U.S. patent application number 13/330759 was filed with the patent office on 2012-04-12 for system and method for creating and managing a personalized web interface for monitoring location information on individuals and objects using tracking devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to Location Based Technologies Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael L. Beydler, Desiree Mejia, David M. Morse, Joseph F. Scalisi.
Application Number | 20120089492 13/330759 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40589108 |
Filed Date | 2012-04-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120089492 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Scalisi; Joseph F. ; et
al. |
April 12, 2012 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CREATING AND MANAGING A PERSONALIZED WEB
INTERFACE FOR MONITORING LOCATION INFORMATION ON INDIVIDUALS AND
OBJECTS USING TRACKING DEVICES
Abstract
A personalized format webpage is generated to monitor location
information. A management dashboard module is disclosed to provide
a user access to location information of a tracking device
associated with an object or an individual. An account services
module provides menu options to the user. A wizard menu enables the
user to enter billing information, identification settings of the
tracking device, and coverage zones. Alert messages associated with
the tracking device are generated in accordance with selected
coverage zones and provided to the user.
Inventors: |
Scalisi; Joseph F.; (Yorba
Linda, CA) ; Mejia; Desiree; (Redondo Beach, CA)
; Morse; David M.; (Laguna Hills, CA) ; Beydler;
Michael L.; (Irvine, CA) |
Assignee: |
Location Based Technologies
Inc.
Irvine
CA
|
Family ID: |
40589108 |
Appl. No.: |
13/330759 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11935901 |
Nov 6, 2007 |
|
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13330759 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/30 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/08 20130101;
G06Q 10/0833 20130101; G16H 10/60 20180101; G06Q 40/12
20131203 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/30 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/00 20120101
G06Q010/00 |
Claims
1. A method to provide location information on a webpage for a
subscriber in a personalized user format comprising: providing a
logon display to a user on the webpage, the login display
comprising anti-key logger technology to prevent entries being
recorded or stored; providing user access to a location management
dashboard module in response to detection of a successful user
logon, the location management dashboard module comprising a
listing of one or more groups of tracking devices the user is
capable of monitoring; providing an account services module in
response to detection of the successful user login, the account
services module comprising menu options in the personalized user
format, the menu options comprising a XML format document having a
wizard menu enabling the user to navigate and enter billing
information, identification settings of at least one tracking
device of the listing of one or more groups of tracking devices,
and log contact information in a contact book; providing an alert
message associated with the at least one tracking device in
response to detection of the successful user login; providing a
request signal to obtain location coordinates of the at least one
tracking device of the listing of one or more groups of tracking
devices; providing by the at least one tracking device a first
reply signal that comprises a first identification code to identify
the at least one tracking device; and displaying the location
coordinates of the at least one tracking device to the user in
response to the request signal.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: providing
a second tracking device from the listing of the one or more groups
of tracking devices, the second tracking device having a second
transceiver to receive the first reply signal, compare the first
identification code to a stored identification code, and
communicate to a monitoring station a second reply signal that
comprises the location coordinates of the at least one tracking
device in part responsive to verification of the first
identification code.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the identification settings of
the at least one tracking device comprises a menu having selectable
icons to graphically represent on a map an object or
individual.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the log contact information in a
contact book comprises contact information of individuals to
receive an alert message if a breach condition is detected on the
at least one tracking device.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the alert message comprises a
short message service (SMS) communication to an identified
individual in the contact book and automatic generation of another
short message service (SMS) communication to another identified
individual in the contact book if no responsive reply message is
received by the user within a specified period.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional application of, claims
priority to, and incorporates by reference in its entirety U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/935,901, filed Nov. 6, 2007. This
application also incorporates by reference in its entirety U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/753,979 filed on May 25, 2007,
entitled "Apparatus and Method for Locating Individuals and Objects
using Tracking Devices."
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates generally to a system and method for
creation and deployment of personalized, dynamic web services to
access location information on individuals and objects. More
particularly, the present invention relates in one embodiment to a
system for creation of a personalized, dynamic, web-interface that
accesses location information of a tracking unit associated with an
individual or object that uses wireless data transfer and/or
wireless location and tracking systems and wireless communication
system (WCS).
[0004] 2. Description of Related Technology
[0005] In conventional communication systems, location information
of individuals may be monitored. For instance, location information
such as positional coordinates may be tracked or monitored for a
variety of individuals, such as children, Alzheimer's syndrome
patients, or mentally ill persons. Furthermore, location
information for animals, such as cats and dogs, may be tracked
using these conventional systems to locate a lost or stolen animal.
In other conventional communication systems, scientists, such as
zoologists, track, for example, wild animals to study and collect
data related to their mating and/or nocturnal behavioral
patterns.
