U.S. patent application number 12/365255 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-25 for system and method for updating geo-fencing information on mobile devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY. Invention is credited to Thomas B. Breen.
Application Number | 20090164118 12/365255 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38121884 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090164118 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Breen; Thomas B. |
June 25, 2009 |
System and Method for Updating Geo-Fencing Information on Mobile
Devices
Abstract
A system and method of automatically replacing the geographic
location of geo-fences stored in memory of a telematics system is
described. The location of an asset is determined using an on-board
telematics device with a location device. The location of the asset
is compared with the location of predefined geo-fences stored in
memory on the asset. When the asset is located within a geo-fence
which triggers the replacement of geo-fences, the telematics system
causes the asset to receive a new set of geo-fences, which replace
the existing set of geo-fences in the telematics system memory. The
operational cost of the system is reduced by minimizing
communications charges when a reduced number of transmissions is
needed to replace geo-fences stored in memory on the asset.
Inventors: |
Breen; Thomas B.; (Broomall,
PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DRINKER BIDDLE & REATH;ATTN: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP
ONE LOGAN SQUARE, 18TH AND CHERRY STREETS
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103-6996
US
|
Assignee: |
GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
SCHENECTADY
NY
|
Family ID: |
38121884 |
Appl. No.: |
12/365255 |
Filed: |
February 4, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11303394 |
Dec 16, 2005 |
7493211 |
|
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12365255 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
701/408 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 4/021 20130101;
G01S 5/0027 20130101; G08G 1/207 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
701/207 |
International
Class: |
G01C 21/00 20060101
G01C021/00 |
Claims
1. A method of automatically updating a set of geo-fences stored on
a storage device of a telematics system on a mobile asset that is
wirelessly linked to a central station, wherein the telematics
system has a location device and wherein at least one of the
geo-fences of the set of geo-fences stored in the telematics system
memory is a trigger geo-fence, comprising: determining the present
location of the mobile asset with the location device; determining
at the asset whether the present location of the mobile asset is
located within the area defined by the trigger geo-fence stored in
the telematics system memory; and updating via the wireless link
the set of geo-fences stored in the telematics system memory based
upon the present location of the asset and the trigger geo-fence
within which the asset is located, by replacing at least one of the
geo-fences stored in the telematics system memory with replacement
geo-fences from a library of geo-fences stored on a storage device
at the central station, wherein the replacement geo-fences are
selected such that at least one geo-fence in the telematics system
memory is a trigger geo-fence after the replacement geo-fences
replace part of the set of geo-fences stored in the telematics
system memory, if the mobile asset is located within the area
defined by one of the trigger geo-fence stored in the telematics
system memory.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein updating the set of geo-fences
stored in the telematics system memory based upon the location of
the asset and the trigger geo-fence within which the asset is
located further comprises: determining the general direction the
asset is traveling based upon the present location of the asset
within the area defined by the trigger geo-fence within which the
asset is located; selecting the replacement geo-fences based upon
the general direction of the asset, such that the replacement
geo-fences selected correspond to areas in the general direction in
which the asset is heading.
3. The method of claim 1: wherein the set of geo-fences in the
storage device on the asset is comprised of geo-fences that are
proximate to each other; wherein updating the set of geo-fences
stored in the telematics system memory based upon the location of
the asset and the trigger geo-fence within which the asset is
located further comprises: determining which of the geo-fences
stored in the library of geo-fences is closest to the present
location of the asset; selecting replacement geo-fences from the
library of geo-fences based upon which set of geo-fences in the
library of geo-fences is closest to the present location of the
asset.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein updating the set of geo-fences
stored in the telematics system memory further comprises:
transmitting from the telematics system on the asset to the central
station via the wireless link a request for replacement geo-fences
if the mobile asset is located within the area defined by a trigger
geo-fence stored in the telematics system memory, wherein the
request also includes the present location of the asset and
information concerning the geo-fence within which the asset is
presently located; selecting replacement geo-fences based upon the
present location of the asset and information concerning the
geo-fence within which the asset is presently located; transmitting
from the central station to the telematics system on the asset via
the wireless link the replacement geo-fences; and storing the
replacement geo-fences in the telematics system memory by replacing
the set of geo-fences already stored in the telematics system
memory with the replacement geo-fences.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein operating parameter data for the
telematics system is associated with at least one geo-fence in the
set of geo-fences stored in the telematics system memory; wherein
operating parameter data for the telematics system is associated
with at least one geo-fence stored in the library of geo-fences;
and wherein updating the set of geo-fences stored in the telematics
system memory further includes replacing operating parameter data
associated with the geo-fences stored in the telematics system
memory with operating parameter data associated with the geo-fences
of the replacement geo-fences.
