Thien K. Nguyen, Freeport, TX(US)(73) Assignee: Elite Logistics Services, Inc., Freeport,TX (US)( * ) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of thispatent is extended or adjusted under 35U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.

6,072,396 A * 6/2000 Gardcel .........6,131,067 A 10/2000 Girerd et al.6,172,641 B1 1/2001 Millington6,297,768 B1 * 10/2001 Allen, Jr.......OTHER PUBLICATIONS

...340/573.4342/357.1

(57) ABSTRACTA system, apparatus, and method are disclosed formonitoring, tracking, and logistics purposes that preferablyincludes a monitoring unit wherein data is processed usinga microcontroller. The monitoring unit includes an interfacewith the target or asset to be tracked such that electricalsignals may be sent between the target and monitoring unitto denote events from the target, e.g., air bag deploymentand for activating features of the target, e.g., an alarm. Theinterface may be unique for each monitoring unit becauseunique information relating to each interface is stored in thesystem database, e.g., data may be related to a temperaturein one unit and to a movement sensor indication in another.Therefore, the system may respond appropriately to signalshaving unique meanings from each ditferent monitoringunit. A pager unit with a pager modem is controlled by themicrocontroller to thereby encode the signals for transmis-sion. A pager transmitter/receiver network is used for send-ing and receiving messages from the monitoring unit. Thepager transmitter/receiver network is in communication witha server and the database. The server may be accessed bymultiple clients over the Internet or other lines of commu-nication so that the clients at numerous ditferent remotelocations may activate controls on their respective one ormore remote targets/assets, find the locations thereof, andreceive cumulative status reports.

45 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/206,627, Alvin, filedDec. 7, 1998.(List continued on next page.)

Primary Examiner~dward F. UrbanAssistant Examiner . Smith(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm~enneth L. Nash

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US 6,611,686B1Page 2

OTHER PUBLICATIONSBrochure for Motorola Series 500 Integrated WirelessModems; 24000 35'venue SE, Suite 100, Bothell, WA98021; phone: 42589731.Internet Advertisement for Synergy Systems entitled Syn-ergy Systems TechNote ; P.O.Box 262250, San Diego, CA92196; phone:(619) 566666.Spring 1998 Catalog for Motorola ONCOREGPS Prod-ucts, P.O. Box 262250, San Diego Zip Code 92196, Tel:(619) 566666 Web Site: www.synergy ps.corn.

19989 Equipment, Software & Book Catalog fromNavtech GPS Supply & Seminars entitled Solutions forGPS Professionals ; 6121 Lincolnia Rd., Suite 400, Alex-andria, VA 22312707.User's Guide to Motorola entitled Host Evaluation Boardfor the Series 505sd Integrated Wireless Modem MotorolaCompany.Internet Brochure for Series 500 Modems; Motorola DataSubscriber Products, 10034721.* cited by examiner


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U.S. Paten) Aug 26 2003 Sheet 1 pf g US 6,611,686g1

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U.S. Patent Aug. 26, 2003 Sheet 4 of 6 US 6,611,686E1

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U.S. Patent Aug. 26, 2003 Sheet 6 of 6 US 6 611,68681


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US 6,611,686B11TRACKING CONTROL AND LOGISTICSSYSTEM AND METHOD

This application claims benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/119,378 filed Feb. 9, 1999 and U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/125,658 filed Mar. 22, 1999.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the InventionThe present invention relates generally to remotetracking, control, and logistics and, more particularly, toapparatus, systems and methods for remotely controllingone or more devices and/or remotely tracking one or moreassets such as cars, trucks, ships, cargo, and the like.2. Description of the BackgroundFor the most part, it is expensive and dilficult to monitormoveable assets such as cargo, vehicles, trucks, cargocontainers, and the like. It would be desirable to provide alow cost, reliable device with the ability to locate assetsanywhere and anytime. It would also be desirable to com-

municate between the asset and a central control centerusing any type of required data or information. Moreover, itwould be desirable to enable the remote control center or aclient at any location to initiate command and controlfunctions to the assets or targets which may also be at anylocation in the world. The advantages of such a systemwould include the availability of near real time informationand data which in turn would allow for maximum assetutilization and control at a greatly reduced cost of operation.An alfordable device of this type would place proper equip-ment and materials at the right location during an upsetcondition response and allow real time monitoring of thoseassets.

As only one example, it would be desirable to remotelymonitor the location of a vehicle in a cost-elfective manner.Presently existing systems can achieve this function but thecosts are prohibitive for general usage. The presently avail-able lowest cost systems use a global positioning satellitesystem (GPS) sensor in conjunction with a cellulartelephone-based modem. As is well known, the GPS sensorcommunicates with satellites to obtain location informationfor the sensor. A computer control interfaces between thevehicle inputs and outputs, the GPS sensor, and the cellularmodem in accord with demands of the interface/softwarecontrol between the cellular modem and cellular telephone.While these systems are able to some degree to perform thedesired functions discussed above, the equipment costs ofsuch systems are prohibitive for general usage. On top of thevery high initial equipment cost, the supporting operatingservice cost is quite high. It would be desirable to provide asystem capable of the same and additional functions thatcosts a fraction of presently available systems both for initialequipment costs and for operating service cost. In this way,the useful features of such systems could be elfectivelyutilized in a great many applications such as alfordable autotracking and control as well as for many other purposes.

Consequently, there remains a need for a system andmethod for remote tracking, control, and logistics that isavailable at greatly reduced levels of capital investment ascompared to systems available today as well as beingoperable for a fraction of the operating costs of presentsystems so as to be widely alfordable. Those skilled in theart have long sought and will appreciate the present inven-tion which addresses these and other problems.

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fraction of the cost of presently available services that allowfor monitoring, controlling, and logistics. The device andsystem of the present invention permits usage on a widescale due to its low cost. Awide range of targets or assets canbe monitored by the present invention including but notlimited to vehicles, trains, cargo, ships, persons, utility units,buildings, and other targets.

For this purpose, one preferred embodiment of the moni-toring device for monitoring a target comprises a microcon-troller programmed for operating the monitoring device. Apager controlled by the microcontroller is operable forcommunicating with a pager network. A pager modem isprovided for interfacing with the pager for communicatingover the pager network. A global positioning sensor isincluded for providing location information. An interface isprovided between the monitoring device and the target forcommunicating signals relating to the target.

Preferably, a computer port is provided for connecting themonitoring device to a computer to allow communicationbetween the computer and the pager network. In this way,the pager modem and the microcontroller is operable forsending email messages over the pager network. The pageris preferably operable for both sending and receiving signalsover the pager network. A plurality of inputs to the moni-toring device from the target are provided as well as pluralityof outputs from the monitoring device to the target. If thetarget is a vehicle, then the interface communicates electricalsignals relating to one or more elements of the vehicle.

The microcontroller is programmed in a low level lan-guage closely related to an architecture of the microcontrol-ler. The low level programming language provides that themicrocontroller is programmed to collect data from theglobal positioning sensor, send data through the modem,receive messages from the modem and communicate withthe interface or with the global positioning sensor inresponse to the messages. As a security precaution, themicrocontroller preferably has no port that allows access forreading the program.

In one embodiment of the invention for use with non-moving targets such as utility meters, home or buildingsecurity, olfshore platform, well pumps, or any other fixedstructure or device and/or for moving devices where locationinformation is not desired, the GPS is removed from themonitoring device. The programming allows the device tocontinue to operate with respect to other features.

The preferred system of the invention includes a pagernetwork operable for communication with a plurality ofpagers. In one embodiment, an Internet connection is pro-vided for communication with the pager network. One ormore computers having an Internet connection are operablefor communicating over the Internet connection to detect thetarget signals. Preferably, the one or more computers areoperable for sending a target control signal through theInternet connection for controlling one or more features ofthe target.

Where the monitor includes a GPS, then the one or morecomputers is operable for communicating over the computerconnection through the pager network to determine a loca-tion of the respective target. For this purpose, a server isprovided in communication with the pager network, and oneor more computers are operable for communicating over theserver and through the pager modem to detect the one or


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US 6,611,686B1information about each target and the definition/response foreach target signal.

