Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02398582 2002-08-19
A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ASSET TRACKING
This application claims priority from Canadian Patent Application No.
2,355,426, filed August
17, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference.
The invention relates to the field of telematics, and more specifically to a
system and method for
remote tracking of assets by using a cellular telephone and Internet
communication network
where the remote tracking includes locating, configuring and monitoring
devices associated with
the asset being tracked.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The term telematics is often used to refer to automobile based asset tracking
systems that
combine global positioning system ("GPS") satellite tracking and wireless
communications for
automatic roadside assistance and remote diagnostics.
Refernng to FIG. 1, there is shown a block diagram illustrating a general
telematics system 100
in accordance with the prior art. Typically, a telematics system 100 includes
services 110,
platforms 120, networks 130, auto/freight sector clients 140, and positioning
technologies 150.
The services 110 provided by the telematics system 100 may include automatic
roadside
assistance, accident notification, traffic information, diagnostics, mobile
Internet access, fleet
management, and navigation. The platforms 120 on which the telematics system
100 may
operate may include servers, gateways, and billing and customer-care call
centres. The networks
130 by which communications are provided may include voice, short messaging
system ("SMS")
messaging, and wireless application protocol ("WAP"). The auto/freight sector
clients 140
serviced by the telematics system 100 may include passenger vehicles, trucks,
freight, public
safety applications. Typically, telematics systems 100 perform applications
including vehicle or
equipment (i.e. asset) location, driver concierge services, fleet management,
and
navigation/traffic information services.
Typically, an asset tracking device or module is installed in the vehicle to
be tracked. The
location of the device is determined by the telematics system 100 using a
positioning technology
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CA 02398582 2002-08-19
150 such as GPS or time difference of arrival ("TDOA"). The location
information is then
provided to an application to service a customer.
GPS technology provides specially coded satellite signals that can be
processed in a GPS
receiver that enables the receiver to compute position, velocity and
direction. The main problem
with current GPS technology is the requirement for an unobstructed view of the
sky for
communication with GPS satellites. Its advantage is that is can provide a
location anywhere in
the world without any additional infrastructure on the ground. Improved
receiver performance
and signal processing and new technologies, like "Enhanced GPS", will provide
locations where
traditional GPS would fail.
On the other hand, TDOA uses the existing cellular network infrastructure to
determine location.
Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a flow diagram illustrating a typical TDOA
process 200. The
process requires signal timing information from at least three different
antenna sites. At step 1, a
handset or vehicle places a call (e.g. a 911 call). At step 2, antennae
receive the signal from the
handset or vehicle and pass it to a carrier's mobile switching office. At step
3, TDOA equipment
measures the difference in the time the cellular radio signals arrive at the
antenna sites and
translate that data into location data (i.e. longitude and latitude data). At
step 4, the carrier
forwards voice call and location data to a Public Safety Answering Point
("PSAP"). The use of
TDOA is typically restricted to areas where coverage from multiple towers is
available.
The communications networks 130 for linking tracking devices to platforms 120
to provide
services 110 to customers, include cellular and telephone networks. With
respect to cellular
networks, network providers, such as Aeris.netTM ("Aeris") and Cellemetry~,
typically make use
of the Advanced Mobile Phone System ("AMPS") control channel frequencies for
the transfer of
small data packets. The use of the cellular network control channel provides
more robust
communication than cellular voice traffic so that it is possible to
communicate with devices
located in places where ordinary cell phones have marginal or intermittent
voice coverage.
Clients of these virtual carriers can make use of a TCP/IP data link to
connect their operations
centre to the virtual carrier network which then provides continent wide
coverage through
cellular service providers.
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CA 02398582 2002-08-19
For example, in United States Patent No. 6,131, 067, to Girerd, et al, a
client-server based system
is described in which the location of a tracking device is determined using
GPS information. This
location is then reported to a user via the Internet.
While tracking assets is important, also of importance is the personal safety
of users of the asset,
such as a motor vehicle. It is recognized that most vehicles are or will be
equipped with some
form of tracking system. However, none of these systems are able to monitor
the personal safety
of the user from a remote location when the user is outside or some distance
from the vehicle.
What is lacking in existing telematics systems and asset tracking devices,
however, is a way for a
user to not only locate a tracking device but also to effectively configure
the tracking device to
monitor the vehicle or asset or a component of the asset in which the tracking
device is installed.
What is also lacking is a way for asset tracking devices to monitor panic
alarms generated by
persons in the proximity of monitored assets.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an asset tracking system is
provided that
includes: a tracking device for mounting in an asset for receiving a panic
alarm indication and for
communicating GPS information and the panic alarm indication over a cellular
telephone
network; a panic alarm pendant for carrying by a first user for transmitting a
panic alarm signal;
a RF receiver module for mounting in the asset for receiving the panic alarm
signal from the
pendant and for generating the panic alarm indication when within a
predetermined radius; and, a
server coupled to the cellular telephone network for receiving the panic alarm
indication and the
GPS information and for displaying the panic alarm indication and a location
to a second user.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method for configuring
an asset tracking
device is provided that includes the steps o~ accessing a server from a
client; providing a serial
number from the client to the server; the serial number uniquely associated
with the asset
tracking device; interrogating the server based on the serial number;
transmitting configuration
information from the server to the client in response to the step of
interrogating; displaying the
configuration information at the client so that a user can review and
selectively modify the
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CA 02398582 2002-08-19
configuration information; modifying the configuration information at the
client to produce
modified configuration information; the modified configuration information
representing
changes to the configuration of the asset tracking device; transmitting the
modified information
from the client to the server; analyzing the modified configuration
information at the server to
produce processed configuration information and storing the processed
configuration
information in a database associated with the server; and, transmitting the
processed
configuration information from the server to the asset tracking device,
thereby configuring the
asset tracking device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the invention may best be understood by refernng to the
following description
and accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a general telematics system in
accordance with the prior
art;
FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating the TDOA process in accordance with the
prior art;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an asset tracking system ("ATS") in accordance
with an
embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 4(a) is a top view illustrating a tracking device in accordance with an
embodiment of the
invention;
FIG. 4(b) is an end view of the tracking device of FIG. 4(a);
FIG. 5 is an exemplary web page flow chart in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention;
FIG. 6 is an exemplary web page flow chart in accordance with an alternate
embodiment of the
invention;
FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary asset tracking device method
in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention; and,
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CA 02398582 2002-08-19
FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary bridge server method in
accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the description and drawings, like numerals refer to like structures or
andlor processes.
System. Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a block diagram of an asset
tracking system ("ATS")
300 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The ATS 300 allows an
asset tracking
service provider to provide asset tracking related services to customers. The
ATS 300 includes
the following: a tracking device 310 that is installed in a customer's vehicle
or asset that is to be
tracked; a GPS including satellite transmitters 320 for providing GPS signals
to the tracking
device 310 to facilitate positioning; a cellular telephone network 330
including antennae 331 for
communicating with the tracking device 310; virtual carrier servers 350 for
providing virtual
carrier services (e.g. Aeris or Cellemetry) for communicating with the
cellular telephone network
330 over a network 351 using, for example, common channel signaling system
number seven
("SS7"); and, ATS servers 360 for providing ATS applications (see below) to
customers, for
communicating with the tracking device 310 via the virtual carrier servers 350
and cellular
telephone network 330 through a network 361, and for supporting an ATS call
center 370 over
the Internet 371. The network 361 may also be the Internet 371. Typically, the
ATS call center
370 operates 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. The ATS call center 370
includes a service
provider terminal 372 operated by asset tracking service provider staff.
Customers may
communicate with asset tracking service provider staff via telephone (i.e.
landline or cellular) or
through the Internet 371 using a customer terminal 380. Customers and asset
tracking service
provider staff may access ATS applications locally through the tracking device
310 and/or
remotely using the Internet 371 and their respective terminals 380, 372.
The ATS servers 360 may include bridge servers, database servers, alarm
servers, and web
servers for supporting Internet 371 access. The ATS servers 360, asset
tracking service provider
terminal 372, customer terminal 380, and tracking device 310 may include input
devices, central
processing units or CPUs, memory, and displays. The input devices include
keyboards, mice,
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CA 02398582 2002-08-19
trackballs, or similar devices. The CPUs may include dedicated coprocessors
and memory
devices. The memory may include RAM, ROM, databases, or disk devices. And, the
displays
may include a computer or LCD screen. The ATS 300 has stored therein data
representing
sequences of instructions which when executed cause the method described
herein to be
performed. Of course, the ATS 300 may contain additional software and hardware
a description
of which is not necessary for understanding the invention.
Tracking Devices. Referring to FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), there are shown top and
end views,
respectively, illustrating a tracking device 310 in accordance with an
embodiment of the
invention. The tracking device 310 includes a small plastic or metal casing
410 for housing
internal modules (see below); a cellular antenna 420; a connector 430 for a
GPS antenna (not
shown); a connector 440 for a diagnostic device and for connecting other
peripheral devices (not
shown); and, a connector for a power cable 450 for connecting the tracking
device to the power
supply of the asset (e.g. vehicle) to be protected. In another embodiment,
both the cellular
antenna 420 and GPS antenna (not shown) may be placed inside the casing 410.
The tracking
device is designed to minimize size and maximize durability.
Internally, the tracking device 310 includes: a GPS receiver module connected
to a GPS antenna
(not shown) through a connector 430 to receive GPS signals from GPS satellite
transmitters 320
to allow for the determination of positioning coordinates of the tracking
device 310; a cellular
modem to communicate with the tracking service provider's servers 360 through
the cellular
network 330 provided by a virtual Garner; and, a microcontroller which
includes software for
managing device modules and associated circuitry (i.e. GPS receiver, cellular
modem, power
requirements, alarms, motion detector, and reporting schedules), along with an
Internet interface
for configuring the tracking device 310 and for communicating with it.
Referring to FIG. 7, there
is shown a flow chart illustrating an exemplary asset tracking device method
in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention.
The tracking device 310 is generally connected to the tracked asset's power
supply via a power
cable connector 450. However, the tracking device 310 also has an internal
backup power supply
(not shown) to ensure continued operation even after the external power supply
has been
disconnected. Sophisticated motion detection and other advanced power saving
techniques
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CA 02398582 2002-08-19
ensure that the tracking service provider can communicate with the tracking
device 310 for a
period of time even if the main battery of the protected asset has been
disconnected. 'The backup
power supply is typically a rechargeable, internal backup battery that is
recharged whenever an
external 12/24 volt power supply is connected to the tracking device 310.
A diagnostic device (not shown) may be connected to the tracking device 310
via the diagnostic
device connector 440 which is typically a DB-9 connector. The diagnostic
device typically
includes a LCD display on which key parameters are displayed allowing a user
to determine if
the GPS receiver module, the cellular modem, and the microcontroller are
operating properly.
The connector 440 may also be used to connect other peripheral devices to the
tracking device
310 including a panic alarm device and an hours meter device (see below).
The tracking device 310 is small, easily hidden in an asset, and communicates
with the asset
tracking service provider's call center 370 through a virtual carrier network
330, 331, 351, 350.
This communication platform is advantageous as it offers a robust means of
communication over
a network that today provides the most ubiquitous cellular coverage in North
America. Other
communication platforms may also be used including digital cellular networks.
To ensure
privacy, communications with the tracking device 310 for configuring device
functions or for
locating and tracking are conducted through either the tracking service
provider's call center 370
or through a private web portal managed by the tracking service provider.
The tracking device 310 is capable of accurately determining the location of
any asset and
relaying this information to the owners of the asset (i.e. customers) or to
the appropriate
authorities. In most cases, the location of the asset can be determined to
within a matter of
meters. In addition, the tracking device 310 can be configured to
automatically and immediately
alert the owner, or the proper authorities, if the device leaves a pre-
determined area, if the power
supply voltage of the asset (e.g. vehicle) drops below a predetermined value,
if the tracking
device 310 is disconnected from the external power supply of the asset, or if
the GPS antenna
connection 430 to the device has been either severed or shorted.
Advantageously, these features
make the tracking device an effective theft detection and asset recovery tool.
The tracking device 310 has two sensitive motion sensors that are configured
to report if motion
occurs. The two motion sensors are used for power management and alarm
detection purposes.
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CA 02398582 2002-08-19
The two motion sensors are configured orthogonal to one another in order to
sense motion more
easily. In addition, "sensitivity" settings (i.e. low, medium, high) are used
to adjust the voltage
threshold detection level to activate the motion sensors. Moreover, a
"debounce" function is
included that prevents the motions sensors from activating on spurious or
transient conditions
such as wind or vibration type motions. Typically, this debounce function is
set at 5 seconds.