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising setting, for
geo-fences having associated operating parameter data, the
operating parameters for the telematics system using the operating
parameter data associated with the geo-fence in which the asset is
located.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein the operating parameter data
associated with each geo-fence having associated operating
parameter data comprises the frequency of determining the present
location of the asset.
8. The method of claim 5, wherein the operating parameter data
associated with at least one geo-fence having associated operating
parameter data comprises the frequency of transmitting information
from the asset to the central station.
9. The method of claim 5, wherein the operating parameter data
associated with at least one geo-fence having associated operating
parameter data comprises information relating to a rule to be
applied by the telematics system.
10. The method of claim 5, wherein the operating parameter data
associated with at least one geo-fence having associated operating
parameter data comprises the frequency of sensing a condition of
the asset using a sensor on the asset.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the conditions sensed on the
asset are selected from the group of temperature, motion, door
position, valve condition, impact, speed, acceleration, and
presence of cargo in the asset.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the present location of the
asset is determined periodically.
13. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining whether
the asset is located within the area defined by any geo-fence
stored in the storage device on the asset, and providing an alert
if the asset is not located within the area defined by a geo-fence
stored in the storage device on the asset.
14. The method of claim 1 further comprising determining whether
the asset is exiting a geo-fence stored in the storage device on
the asset and providing an alert if the asset is entering an area
not defined by a geo-fence stored in the storage device on the
asset.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein each member of the set of
geo-fences stored on the asset corresponds to either a facility to
which the asset might travel or a geographical route between
facilities along which the asset might travel.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein each geo-fence stored in the
library of geo-fences at the central station corresponds to either
a facility to which the asset might travel or a geographical route
between facilities along which the asset might travel.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein the asset has a unique
identifier; and wherein updating via the wireless link the set of
geo-fences stored in the telematics system memory is also based
upon the unique identifier of the asset.
18. The method of claim 1, further including retaining the trigger
geo-fence in the telematics system memory when the set of
geo-fences stored in the telematics system memory is updated.
19. The method of claim 1, wherein determining at the asset whether
the present location of the mobile asset is located within the area
defined by one of the trigger geo-fences stored in the telematics
system memory comprises determining whether the asset has entered
the area defined by one of the trigger geo-fences stored in the
telematics system memory.
20. A system for automatically updating a set of geo-fences on a
mobile asset, the system comprising: an asset having a telematics
system having memory, a locating device, and an asset
communications system for sending and receiving messages, wherein a
set of geo-fences is stored in the telematics memory and wherein at
least one of the geo-fences is a trigger geo-fence; a central
station having a library of geo-fences and a central station
communications system for sending an receiving messages, wherein at
least one geo-fence in the library is designated as a trigger
geo-fence; wherein the locating device determines the present
location of the asset, wherein the telematics system determines
whether the present location of the asset is within the area
defined by one of geo-fences of the set of geo-fences stored in the
telematics memory; wherein the telematics system causes the set of
geo-fences stored in the telematics memory to be updated by
replacing a part of the set of geo-fences stored in the telematics
memory with replacement geo-fences from the library of geo-fences
such that at least one geo-fence in the telematics system memory is
a trigger geo-fence after the replacement geo-fences replace part
of the set of geo-fences stored in the telematics system memory, if
the asset is located within the area defined by one of the trigger
geo-fences stored on the telematics memory.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein operating parameter data for
the telematics system is associated with at least one geo-fence in
the set of geo-fences stored on the telematics memory; wherein
operating parameter data for the telematics system is associated
with at least one geo-fence in each set of geo-fences stored in the
library of geo-fences; and wherein causing the set of geo-fences in
the telematics memory to be updated further includes replacing
operating parameter data associated with the geo-fences stored in
the telematics system memory with operating parameter data
associated with the geo-fences of the replacement geo-fences.