In the method of the invention, a pager with a pagerantenna is attached to the target. An electrical interface isprovided for the target such that one or more electricalsignals may be received from the target through the electri-cal interface. Encoding of a message to a pager modem toform a modem-encoded message relating to the one or moreelectrical signals from the target is provided using a micro-controller in combination with the electrical interface, thepager modem, and the pager with a microcontroller. Themodem-encoded message is transmitted through the pagerusing the pager antenna.

Preferably the microcontroller repeatedly checks the elec-trical interface for the one or more electrical signals from thetarget. A message may be transmitted from a pager networkto the pager, received through the pager modem, and resultin execution of a command responsive to the message. Inanother case, a global position may be determined and amessage encoded to a pager modem to form a globalposition message based on the global position. The globalposition message is transmitted through the pager using thepager antenna. The global position message is receivedthrough a pager network and in a database. Remote accessis provided to the database, such as access over an Internetconnection. If the target is a vehicle, then the one or moreelectrical signals relate to the vehicle. On the other hand thetarget may be a structure alfixed to the Earth so as to benon-moveable. One function of the invention allows forremotely operating the module for enforcing a loan relatedto the vehicle. It is also possible to remotely operate themodule for determining that the vehicle stays within aselectable region.

Preferably, a monitoring system is provided for monitor-ing a plurality of targets on behalf of a plurality of respectiveclients in accord with the invention that comprises a com-puter network server operable for communicating with aplurality of client computers. In this embodiment, a databaseis operable for storing information relating to each of theplurality of targets. A first wireless network system isoperable for communicating wirelessly with a plurality ofpagers. The network server is in communication with thepager network system. A plurality of wireless communica-tion units is provided for each of the plurality of targetswherein each of the plurality of wireless communicationunits is operable for communication with the wireless net-work. Preferably, each of the plurality of wireless commu-nication units includes a global position sensor to providelocation information for each of the plurality of targets.Moreover each of the plurality of client computers is pref-erably operable for querying the database for the locationinformation relating to one or more of the plurality oftargets. The computer network server is preferably operablefor communicating with the plurality of client computersover an Internet connection. Preferably, the plurality ofclient computers are each operable for producing a mapshowing thereon a geographic picture of one or more of theplurality of targets. Moreover, the plurality of client com-puters are preferably each operable for making a query to thecomputer network server to provide updated location infor-mation for one or more of the plurality of targets. Thecomputer network server is operable for communicating thequery through the wireless network system to respective of

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plurality of client computers for providing the updatedlocation information.In a preferred embodiment, the computer network serveris operable for storing the query in the database for operationusing a server program for communicating the query to the

wireless network system. The server program is operable forstoring the updated location information in the databaseprior to providing the updated location information to arespective of the plurality of client computers.It may be that at least a portion of the plurality of targetscomprises a plurality of transport vessels. A second wirelessnetwork system may be used if necessary for communicat-

ing with the plurality of transport vessels. The database isalso operable for storing vessel location information.In one embodiment of the invention, a two-way pagermay be used for contacting one or more of the plurality ofwireless communication units.In another embodiment of the invention, the pager/

modem may be removed from the monitor unit where it isdesired to simply track the target during operation based onsome criteria in which case the microcontroller is program-mable for storing a plurality of records in the memoryrelating to the target location information. Preferably, acomputer may be provided for receiving the plurality ofrecords and producing a map showing a path of movementof the target with respect to a time period. The computer maypreferably be operable for comparing the path of movementof the target with a second path of movement for a secondtarget.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention toprovide an improved monitoring device and system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide adevice for monitoring at a substantially reduced cost.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide asystem that is operable at a substantially reduced cost.

Yet another preferred object of the present invention is toprovide a system that is accessible by numerous clientslocated anywhere in the world to operate control units alsolocated anywhere in the world for the asset or target of theclient.

A preferred feature of the present invention is a low-costmicrocontroller programmed in a low level language relatedto an architecture of the microcontroller.Another preferred feature of the invention is a pager-based system with a pager modem interface.A preferred advantage of the present invention is that eachmonitor/target interface can be configured dilferentlybecause all initialization information is stored in a centraldatabase.Another preferred advantage of the present invention is

that some components can be removed where different typesof monitoring are desired for lowering costs even further.The above objects, features, and advantages are not to beconstrued as limiting the invention in any way but are

provided merely as an aid in understanding the ramificationsof the invention with respect to presently preferred embodi-ments of the invention. Moreover, these and yet otherdiverse objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent from the drawings, thedescriptions given herein, and the appended claims.


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US 6,611,686B1FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system for monitoring aplurality of targets in accord with the present invention;FIG. 3 is a pictorial schematic for a system for monitoringa plurality of targets in accord with the present invention;FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of programming control for a

microcontroller for use in a monitoring device in accordwith the present invention;FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a monitoring device in accordwith the present invention; andFIG. 6 is a pictorial diagram representative of a clientcomputer screen showing a location of the client's target, inthis case a vehicle, on a map generated by a computer inaccord with the present invention.While the present invention will be described in connec-

tion with presently preferred embodiments, it will be under-stood that it is not intended to limit the invention to thoseembodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover allalternatives, modifications, and equivalents included withinthe spirit of the invention and as defined in the appendedclaims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERREDEMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides a unique and low-costsystem and method for monitoring a wide range of targets asdiscussed subsequently. U.S. Provisional Application No.60/119,378, filed Feb. 9, 1999 and U.S. Provisional Appli-cation No. 60/125,658, filed Mar. 22, 1999 are herebyincorporated herein by reference. Referring now to thedrawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown aphysical representation of monitoring device 10 in accordwith the present invention and various attachments thatmight be used with various items to be monitored. Suchitems are referred to herein generally as targets that areassets of some type which are desirably monitored. It will benoted that FIG. 5 discloses a block diagram of the electron-ics of monitoring device 10 and FIG. 4 discloses a flowdiagram for software used in monitoring device 10.

Enclosure 12 is a relatively small housing that may beconveniently mounted for operation. While the attachmentsto monitoring device 10 are suitable for use with a vehicle,monitoring device 10 may be used with many targets suchas assets to be monitored including mobile vehicles such ascars, trucks, ships and/or cargo or assets that may betransported. The monitoring device may also be used withfixed objects such as utility meters, houses, various systemsas a remote control unit, and other such functions. There isreally no limitation on the types of targets/assets with whichmonitoring device may be used. For instance, monitoringdevice 10 might be used for tracking bicycle messengers oreven be used for tracking people. The low cost of the servicefor wireless communication and low cost of the monitoringdevice 10 allow wide use of the device where cost and sizeelfectively prohibited widespread monitoring usage in thepast. The reasons for the low costs will be explained andbecome apparent as the components of the system aredisclosed and discussed hereinafter.

Pager antenna 14 is provided with an appropriate con-nection 16 and antenna cable 1II of suitable length for theintended application. Global positioning sensor (GPS)antenna 20 is connected at 22 to monitoring device 10 viacable 24. Preferably the antennas 14 and 20 are mountedsuch that they do not interfere with each other and so theanten-

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noted that where necessary for security purposes, monitor-ing device 10 can be connected to power in such a way thatit will be difficult to operate the vehicle if monitoring device10 is disconnected or otherwise damaged. Various types oflabyrinth wiring possibilities for connecting to the ignitionsystem are well known that make it difficult or impossiblefor operation of a vehicle without rewiring of the ignitionsystem, typically a time consuming project even for a skilledmechanic. If that type of security is not necessary, then suchconnections are not required.