[0006] In addition, objects are also tracked or located that use
these systems. For example, merchants choose to track the location
of goods as part of an inventory function and/or an anti-theft
mode. In another example, police often use location-tracking
systems to facilitate recovery of stolen automobiles, such as the
LoJack.TM. vehicle recovery system offered by the LoJack
Corporation of Westwood, Mass., in the United States. Automobile
rental agencies often track a location of automobiles that
customers rent to ensure their automobile is maintained within a
contracted rental use boundary. Other location systems provided in
select automobiles assist a driver navigating to a desired
destination, such as the OnStar.TM. system offered by the OnStar
Corporation of Detroit, Mich., in the United States.
[0007] Global Positioning System (GPS) technology may be
incorporated in these conventional communication systems. GPS
technology determines positional information of a GPS receiver
based on measuring signal transfer times between satellites having
known positions and the GPS receiver. The signal transfer time of a
signal is proportional to a distance of a respective satellite from
the GPS receiver. Consequently, the distance between the satellite
and the GPS receiver can be converted, utilizing signal propagation
velocity, into a respective signal transfer time. The positional
information of the GPS receiver is calculated based on distance
calculations from at least four satellites.
[0008] As such, GPS technology provides outdoor, line-of-sight
communication between a GPS receiver and a centralized station
within areas that are unobstructed by fabricated structures and
natural features. Fabricated structures may include multi-story
buildings, bridges, dams, and the like. Natural features include
mountains, hills, valleys, canyons, cliffs, and the like. Exemplary
products, such as Wherifone.TM. and Guardian Lion.TM., use GPS
technology to track individuals and/or objects from a centralized
monitoring station.
[0009] Conventional centralized monitoring station in many
instances use a map that may be two dimensional, or even a
three-dimensional, topological map that depicts landscaping,
marine, or other environments. The map typically displays
representative icons of individuals and/or objects being tracked.
In one example, a mobile device may display the three-dimensional
map, including primary regions and sub-regions that are
pre-programmed to create a series of overlay maps for viewing on a
computer display. In yet another example, map information of a
first and second user terminal is synthesized; a map is chosen
based on the map information from the database; and the map
information is displayed on at least one of the first user and the
second user terminal. In another GPS conventional communication
example, GPS positioning information is transmitted from a GPS unit
and between peripheral devices, such as between a camera and a Palm
Pilot, through a local wireless communication unit or
interface.
[0010] In yet another example, a location of small wireless devices
on roaming objects is determined by achieving ad-hoc short range
wireless connectivity between the wireless devices and
communication devices such as Bluetooth enabled mobile phones that
pass by, where the communication devices can be located by other
means, such as GPS or network-based technologies. Other examples
include a location-determining device monitors at least one
automatic sensor associated with a subject. Still other alert
systems include upon a child feeling endangered, a panic button is
pressed to send a panic signal to tell others their location. Still
another conventional system depicts a personal security device that
includes a manager initiating transmission of a signal to the
monitoring network when a sensor senses that the transmitter has
been removed from a user. Other conventional tracking and location
systems include a central monitoring station utilizing software
agents to analyze information received from remote tags, and to
determine an appropriate action to take with respect to that
information.
[0011] According to various patent prior art disclosing systems
such as GPS signaling, graphics, and displays associated with user
interfaces, which are described below and herein incorporated by
reference. Systems generally representative of the patent prior art
include: U.S. Pat. No. 7,064,711 to Strickland et al. entitled
"Method for Iterative Determination of Distance between Receiving
Station and Transmitting Station and Also Calculating Unit and
Computer Software Product" that issued Jun. 20, 2006; U.S. Pat. No.
7,065,244 to Akimov entitled "Method for Mapping a Three
Dimensional Area" that issued Jun. 20, 2006; and U.S. Pat. No.
7,065,370 to Ogaki et al. entitled "Positioning Information
Transmitting Device and Positioning Information
Transmitting/Receiving System" that issued on Jun. 20, 2006. Other
representative prior art patents describing still other GPS
apparatus and methodology include: U.S. Pat. No. 7,065,348 to Aoki
entitled "Communication System for Providing Information on
Position of Communication Party" issued on Jun. 20, 2006; U.S. Pat.
No. 7,155,238 to Katz entitled "Wireless Location Determining
Device" that issued on Dec. 26, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 7,049,957 to
Watson entitled "Local Area Positioning System" that issued on May
23, 2006, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,674,368 to Hawkins et al. entitled
"Automated Tracking System" that issued on Jan. 6, 2004. Still
other representative prior art patents and patent applications
demonstrating additional elements of GPS systems include U.S. Pat.