22. The system of claim 21, further comprising setting, for
geo-fences having associated operating parameter data, the
operating parameters for the telematics system using the operating
parameter data associated with the geo-fence in which the asset is
located.
23. The system of claim 21, further comprising at least one sensor
on the asset for sensing a condition of the asset, wherein the
operating parameter data associated with each geo-fence having
associated parameter data comprises the frequency of sensing
conditions of the asset using the at least one sensor.
24. The system of claim 23, wherein the at least one sensor is
selected from the group of temperature sensor, motion sensor, door
position sensor, valve condition sensor, impact sensor, speed
sensor, acceleration sensor, and contents sensor.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/303,394, filed on Dec. 16, 2005. The entire teachings of the
above application are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a system and method of use of
geo-fences with mobile assets, and more particularly in providing a
system and method of automatically updating the geo-fences stored
in memory of a device located on the asset.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Companies that use large fleets of vehicles are subject to
misuse or theft of their fleet vehicles. For example, it is likely
that some vehicles in a large fleet will be used by employees
without authorization or will at least occasionally be subject to
theft. Even employees who are authorized to use a vehicle for some
purposes may, in some instances, deviate from an authorized route
or otherwise make an unauthorized use of the vehicle. One way to
reduce these problems is to install a monitoring system to track
the location of vehicles in a fleet. Such telematics devices can
enable a fleet manager to monitor the location of vehicles in the
fleet to determine when they are located in un-authorized areas, or
are being used at un-authorized times.
[0004] Locating, tracking and monitoring protocols are available
for use in conjunction with physical boundaries and fences, as
necessary, to locate, track and monitor the location and proximity
of an object relative to the physical boundary. Although locating
an object to be tracked may be achieved using
transmitter/receiver-based technology, these types of systems have
proven to be limited in their application. It becomes increasingly
difficult and expensive to monitor and track an object the larger
the circumscribed area becomes. Monitoring also becomes increasing
difficult in an area with challenging topographical terrain.
[0005] Several solutions to the problem of tracking and monitoring
objects to be tracked have been tried or implemented with varying
levels of success. Widely used procedures for monitoring the
movement of fleet vehicles involve the use of geo-fencing, or
establishing an electronic boundary around areas of interest.
Systems have been established for the detection of the theft of
vehicles while they are stopped at a customers location, or at a
central location such as a distribution point. In some systems the
operator of the vehicle manually activates a geo-fence when the
vehicle stops at a customer location. Activation of the geo-fence
provides a zone, often of a set radius, around the location of the
vehicle when the geo-fence is activated. Activation of the
geo-fence causes a geo-locator, such as Geographic Positioning
System (GPS) receiver, to turn on. While the geo-fence is activated
the geo-locator determines the location of the asset on a scheduled
basis and can transmit the location to a central station, where a
determination is made a to whether the vehicle moves outside the
geo-fence. Problems with such a system include the need for manual
activation and the costs associated with transmitting location
information from the asset to a central station when the geo-fence
is activated. Alternatively the geo-locator can be linked with a
processor on the asset where the processor determines whether the
vehicle moves outside the geo-fence. Such an occurrence triggers
the processor to send a message to the central location indicating
that the vehicle moved through the geo-fence. This system reduces
operating costs by limiting the sending of messages to those times
when a geo-fence is crossed. However, this system does not address
the physical limitations associated with storing geo-fences on an
asset, and does not address the updating of geo-fence information
on an asset.
[0006] To overcome the need to manually activate a geo-fence,
systems were developed where pre-defined geo-fences were
established around facilities of the fleet owner and the customers,
and transportation routes between the facilities. While this makes
it possible to monitor the location of a vehicle throughout the
day, many additional messages would need to be sent because of the
increased special coverage.
[0007] In order to reduce costs associated with sending and
receiving messages, systems were developed where the geographic
locations of a limited number of geo-fences were stored in memory
on the asset and a processor on the asset determines whether the
vehicle moves outside the geo-fence. Movement outside or through a
geo-fence triggers the processor to send a message to the central
location indicating that the vehicle moved through the geo-fence. A
limitation of this system is that the geographic location of only a
limited number of geo-fences can be stored in the memory of an
asset. When geo-fences are needed that are not stored in memory on
the asset, additional messages must be sent and received to obtain
the geographic location of new geo-fences. In many wireless
communications system charges are incurred for each message sent or
received. Therefore significant charges can accrue when an asset
moves among many geo-fences and their locations need to be placed
or removed from memory on the asset.