Monitoring device 10may be connected to battery power30 of a vehicle, or other asset to be monitored, in severaldilferent ways. For instance, power to monitoring device 10may be of two types including battery power 30 and ignitionpower 32.With this power option, some circuits are unpow-ered and others that draw little power continue to be pow-ered to maintain the settings. For instance, the global posi-tioning sensor (GPS) may be of the type that permits a lowpower-on function to prevent the need for initialization ofthe GPS as may typically be required after all power isturned olf to the GPS. The GPS initialization process mayotherwise typically take in the range of about 90 seconds tobe completed before a position fix may be taken. Anotherpower option is simply to leave all circuits of monitoringdevice 10 connected to the battery. This option might slowlydrain battery 30 but because the monitoring device 10 drawsvery little power, this will not normally be a problem unlessbattery 10 is not charged for extended periods. It will also benoted that monitoring device 10 may be programmed tocontrol power itself as discussed subsequently so as tofurther reduce power usage. Another power option is toconnect monitoring device 10 directly to ignition 32 so thatpower is applied only when the ignition is on. As discussedabove, this will typically require an initialization of the GPSand a delay before location fixes can be taken. Other optionsmay also be used. For instance, in some applications it mightbe desirable to include a battery within monitoring device 10for various reasons such as to provide emergency powerand/or perhaps provide notification of battery power outage,impending battery outage, or other power outage. It will beunderstood that other types of power such as AC powercould possibly be used where desired with suitable convert-ers or that monitoring device 10 may be provided withmeans for handling AC power. Fuse 34 or other suitableprotection means is preferably used for protecting bothmonitoring device 10 and any circuits to which it is attached.

Computer port 36, which is preferably an RS-232 port, isprovided for connecting computer 3II to monitoring device10.This is an optional connection but will be convenient foruse with portable computers. As monitoring device 10includes a low cost pager modem, there is no need to providea much more expensive modem with computer 3II. Also,because a pager network is used with monitoring device 10,costs for usage are kept much lower as compared withcellular telephone networks. Computer 3II may be also beused in connection with monitoring device 10 for debuggingand other functions such as downloading recorded informa-tion. Computer 3II may also be used for E-mail, Internetconnections, messaging, and other purposes as desired.

Digital I/O or interface 40 connects inputs 42, outputs 44,and status signals 46 to monitoring device 10 preferably viacabling 4II. In a presently preferred embodiment, inputs 42may include up to four switches, buttons, or sensors. In


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US 6,611,686B1FIG. 3, that inputs for any particular monitoring device 10may be dilferent, e.g., if there are one thousand monitoringdevices 10 in operation, each device may be configureddilferently. The flexibility comes because during initializa-tion of monitoring device 10, the various inputs 42 andoutputs 44 are listed and entered into a database of system100where they are defined along with any desired responsethat a client may wish system 100 to make, e.g., e-mail,telephone call, pager alarm, etc. Inputs to monitoring device10 for use with a vehicle may include, for example only, apanic button, air bag deployment, siren, lights, auxiliarysignals, cargo door sensor (open/close), or a threshold indi-cator such as cargo temperature exceeds a threshold.If desired, certain events, e.g., a door opening, may triggera data reporting signal. For instance, the location of a vehiclecould be determined and transmitted each time a door opens.In such a case, the door opening would be programmed intosystem 100 with a request to check and store locationinformation. Then, each time the door opened, monitoringdevice 10 would transmit this event to system 100. System100 would request location information from monitoringdevice 10 and store the information in a database. Thatinformation would then be available to the client who wouldbe able to access database information, perhaps with a mapas shown in FIG. 6, and as discussed subsequently. Asanother example, system 100 might be initialized such thatan input is designated as an air bag with an emergencyresponse being set up for whenever the air bag deploys.System 100 could be programmed to request location infor-mation from monitoring device 10 if the air bag deploys andthen automatically request emergency service by providingthe location information to police and ambulance services inthe area where the air bag deployed.

As an alternative embodiment of the invention, where alarge number of units were to be the same, it would bepossible to program monitoring device 10 to collect or loginformation in its own memory. For specific use in datalogging, monitoring device 10 would not necessarily evenneed the pager and pager modem for collecting locationinformation responsive to a trigger signal to reduce the costof monitoring device 10 even more. Downloading to acomputer, such as computer 3II could be accomplished at anappropriate time such as the end of the shift or day, for eachvehicle, to determine, for example, routes and for optimi-zation thereof.

Monitoring device 10 may be used to produce outputssuch as door locks, ignition kill, to produce an audible alarmfor the driver, or to elfect any other feature that can beelectrically interfaced to monitoring device 10.While FIG.1 indicates up to three outputs, additional outputs may beobtained by using lines that otherwise provide status signals46 as outputs. If necessary, a digital circuit could conceiv-ably be used to produce up to 16 dilferent outputs based onusing the same four output lines to provide a code. Thus,numerous dilferent outputs may be used. Moreover, system100 can remotely control the outputs. Thus, a client who logsonto system 100 through the Internet, and who may be inanother country, can elfect a desired output through moni-toring device 10. Status signals 46 may typically includeLED indicators to show power on, the battery is ok, com-munication is in progress, GPS is obtaining a fix, and thelike. Other status signals could also be used, if desired.Some uses of the above components may be illustrative.

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asset with the currently costly locating and repossessionprocesses. As another example, when an automobile resellerplaces the unit in a car, then on a daily or even hourly basisthe reseller can assure the location of all of the vehicles eachday. The dealer can also disable, secure, and set alarms onall of their vehicles at the end of each day by a singlecomputer command from their computer. This same processcan activate all units with a single command the nextmorning and inform the dealer of problems with any car,such as low battery. The dealer can assign a range that theircars are not authorized to depart from, say a five-mile radiusabout the lot, and if any car does leave this limited area, thedealership can be notified by system 100 along with lawenforcement olficials. The automobile can be tracked andwhen it is stopped, the automobile can be deactivated andthe dealer notified of the location. When sold, the unit costscould be passed by agreement to the purchaser because thepurchaser can get a lower finance rate by allowing thefinance organization the right to send messages pertaining topayment status and to deactivate the automobile if contractrequirements are not being met. The finance company ben-efits because cost for collection agencies and wrecker ser-vices is reduced or eliminated. When the finance company isready to pick up the deactivated auto, they will know theexact location. They can send someone to pick up the car,have it activated, open the doors, and so forth. If a two-waypager is used, for instance as discussed hereinafter, theperson to pick up the car can open the doors by sending asignal with the two-way pager. For the automobile owner,the options are very broad. The location of the vehicle isknown, it can be tracked, the alarm can be activated, lightsflashed, or when the car is stopped it can be activated andlaw enforcement can be notified of the location. Turn by turndirections, road side assistance, and the like are available.When traveling across the country, monitoring unit 10 willautomatically reacquire when it enters a new service areaand system 100will be notified of the location anywhere inthe United States the unit is operated.

While system 100 can easily be programmed duringinitialization to activate the outputs in a desired manner,monitoring unit 10 may also be programmed for operatingdesired outputs upon the occurrence of an event if desired asmay typically occur when a large number of vehicles orother targets are desired to be wired in a similar way. Forinstance, it may be desired that upon air bag deployment,monitoring unit 10 automatically sends location informationwithout the need for a request to do so from system 100.

FIG. 5 provides a block diagram of the circuitry ofmonitoring unit 10 an FIG. 4 provides a flow diagram ofsoftware for monitoring unit 10.One reason for the very lowcost of monitoring unit 10 is the use of microcontroller 50as the means for operating monitoring unit 10. Whilemicrocontrollers require programming in a low-level lan-guage that is closely related to the architecture of the chip,the cost of a microcontroller is much less than an embeddedcomputer system that would allow programming in a high-level language useable with many dilferent computers. Onceprogrammed, the low cost of the microcontroller greatlyreduces overall costs of monitoring unit 10 and additionalunits may simply copy the same program into the micro-controller memory. In larger quantities, a microcontroller asused may cost in the range of 2 each which is many timesless expensive than even the lowest cost embedded com-


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US 6,611,686B1 10ently preferred embodiment microcontroller 50 has about1000 bytes of ROM and also has a small amount of RAMwhich is less than 100 bytes. In this particular model, thechip does not have a port to read the program out so forsecurity reasons, the program is protected. One of thefunctions provided by microcontroller 50 is to provideinformation in the correct format to the pager port modeminterface 52. To save costs, this approach is used so there isno need to change the interface hardware/software betweenthe modem and pager but rather microcontroller 50 operatesthe modem to provide information in a format accepted bythe pager and pager/modem interface hardware/software.Thus, this approach provides another significant develop-ment cost savings.