That is, there must be continuous motion for a minimum of 5 seconds in order
for the motion
detectors to activate. Thus, these "damping" settings are configured such that
a vehicle being
moved by a gust of wind will not trigger the motion sensor but genuine
"motion" must be
established by a certain number of "movements" that happen over a period of a
few seconds.
This definition of motion enables several power saving features. First, if no
motion is sensed for
5 minutes, whether or not the vehicle is being operated or is just parked, the
GPS module is
powered down to save power. This is possible since when the GPS module is
powered up and
the tracking device 310 is in motion, the GPS module has to constantly write
new location fixes
to the microcontroller. However, if there is no motion, the last location fix
stored in the
microcontroller will still be accurate and so the GPS module may be powered
down.
Second, a power save delay parameter can be set during configuration of the
tracking device 310
which specifies how long after motion ceases until the Power Save Mode is
entered. This
parameter can be changed from a default setting of 0 hours to up to 999 hours.
After the selected
power save delay time has elapsed, the tracking device 310 will enter the
Power Save Mode,
which is essentially a "deep sleep" mode that uses minimal power. (Again, if
the value of zero is
selected, then the tracking device will enter the Power Save Mode 5 minutes
after motion has
stopped, for example.) When the tracking device 310 is in Power Save Mode, it
cannot be
contacted or interrogated. When motion is sensed, the tracking device 310
immediately awakens
and determines if it has experienced any conditions that should be reported as
an alarm. The
tracking device 310 remains powered up until the expiry of the power save
delay time stored in
its memory. A user can set the power save delay time to reflect the external
battery capacity of
the vehicle or asset in which the tracking device 310 is installed. For
example, if the vehicle or
asset has a small battery that may be depleted quickly, then the user may set
the power save
delay time to one hour. With this setting, the tracking device will "go to
sleep" is there is no
motion for one hour. If the external battery is more robust, then the user may
wish to set the
power save delay time to 999 hours so that the tracking device 310 will stay
powered up and
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CA 02398582 2002-08-19
remain available for interrogation for essentially 1000 hours from the last
time motion was
sensed.
If the tracking device 310 has gone into the Power Save Mode, only the
cellular module (not the
GPS module) awakens for a defined period every 24 hours. During that defined
period, the
tracking device 310 "listens" to the cellular network 330 for a "page" so it
can be sent a locate
command to determine its position or so it can receive configuration changes
from the user. The
servers 360 control and change the time for this daily reporting. Daily
reporting is typically
conducted in the early morning when network traffic is at its lowest point.
As mentioned, the tracking device 310 has an internal power supply, typically
a battery. As soon
as the external power supply is lost, an alarm message is received by the
servers 360 and call
center 370 indicating that the situation should be investigated. Therefore,
the internal battery
needs to last long enough to get a fix on where the tracking device 310 is
located. The customer
or call center staff may then choose to dispatch the police to retrieve the
vehicle or asset.
Typically, the tracking device 310 draws little power from the vehicle
battery. The tracking
1 S device's internal batteries are selected to minimize the overall size of
the tracking device 310 yet
meet the necessary power requirements. The internal batteries are maintained
at a full charge as
long as the external power supply is available. By minimizing overall size of
the tracking device
310, the device may be installed in smaller sized assets including computers
and pumps. In fact,
small size enables the tracking device 310 to be used for monitoring the
location of children,
pets, Alzheimer patients, or criminals. With greater size reductions,
implanting tracking devices
in animals or people may be possible.
The ATS 300 includes a "Panic Alarm" function that is initiated by a contact
closure monitored
by the tracking device 310. The contact closure may be between two pins on the
diagnostic
device connector 440. The Panic Alarm function may also be used in conjunction
with an
additional panic alarm device. The panic alarm device may be installed in a
vehicle along with
the tracking device 310. The Panic Alarm function could be used, for example,
in a taxi. Here,
the panic alarm could be generated by a secret, under seat switch that is
activated by the driver to
summon help if the driver is attacked or the taxi is hi jacked.
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CA 02398582 2002-08-19
In addition, the panic alarm device may act as the "receiver end" for a
pendant type "medical
alert" transmitter device or similar devices typically used by seniors to
summon help in the event
of a fall or other emergency. These pendant devices typically include a small
radio frequency
(RF) transmitter. The receiver component of these systems picks up the signal
transmitted from
the pendant device and initiates an auto-dialer that calls an alarm-monitoring
center to report the
emergency.
According to one embodiment, the RF receiver is modified for installation in a
vehicle where it
may be powered by the vehicle's power supply. If a user pushes the panic alarm
button on the
pendant device, a signal is sent from the pendant to the receiver contained in
the panic alarm
device. The receiver will be able to receive signals transmitted by the
pendant device within a
predetermined radius from the vehicle. In other words, the transmitter in the
pendant device has a
known transmission range. Upon receipt of this signal, the panic alarm device
closes a contact.
This contact closure, and hence the presence of a panic alarm, is monitored by
the tracking
device 310. The panic alarm is then relayed by the tracking device 310 to the
call center 370
where it is automatically forwarded, along with the location of the vehicle,
to the appropriate
authorities. In this way, the tracking device 310 acts as a security "base
station" for the user.
While the location information identifies the precise location of this
security "base station",
knowing that the user of the panic alarm device is within the predetermined RF
reception area for
signals transmitted by the pendant device provides the authorities with the
approximate location
of the user.
ATS Servers. The ATS 300 includes several servers 360 and a call center 370
for the
management of tracking devices 310. The servers 360 and call center 370
constitute a tracking
device management system that stores data and communicates with tracking
devices 310 through
the cellular phone network 330 and via a web interface 371. The servers 360
include a Virtual
Carrier Bridge Server, a Database Server, an Alarm Server, and a Web Server.
Thus, the tracking
device management system includes the following components:
1. Virtual Carrier Bridge Server: This server processes and formats all of the
commands and
data to be sent via a TCP/IP connection 361 to the virtual carrier servers 350
at virtual carrier
operation centers where they can be relayed to tracking devices 310 over the
AMPS cellular
CA 02398582 2002-08-19
phone network 330 in North America, Mexico, and parts of South America.
Similarly, this
server receives and processes data and reports that have been received from
tracking devices
310 at a virtual carrier's operation centre and relayed to the call center 370
via a TCP/IP
connection. Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown a flow chart illustrating an
exemplary bridge
server method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
2. Database Server: This server maintains a database for storing all relevant
data pertaining to
tracking devices 310, customers, users, alarms and reports, billing
information, and the like.