No. 6,998,995 to Nakajima entitled "Elevator Remote Monitoring
Apparatus" that issued on Feb. 14,2006; U.S. Pat. No. 7,038,590 to
Hoffman et al. entitled "Personal Security and Tracking System"
that issued on May 2, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 7,088,252 to Weekes
entitled "Systems and Apparatus for Personal Security" that issued
on Aug. 8, 2006; U.S. 2006/0232449 to Gonzalez entitled "Child
Alert System" that published on Oct. 19, 2006; U.S. 2002/0067256 to
Kail IV entitled "Reprogrammable Remote Sensor Monitoring System"
that published on Jun. 6, 2002; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,149,189 to
Huntington et al. entitled "Network Data Retrieval and Filter
Systems and Methods" that issued on Dec. 12, 2006. Most recently,
still other representative prior art patents involving personalized
services include U.S. Pat. No. 7,272,212 to Eberle et al. entitled
"System and Method for the Creation and Automatic Deployment of
Personalized, Dynamic and Interactive Voice Services" that issued
on Sep. 18,2007, illustrating a system and method for combining
personalized information broadcast technology with an active voice
page.
[0012] In summary, the prior art provides a user limited
flexibility to adjust a controlled monitoring area about an object.
In addition, the prior art provides limited flexibility for a user
choosing and creating custom maps for viewing and locating objects.
Furthermore, the prior art has limited ability calculating
positional data of objects when GPS signaling is unavailable.
[0013] Thus, what is needed are apparatus and methods for wireless
data transfer and/or wireless location and tracking systems that
provide additional advantages over conventional systems. These
advantages would include, inter alia, calculating positional data
and location coordinates of tracking devices when GPS signaling is
unavailable, providing graphical displays for subscribers which aid
monitoring and tracking objects and/or individuals, and/or
providing security measures when monitoring tracking devices to
prevent unauthorized detection and spying on individuals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] In a first aspect of the present invention, a method is
disclosed for providing location information of an object or
individual to a subscriber on a webpage in a personalized format.
The method includes the steps of providing a logon entry display to
a user on the webpage; the display prevents keypad entries being
recorded or stored with anti-key logger technology, and provides
user access to a location management dashboard module in response
to detecting a successful user logon. In one embodiment, the
location management dashboard module includes a listing of one or
more groups of tracking devices a user is capable of monitoring
associated location coordinate information. Other method steps
include providing an account services module in response to
detecting the successful user login, the account services module
comprising menu options in the personalized format to the user. In
one variant, the menu options include a XML format document having
a wizard menu enabling the user to navigate and enter billing
information, identification settings of one or more tracking
devices, and log contact information in a contact book to contact
individuals. In another embodiment, the method may include the step
of providing one or more alert messages associated with one or more
groups of tracking devices in response to detecting a successful
user login.
[0015] These and other embodiments, aspects, advantages, and
features of the present invention will be set forth in part in the
description which follows, and in part will become apparent to
those skilled in the art by reference to the following description
of the invention and referenced drawings or by practice of the
invention. The aspects, advantages, and features of the invention
are realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities,
procedures, and combinations particularly pointed out in the
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a Location and Tracking Service Webpage in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2A illustrates a Product Activation Webpage to enter a
device identification code in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2B illustrates a Product Activation Webpage to enter
New Account information (which will be verified before using as a
notification method) in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2C illustrates a Product Activation Webpage to choose a
service plan in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 2D illustrates a Product Activation Webpage to enter a
device nickname in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 2E illustrates a Product Activation Webpage to enter
payment information in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 2F illustrates a Product Activation Webpage to create a
new account and activate your Pocketfinder Device in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 2G illustrates a Product Activation Webpage to enter
user name and password and to request place your device on its base
station for a full charge in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates an Account Logon Webpage III accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a Help Settings Webpage in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates an Account Holder Information Webpage in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 6 illustrates an Identification Settings Webpage of a
tracking device represented by Icon of Little Dave in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 7 illustrates an Identification Settings Webpage to
select an Icon to represent a Tracking Device in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 8 illustrates a Medical Profile Webpage to input
Medical Data for Little Dave in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 9 illustrates General Device Information Webpage for
Little Dave in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 10 illustrates a Device Speed Limit Webpage for Little
Dave in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 11 illustrates a Contact Book Webpage in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 12 illustrates a Limited Access Users Webpage in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 13 illustrates a Map having User Selected Coverage
Zones in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0035] FIG. 14 illustrates a Map for creating User Selected
Coverage Zones in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0036] FIG. 15 illustrates a Location Management Dashboard Webpage,
Alert System Module, and Acknowledge System Module associated with
the Family Members represented by Icons of Little Dave, Mom, Dad,
and Spaz in accordance with an embodiment the present
invention.
[0037] FIG. 16 illustrates a Location Management Dashboard Webpage
associated with Mom including Location Coordinates, Battery
Management Module, and Velocity Display Module in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 17 illustrates a Location Management Dashboard Webpage
associated with Little Dave including: Location Coordinates,
Battery Management Module, and Velocity Display Module in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 18 illustrates a Location Management Dashboard Webpage
including User Selected Coverage Zones associated with Little Dave
and selectable user menus to obtain location information relative
to Your Home, Your Device, and An Address in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 19 illustrates a Location Management Dashboard Webpage
including User Overlapping Coverage Zones associated with Little
Dave and selectable user menus to obtain location information
relative to Derek Home, enwgr, Untitled, and test 123 in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 20 illustrates Missing Persons Webpage information
associated with Little Dave in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0042] FIG. 21 illustrates a Missing Person Flyer associated with
Little Dave in Figure in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0043] FIG. 22 illustrates a Flow Chart to create a Location and
Tracking Service Webpage in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] Reference is now made to the drawings wherein like numerals
refer to like parts throughout.