[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for a system and method of
automatically and cost effectively updating the geo-fences stored
in memory of a device located on the asset.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a system
and method of using geo-fences to monitor the location of mobile
assets, where a set of geo-fences are stored in a memory device on
the asset and are automatically replaced with the new set of
geo-fences which are related to the travel path taken by the asset
or facilities to be visited by the asset. This system and method
substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to
limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a system
and method of using geo-fences to monitor the location of mobile
assets, where the geographic locations of a set of geo-fences are
stored in a memory device on the asset and are automatically
replaced with a new set of geo-fences which are related to the
travel path taken by the asset or facilities to be visited by the
asset, where operating costs are reduced due to reduced
transmissions between communications system on the asset and a
central station.
[0011] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be
apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention
will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed
out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the
appended drawings.
[0012] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with
the purpose of the present inventions as embodied and broadly
described, a system is provided that stores a set of geo-fences in
a storage device on the asset and automatically replaces these
geo-fences with a new set of geo-fences based on the current
location of the asset. The system can also store operational
information associated with each geo-fence in the storage device on
the asset and can provide alerts when an asset is located in an
unauthorized location.
[0013] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of
the invention as claimed.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram representation of the monitoring
and tracking system of an embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is an exemplary map showing the use of geo-fences and
the designation of a trigger geo-fence in an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 3. is a schematic representation of the steps in the
method of using the monitoring and tracking system of an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 4. is a block diagram of a method of controlling
geo-fences on an asset.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] Reference will now be made in detail to an embodiment of the
present invention, example of which is illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a representative
system for monitoring the location of an asset 5. The system
includes an asset 5 containing a telematics device 10. Telematics
device 10 may include the following components: a power supply 15,
a location device 20, communications system 30, processor 40 and a
memory 50, where each of the components is linked to the power
supply, or contains its own power supply when modular components
are used. Location device 20 is connected to antennae 25 to receive
signals from geo-location references 90, such as satellites.
Communications system 30 is connected to antennae 35 to communicate
through a communications system 60 to the central station 70 which
is linked to memory 80, which contains a library 85, or database,
of geo-fences, which may also contain information (such as
operating parameters) associated with each geo-fence.
[0020] Asset 5 represents a vehicle, trailer, or other device for
which a position is to be monitored. Telematics device 10 may be
single unit which contains all of the components, or individual
components, or groups of components, linked together. Power supply
15 may include fuel cells, dry cells, or other types of battery,
and may include at least one solar cell or other energy harvesting
device and associated hardware and or software to power the devices
or recharge of the battery. Power supply 15 can also include
voltage and/or current regulatory circuitry to supply power to
other components in telematics device 10. When telematics device 10
contains an individual component, that component may contain its
own power source or be linked to power supply 15.
[0021] Location device 20 is a position determining system, such as
the Global Positioning System (GPS), Differential GPS (DGPS),
Eurofix DGPS, and the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS).
Importantly, the present invention is well-suited to use any
position determining system (both terrestrial and satellite based)
as well as future systems that may be developed, and is not
dependent on the use of a particular system. Location device 20 can
receive signals from external geo-location references 90, such as
satellites, through antennae 25. In one embodiment, location device
20 is part of, or integrated with, the transceiver or receiver of
the communications system 30, although location device 20 can also
be a separate device specifically for determining the location of
the asset 5, or can be a receiver integrated within the telematics
device 10. The antenna 25 for the location device 20 may be
integrated into the location device 20 or it can be a separate
component linked to location device 20 either directly or through
linkages in the telematics device 10. In an embodiment, the
position of the vehicle can be determined using another type of
locating system, such as a system of terrestrial towers that
transmit signals to and/or receive signals from a
receiver/transmitter located in or on the vehicle. Such a system
can use propagation times between the vehicle and the terrestrial
towers to triangulate the vehicle's position. This type of
triangulation system can be implemented, for example, using a
cellular telecommunication infrastructure.
[0022] Communications system 30 is any wireless system located on
the asset which is linked to processor 40 and allows two-way
communications between the telematics device 10 on the asset and a
central station 70 and may use a communication system 60. The
antenna 35 for the communications system 30 may be integrated into
the communications system 30 or be a separate component which is
linked to communications system 30 either directly or through
linkages in the telematics device 10.