3. Alarm Server: All alarms and reports that arrive at the call center 370
(i.e. after being relayed
from a tracking device 310 through the AMPS cellular network 330 and the
virtual carrier's
servers 350) are processed by the alarm server and, as required, are written
to the database.
Parameters chosen by the customer and stored in the database determine who
should be
automatically advised of the occurrence of the alarm at the particular day and
time that the
alarm has occurred. For example, a Power Restored Alarm (see below) is not
routinely
passed on to the customer but is used by the tracking service provider to
monitor the status of
deployed tracking devices. For example, the receipt of a Power Restored Alarm
could be of
assistance in locating a missing asset that had not been recovered. If a
vehicle were stolen
from a location where there was no cellular service (e.g. a remote mountainous
area), and the
vehicle's battery had been disconnected for a period of time so that even the
internal back-up
battery in the tracking device had depleted, then if the vehicle was ever
moved into an area
with cellular coverage, and the vehicle battery was re-connected (i.e. before
the tracking
device was discovered or destroyed), then this alarm message would signal to
the call center
370 that the vehicle had resurfaced in an area where a Locate command could
now be
performed.
4. Call Centre: The tracking service provider's call center 370 is typically
staffed 24 hours per
day to monitor all components of the tracking device management system. In
addition,
customers that may not have access to the Internet 371 may call a toll free
number to have
call center staff manage their account or to make inquiries about alarms that
they have
received notification of via the automated alarm notification system.
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CA 02398582 2002-08-19
5. Web Server: The tracking service provider's web server provides the means
for customers to
communicate with and control their tracking devices 310. The web server
maintains a web
portal or tracking device management web interface which is described below.
Functions. For effective theft detection and asset location, the tracking
devices 310 and/or ATS
300 include the following functions:
1. Motion Detection: As described above, the GPS receiver and cellular modem
turn on
immediately upon detection of movement and the GPS module proceeds to obtain a
location.
2. Virtual Fence Violation Alarm: The user is able to define a virtual fence
("vFence") for the
asset to be protected (e.g. between 100 meters and 100 kilometers). If the
asset moves
beyond this user-defined fence, a vFence violation alarm is reported to the
call center 370. As
will be described below, settings for the vFence alarm may be made over the
Internet 371.
3. Locate: The user is able to locate the protected asset using the mapping
services resident on,
or accessed from, the tracking service provider's servers 360. As will be
described below,
settings for the locate function may be made over the Internet 371.
4. Low Power Alarm: If external power drops below 80% of its nominal input
level for longer
than three minutes, for example, then an alarm is sent to the call center 370.
5. Power Cut Alarm: If external power is cut for longer than 15 seconds, for
example, then an
alarm is sent to the call center 370.
6. Restored Power Alarm: When power is restored after being cut, the tracking
device 310 will
transmit a power restore message to the servers 360.
7. Panic Alarm: For personal security, a button on a personal panic device,
the receiver of
which is co-located with and connected to the appropriate pins of the DB-9
connector 440 on
the tracking device 310, may be used to send a panic alarm to the servers 360
and call center
370 via the tracking device 310.
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CA 02398582 2002-08-19
8. Hours Meter: The hours meter function emulates a physical "hours meter"
that is typically
used to record the number of hours that an engine, or similar component, has
operated. This
function is used by connecting a voltage source, such as the "ignition on"
voltage that
indicates that an engine is operating, to designated pins of the DB-9
connector 440 of the
tracking device 310. A counter in the tracking device's 310 microcontroller
commences to
record time whenever such a voltage source is present. Thus, the counter
functions as an
hours meter and records the number of hours the associated engine, or other
component, has
been in operation. The user is able to define a time interval after which the
tracking device
310 will send a message to the servers 360 and database that includes the
current hours meter
reading from the counter. The servers 360 can be configured to automatically
forward an e-
mail message to the customer reporting the current hours meter reading and
indicating that
the hours meter has reached a configured time increment.
9. Power Save Mode: In order to reduce power consumption, the tracking device
310 can be
programmed to "sleep" and will consume minimal power if no movement has
occurred for a
user preset time from 0 hour to 999 hours, for example, and "awaken" when
motion is
detected by the microcontroller. If the preset time is set to zero, then the
tracking device 310
will typically enter the "Power Save Mode" after 5 minutes.
10. Daily Network Listening: Regardless of whether "awake" or "asleep", the
tracking device
310 turns on its cellular modem at a predefined time to be available for
communications.
11. Monthly Heartbeat: Once a month, for example, the tracking device 310
calls the servers 360
and reports its current position.
Tracking Service Provider Specific Commands. The following commands may be
sent to the
tracking device 310 by the tracking service provider via the service provider
terminal 372 and/or
servers 360:
1. Deactivate Device: This command can be sent by the tracking service
provider to deactivate
a device if a customer's account is delinquent or some such reason. Upon
receipt of this
command, the tracking device 310 no longer responds to any customer
instructions received
through the web interface. But, provided that the tracking device 310 is still
connected to an
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CA 02398582 2002-08-19
external power supply (or if the internal backup battery is still
operational), the tracking
device 310 continues to monitor the cellular network 330 and accepts an
"Activate Device"
command (see below) sent by the tracking service provider to re-activate the
tracing device
310 enabling it to accept subsequent tracking service provider and/or customer
commands.
2. Activate Device: This command can be sent by the tracking service provider
to reactivate a
tracking device 310 that has previously been sent a "Deactivate Device" (see
above)
command. This command may be sent in order to reactivate a customer's tracking
device 310
after a delinquent account has been brought current.
3. Change Report Day: Each tracking device 310 is pre-programmed at the
factory to send a
"heartbeat" report to the servers 360 on a particular day of each month. 'This
command can
be used to cause a tracking device 310 to send the heartbeat report on a
different day of the
month.
4. Change Report Time: Each tracking device is pre-programmed at the factory
to send the
heartbeat report to the servers 360 at a particular time, on the selected
"Report Day" of each
month. This command can be used to cause a tracking device 310 to send the
heartbeat
report at a different time on the selected Report Day.
5. Wakeup and Locate: Each tracking device 310 is pre-programmed at the
factory so that even
if the device is in the Power Save Mode, the unit will be fully "awake" and
ready to accept
commands for one hour out of every 24 hours. During this one hour awake
period, the
tracking service provider can send any tracking device 310 a locate diagnostic
command
which causes the tracking device 310 to attempt to obtain a GPS measurement
for four
minutes and forward the location data to the servers 360, thereby confirming
that all GPS and
communication functions are working properly.