[0045] As used herein, the terms "location coordinates" refer
without limitation to any set or partial set of integer, real
and/or complex location data or information such as longitudinal,
latitudinal, and elevational positional coordinates.
[0046] As used herein, the terms "tracking device" refers to
without limitation to any integrated circuit (IC), chip, chip set,
system-on-a-chip, microwave integrated circuit (MIC), Monolithic
Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC), low noise amplifier, power
amplifier, transceiver, receiver, transmitter and Application
Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) that may be constructed and/or
fabricated. The chip or IC may be constructed ("fabricated") on a
small rectangle (a "die") cut from, for example, a Silicon (or
special applications, Sapphire), Gallium Arsenide, or Indium
Phosphide wafer. The IC may be classified, for example, into
analogue, digital, or hybrid (both analogue and digital on the same
chip and/or analog-to-digital converter). Digital integrated
circuits may contain anything from one to millions of logic gates,
invertors, and, or, nand, and nor gates, flipflops, multiplexors,
etc. on a few square millimeters. The small size of these circuits
allows high speed, low power dissipation, and reduced manufacturing
cost compared with board-level integration.
[0047] As used herein, the terms "wireless data transfer",
"wireless tracking and location system", "positioning system," or
"wireless positioning system" refers to without limitation to any
wireless system that transfers and/or determines location
coordinates using one or more devices, such as Global Positioning
System (GPS). The terms "Global Positioning System" refer to
without limitation any services, methods, or devices that utilize
GPS technology that determine a position of a GPS receiver based on
measuring signal transfer times between satellites having known
positions and the GPS receiver. The signal transfer time for a
signal is proportional to a distance of the respective satellite
from the GPS receiver. The distance between the satellite and the
GPS receiver may be converted, utilizing signal propagation
velocity, into the respective signal transfer time. The positional
information of the GPS receiver is calculated based on distance
calculations from at least four satellites.
[0048] As used herein, the terms "AGPS", "Assisted GPS", or
"A-GPS", refers to without limitation any services, methods, or
devices that utilizes an assistance server to help reduce required
time to determine a location using GPS (such as in urban areas,
when the user is located in "urban canyons", under heavy tree
cover, or even indoors.) The development of AGPS is fuelled, in
part, by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission's E911 to have
location coordinates of a mobile device available to emergency call
dispatchers. In A-GPS networks, the receiver, has limited
processing power and normally under less than ideal locations for
position fixing, and communicates with the assistance server that
has high processing power and access to a reference network. Since
the A-GPS receiver and the Assistance Server share tasks, it
provides a capability to provide more efficient location tracking
capability than regular GPS, and improved cellular coverage.
[0049] As used herein, the terms "wireless communication system"
refers to, without limitation, any system that uses communication
stations and a wireless location means for determining positional
coordinates such as Global Positioning Radio Service (GPRS).
[0050] As used herein, the term "network" refers to, without
limitation, any telecommunications network, data network, or Voice
Over IP (VOIP) network, satellite, radio, microwave,
millimeter-wave, RF wireless, RF cable, optical, and networking
protocols (such as IEEE 802.11 g), transmission media, and
communications connections any combinations thereof.
[0051] As used herein, the term "server" refers to, without
limitation, any computer element that stores or transfers data,
information, or computer applications between one or more computer
devices, mobile phones, laptop computers, user computer terminal,
or the like, utilizing a network.
[0052] As used herein, the term "module" refers to, without
limitation, any software sequence or hardware configuration,
executable code, XML programming language code, a software code
sequence, software program, software executable code, firmware,
hardware unit, or the like.
Overview
[0053] In one salient feature, the present invention discloses a
location tracking method and system, to provide a web interface to
display location information associated with tracking devices,
back-end systems, and to direct monitoring, displaying, and
calculating, inter alia, location coordinates of a tracking device.
In one embodiment, the system generates a personalized user profile
to organize, control, and store location of one or more tracking
devices associated with one or more groups of objects or
individuals. The personalized user profile may include one or more
user selectable icons (or upload picture (e.g., JPEG or GIF)) icons
to monitor on a map display. Upon successful user logon
authentication, the system performs a status check and generates
one or more alert messages associated with one or more groups of
tracking devices to display on a location management dashboard
module. A location management dashboard module depicts a listing of
one or more groups of tracking devices capable of a user monitoring
or requesting monitoring information. One or more wizard menus
prompts a user to enter or update personal information, generate or
update entries a contact book, and request information associated
with past or current status of one or more groups of tracking
devices. In another embodiment, if location coordinates of a
tracking device (in one or more groups) violates one or more rules
defined by a subscriber of the system, the subscriber (or a
designated guardian or representative or individuals in a contact
book) may be notified through, for example, wireless telephone,
plain old telephone system (POTS), Internet, text message, email,
vibration, sound, voice, or the like.