[0023] Processor 40 can be part of an embedded device (e.g., an
onboard computer with limited functionality) or can be a general
use processor that is part of the asset 5. The processor 40 is
linked to power supply 15, location device 20, communications
system 30 and memory 50. Memory 50 may be any device, including
magnetic, optical or solid-state memory, where information stored
in the device may be changed by the user. Memory 50 is used to
contain a set of geo-fences 130 and information 150 (such as
operating parameters) associated with each geo-fence.
[0024] Communication system 60 can be a public or private wireless
network that allows two way communications between the
communications system 30 in telematics device 10 on the asset 5 and
central station 70. Communications system 60 and communications
system 30 are compatible for transferring data on geo-fences and
associated information between central station 70 and processor 40
on asset 5.
[0025] Telematics device 10 is capable of operating in various
modes, depending upon information associated with the geo-fence 150
within which asset 5 is located. Information associated with each
geo-fence 150 may include, but is not limited to, operating
parameters such as frequency of determining the locating the asset;
determining if notification of central station 70, or some other
contact is required; contingency actions 160 to be taken when the
asset is determined to be outside of a geo-fence. Specific examples
of these types of information include: the rate of determining the
location of the asset 5 may be higher when the asset 5 is moving
between facilities compared to when it is located at a facility;
notification of a facilities manager when an asset 5 enter a
geo-fence whose border is some distance from the facility, thereby
providing time for personnel and equipment at the facility to be
prepared for arrival of the asset 5; and having the contingency
action change from sending notification to the central station when
an asset is a short distance outside a geo-fence to sending
notification to the central station and law enforcement when the
asset is a further distance outside the geo-fence. A fleet manager
can also establish through use of associated information 150
whether a vehicle reports its location to central station 70 and/or
the customer when entering or leaving certain geo-fences. In
addition to routine tracking for security, this feature could
provide advanced notification of the arrival of the vehicle so that
the appropriate personnel are available in a timely manner at the
vehicles next destination to handle cargo or other items on the
vehicle.
[0026] Importantly, operating parameter data can include parameters
that control any aspect of the operation of the telematics device.
Thus, operating parameters can be used to control the operation of
sensors (not shown) that are connected to it that sense various
conditions of the asset. Those sensors include, but are not limited
to, thermometers to sense the temperature of the asset or the
temperature of a part of the asset such as wheel bearings, motion
sensors to sense whether the asset is in motion, door sensors to
sense the position of doors or hatches on the asset, valve
condition sensors to sense the condition of valves on a tank car,
impact sensors to measure any impact to the asset speed sensors to
measure the speed of the asset, accelerometers to measure the
acceleration of the asset, and content sensors to determine the
presence of material in an area, such as a cargo in a trailer. In
addition, other data can be determined or extracted from data
measured with sensors, including maximum and minimum temperature,
maximum and minimum speed, total time stopped (using a clock in
addition to the motion sensor), total time moving, and average
speed.
[0027] The operating parameter data could include information
indicating the rate or time at which the telematics device should
take readings from the various sensors, and could also include
information indicating the rate or time at which the telematics
device should transmit sensor information to the central station.
For example, in one embodiment, the operating parameter data for a
geo-fence could include data that directs the telematics device to
measure the speed of the asset within that geo-fence periodically.
This embodiment could be used in geo-fences covering interstate
highway areas where there is a higher chance that the asset will be
driven at excessive speed. In another embodiment, the operating
parameter data for a geo-fence could include data that directs the
telematics device to transmit information concerning any change in
the status of the door sensor. This embodiment could be used in
geo-fences covering areas where the doors of the asset are not
expected to be opened or closed. The operating parameter data can
include data that controls any aspect of the operation of the
telematics device and associated sensors.