6. Track Unit For "x" Minutes: Sending this command (accompanied by a certain
number of
minutes) to a tracking device 310 causes the device to report to the servers
360 every fifteen
seconds. The tracking device 310 alternately reports either a geographic
position or the
14
CA 02398582 2002-08-19
speed and heading data for the number of minutes that has been specified in
order to permit
"live" tracking of an asset in motion.
Tracking Service Provider and Customer Commands. The following commands may be
sent by
to the tracking device 310 by either the tracking service provider or customer
via the service
provider terminal 372 or customer terminal 380, respectively, and/or servers
360:
1. Power Save Delay: As described above, in order to conserve the power of the
external battery
providing power (e.g. at 12/24 volts) to the tracking device 310, a motion
detector causes the
device to power down. Therefore, the tracking device 310 does not monitor the
cellular
network 330 and cannot accept incoming calls, except for the one hour (or
other time
determined by the tracking service provider) per day when the device is
programmed to wake
up and monitor the network 330. With this command customers can set the number
of hours
after any motion stops before the unit will go into this Power Save Mode. The
default value
for this parameter for tracking devices leaving the factory is 1 hour. This
command allows
customers to manage the power consumption of the tracking device 310 and
appropriately
match this consumption to the capacity and circumstances of the external power
supply.
2. Activate Power Save Report Mode: This command will cause the tracking
device 310 to
report its location to the call center 370 on every occasion just before the
tracking device 310
goes into the Power Save Mode. This command has fleet management applications.
Such a
series of reports may provide a customer with a list of locations where the
tracking device
310 had ceased to move for the period of time selected by the "Power Save
Delay"
command. This could, for example, provide a record or log for the customer of
any stops of
greater than 5 minutes or greater than 1 hour, etc. This function ensures
that, at all times, the
tracking service provider has an accurate location for the tracking device 310
(if the unit is in
Power Save Mode) or can obtain an accurate location (if the tracking device
310 is in a
vehicle that is moving).
3. Deactivate Power Save Report Mode: If the customer has activated the "Power
Save Report
Mode" in a tracking device 310, it can be deactivated with this command.
15
CA 02398582 2002-08-19
4. Activate Power Alarms: If this command is sent to a tracking device 310,
the device will
provide the servers 360 with a message indicating that one of the "Power
Alarm" conditions
(as described below) has occurred. Configuration settings chosen by the
customer specify
who should be immediately and automatically contacted by the tracking service
provider in
this event. When a tracking device 310 is shipped from the factory the default
setting for the
Power Alarms is "OFF"
5. Deactivate Power Alarms: If the Power Alarms in a tracking device 310 have
been activated,
sending this command instructs the device to refrain from contacting the
servers 360 when a
Power Alarm condition occurs.
6. Set vFence Radius: If this command is sent to a tracking device 310, the
device will establish
(by mathematical calculation) a virtual fence ("vFence") around itself,
typically circular in
shape having a center at the position where the tracking device was located
when the "Turn
vFence On" command (see below) was sent, and having a radius ranging from 100
meters to
100 kilomenters. If the tracking device 310 moves outside of this virtual
fence, then the
device will send a message to the servers 360 indicating that the device has
left the
"permitted area" as defined by the "Set vFence Radius" command.
7. Turn vFence On: If this command is sent to a tracking device 310, the
center of the permitted
area (as defined by the Set vFence Radius command) is reset to the current
location of the
tracking device 310. From then on, the tracking device 310 will send a message
to the servers
360 if the device moves outside of the permitted area. Before sending this
alarm message,
the vFence function is turned off. After this alarm has been received, the
customer may
choose to reactivate (and re-center) the vFence or to continue to monitor the
location of the
asset. When a tracking device 310 is shipped from the factory the default
position for the
vFence is "OFF".
8. Turn vFence Off: If the vFence function has been activated, sending this
command
deactivates the vFence function.
16
CA 02398582 2002-08-19
9. Locate: Sending this command causes a tracking device 310 to report its
location to the call
center 370 in one of four possible ways depending on the conditions existing
at the time the
command was sent:
a) If the tracking device 310 has not moved for a period greater than the
power save delay
time that has been set in the device, the customer would be advised by the
servers 360 via
the customer terminal 380 that the device is in Power Save Mode and the most
recent
location data from the servers' database would be provided to the customer.
The
customer would also be given the option of having the system 300 interrogate
the
tracking device 310 during the next daily time period when the device will be
"awake"
and "listening" to the cellular network 330, if the device has not already
reported a new
location to the servers 360 by that time. A message also advises the customer
of the time
when updated location data will be available. If the Power Save Report Mode is
enabled,
the reported position will be the current position of the unit.
b) If the tracking device 310 is not in Power Save Report Mode but the device
has not
moved for 5 minutes, then the most recent location stored in the tracking
device's
memory will be reported, which will be, by definition, the current location of
the device.
c) If the tracking device 310 is not in Power Save Report Mode and it has
moved within the
last 5 minutes, but is currently not moving, the the current location will be
reported.
d) If the tracking device 310 is not in Power Save Report Mode and it is in
motion, then the
current location and fact that the device is in motion will be reported.
10. Power Down Device: This command can be sent to a tracking device 310 to
shut the
device down entirely so that it is not even capable of monitoring the cellular
phone
network 330 or registering on the network. Typically, tracking devices are
shipped from
the factory in the "Power Down Mode". Once having entered this mode, the
tracking
device 310 can only be turned on by connecting (or removing and re-connecting)
an
external 12/24 volt power supply to the device.
11. Hours Meter Interval: This command can be sent to a tracking device 310 to
cause it to
send a report to the servers 360 when a voltage source (e.g. ignition voltage)
has been
present on designated pins of the DB-9 connector 440 for a selected increment
of time,
17
CA 02398582 2002-08-19
referred to as the "hours meter interval". Typically, this interval may range
from 10
hours to 9,999 hours. Tracking devices are shipped from the factory with no
interval set
so that automatic reports are not generated until the customer has configured
the tracking
device with a desired interval. The user is given the option of entering into
the database
an "offset" number that can be used to synchronize the hours meter reading
reported by
the tracking device 310 with a physical, preinstalled, external hours meter.
This offset
number allows the readings from the hours meter function to be made consistent
with the
readings from the physical hours meter.