The use of a pager with a pager modem is also much lessexpensive than the use of a cellular telephone with a modem.Therefore, equipment costs are greatly reduced.Furthermore, air time cost is also greatly reduced as pagerair time costs much less than cellular telephone air time.Item 52 includes the pager/modem/port connections as wellas the interface between the pager and port that is preferablycommercially obtained and left unmodified as discussedabove so as to remain in compliance with FCC regulationswithout the need for retesting, modification, and so forth.Using these formats rather than attempting to modify thisequipment is considered a significant cost savings of thepresently preferred embodiment although these items couldbe modified, if desired. In a presently preferred embodiment,pager port/modem 52 has inputs and outputs to form I/O port54 built in, as has only recently become commerciallyavailable, thereby saving additional costs of providing theI/O port directly from microcontroller 50 as could also beprovided. Moreover, by eliminating input/output circuitrydriven directly by microcontroller 50, component costs arereduced further. It is also possible to provide additionalmemory 55 which is preferably nonvolatile RAM such as anEEPROM to give greater flexibility of operation for moni-toring unit 10.Memory 55 may be used to store events, forlogging purposes, and generally provides much more flex-ibility of operation for monitoring unit 10.

As presently preferred, I/O port 54 is operated indirectlyby microcontroller 50 through pager port 52 rather thandirectly. It will be noted as discussed subsequently thatevents that occur, i.e.,signals from the target, are transmittedaccording to the programming of microcontroller 50. Asexplained subsequently, this procedure reduces air timecosts. Preferably, at least two outputs of I/O port 54 havesufflcient current for driving relays so as to control largercurrent devices. If required, driver circuits could be added asdesired to elfect more output control circuits. As discussedearlier, digital units with driver circuits could be added to thepresently preferred embodiment of monitoring unit 10 tocontrol sixteen outputs and/or receive sixteen inputs. Theoutputs and inputs are electrical signals that are used withthe target and are related to the type of target and mayinclude a wide range of signals. Microcontroller 50 pres-ently handles on/olf types of signals rather than analogsignals so as to keep costs low, digitized analog signalscould conceivably be used through computer port 60.

Pager antenna 14 and GPS antenna 20 are connected topager/modem 52 and GPS 56 as indicated. Global positionsensor or GPS 56 preferably supports both standard anddilferential position information. GPS 56 communicates

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controller 50, which in turn may have been requested fromsystem 100 through pager/modem/pager port 52. Powercontrol may be elfected by a mosfet or other switchingdevice as desired for low cost and reliable operation.Computer port 60 is preferably an RS-232 port that

provides the correct voltage levels, connectors, and so forthfor compatibility with an external computer, such as externalcomputer 3II, discussed hereinbefore.Typical operation of monitoring unit 10may be describedin terms of microcontroller 50 programming as per flowdiagram 62.At the time monitoring unit 10 is powered on asindicated at 64, the unit begins to operate as per the flowdiagram. Since the program information is stored in ROM inmicrocontroller 50 and any information saved in nonvolatileRAM memory 55, all memory information is readily avail-able when power is turned on and is not lost with loss ofpower. Therefore, disconnection of the car battery forreplacement or other reasons for loss of power does not alteroperation of monitoring unit 10 once power is restored.If monitoring unit 10 has just been installed, then it isnecessary to initialize the ports as indicated at 66. Initial-ization essentially requires notifying system 100 what each

port is connected to, what the desired response is for anysignal from the ports, and whatever requirements the clientmay have which information is typically stored in thedatabase of system 100 as discussed subsequently. This maybe accomplished with a form that is filled out and providedto system 100. For instance, the form may ask what eachinput line is connected to, e.g., line one to an air bag sensor,line two to a battery indicator, etc. Then a response forsystem 100 may be provided for each such event. Likewisethe outputs are listed, e.g., output line one to alarm, outputline two to door locks, output line three to an engine kill, etc.In this way, system 100 and/or the client can operate each ofthese items remotely. The client has the option to change ormodify responses to signals as desired.

At item 6II in the flow diagram of FIG. 4, microcontroller50 sends a command to GPS 56 to provide GPS location datathat is indicative of the position at which monitoring unit 10is located. Depending on the particular mode of operationand programming, this may also require turning GPS poweron as indicated at 5II so that GPS 56 is no longer in an idlemode. Upon power up to monitoring unit 10 where powerhas been completely removed, it may take from one toseveral minutes to obtain a reading from GPS 56. If a GPSsignal is not obtained within a certain time period, or if theGPS is removed (see discussion above on operating moni-toring unit 10 without the GPS for stationary objects), thena timeout condition occurs and operation continues as indi-cated by flow diagram 62. A typical time period might beabout three seconds but could vary depending on the type ofGPS or as desired.

Assuming GPS 56 provides location data to microcon-troller 50, then the location data is checked using a check-sum method or other data checking means as indicated at 70.If the location data is determined to be valid, then thelocation data information is saved at 72 assuming it isdesired to save the location data. Thus, a flag may be set thatdetermines whether or not to save the location data and maytypically be set in response to a signal from system 100.Thelocation data may be logged if desired into memory such asmemory 55 if it is desired to save a series of location data.While system 100 can elfect logging on any time schedule


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US 6,611,686B1 12Upon completion of the above described data collectionsequence, the GPS portion of the signal is completed untilthe next cycle of the program. At this time, microcontroller50 checks as indicated at 74 to see if the pager (which isconsidered part of pager port/modem indicated at 52) has

been initialized. It is necessary to initialize the pager uponthe first program cycle after installation of the unit. After thefirst program cycle, the necessary initialization informationis stored in nonvolatile memory and a flag is set so that theprogram would skip this and go to the next step. Initializa-tion occurs at step 76 and may include, for instance, deter-mining that pin numbers for the pager in port/pager/modem52 and for monitoring unit 10 are established for setting upthe pager network and setting forth where messages fromeach monitoring unit 10 or group of monitoring units 10 arestored. Thus, this step includes the steps that are typicallyrequired for the preferred two-way pager operation. As well,the inputs and outputs may be checked to insure they areoperational. External computer 3II may be used via com-puter port 60 to aid in set up or to change programming ifdesired. Once initialization is successfully accomplished, aflag is set to the eKect the pager has been initialized and thisprocess need not be repeated. If initialization fails for somereason, or is incomplete, then the program proceeds to theend and loops back to start again.

Assuming the initialization flag is set, then microcontrol-ler 50 checks to see if flags are set for new messages fromsystem 100, and if so, then the messages are downloaded asindicated at 7II. To save costs on air time, all the messagesare preferably executed prior to uploading or transmitting atIIO so that all upload messages can be sent at the same time.If there is a message from system 100, then it is downloadedand the message is deleted from the list or queue ofmessages if there is more than one message waiting. Assum-ing the message makes a valid request or one that is in linewith initialization criteria as indicated II4, then the messageis executed at II6. An example might be a message fromsystem 100 to send location data. In that case, at this timemicrocontroller would proceed according to programmingto poll GPS 56 to obtain an update of the location. Asanother example, system 100might send a message that hasthe eKect of unlocking the doors of a vehicle. In this case,microcontroller 50 would contact pager port 52 and activatethe appropriate output. System 100 would have the infor-mation as to which output to activate and the message wouldspecify that output. If the message requires an upload, thenthe upload flag is set as indicated at IIII .