[0054] Broadly, the present invention generally provides a system
and method for monitoring, locating and tracking an individual or
an object. The system produced according to the present invention
may find beneficial use for locating and tracking people, such as
missing, lost, or abducted persons, Alzheimer's syndrome patients,
or mentally ill persons. The system may also be useful for locating
and tracking animals. Additionally, objects, such as vehicles,
goods, and merchandise may be located and tracked with the system
produced by the present invention. Although the following
discussion may use lost or abducted child as an exemplary
demonstration, it is to be understood that this discussion is not
limiting and that the present invention may be used in other
suitable applications.
Exemplary Systems
[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 1-21 and exemplary embodiments of the
tracking and monitoring system of the invention described in
detail. It will be appreciated that while described primarily in
the context of tracking individuals or objects, at least portions
of the apparatus and methods described herein may be used in other
applications, for example, without limitation, user personal
profiles to monitor components such as transducers, sensors, and
electrical and/or optical components as the components pass through
an assembly line process.
[0056] Moreover, it will be recognized that the present invention
may find utility beyond purely tracking and monitoring concerns.
For example, the "tracking device" and "user selected coverage
zones" described subsequently herein may conceivably be utilized to
improve displaying and monitoring applications to achieve increased
computational efficiency and accuracy of calculated quantities. The
calculated quantities may include object velocity (traveling during
an assembly process) to determine which process portions are
running efficiently and which portions may require improvements or
modifications. Other functions might include monitor and track
properties of electronic module assembly (e.g., display of
electrical properties and measurement parameters during testing
and/or operations before, during, or after wireless module
completion, and so forth). Myriad of other functions will be
recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art given the present
disclosure.
Product Activation
[0057] Referring to FIG. 1, a user (e.g., subscriber of the
pocketfinder service) accesses a home page of a location and
tracking service 100. The pocketfinder service may be activated 104
for a tracking device 102 as well as provide user access to account
services that are part of the location and tracking service.
Referring to FIG. 2A, device identification code is requested as
well as other information including username, password, and current
email address. In one embodiment, a subscriber may add an
additional device, e.g., new device, to your existing account.
Referring to FIG. 2B, New Account wizard menu makes a request for
subscriber contact information. In one exemplary embodiment, the
New Account wizard menu instructs a subscriber that a mobile phone
number, e.g., included as part of the subscriber contact
information, will need to be verified in your account settings once
you've completed activation before being used as a notification
method, e.g., for alert messages of one or more tracking devices.
Referring to FIG. 2e, a wizard menu illustrates features, e.g.,
Premium vs. Standard, as well as monthly price information of the
location and tracking service 100. Referring to FIG. 2D, device
nickname is requested to allow a subscriber to quickly identify a
device, e.g., Jimmy, Grandma, Mom, and Dad. Referring to FIGS. 2E
and 2F illustrate billing options and activation wait menu of the
location and tracking service 100. Referring to FIG. 2G, a user is
requested to place their tracking device 102 on a base station to
charge its battery level.
Service Login
[0058] Referring to FIG. 3, a user receives access to logon module
106. In one example, logon module 106 includes logon entry display
(e.g., account login 108). In one embodiment, the logon entry
display accepts numbers and letters (see FIG. 14). In this example,
a user enters a name and password (e.g., user id and pin code) into
the account login 108. In one variant, anti-key logger technology
protects entries including a name and password. In one embodiment,
account login 108 on an Internet website utilizes a similar account
login on a telephone unit, e.g., mobile communication unit, because
both utilize, in one example, the same (or substantially similar)
user id and pin code.
My Account
[0059] Referring to FIG. 4, after successful authentication of a
user id and pin code, a user accesses account services module
(e.g., my account 110). Account services module (e.g., my account
110) generates a user profile (e.g., account settings 112) of
building blocks, e.g., elements, to organize user profile contents
and structure (e.g., account holder information 114, contact book
116, help settings 118, account billing 120, and cancelling your
account 122). The user profile, in one embodiment, requests
location information on a tracking device 102. According to one
embodiment, mark-up language (XML) constructs account services
module 110. Upon authentication of a user id and pin code, a user
proceeds to account holder information module 114. Referring to
FIG. 5, a user enters identification information (into account
holder information module 114), for instance, first name, last
name, address 1, email, city, password, home phone number, mobile
phone number, zip code, and email addressees). Advantageously, a
user may utilize the same user profile (e.g., account settings 112)
for location and tracking requests using a telephone or mobile
phone or using a computer terminal (and logging on to a
pocketfinder webpage). In another embodiment, a user may choose a
different user profile responsive to a format or type of wireless
or wired device. Available pull down module menus include contact
book 116, help settings 118, account billing 120, and cancelling
your account 120.