12. Hours Meter Report: This command can be sent to a tracking device 310 at
anytime
causing the device to report its current hour meter reading.
Alarms and Reports. The following alarms and reports may be generated by the
asset tracking
system 300:
1. External Power Low Warning: If the Power Alarms function (see above) has
been activated
in a tracking device 310, then the device will send an alarm to the servers
360 indicating that
the external power supply voltage (e.g. 12/24 volts) has dropped below 80% of
its normal
value.
2. External Power Lost Alarm: If the Power Alarms function has been activated
in the tracking
device 310, and the external power supply (e.g. 12/24 volts) is removed for 15
seconds, then
the device will send an alarm to the servers 360 indicating that the external
power supply has
been lost. The servers 360 will send a confirming message to the tracking
device 310
indicating that the alarm message has been received. If the tracking device
310 does not
receive a confirmation of the receipt of the alarm message within 5 minutes,
then the device
will attempt to re-send the alarm message up to 5 times.
3. External Power Restored: If the Power Alarms function has been activated in
the tracking
device 310, then the device will send an alarm to the servers 360 indicating
that the external
power supply (e.g. 12/24 volts) has been restored.
18
CA 02398582 2002-08-19
4. Panic Alarm: As described above, some tracking devices 310 may be
configured to make use
of a Panic Alarm function that is typically triggered by a contact closure
between two pins on
the multi-pin (DB-9) tracking device connector 440. If a contact closure is
detected by the
tracking device 310, then the device will send a Panic Alarm report indicating
that immediate
assistance is requested at the reported location of the device. The Panic
Alarm message sent
by the tracking device 310 contains current location information for the
device. The servers
360 will send a confirming message to the tracking device 310 indicating that
the alarm
message has been received. If the tracking device 310 does not receive a
confirmation of the
receipt of the alarm message within 5 minutes, then the device will attempt to
re-send the
alarm message up to 5 times. If no receipt is received, then it will attempt
the same sequence
every 24 hours.
5. vFence Violation Alarm: If the vFence function has been activated in a
tracking device 310,
and if the tracing device 310 moves to a location that is outside of the
permitted area (defined
by the vFence radius), then the device will first deactivate the vFence and
send an alarm to
the servers 360 indicating that the device has travelled a distance greater
than the allowed
vFence radius from the point where the device was located when the vFence was
activated.
The servers 360 will send a confirming message to the tracking device 310
indicating that the
alarm message has been received. If the device does not receive a confirmation
of the receipt
of the alarm message within 5 minutes, then the device will attempt to re-send
the alarm
message up to 5 times. If no receipt is received, then it will attempt the
same sequence every
24 hours.
6. Power Save Mode Report: If the customer has chosen to have the tracking
device 310 report
its location prior to going into Power Save Mode, then this report provides
the location of
each such occurrence. This location is stored in the servers 360 for
subsequent customer
reports and/or use.
7. Heartbeat: As mentioned above, this report is a monthly confirmation (i.e.
at the "Report
Time" on the "Report Day") that the tracking device 310 is functioning
properly. Typically,
this report is sent to the servers 360 only.
19
CA 02398582 2002-08-19
8. Antenna Sense Alarm: This report is sent if the antenna for the GPS module
has been
tampered with or is not functioning properly.
9. Hours Meter Report: If the tracking device 310 has been configured with an
"hours meter
interval", then this report will be sent by the device to the serves 360 each
time that the
counter in the device's microcontroller indicates that ignition voltage has
been present on the
appropriate pin on the DB-9 connector 440 for the specified period of time.
Alarm Processing. The alarm server receives all tracking device alarms and
reports (e.g. Low
Power, Power Cut, vFence Violation, Antenna Sense, or Power Save Location
Report) that are
generated. The alarm server writes the time stamped alarm/report to a database
and issues all of
the notifications the customer has chosen in the customer configuration
portion of the database
which correspond to the customer's instructions for processing alarms. A text,
voice, fax, e-
mail, pager, or SMS message advises the customer of the nature and time of the
alarm and
requests the customer to either: (a) log on to the tracking service provider's
website to further
investigate the nature of the alarm; or, (b) call the tracking service
provider's call center 370 at a
toll free number to provide instructions.
The alarm server generates an alarm at the call centre 370 and if there has
been no response
(within, for example, 10 minutes) from any of the parties that have been
automatically alerted by
the alarm server of the alarm, then call center staff will take action.
Following the tracking
service provider's procedure manual, call center staff may contact the
customer at a specific
telephone number. Alternately, if it can be seen from interrogation of the
tracking device 310
that an asset that should not be on the move, is actually moving, the tracking
service provider
will have a procedure in place for contacting the police. The police will be
advised that the
tracking service provider has identified unauthorized activity pertaining to
the asset but that so
far the owner has not been contacted. If the customer does not have access to
a terminal 380, he
may choose to call the 1-800 number in response to an alarm and communicate
directly with call
center staff who may use the web interface on behalf of the customer. Call
centre staff will
provide the customer with an "Incident Report Number" and instructions
advising the customer
CA 02398582 2002-08-19 "'
to contact the police to make a stolen property report and to provide the
police with the tracking
service provider's 1-800 number and other relevant information.
Tracking Device Management Web Interface. Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown
an exemplary
web page flow chart in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The web
page flow
chart illustrates the hierarchy of web pages 500 that the ATS 300 may present
to users through
the web server and the tracking service provider's website. Users (e.g.
customers, police officers,
asset tracking service provider staff, etc.) may view series of pages in
several languages
including English 505, Spanish 590, and French 595. In each language, five
main web page
series are available to users under the following pages: "Customer Login" 510,
"Police Login"
570, "Open New Account" 575, "Contact Us" (i.e. the tracking service provider)
580, and
"Privacy Statement" 585.
To manage tracking devices, customers would visit the website home page
established by the
tracking service provider using their terminals 380. Customers would typically
login to the ATS
300 using the Customer Login 505 series of pages. These pages may also be used
by tracking
service provider staff using their terminals 372. In particular, tracking
service staff would
routinely use the related "Tracking Service Provider Functions" 565 series of
pages. When a
login page is completed and submitted by the customer or other user, the ATS
300 checks to
determine that the customer number, username, and password are valid. It also
checks an access
level assigned to the user for determining what screens to display to the user
and what functions
the user is authorized to perform with respect to tracking devices registered
to the user. The
access level field may be a two character field with the letters A through J
being assigned for
various access levels for customers and with the letters K through ZZ being
reserved for tracking
service provider staff. Typically, the web page series listed under Customer
Login 505 in FIG. 5
would be presented to customers having a high access level. Customers having
lower access
levels would not be presented with buttons or messages concerning functions
that are not
permitted at that lower access level. Access levels may include the following:
21
CA 02398582 2002-08-19
A: Customer Administrator. Can perform any permitted customer function.