[0028] The operating parameter data can also include rules that
should be applied to the data received by the telematies device
when it is in the area defined by a particular geo-fence, can
include data that is used by rules that are already stored in the
telematics device, or can include data that directs the telematics
device to use a particular rule that is stored within the
telematics device within the area defined by a particular
geo-fence. For example, the operating parameter data may provide
that the telematics device should monitor speed using a speed
sensor when the asset is within a particular geo-fence. The
operating parameter data may also provide that the measured speed
should be compared to a threshold speed using a rule, and that if
the measured speed exceeds the threshold speed, an alert message is
generated by the telematics device and transmitted to the central
station. In one version of this embodiment, the rule is already
within the memory of the telematics device, and the operating
parameter data includes data that directs the telematics device to
measure speed and to apply the rule within the geo-fence. The
operating parameter data may also include the threshold speed that
should be used for the rule, or the threshold speed may already be
set within the telematics device. In another version of this
embodiment, the rule is not already within the memory of the
telematics device, and the rule is one of the operating parameter
data that is associated with a geo-fence when it is updated.
[0029] Central station 70 can be any facility capable of two way
communications with communications system 30 in telematics device
10 on the asset 5 and linked to memory 80 containing a library 85
of geo-fences and information 150 (such as operating parameters for
the telematics device) associated with each geo-fence. Memory 80
can be any device, including magnetic, optical or solid-state
memory, where information stored in the device may be changed by
the user.
[0030] Geo-location references 90 utilized will depend upon the
location device 20. When A GPS receiver 20 is used, the
geo-location references 90 will comprise a portion of the set of
GPS (also known as NAVSTAR) satellites. In other types of
geo-location systems, geo-location references 90 could be cellular
communication towers, or other locations/system which provide
reference points utilized by location device 20.
[0031] The process of using a trigger geo-fence 110 to replace the
set of geo-fences 130 and associated information 150 stored in the
telematics device 10 on the asset is best shown by example, which
is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. FIG. 2 is a
map containing geo-fences corresponding to boundaries around
customer facilities 170, fleet facilities 175, and routes between
facilities 180. Each geo-fence 100 is defined by coordinates (e.g.,
GPS coordinates, latitude/longitude, or other coordinates depending
on the geo-referencing system used) chosen to represent the
geo-fence 100. A geo-fence around a facility 170, 175 may range in
complexity from a circle or rectangle to a highly irregular shape
which follows a complex perimeter around the facility. A geo-fence
along or around a route 180 may range in complexity from a line or
rectangle which approximates the route of travel to a highly
irregular shape which more accurately follows the route. There are
a number of methods for constructing these geo-fences which will be
apparent to one skilled in the art. Geo-fences may also be
constructed around routes 180 which fleet vehicles will be allowed
to take without triggering an alert.
[0032] Trigger geo-fences are selected from the available defined
geo-fences. A trigger geo-fence 110 is a geo-fence which has been
designated as a fence that causes a new, pre-defined set of
geo-fences to be sent from memory 80 linked to central station 70
through communication system 60 to telematics device 10, where they
are stored in the memory 50 on the asset 5, if the asset is within
the area defined by the trigger geo-fence. In one embodiment, a
trigger geo-fence 110 is selected based on the requirement that an
asset in an area heavily populated with geo-fences must travel
trough this geo-fence to reach a different area which is also
heavily populated with geo-fences. As seen in FIG. 2., Region A is
heavily populated by geo-fences. Asset 5 traveling within this
region would have the coordinates of the set of geo-fences
corresponding to region A, and associated information on the
geo-fences, in memory 50 on its telematics device 10. Region B,
which is also heavily populated by geo-fences, is connected to
Region A by two geo-fences, labeled R1 and R2, which are designated
as trigger geo-fences 110. When asset 5 enters geo-fence R1 from
Region A, the system and method of the invention cause a set of
replacement geo-fences corresponding to Region B (which may include
the fence for R1, or the fence for R1 already on the asset may
simply be retained) to be placed in memory 50 on the asset 5.
Similarly, when asset 5 enters geo-fence R2 from Region A, the
system and method of the invention causes a set of replacement
geo-fences corresponding to Region B to be placed in memory 50 on
the asset 5. When asset 5 enters geo-fence R1 from Region B, the
system and method of the invention causes a set of replacement
geo-fences corresponding to Region A to be placed in memory 50 on
the asset 5. Similarly, when asset 5 enters geo-fence R2 from
Region B, the system and method of the invention causes a set of
replacement geo-fences corresponding to Region A to be placed in
memory 50 on the asset 5.