Assuming all downloads are complete, then as indicatedat IIO a check is made as to whether the upload flag is set. Theflag can be set in several ways. The upload flag may be setif any of the inputs have been activated. Programming couldalso provide for setting the flag at a time interval. If one ormore inputs such as an air bag deployment, alarm, hightemperature, or other input occur, then the flag may be set.As well, an upload flag may have been set as discussed at IIII.A check is made that the unit initialization is registered at 90and then an upload or transmission as indicated at 92 ismade. Thus, for an upload, microcontroller 50 would encodethe upload message into a format that is acceptable by themodem/pager interface through a connection in the pagerport 52. The pager of port 52 transmits the message accord-ing to pager network protocol with any standard checks toensure accurate transmission. After transmission, the reasonflag for that particular upload is then reset after transmission

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As discussed above, microcontroller 50 uses a low levellanguage for implementation and does not have suK1cientmemory or a compiler to allow it use of a high levellanguage. By high level is meant a language that is trans-ferrable between diKerent types of computers such asFORTRAN, C, or the like. Low level languages, which mayinclude machine language, are dependent upon the particulararchitecture of a particular processing system and so are nottypically transferrable from one machine to another unlessthe machines are intentionally made to be compatible. Useof low level language is more time consuming for the initialprogramming, but because the same program can be used inmany monitoring units 10, the hardware to process a lowlevel language is less expensive, and the overall result is avery low per unit cost when sold in volume. Moreover, lowlevel language often executes more quickly than higher levellanguages and memory is used much more eK1ciently.

Referring now to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, system 100 ispresented in two diKerent ways so as to provide a morecomplete description thereof and to show more fully thevarious possible interconnections. In FIG. 2, a basic blockdiagram of components is disclosed.

Monitoring unit 10 has been described hereinbefore insome detail and it will be understood that system 100 maywork with large numbers of such units that may be operatingthroughout the United States and, in fact, may be locatedanywhere worldwide. Each monitoring unit 10 communi-cates with one or more pager networks 102 by wirelesstransmission means. In the U.S., the F.C.C. assigns a fre-quency band for this type of communication and pagernetwork 102 acts to transmit and receive messages. Pinnumbers are used to verify authorization, to determine withwhich unit 10 communication takes place, and where tostore messages. It will be understood. that a pager networkwill have an infrastructure that includes numerous diKerentantennas in order to cover a wide area and may typicallyinclude most, if not all, of the area of interest such as theU.S. or another country. Anywhere in the world a pagerwould work, then monitoring unit 10 can also communicate.System 100 may include more than one pager network andretains the necessary information to communicate withmonitoring unit 10 through diKerent regions and withindiKerent pager network systems.A connection is provided between pager network 102 andserver 104 that may include a direct connection or a con-nection over a network such as an Internet connection. It willbe understood that one or more servers may be used foroperation of system 100. Server 104 operates with database106 which, in a presently preferred embodiment, is anOracledatabase. In the database, the information foroperation of system 100 with each monitoring unit 10 isstored. For instance, for each particular monitoring unit 10,database 106 stores the relevant inputs and outputs, clientspecifications regarding inputs and outputs, client messagesand types of messages in response to signals, and so forth.For instance, data in database 106 may be included tomonitor location at a particular time interval, monitorwhether the location goes outside of a defined area such asa car leaving an area of town, send a notification to theappropriate client by the client's desired communicationmeans, and so forth. Database 106 may include a widevariety of information such as contact numbers, emergencynumbers for diKerent regions, and the like so as to be able


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13 US 6,611,686B1 14may include e-mail messages, pager messages, telephonemessages, fax messages, and others including any automatedmeans of communication.

In a preferred embodiment, database 106 also includes atable or list of messages to be sent and a table of incomingmessages which are operated on. Once operated on, themessages may be saved for as long as the client desires tokeep track of communications that have occurred. A clientmay send one command that alfects all his targets. Forinstance, a car sales outlet might send a single message to allvehicles to lock the doors and turn on the burglar alarm.

To illustrate a typical operation, numerous dilferent cli-ents such as client 10II may log onto system 100 over theInternet, through a modem connection, or other connection.Client 10II does not need to have a computer and may simplycall an operator by telephone, radio, two-way pager or othercommunication means. At any rate, client 10II contactssystem 106 to request information, in response to a messagefrom system 100, to send a command to one or moremonitoring units 10, or for other such reasons. For instance,assume client 106 has four vehicles that are being monitoredand supplies the appropriate identification number. He maythen wish to know the whereabouts of each vehicle. Thisrequest may be received by network or Internet connection110of server 104.Server 104 contacts database 106,perhapsusing an Internet connection or other connection, and data-base 106 places the message on a table of outgoing mes-sages. In a presently preferred embodiment, a dedicatedserver program such as server program 112 controls allmessaging between transmitter/receiver network 102 anddatabase 106. Therefore, server program 112 takes themessage from the table of outgoing messages in database106, and sends the message to transmitter 106 with thecorrect pin numbers for identification of the particular fourmonitoring units to be contacted. The message is then sentout and, due to the identification numbers, the appropriatefour monitoring units 10 respond to the request, as discussedabove. Thus, the monitoring units 10 provide updated loca-tion information that is received by receiver/transmittersystem 102. Server program 112 takes these messages fromthe pin data storage location and sends them to database 106where they are placed in the table of incoming messages.The client has requested the results sent to him, so theinformation goes to server 110 and then to client 10II. Client10II may view the information in dilferent ways. Forinstance, in accord with the present invention, Client 10IImay preferably use a program having a screen with a mapsuch as shown in FIG. 6 whereupon one or more vehicles114 may be shown on the particular street 116 within themap section 109 that is selected for viewing. The client maytrack the path of vehicles using dilferent symbols and thelike as desired. The present invention provides a mappingsystem and program for tracking, labeling, and monitoringso that assets being sent by dilferent types of transportvehicles such as ships, trains, trucks, and the like can betracked and reference is made to U.S. Provisional Applica-tion No. 60/119,378 filed Feb. 9, 1999 and U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/125,658 filed Mar. 22, 1999 whereinsuch programming is described in detail and was previouslyincorporated herein by reference.

System 100may also be used for monitoring fixed assetssuch as for utility meter readings, home monitoring, and thelike both in an active and passive role. In fact, it may be

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the antenna is hidden. System 100 also contemplates com-munication using, for instance, a two-way pager such astwo-way pager 11II. The pager communicates with server104 through pager network 102 to thereby send a messageto monitoring unit 10. As well, database 106 may beprogrammed notify two-way pager 102 in response to amessage from monitoring unit 10. Thus, using a two-waypager it is possible to stand next to a vehicle and ifmonitoring unit 10 is appropriately wired, then opening thedoors, starting the engine, etc., using a two-way pager.

High capacity clients as indicated at 120 may preferablyhave a direct connection to database 106.This would allowlarge clients to monitor, track, and so forth a large numberof assets at high speeds. For instance, a utility companychecking meters may need to check a large number of meterseach day and would preferably have a high speed connec-tion. The connection may be of dilferent types includinglocal area networks, remote via modem connections, and soforth.

System 100 is also operable for communication with othertypes of transmission as may occur from cargo carriers of alltypes such as vessels or destinations with respective com-munication means 122, 124, and 126. Typical examplesmight include olfshore oil platforms that receive cargo, shipscarrying cargo, supply ports and so forth. Communicationmay be derived with dilferent systems such as throughpacket radio modems 12II or satellite communication trans-ceiver 130. The system of the present invention can trackcargo, print manifests, be used for ordering products, listsuppliers, and display cargo location on a desired map. Thus,the present system, apparatus, and methods may be used fora wide variety of tracking, monitoring, and logistics pur-poses.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the inventionare illustrative and explanatory thereof, and it will beappreciated by those skilled in the art, that various changesmay be made in the system integration and components aswell as in the details of the illustrated arrangements orcombinations of features without departing from the spirit ofthe invention.