Identification
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 6-10, a user provides values for device
identification module 127. In device identification module 127, a
user, for instance, chooses one of a list of icons to represent one
or more tracking devices associated with an individual, object, or
animal. In one example, the list of icons includes default icon
images (e.g., 134, 136, 137, 138, and 139) or (in one variant) a
personnel icon, e.g., a photo in JPEG or PDF format file 140 may be
uploaded. In one embodiment, device specific information may be
entered. For instance, device specific information for Little Dave
134 may include medical profile module 152 (as shown in FIG. 8),
including: birthday, blood type, allergic medications, medical
conditions, and physician's name and phone number. To further
personalize tracking device parameters in device identification
module 127, general device information 142 is inputted for one or
more tracking device in one or more groups including: device
nickname, first name, and last name (as shown in FIG. 9).
Contact Book
[0061] Referring to FIG. 11, a user enters values into contact book
module 116. The values define contact information, e.g., first
name, last name, home phone number, mobile number, and email
address. To verify entered values, a return email, for example,
generates automatically to request value validation (e.g., verify
166) of entries input into contact book module 116.
Limited Access
[0062] Referring to FIG. 12, a wizard menu provides user access to
enter information for limited access users module 170. More
specifically, temporary or limited access to tracking device
particulars may be extended on a limited user basis. In one
embodiment, the limited user basis may be assigned on a per device
basis. For instance, a limited user basis may include assigning a
list of limited access users to one or more of the following
devices (check-box icon display menus 172, 174 . . . the newly
created user will be able to see the location of the following
checked devices. Don't worry access can always be modified anytime
by you).
Location Management Dashboard
[0063] Referring to FIGS. 13-19, representative menus are depicted
for location management dashboard module 189. FIG. 12 illustrates
two user defined coverage zones 262, 260 for Little Dave. FIG. 14
illustrates an overall street map to locate Little Dave. FIG. 15
depicts location management dashboard module 189 having a family
account module 193. The family account module 193 includes family
members (e.g., Little Dave, Mom, Dad, and Spaz). In one embodiment,
the system prompts a subscriber (user) of alerts (e.g., alert
messages) that need acknowledgement (e.g., acknowledge 192). The
alert messages (e.g., speed alert 190) include, for example, a
breach condition (e.g., defined by a user or a system administrator
such as a maximum speed limit or distance from a freeway entrance
or exit) associated with one or more icons, dangerous locations, or
dangerous surroundings proximal to an individual or object having a
tracking device 102 (e.g., Little Dave, Mom, Dad, and Spaz) as
shown in FIG. 10.
Alert
[0064] In one embodiment, upon successful acknowledgement of a
subscriber log on, alert messages (see FIG. 15) automatically
populate the location management dashboard 189. Alert messages may
be selected or inputted by, for example, a subscriber or system
administrator and may include one or more warnings (or illustrative
warning messages that may increase/decrease in intensity) to
indicate a dangerous condition, a security breach, or the like, for
a tracking device, such as tracking device 102. In one embodiment,
an alert message generates when a tracking device (in the group)
indicates a breach condition, e.g., battery is disconnected from a
tracking device. In one embodiment, an alert message generates upon
detection of a cut wire in a tracking device. In one variant, an
alert message generates when a vehicle (including an individual or
object having a tracking device) exceeds a specified speed limit
(see FIG. 15). In one embodiment, when a battery temperature
exceeds a specified temperature, the system communicates a signal
to the tracking device to temporarily power down for a specified
cooling period. In another embodiment, upon battery charge level
falling below a specified level, an alert message communicates to
shut down or reduce power consumption of a tracking device. In one
variant of this embodiment, an individual having a tracking device
receives, in one example, an indication, e.g., an audio sound or
voice command, to locate a power charging unit. In another
embodiment, a designated individual in contact book 116 may be
contacted upon detection of a breach condition, e.g., violation of
a user defined system policy, by a tracking device. In another
embodiment, the pocketfinder service 100 may send, for example,
communicate an audible or vibrate signal to the tracking device to
locate a base unit responsive to a battery charge level, e.g., and
provide signaling to a tracking device to enter a designated
battery charging mode, such as a quick charge and/or trickle
charge.