B: Can review database of all tracking devices in permitted groups that are
registered to
the customer. Can locate any tracking device registered to the customer. Can
change their
own username and password.
C: Includes level B functions. Can alter alarm settings of tracking devices in
permitted
groups that are registered to the customer.
D: Includes level C functions. Can alter customer asset data fields for
devices in
permitted groups that are registered to the customer.
E: Includes level D functions. Can create and edit customer groups. Can add or
delete
users with access to the customer's tracking devices.
Immediately after a successful login by a customer, the ATS 300 checks the
database to
determine if any alarms have been reported by any of the tracking devices
registered to the
customer. Before the customer is allowed to proceed to perform other tasks,
the customer is
presented with any such alarms by the "Manage Occurred Alarms" 515 page. The
customer is
required to either clear the alarms (e.g. alarms caused by an event or
circumstance known to the
customer) or confirm to the tracking service provider that the asset
associated with the tracking
device is to be reported to the authorities as having been stolen. If the
customer determines that
the alarm is the result of a theft, then the customer will be presented with
the "Report A Theft"
520 page as described below. In the case of External Power alarms and vFence
Violation
Alarms, the Locate function is not available to the user for a period of time
determined by the
tracking service provider. Following the receipt of either of these two types
of alarms, and for
this predetermined period of time, the Locate and tracking functions are only
available to the
tracking service provider or to the authorities investigating the reported
theft.
After reviewing any unprocessed alarms 515 that have occurred, the customer is
presented with
the following option pages: "Report A Theft" 520, "Locate Tracking Device"
525, "Last Known
Location" 530, "Tracking Device Settings" 535, "Customer/User Settings" 540,
"Add A New
Tracking Device" 545, "Contact Us" 550 (i.e. the tracking service provider),
"Privacy Statement"
555 (i.e. of the tracking service provider), "Log Off' 560, and "Tracking
Service Provider
22
CA 02398582 2002-08-19
Functions" 565. The functions initiated upon selection of one of these options
by a user are
described in the following:
1. Report A Theft 520: A picklist allows the user to select one of the
tracking devices 310
registered to that customer and confirm to the tracking service provider that
the device is to
be reported stolen. This fi~nction is available to a user at anytime so that
in the case where
the user has not had the vFence activated for any reason, but they have
visually determined
that their vehicle is missing, the tracking service provider can respond with
the same tracking
and locating services that would be used if a theft had been detected by the
arrival of a
vFence or Power Cut alarm. As soon as the user confirms that the asset is to
be reported
stolen, the ATS 300 responds by providing the user with an "Incident Report
Number" that is
to be provided to the police or other investigating authority. The user is
also provided with a
toll free number that they are instructed to give to the police. When the
police contact the
tracking service provider and provide the Incident Report Number, the police
are given a
temporary password that will allow them to perform locating and tracking
functions over the
web interface to assist them in locating and recovering the asset.
Alternatively, tracking
service provider staff at the call centre 370 can provide locating and
tracking assistance to the
police via telephone.
2. Locate A Tracking Device 525: Clicking on this button brings up a screen
that allows the
user to select a tracking device 310 from a picklist of devices that the user
is authorized to
access. This page may also include a search feature to assist users who have a
large number
of tracking devices. Once the desired tracking device has been highlighted in
the picklist, a
locate button on the page can then be clicked. The user then confirms that a
locating
operation is desired and that the user accepts the charge presented on the
page, the charge
being associated with the user in a billing database. The ATS 300 will then
attempt to
communicate with the selected tracking device 310 to obtain current location
information. If
this attempt is not successful, then the ATS 300 will access the last known
location (and
related time) from the database and will display a map to the user with a
message stating
words to the following effect: "The current location is not available at this
time. The tracking
device is likely in Power Save Mode because it is not currently in motion or
may be outside
of cellular coverage." The user will then be given the option of having the
ATS 300 obtain
23
CA 02398582 2002-08-19
an updated location from the tracking device 310, even if it continues to
remain stationary,
during the next daily "window" when the device awakens from the Power Save
Mode. If the
user selects this option and accepts the charge for this service, then the
user will be advised
when they can expect updated location data to be available. If the tracking
device 310 is not
in Power Save Mode, and is activated and available, the ATS 300 display a map
(scaled to
show an area of approximately 5 square kilometers) to the user. The map can be
zoomed out
from this point for the user to confirm the area, region, or state/province,
etc., that is being
displayed or zoom in for increased detail with respect to the location of the
tracing device
310 and asset.
3. Last Known Location 530: This function may be used to query the ATS 300
database for the
last reported location of the tracking device 310. The system 300 will respond
by presenting
a map to the user illustrating the most recent coordinates that have been
reported and stored
in the database along with the date and time associated with those
coordinates. The user is
given the option of attempting to locate the tracking device 310 or of having
the device report
its location during the next scheduled daily listening "window" (i.e. when the
device comes
out of the Power Save Mode, monitors the cellular network 330, and responds to
commands).
If the user selects this second option, and accepts the charge for this
service, then the user
will be advised as to when updated location data will be available.
4. Tracking Device Settings 535: This series of screens allows the user to
alter the vFence,
Power Alarm, Power Save Delay, Power Save Report Mode, Hours Meter, and Power
Down
functions. The system provides information to the user on the current settings
and if the user
accepts any charges associated with altering any of the tracking device
settings, the changes
are sent to the device and are written to the database when the unit responds
confirming that
the changes have been made. If the tracking device 310 is currently in the
Power Save Mode
(e.g. it is not in motion), then the user can choose to have the new settings
sent to the device
during the next daily window (i.e. when the device comes out of Power Save
Mode, monitors
the cellular network 330, and responds to commands). If the user selects this
option, and
accepts the charge for this service, then the user will be advised as to when
the revised
settings will available.