What is claimed is:1.A monitoring device for monitoring a target, compris-ing:a microcontroller programmed for operating said moni-

toring device, said microcontroller having no port thatallows access for reading programing of said micro-controller;a wireless transceiver operable for communicating with awireless network;

a modem for interfacing with said wireless transceiver forcommunicating over said wireless network;a global positioning sensor;an interface between said monitoring device and said

target for communicating signals relating to said target;one or more inputs to said monitoring device from said

target; andone or more outputs from said monitoring device to said

target, said one or more inputs and said one or moreoutputs being individually selectable from a plurality ofinputs to said target and a plurality of outputs from saidmonitoring device during installation of said monitor-


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15 US 6,611,686B1 162. The monitoring device of claim 1, wherein said targetis a vehicle and said interface communicates electricalsignals relating to one or more elements of said vehicle.3. A method for monitoring a plurality of targets, saidplurality of targets having at least first and second variablesto be monitored and having at least first and second items tobe controlled, said first and second variables being selec-tively dilferent for dilferent of said plurality of targets, saidfirst and second items to be controlled being selectivelydilferent for dilferent of said plurality of targets, said method 10comprising:

attaching a transceiver with an antenna to each of saidplurality of targets;

providing a configurable electrical interface with a plu- 15rality of ports for each of said plurality of targets forinterfacing between said transceiver and said first andsecond variables to be monitored and said first andsecond items to be controlled;

20entering definition data into a database to define said firstand second variables whereby said definition dataselectively varies between said plurality of targets, saiddefinition data comprises a configuration of said plu-rality of ports which are selectively electrically con-nected with respect to said first and second variables tobe monitored and said first and second items to becontrolled, said definition for said configuration of saidplurality of ports being selectively variable betweensaid plurality of targets; 30

receiving data through a wireless network from saidtransceiver, interpreting said received data based onsaid definition data in said database;

connecting to said database through an Internet connec-tion with a personal computer to receive said inter-preted data; and

sending control information from said personal computerthrough said Internet connection for transmissionthrough said wireless network for selectively operating 40said first and second items to be controlled.4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:

entering definition data into a database to define said firstand second items to be controlled whereby said defi- 45nition data varies between said plurality of targets.5. The method of claim 4, further comprising:

transmitting a message from a pager network to saidtransceiver,receiving said message through said modem, and 50executing a command responsive to said message

wherein:said control information is interpreted by said definitiondata in said database prior to wireless transmission.6. The method of claim 4, wherein:

said definition data includes the meaning of said first andsecond items to be controlled, which meaning selec-tively varies between said plurality of targets.7. The method of claim 4 wherein:

said plurality of targets comprise a plurality of vehiclesand said first and second variables comprise variablesrelated to vehicles which are selectively dilferent forsaid plurality of vehicles.

9. The method of claim 7, further comprising:remotely operating said module for determining that saidvehicle stays within a selectable region.10. The method of claim 3, further comprising:determining a global position,encoding a message to a modem to form a global positionmessage based on said global position, andtransmitting said global position message through saidtransceiver using said antenna.11.The method of claim 10, further comprising:receiving said global position message through a wireless

network, andsaving said global position message in said database.12. The method of claim 3, further comprising:providing for remote access to said database through said

Internet connection by each of a plurality of dilferentsubscribers, each said subscriber being able to commu-nicate only with targets for which each respectivesubscriber is authorized but not for other of saidplurality of targets.13.The method of claim 12, wherein:

said definition data includes the meaning of said first andsecond variables, which meaning selectively variesbetween said plurality of targets.14. The method of claim 3, wherein:said target is a structure alfixed to the Earth so as to benon-movable.15. A monitoring system for monitoring a plurality of

targets on behalf of a plurality of clients, each of said clientsbeing associated with one or more of said plurality of targets,comprising:

a computer network server operable for communicatingwith a plurality of client computers through an Internetconnection;a database operable for storing information relating toeach of said plurality of targets;a wireless network system, said computer network server

being in communication with said wireless networksystem; and

a plurality of wireless communication units for saidplurality of targets, each of said plurality of wirelesscommunication units being operable for communica-tion with said wireless network, each of said pluralityof wireless communication units including a globalposition sensor to provide location information for eachof said plurality of targets, said computer networkserver permitting each of said plurality of client com-puters to selectively communicate only with said one ormore of said plurality of targets with which said clientis associated such that each of said plurality of clientcomputers is operable for sending a message to requestsaid location information relating to said one or more ofsaid plurality of targets with which said client is asso-ciated.16. The monitoring system of claim 15, wherein:

each of said targets has one or more electrically control-lable elements controllable by said respective clientcomputers through said computer network server andsaid wireless network.17.The monitoring system of claim 16, further compris-

lng:


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17 US 6,611,686B1 181II. The monitoring system of claim 16, wherein:said plurality of said targets comprise a plurality ofautomobiles wherein each automobile has one or morevariables for monitoring by a respective of said clientcomputers and one or more electrically controllable

elements to be controlled by said respective of saidclient computers.19.The monitoring system of claim 1II, further compris-ing:said database being operable for storing information for Ipeach of said plurality of targets that includes definitionsof inputs and outputs related to said one or morevariables and said one or more electrically controllable

elements for a respective interface between each of saidplurality of vehicles for each corresponding wirelesscommunication unit, said definitions of said inputs andoutputs being selectively variable from vehicle tovehicle.20. The monitoring system of claim 15, wherein:

said database comprising a list of ingoing and outgoing zomessages.21. The monitoring system of claim 15, further compris-ing:said plurality of wireless communication units including

a modem for encoding said location information.22. The monitoring system of claim 15, further compris-ing:

at least a portion of said plurality of targets being aplurality of transport vessels,

a wireless network system for communicating with saidplurality of transport vessels, and

said database being operable for storing vessel locationinformation.23. The monitoring system of claim 15, further compris- 35ing:a two-way pager operable for contacting one or more ofsaid plurality of wireless communication units throughsaid wireless network.24. The monitoring system of claim 15, further compris- 40ing:a microcontroller for operating said wireless communi-cation unit, said microcontroller having a memory for

programming said microcontroller for operating saidwireless unit, said microcontroller comprising a com-puter and said memory within a single integratedcircuit.

25. The monitoring system of claim 24, wherein saidmicrocontroller has no port that allows access for readingprogramming of said memory.26. The monitoring system of claim 24, further compris-ing:

said plurality of client computers are each operable forcommunicating with said computer network serverrelating to said electrical signals for said one or more of &&said plurality of targets with which said client is asso-ciated.27. The monitoring system of claim 26, further compris-ing:

at least a portion of said plurality of targets are vehicles,each vehicle having an electrical system connected to said

target interface,said plurality of client computers being operable for

2II. The monitoring system of claim 26, further compris-ing:

at least a portion of said plurality of targets are vehicles,each vehicle having an electrical system connected to said

target interface,said plurality of client computers being operable fordetecting an electrical signal from said vehicle throughsaid target interface, said wireless network system, andsaid computer network server in accordance with adescription for each said target interface stored withinsaid database.29. A monitoring system operable for monitoring a plu-

rality of targets on behalf of a plurality of users, each of saidusers being associated with one or more of said plurality oftargets, comprising:

a computer network server operable for communicatingwith a plurality of client computers;

a database operable for storing information relating toeach of said plurality of targets;

a plurality of wireless communication units, a respectiveof said plurality of wireless communication units asso-ciated with said plurality of targets, each of said plu-rality of wireless communication units including aposition sensor to provide location information for eachof said plurality of targets;

a wireless network system operable for communicatingwirelessly with a plurality of wireless communicationunits, said computer network server being in commu-nication with said wireless network system, each ofsaid plurality of wireless communication units beingoperable for communication with said wirelessnetwork, each wireless communication unit comprisinga transceiver for two-way communication with saidwireless network system related to a plurality of controlinputs and said plurality of status outputs of said target,each of said plurality of client computers being oper-able for requesting said computer network server toprovide location information relating to said one ormore of said plurality of targets with which said clientis associated, said computer network server preventingcommunication with said plurality of targets withwhich said client is not associated.