Mapping
[0065] Referring to FIG. 15, a mapping module 202 depicts, for
example, location of an object (e.g., Spaz) or an individual (e.g.,
Dad), using the pocketfinder device. Referring to FIGS. 16-17, a
mapping module 202 indicates proximal to a mapping area
representative icons, e.g., velocity indication devices (e.g.,
speedometers 221, 225) to indicate instantaneous speed of an
individual (e.g., Mom or Little Dave equipped with a tracking
device, such as tracking device 102). Other information provided
with the mapping area may include location coordinates, e.g.,
latitude, longitude, odometer reading, and trip miles.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 10, a user selects a device speed setting
(e.g., set you maximum speed: 65) 180 for Little Dave. An alert
message 190 generates, for instance as shown in FIG. 15, if Little
Dave exceeds a speed limit of 65 miles per hour (e.g., a breach
condition). The alert message 190 may require one or more
notification methods including: email 182 (e.g Mike@actti.com),
short message service (SMS) 184, or voice 186. In one variant, the
alert message 190 may be provided to one or more persons in, for
instance, information contained in contact book 116, in an event
that an acknowledgement is not received (e.g., within a specified
interval) by a first alert message recipient, e.g.,
Mike@actti.com.
[0067] In one user defined situation, an alert message may be
generated when Little Dave exceeds a specified distance from a
specified set of location coordinates. Furthermore, individuals in
contact book 116 may be notified in accordance with, for instance,
recognition of a breach condition. In one embodiment, the breach
condition may be in accordance with one or more user defined
criteria. In another embodiment, a breach condition may result from
an occurrence of one or more (e.g., user) specified events.
[0068] For instance, the user defined criteria may include:
notification to an individual in contact book 116 having a closest
stored address to a last known or current address of the tracking
device 102 requesting, for instance, a positive acknowledgement to
an outgoing alert message, notification based on oldest to youngest
family member, last contacted individual known available from
contact book 116, or the like. The happening of one or more
specified events may include notification of another individual in
the contact book 116 upon multiple failed requests for a first
recipient to acknowledge receipt of an alert message.
[0069] In contrast to many conventional location and tracking
devices, such as RFID, a tracking device of the present invention
advantageously provides capability of nationwide and global
location coordinates monitoring and tracking of persons or objects.
Advantageously, the present invention being a multi-format location
and tracking service may utilize a multitude of devices (e.g.,
desktop computer, laptop computer, land-line phone, mobile phone,
personal digital assistant, or the like, because it does not
utilize a specialized data format; thus, this service does not
require a specialized data reader, e.g., RFID reader, to read data.
Furthermore, unlike other conventional identification systems, the
service provided by the present invention does not require a
tracking device, such as tracking device 102, being physically
constrained within a specified distance to be read by a reader,
e.g., a RFID reader.
[0070] Furthermore, the service of the present invention being in
XML format provides a universal format so location coordinates may
be readily communicated (e.g., via Bluetooth) between various
computer and personal assistant formats such as a laptop computer
and a wireless device, such as a mobile phone. Consequently, the
service depicted by the present invention either semi-automatically
or automatically adjusts to a software platform or Internet Browser
including Safari 3.5 software. In addition, an identification code
may be regenerated for a tracking device (on a periodic basis or
upon occurrence of a security breach as discussed previously
incorporated by reference U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/753,979 filed on May 25, 2007, whereas RFID devices have a
security code that is preprogrammed and (once cracked), all RFID
devices having the security code are vulnerable to unauthorized
detection.
[0071] To understand methodology of the service 100 (e.g., location
and tracking device interface) of the present invention, an
exemplary example of its use is discussed supra. In this example, a
user provides a request signal to obtain location coordinates of a
first tracking device. The first tracking device provides a first
reply signal that comprises a first identification code to identify
the tracking device. The location coordinates are displayed of the
first tracking device to the user in response to the request
signal. A second tracking device of one or more groups of tracking
devices has a second transceiver to receive the first reply signal,
compare the first identification code to a stored identification
code, and communicate to a monitoring station a second reply
signal. The second reply signal comprises the location coordinates
of the first tracking device in part responsive to verification of
the first identification code.
Coverage Zone
[0072] Referring to FIGS. 18-19, user provides entries using a
keyboard and/or mouse to generate a coverage zone module 258. The
entries may include monitor and zone attributes, for instance, on a
satellite map. In this example, the map depicts location
coordinates of Little Dave 134 as well as relative physical
location to other landmarks (e.g., your home) or street addresses
on the map (e.g., E. La Palma Ave). In this same embodiment, the
one or more management zones (e.g., safe zone 260 and unsafe zone
262) set safety and danger attributes of the service 100. These
safety and danger attributes are utilized to notify individuals in
contact book 116 relative to a user selectable notification
process. A user selectable notification process may include
transmission (and return receipt or acknowledgement) by one or more
telecommunication services, e.g., SMS text messaging, cell phone
(IVR), landline phone, email, and IM (Instant Messaging) as shown
in FIG. 10.