[0033] The example shown in FIG. 2 is only one example of the use
of trigger geo-fences, and other embodiments, such as embodiments
where different trigger geo-fences are used on either side of the
boundary between two regions. In foregoing embodiments, it is
desirable to have the system retain in the telemetrics system
memory 50 the trigger geo-fence in which the asset is located at
the time the request for an additional set (or part of a set) of
geofences is made by the asset's telematics system. Alternatively,
systems and methods may be used in which a trigger geo-fence
triggers the updating of the set (or part of a set) of geo-fences
stored in the telematics system memory when the asset leaves or
enters the trigger geo-fence. The system and method for replacing
the set of geo-fences stored in a memory device on the asset with a
new set of geo-fences is further described below, with reference to
FIG. 3.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a diagram of the method of automatically replacing
geo-fences within a telematics system. According to the method of
the invention, the present location of a mobile asset is determined
using the location device on the telematics system. Location device
20 is a position determining system, such as the Global Positioning
System (GPS), Differential GPS (DGPS), Eurofix DGPS, and the Global
Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS).
[0035] After the present location of the mobile asset is
determined, a determination is made as to whether the present
location of the asset is within the area defined by a trigger
geo-fence stored in the telematics system memory. A set of
geo-fences 125 is initially selected from the library of geo-fences
85 in memory 80 and is stored within the telematics memory 50. For
example, a fleet dispatch manager may identify a permissible route
to the taken by an asset 5 by defining a series of geo-fences along
a predetermined route. The initially selected set of geo-fences are
stored in memory 50 on asset 5. At least one of the geo-fences
stored in the telematics system memory 50 is a trigger
geo-fence.
[0036] Central processor 40 determines if the current location of
the asset 5 is within the area defined by a geo-fence whose
location is stored on the asset 130. To determine whether the asset
is located within a particular geo-fence, the positional
coordinates of the actual location of the asset is compared with
the coordinates of the area defined by the geo-fence. If the
location is not within the geo fence being considered, the
processor 40 can compare the current location with another
geo-fence stored in the memory 50 on the asset 5. This process can
be continued until either a geo-fence is identified within which
the asset is located, or it is determined that the asset is not
within any of the geo-fences stored in the memory 50 on the asset
5. If the vehicle is not within any of the geo fences stored on the
asset, notification of this may be sent to central station 70.
[0037] In another embodiment, when determining whether the location
of an asset is within a geo-fence, it may desirable to avoid
checking the current location against every possible geo-fence
stored in memory on the asset. Thus, the comparison may begin with
last geo-fence in which the asset was determined to have been
located. If it is determined that the asset is no longer within
that geo-fence, adjacent geo-fences may then be checked. Comparison
of the current location of the asset with the location of
geo-fences may then continue from geo-fence in which the asset was
last present until either a geo-fence is found which contains the
asset, or until all geo-fences have been checked, at which point an
alert is sent to central station 70.
[0038] In another embodiment in which the current location of the
asset is determined in relatively short time intervals and the
geo-fence in which the asset is located is also determined in
relatively short time intervals, it may be possible to assume that
the asset could not have traveled across more than a certain number
of geo-fences between consecutive comparisons. Accordingly, once
the asset is found to no longer be located in a particular
geo-fence, it may be possible that only a certain limited number of
successive adjacent geo-fences need be checked before sending an
alert. If the comparisons occur on a sufficiently regular basis, it
might be sufficient to check only the next and previous geo-fences
along the intended route of travel. In addition, it may be
desirable in some instances to be able to detect if an asset
backtracks on a route. In such a case, only the next adjacent
segment and not the previous segment, would be checked.
[0039] If the asset is within the area defined by a trigger
geo-fence stored in the telematics system memory, the set of
geo-fences stored in the telematics system memory is updated. The
updating may be performed by replacing the set of geo-fences stored
in the telematics system memory with a set of geo-fences stored in
the library of sets of geo-fences at the central station. In a more
specific embodiment shown in FIG. 4, this updating is accomplished
in several steps. First, the telematics device 10 transmits to the
central station 70 a request for a replacement set of geo-fences.
This request may also include the present location of the asset and
information concerning the trigger geo-fence (such as the identity
of the trigger geo-fence) in which the asset is located. Then, the
central station 70 selects the replacement set of geo-fences based
on the present location of the asset and the trigger geo-fence, and
transmits the replacement set of geo-fences to the telematics
device 10 via a wireless link between the telematics communications
system 30 and the central station communications system 60. The
telematics system then causes the replacement set of geo-fences to
be placed in the telematics memory 50.