24
CA 02398582 2002-08-19
The Tracking Device Settings 535 series of pages also allows the user to
perform functions
such as moving a tracking device. This function requires the user to enter new
information
pertaining to the protected asset for storage in the database. When new
information is
entered, the ATS 300 temporarily suspends automated notification related
functions. Once
the user has completed these pages and has accepted the charge for moving the
tracking
device, automated notification functions are suspended until the ATS 300
receives a Power
Restored Alarm. Receipt of this alarm indicates that the tracking device has
been
disconnected from the power supply of the current asset and reconnected to the
power suppy
of the new asset. In addition, the user may edit the description of the
protected asset (e.g.
change the colour description) or assign the tracking device to a "Group" that
the user has
established. Groups allow the user to alter the settings of a number of
tracking devices (e.g.
turning the vFence or Power Alarms on or off, resetting the vFence radius,
etc.) without
having to select each tracking device individually to make the necessary
change. If tracking
device settings for Groups are altered using the pages available under the
CustomerlLTser
Settings 540 page (see below), then the total cost for initiating that change
for all the devices
assigned to that Goup is calculated and the user must confirm that they accept
the resulting
charge before the Group device settings are altered.
In addition, the Tracking Device Settings 535 series of pages allows the user
to send a Power
Down command to a tracking device 310. This command returns the tracking
device 310 to
its factory settings. It may be used to deactivate a tracking device 310 that
is being shipped to
a new location or that is being temporarily "retired" due to the seasonal
nature of the
customer's business. After this command has been sent to a tracking device 310
and the
external power has been removed from the device, the device is reactivated by
the
application of an external power source. The tracking device 310 awakens from
this mode
with its factory settings. As such, the user may need to reconfigure the
device's settings.
5. Customer/LJser Settings 540: This series of pages allows an authorized user
to perform
functions such as changing passwords, changing customer data (e.g. address,
telephone
number, etc.), and setting alarm notifications. By setting alarm
notifications, the customer
can establish different periods of the day, weekends, holidays, etc., when
received alarms are
to be routed to specified individuals. The ATS 300 allows the user to provide
a number of
CA 02398582 2002-08-19
telephone, pager, fax, or e-mail numbers and addresses that can be selected as
the appropriate
means of contacting the individuals specified for notification in the event of
an alarm. For a
specific customer, users with higher levels of authorization are able to
manage the privileges
of other users. As mentioned above, pages are provided that allow users to
establish and
manage Groups to which individual tracking devices may be assigned. Users may
then alter
the settings of a number of tracking devices belonging to a Group without
having to
individually select and change settings for each device. In addition, pages
are provided that
allow users to review and process any received alarms, review all location
reports stored in
the database for a tracking device, and review that status of charges made to
a customer
account as a result of transactions that have been accepted by an authorized
user.
6. Add a New Tracking Device 545: This series of pages allows a user to add a
new tracking
device 310 to a customer profile. The user is prompted to enter the serial
number ("S!N") of
the new tracking device that is to be added to ATS 300 for the customer. The
ATS 300
checks the database to determine if the submitted serial number corresponds to
a valid
tracking device and that it is not already associated with another customer.
If the tracking
device is available, then the user is prompted to fill in the required
information about the
asset in which the tracking device is to be installed. The tracking device is
then associated
with the customer profile and the information is saved in the database.
7. Tracking Service Provider Functions 565: A separate and unique "Customer
Number" allows
call centre staff (and other authorized tracking service provider staff) to
access the web pages
and data associated with a given customer. Though proper access level
authorization, call
centre staff are allowed to facilitate customer requests received by telephone
and to alter data
on behalf of customers. Typically, customers calling in their requests to the
call centre 370
would be required to provide some form of "Challenge Word". The Challenge Word
may be
stored in the database and would be required to authorize charges including
additional
service charges results from the direct delivery of services by call center
staff. Of course
additional Tracking Service Provider Specific Commands" (see above) such as
Activate and
Deactivate Device, Change Report Day, etc., would also be available to staff
with the
appropriate authorization.
26
CA 02398582 2002-08-19
In addition to the "Customer Login" 510 series of pages, there are four
additional main series of
pages as follows:
1. Police Login 570: If a user has reported the theft of an asset protected
with a tracking device
310 to police, the user should advise the police that the tracking service
provider can provide
assistance to the police in locating the protected asset. The user should also
provide the
police with the toll free number for contacting the call center 370 and the
Incident Report
Number provided by the tracking service provider. Once the police contact the
tracking
service provider, call centre staff can provide locating services (e.g. via
the "Locate"
command) or tracking services (e.g. via the "Track Unite for 'x' Minutes"
command) to the
police over the telephone. Alternatively a temporary password can be given to
the police by
telephone so that they can log on to the tracking service provider's website,
enter the Incident
Report Number, perform locating and tracking functions, and receive maps and
location data
directly.
2. Open New Account 575: This page allows new customers that have not yet
registered with
the tracking service provider to establish and set up a new account. Users
that select this
option will be prompted to fill in all of the required information to
establish an account with
the tracking service provider. Once this process has been completed and the
data written to
the database, the new user is asked if they wish to configure an initial
tracking device. If so,
the new user is then prompted for information required to activate the new
device, as
described above. The system 300 supports secure socket layer ("SSL") with 128
bit
encryption to encrypt data exchanged between the customer and the servers 360
so that the
customer can confidently and securely provide credit card and other data to
the tracking
service provider.
3. Contact Us 580: This page provides the user with contact information for
the tracking service
provider.
4. Privacy Statement 585: This page provides the user with the tracking
service provider's
privacy statement.
27
CA 02398582 2002-08-19
Refernng to FIG. 6, there is shown an exemplary web page flow chart in
accordance with an
alternate embodiment of the invention.
Data Carrier Product. The sequences of instructions which when executed cause
the method
described herein to be performed by the asset tracking system 300 of FIG. 3
can be contained in
a data carrier product according to an embodiment of the invention. This
computer software
product can be loaded into and run by the asset tracking system 300 of FIG. 3.
Computer Software Product. The sequences of instructions which when executed
cause the
method described herein to be performed by the asset tracking system 300 of
FIG. 3 can be
contained in a computer software product according to an embodiment of the
invention. This
computer software product can be loaded into and run by the asset tracking
system 300 of FIG.
3
Integrated Circuit Product. The sequences of instructions which when executed
cause the
method described herein to be performed by the asset tracking system 300 of
FIG. 3 can be
contained in an integrated circuit product including a coprocessor or memory
according to an
embodiment of the invention. This integrated circuit product can be installed
in the asset tracking
system 300 of FIG. 3.
Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it
will be
understood by those skilled in the art that variations may be made thereto
without departing from
the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
28