30. The monitoring system of claim 29, wherein:said computer network server is operable for communi-cating with said plurality of client computers throughan Internet connection.31.The monitoring system of claim 29, further compris-

ing:said plurality of client computers being operable for

producing a map showing thereon a geographic pictureof one or more of said plurality of targets.32. The monitoring system of claim 29, wherein saidplurality of targets comprise a plurality of vehicles and saidplurality of status outputs relate to a status for each vehicle,said status outputs being selectively dilferent for eachvehicle.33. The monitoring system of claim 32, wherein saidof a of vehicles and said


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19 US 6,611,686B1 2034. The monitoring system of claim 33, wherein saidplurality of wireless communication units further comprise:

transmitter and receiver electronics for two-way commu-nication with said wireless network system related tosaid plurality of inputs and said plurality of outputs andsaid location information.35. The monitoring system of claim 34, wherein said

plurality of wireless communication units further comprise:programmable electronics related to said plurality of saidcontrol inputs and said plurality of status outputs such 10

that each wireless communication unit is operable foradaptation to selection for each vehicle of said pluralityof control inputs and said plurality of status outputs.36. The monitoring system of claim 35, wherein: 15a plurality of said vehicles comprises a door lock as acontrol input such that each of said plurality of clientcomputers is operable for selectively controlling saiddoor lock of said plurality of vehicles with which saidclient is associated.37. The monitoring system of claim 34, further compris-ing:

said database being operable for storing information foreach of said plurality of targets that includes definitionsof control inputs and status outputs for a respectiveinterface between each of said plurality of targets andeach corresponding wireless communication unit.38. The monitoring system of claim 34, further compris-ing:said database being operable for containing a list of 30

ingoing and outgoing messages.39. The monitoring system of claim 29, further compris-ing:said plurality of wireless communication units includinga modem for encoding said location information.40. The monitoring system of claim 29, further compris-ing:at least a portion of said plurality of targets being a

plurality of transport vessels, said database being oper-able for storing vessel location information.

41. The monitoring system of claim 40, further compris-ing:a target interface for each of said plurality of wirelesscommunication units for communicating electrical sig-nals to said wireless communication unit related to said

plurality of transport vehicles.42. The monitoring system of claim 29, further compris-ing:said plurality of client computers are each operable forcommunicating with said computer network serverrelating to said electrical signals for said one or more of

said plurality of transport vehicles with which saidclient is associated.43. The monitoring system of claim 29, further compris-ing:a microcontroller for operating said wireless communi-cation unit.44. The monitoring system of claim 29, further compris-

ing:at least a portion of said plurality of targets are vehicles,each vehicle having an electrical system connected to said

target interface,said plurality of client computers being operable for

sending an electrical signal to said electrical system ofsaid vehicle through said target interface for said one ormore of said plurality of targets with which said clientis associated.45. The monitoring system of claim 29, further compris-

ing:at least a portion of said plurality of targets are vehicles,each vehicle having an electrical system connected to said

target interface,said plurality of client computers being operable fordetecting an electrical signal from said vehicle throughsaid target interface, said wireless network system, and

said computer network server in accordance with adescription for each said target interface stored withinsaid database.


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IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIUS006611686CI(12) EXPARTE REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE (8091st)United States Patent (10) Number: US 6,611,686C1Smith et al. (45) Certificate Issued: Mar. 15, 2011

(54) TRACKING CONTROL AND LOGISTICSSYSTEMAND METHOD(75) Inventors: Joseph D. Smith, Freeport, TX (US);Austin L.Higgs, Lake Jackson, TX(US); Thien K. Nguyen, Freeport, TX(US)

5,917,4056,014,6286,028,5376,072,3966,220,5096,331,8256,515,9966,643,283

A 6/1999A 1/2000A 2/2000A 6/2000B1 4/2001B1 12/2001Bl * 2/2003B2 * 11/2003

Joao ..............Kovarik .........SumanGaukel ..........Byford ..........Ladner ..........Tonnby et al.Derks ............

.....340/426........05/1.....340/988

.. 340/573.4.....235/375.....340/988.....370/401.....370/352(73) Assignee: Thinair Wireless Corporation,Houston, TX (US)Reexamination Request:No. 90/009,121, May 27, 2008No. 90/010,601, Sep. 3, 2009Reexamination Certificate for:

Patent No.: 6,611,6S6Issued: Aug. 26, 2003Appl. No.: 09/317,3SSFiled: May 24, 1999

(51) Int. Cl.G08G 1/23G088 23/00 (2006.01)(2006.01)(52) U.S.Cl....................................40/990; 340/426.19(58) Field of ClassiTication Search ..................70/352,370/401; 710/8See application file for complete search history.(56) References Cited

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS4,920,488 A5,469,557 A5,513,244 A5,594,425 A5,717,950 A5,835,377 A

4/199011/19954/19961/19972/199811/1998

Filley .............Salt ................Joao ...............Ladner ...........Yamaguchi et alBush ..............

...364/403...395/425379/58340/825.06710/8364/468.05

Related U.S.Application Data(60) Provisional application No. 60/119,378, filed on Feb. 9,1999, and provisional application No. 60/125,658, filed onMar. 22, 1999.

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTSWO WO 97/14054 4/1997WO WO 97/18521 5/1997WO WO 98/03952 1/1998* cited by examinerPrimary Examiner M. Steelman(57) ABSTRACTA system, apparatus, and method are disclosed formonitoring, tracking, and logistics purposes that preferablyincludes a monitoring unit wherein data is processed using amicrocontroller. The monitoring unit includes an interfacewith the target or asset to be tracked such that electricalsignals may be sent between the target and monitoring unitto denote events from the target, e.g., air bag deployment andfor activating features of the target, e.g., an alarm. The inter-face may be unique for each monitoring unit because uniqueinformation relating to each interface is stored in the systemdatabase, e.g., data may be related to a temperature in oneunit and to a movement sensor indication in another.Therefore, the system may respond appropriately to signalshaving unique meanings from each different monitoringunit. A pager unit with a pager modem is controller by themicrocontroller to thereby encode the signals for transmis-sion. A pager transmitter/receiver network is used for send-ing and receiving messages from the monitoring unit. Thepager transmitter/receiver network is in communication witha server and the database. The server may be accessed bymultiple clients over the Internet or other lines of communi-cation so that the clients at numerous different remote loca-tions may activate controls on their respective one or moreremote targets/assets, find the locations thereof, and receivecumulative status reports.

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US 6,611,686C1IEX PARTEREEXAMINATION CERTIFICATEISSUED UNDER 35 U.S.C.3075THE PATENT IS HEREBYAMENDED ASINDICATED BELOW.

Matter enclosed in heavy brackets [ ] appeared in thepatent, but has been deleted and is no longer a part of thepatent; matter printed in italics indicates additions madeto the patent.AS A RESULT OF REEXAMINATION, IT HAS BEENDETERMINED THAT:

Claims 4, 1S, 19, 21, 33, 34, 35, 37, 3S, 39 and 42 arecancelled.Claims 1,3,5,6,7, 11, 12, 15, 16,20,22,23,24,26,27,2S, 29, 36, 40, 44 and 45 are determined to be patentable asamended.Claims 2, S-10, 13, 14, 17, 25, 30-32, 41 and 43, depen-dent on an amended claim, are determined to be patentable.New claims 46-51 are added and determined to be patent-able.1.A monitoring device for monitoring a target, compris- 3Qing:a microcontroller programmed for operating said moni-toring device, said microcontroller having no port thatallows access for reading programming of said micro-controller; 35a wireless transceiver operable for communicating with awireless network;a modem for interfacing with said wireless transceiver forcommunicating over said wireless network; 40a global positioning sensor;[an] a configurable interface between said monitoringdevice and said target for communicating signals relat-

ing to said target comprising a plurality ofports;one or more inputs to said monitoring device from said 45target to be monitored; andone or more outputs from said monitoring device to said

target to be controlled wherein said plurality ofportsare selectable for connection ofsaid one or more inputsand one or more outputs, said one or more inputs and 5osaid one or more outputs being individually selectablefrom a plurality of inputs to said target and a pluralityof outputs from said monitoring device to provide aselective wiring to said monitoring device during instal-lation of said monitoring device to said target, a net- 55work server operable for communicating with a plural-ity ofclient computers through an Internet connection,a common database ofsaid network server configuredfor storing said selective wiring from a plurality ofmonitoring devices such that each of said one or more 6oinputs and each of said one or more outputs are identi-fied as to their nature and stored in [a] said commondatabase for each of [a] said plurality of monitoringdevices.3. A method for monitoring a plurality of targets, said 65