[0040] The selection of the replacement set of geo-fences may be
made in numerous ways. In one embodiment, the selection can be
based on a determination of the direction in which the asset is
traveling, and then selecting the replacement set of geo-fences
based on that determination. For example, a trigger geo-fence may
be rectangular in shape extending east to west. If the present
location of the asset indicates that the asset is located in the
west portion of the trigger geo-fence, it may be determined that
the asset is traveling from west to east if the present location is
determined in relatively short time periods or if the present
location is determined when an asset enters a new geo-fence. Based
on this determination, a set of geo-fences that are east of the
trigger geo-fence may be selected for transmission.
[0041] In another embodiment, the selection of replacement sets of
geo-fences is based on a determination of which set of replacement
geo-fences are most closely located to the current location of the
asset and the region defined by the set of geo-fences already in
the telematics system's memory. This embodiment would involve the
steps of determining which sets of geo-fences in the library of
geo-fences comprise a region that is adjacent to the region defined
by the existing set of geo-fences within the asset's memory, then
determining which of the sets of geo-fences in the library of
geo-fences is closest in location to the present location of the
asset. After those steps are performed, a replacement set of
geo-fences from the library is chosen based upon which set of
geo-fences in the library of geo-fences comprises a region that is
adjacent to the first region and which set of geo-fences stored in
the library of geo-fences is closest to the present location of the
asset. This embodiment could be used where a number of sets of
geo-fences are adjacent to set of geo-fences in which the asset is
located.
[0042] Updating the set of geo-fences in the telematics system
memory 50 may involve only replacing some of the geo-fences in the
memory 50. This embodiment may be useful in a number of contexts,
including where the telematics system is able to store a large
number of geo-fences within a set, and it is desired to update
those geo-fences on a piecemeal basis. This embodiment may also be
useful in areas where there a high number of geo-fences that make
it difficult to establish complete sets of geo-fences for
replacement. Another situation where this embodiment may be useful
is where the telematics communications system 30 is cellular based,
and the area covered by the geo-fences is in a rural area where
cellular reception is limited. In that situation, it may be
desirable to update geo-fences on a piecemeal basis rather than
updating them in whole sets.
[0043] Operational information for the telematics system may be
associated with each geo-fence 150, such that particular
operational information can be applied to the telematics system
within each geo-fence. In one embodiment of the invention,
operational information is associated with each geo-fence in set of
geo-fences stored in the telematics system memory 50 and each
geo-fence in the library of geo-fences 85. When the set of
geo-fences in the telematics system memory 50 is updated, the
replacement geo-fences and their associated operating parameters
take the place of the geo-fences and associated operating
parameters already in the telematics memory 50. In another
embodiment each geo-fence 100 is linked to a look-up table, or an
equivalent, containing all of the operational parameters, and the
look-up table is permanently placed in a memory 50 in a telematics
device 10 on the asset 5. In this embodiment, codes corresponding
to operating parameters in the look-up table, or an equivalent, may
be associated with each geo-fence rather the actual operating
parameters, resulting in decreased memory usage. Operational
information associated with each geo-fence 150 may include, but is
not limited to, frequency of determining the locating the asset;
determination is notification of central station 70, or some other
contact is required; contingency actions 160 to be taken when the
asset is determined to be outside of a geo-fence.
[0044] If the asset 5 is not within a geo-fence whose location is
stored on the asset, a predetermined contingency action 160 may be
implemented. One type of contingency action may be the transmittal
of an alert from the telematics device 10 to central station 70.
This transmittal may also include the unique identification of the
asset 5. The alert may be selected from a schedule of proximity
actions, each varying in degree of urgency or indication of
relative distance or time, among other parameters. At one level of
action, the fleet dispatch manager can contact the driver of the
vehicle to inquire about the nature of the deviation from the
predefined route. Other contingency actions may include activating
an automatic telephone messaging service, triggering a pager, or
otherwise reporting the event to the user.
[0045] This system and the accompanying methods can have vast
implications with regard to homeland security in that they can
provide an automated system that requires minimal human
intervention to help prevent, or rapidly recover, vehicles carrying
hazardous, dangerous, or valuable cargo from being stolen.
Similarly, they can prevent, or allow the rapid recovery of,
vehicles themselves from being stolen or used for unauthorized or
illegal purposes.
[0046] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and
all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
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