[0073] With regards to zones of coverage (e.g., unsafe zone 262,
safe zone 260), a user modifies or deletes one or more of these at
one or more periodic (in one variant, one or more aperiodic)
intervals. In one variant, zones of coverage may be automatically
generated and deleted. In one embodiment, one or more overlapping
user defined coverage zones (e.g., created by coverage zone 253
that overlaps zones 260 and 262 shown in FIG. 19) may designate,
for instance, a relative distance and/or region, for instance, a
safe zone 260 and an unsafe zone 262. In one variant, a relative
distance may be communicated to a user of a proximal location of a
tracking device 102 to a perimeter of a safe zone 260 or unsafe
zone 262. In one embodiment, a relative location coordinate error
margin between the safety zone 260 and the unsafe zone 262 prevents
a false alert being generated and communicated to a user.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 18, the coverage zone module 258 may
utilize a smart interactive service module 264. A smart interactive
service module 264 allows a user to utilize quick search features
to set-up coverage zones. For instance, smart interactive service
module 264 includes quick physical address lookup, quick home
address locate, or quick locate unit options, e.g., where a stored
or partially stored portion of these values provide improved, more
efficient access to desired location information. A coverage map
automatically tracks positional coordinates of a tracking device
102. In particular, a coverage map automatically repositions
tracking device location coordinates, e.g., centrally locates for
viewing, in response to a user's inputs utilizing quick look-up
features, e.g., such as quick physical address lookup).
Missing Persons Report
[0075] Upon failure to locate Little Dave (cannot be found using
the pocketfinder service), a missing person's report 278 is
automatically prepared (see FIG. 20). The report includes, for
example, print Missing Flyer 280 (including Little Dave's physical
description as shown in FIG. 21). The missing person's report 278
may be submitted to authorities, e.g., Police Department, or
individuals in contact book 116 in accordance with instructions
provided by a user, e.g., closest individual to a last known
address of Little Dave, oldest family member or other user defined
criteria previously defined in above embodiments.
Battery Conservation
[0076] If a tracking device 102 loses contact with a monitoring
station, a battery management module (e.g., represented graphically
by battery icons 220 (for Mom) and 240 (for Little Dave) in FIGS.
16, 17, respectively), in one embodiment, places the tracking
device in a low power mode to conserve power, e.g., during a mobile
communication dead zone or no transmission zone. In one variant,
the battery management module may maintain a lower power mode of a
battery of a specified tracking device (e.g., Mom or Little Dave)
until a later specified interval (upon which mobile communication
may be possible) to conserve battery life. In one example, a user
commands other pocketfinder devices, e.g., tracking devices such as
Mom or Dad, to communicate last or current location coordinate
information of a lost pocketfinder device, e.g., Spaz or Little
Dave. In another embodiment, a user may turn-off power of a
tracking device suspected of being monitored by unauthorized
individuals (e.g., initiate tracking device cloaking option).
[0077] In another embodiment, an expanded cellular network is
created by pocketfinder devices having proximate location
coordinates, e.g., nearby devices generate relative tracking
location coordinates between each other or a central monitoring
station to increase a monitoring range of a tracking device.
Consequently, in the expanded cellular network, a momentary loss of
communication, a communication dead zone, between one and more
tracking device has the capability of not thwarting monitoring of
the tracking device.
[0078] In another embodiment, upon a user loosing connectivity with
a tracking device, the user waits until another specified period to
power-on (e.g., provide operational power to the tracking device)
before monitoring; thus, the tracking device battery power is
conserved when occupying a communication dead zone. In another
embodiment, the tracking device bursts location coordinates (at
specified intervals) to conserve tracking device battery life
(allowing the tracking device to power-off or move to a low-power
level). In another embodiment, a safety zone of the tracking device
indicates when a tracking device is detected proximal to an area of
a known criminal or sex offender.
Exemplary Methods
[0079] Referring to FIG. 21, a flow chart (400) illustrates
generation of a personalized user profile of one embodiment of the
present invention. In step 410, a user accesses the location and
tracking system 100. In step 420, the user accesses an account
services module 110. In step 430, the user receives alert messages
of tracking devices in a group 193. In steps 440 and 445, the user
establishes coverage zones (e.g., 253, 260, and 262) for tracking
devices in the group 193. In step 450, the user request location
coordinates of one or more tracking devices in the group 193.
[0080] It is noted that many variations of the methods described
above may be utilized consistent with the present invention.
Specifically, certain steps are optional and may be performed or
deleted as desired. Similarly, other steps (such as additional data
sampling, processing, filtration, calibration, or mathematical
analysis for example) may be added to the foregoing embodiments.
Additionally, the order of performance of certain steps (e.g.,
steps 410-450) may be permuted, or performed in parallel (or
series) if desired. Hence, the foregoing embodiments are merely
illustrative of the broader methods of the invention disclosed
herein. While the above detailed description has shown, described,
and pointed out novel features of the invention as applied to
various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions,
substitutions and changes in the form and details of the device or
process illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art without
departing from the spirit of the invention. The foregoing
description is of the best mode presently contemplated of carrying
out the invention. This description is in no way meant to be
limiting, but rather should be taken as illustrative of the general
principles of the invention. The scope of the invention should be
determined with reference to the claims.
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