plurality of targets having at least first and second variablesto be monitored and having at least first and second items to

be controlled, said first and second variables being selec-tively different for different of said plurality of targets, saidfirst and second items to be controlled being selectively dif-ferent for different of said plurality of targets, said methodcomprising:

attaching a transceiver with an antenna to each of saidplurality of targets;providing a configurable electrical interface with a plural-ity of ports of each of said plurality of targets for inter-facing between said transceiver and said first and sec-ond variables to be monitored and said first and seconditems to be controlled;

entering definition data into a common database of a net-work server to define said first and second variables tobe monitored and saidfirst and second items to be con-trolled whereby said definition data selectively variesbetween said plurality of targets, said definition datastored in said common database further comprises aconfiguration of said plurality of ports which are selec-tively electrically connected with respect to said firstand second variables to be monitored and said first andsecond items to be controlled, said definition data forsaid configuration of said plurality of ports being selec-tively variable between said plurality of targets;

receiving data to said network server through a wirelessnetwork from said transceiver, interpreting saidreceived data based on said definition data in said com-mon database;

connecting to said common database of said networkserver through an Internet connection with a personalcomputer to receiver said interpreted data; andsending control information from said personal computerthrough said Internet connection for transmission

through said wireless network for selectively operatingsaid first and second items to be controlled.5. The method of claim [4]3, further comprising:

transmitting a message from a pager network to saidtransceiver,receiving said message through said modem, andexecuting a command responsive to said message

wherein;said control information is interpreted by said defini-tion data in said common database prior to wirelesstransmission.6. The method of claim [4]3,wherein:

said definition data includes the meaning of said first andsecond items to be controlled, which meaning selec-tively varies between said plurality of targets.7. The method of claim [4]3,wherein:

said plurality of targets comprise a plurality of vehiclesand said fi rst and second variables comprise variablesrelated to vehicles which are selectively different forsaid plurality of vehicles.11.The method of claim 10, further comprising:

receiving said global position message through a wirelessnetwork, andsaving said global position message in said common data-base.12.The method of claim 3, further comprising:providing for remote access to said common database

through said Internet connection by each of a pluralityof different subscribers, each said subscriber being ableto communicate only with targets for which eachrespective subscriber is authorized but not for other ofsaid plurality of targets.


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US 6,611,686C115. A monitoring system for monitoring a plurality oftargets on behalf of a plurality of clients, each of said clientsbeing associated with one or more of said plurality of targets,comprising:a computer network server operable for communicatingwith a plurality of client computers through an Internetconnection;a common database ofsaid computer network server oper-able for storing information relating to each of saidplurality of targets; a wireless network system, saidcomputer network server being in communication withsaid wireless network system; [and]a plurality of wireless communication units for said plu-rality of targets, each of said plurality ofwireless com-munication units being operable for communicationwith said wireless network system, each of said plural-ity ofwireless communication units including a globalposition sensor to provide location information for eachof said plurality of targets, said computer network

server permitting each of said plurality of client com-puters to selectively communicate only with said one ormore of said plurality of targets with which said clientis associated such that each of said plurality of clientcomputers is operable for sending a message to requestsaid location information relating to said one or more ofsaid plurality of targets with which said client is associ-ated;

said plurality ofwireless communication units each com-prising a selectable port wiring interface for selectivewiring ofeach ofsaid plurality ofwireless communica-t ion units to said plurality of targets whereby one ormore inputs to said wireless communication unit areoperable for monitoring by a respective ofsaid plural-ity ofclient computers and one or more outputs for saidwireless communication unit are operable to be con-trolled by said respective ofsaid plurality ofclient com-puters and;

said common database being configured for storing def-initio information for said plurality ofwireless commu-nication units comprising definitions of said one ormore inputs to be controlled, said one or more outputsto be controlled and said selective wiring ofsaid select-able port wiring interface for said plurality ofwirelesscommunication units;

a controller at said wireless communication unit for oper-ating said wireless communication unit, said controllerhaving a memory for programming said controller foroperating said wireless communication unit; and

said plurality ofwireless communication units comprisi nga modem for encoding said location information, saidwireless network system comprising a wireless commu-nication network system, said modem of said wirelesscommunication unit being operable for a task, ofsend-ing messages comprising said location informationthrough said wireless communication network system,whereupon said information is stored in said commondatabase.16.The monitoring system of claim 15,wherein:

each of said targets has one or more electrically control-lable elements controllable by said respective clientcomputers through said computer network server andsaid wireless network system.20. The monitoring system of claim 15,wherein:

said common database comprising a list of ingoing andoutgoing messages.22. The monitoring system of claim 15, further compris-ing:

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at least a portion of said plurality of targets being a plural-ity of transport vessels,

a wireless network system for communicating with saidplurality of transport vessels, and

said common database being operable for storing vessellocation information.23. The monitoring system of claim 15, further compris-ing:a two-way pager operable for contacting one or more ofsaid plurality ofwireless communication units through

said wireless network system.24. The monitoring system of claim 15, further compris-ing:said controller is a microcontroller for operating saidwireless communication unit, said microcontroller hav-

ing [a] said memory for programming said microcon-troller for operating said wireless unit, said microcon-troller comprising a computer and said memory withina single integrated circuit.26. The monitoring system of claim 24, further compris-ing:said plurality of client computers are each operable forcommunicating with said computer network server

relating to [said] electrical signals for said one or moreof said plurality of targets with which said client isassociated.27. The monitoring system of claim 26, further compris-ing:

at least a portion of said plurality of targets are vehicles,each vehicle having an electrical system connected to[said] a target interface,said plurality of client computers being operable for send-

ing [an] said electrical signal to said electrical systemof said vehicle through said target interface for said oneor more of said plurality of targets with which saidclient is associated.2S. The monitoring system of claim 26, further compris-ing:at least a portion of said plurality of targets are vehicles,each vehicle having an electrical system connected to a

target interface,said plurality of client computers being operable fordetecting an electrical signal from said vehicle through

said target interface, said wireless network system, andsaid computer network server in accordance with adescription for each said target interface stored withinsaid common database.29.A monitoring system operable for monitoring a plural-

ity of targets on behalf of a plurality of users, each of saidusers being associated with one or more of said plurality oftargets, comprising:a computer network server operable for communicatingwith a plurality of client computers;

a common database ofsaid computer network server oper-able for storing information relating to each of saidplurality of targets;

a plurality of wireless communication units, a respectiveof said plurality ofwireless communication units asso-ciated with said plurality of targets, each of said plural-ity of wireless communication units including a posi-tion sensor to provide location information for each ofsaid plurality of targets;

a wireless network system operable for communicatingwirelessly with a plurality of wireless communication


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US 6,611,686C1units, said computer network server being in communi-cation with said wireless network system, each of saidplurality of wireless communication units being oper-able for communication with said wireless networksystem[,];

each wireless communication unit comprising a trans-ceiver for two-way communication with said wirelessnetwork system related to a plurality of [control] inputsto be monitored and [said] a plurality of [status] outputsto be controlled of said target, a plurality ofports forselective wiring ofinputs to be monitored and said out-puts to be controlled between said wireless communica-tion unit and said target;

wherein said common database comprises definitions ofsaid inputs to be monitored, said outputs to be con-trolled and said selective wiring of said plurality ofports; each of said plurality of client computers beingoperable for requesting said computer network serverto provide location information relating to said one ormore of said plurality of targets with which said clientis associated, said computer network server preventingcommunication with said plurality of targets withwhich said client is not associated;a controller at said wireless communication unit for oper-ating said wireless communication unit, said controllerhaving a memory for programming said controller foroperating said wireless communication unit; and

each wireless communication unit comprising a pagermodem for encoding said location information, saidwireless network system comprising a pager wirelesscommunication network system, said pager modem ofsaid wireless communication unit being operable for atask of sending messages comprising said locationinformation through, said pager wireless communica-tion network system, whereupon said information isstored in said common database.36. The monitoring system of claim [35]29,wherein:[a plurality of said vehicles comprises] said plurality oftargets comprise a plurality o

tracking control and logistics system and method (us patent 6611686)

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