U.S. patent application number 14/712401 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-03 for methods and systems related to remote power loss detection.
This patent application is currently assigned to GORDON*HOWARD ASSOCIATES, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Gordon*Howard Associates, Inc.. Invention is credited to Rodney P. LANDERS, Christopher M. MACHECA, Gerald A. MORGAN.
Application Number | 20150248829 14/712401 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51525032 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150248829 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MORGAN; Gerald A. ; et
al. |
September 3, 2015 |
METHODS AND SYSTEMS RELATED TO REMOTE POWER LOSS DETECTION
Abstract
Remote power loss detection. At least some of the example
embodiments are methods including: tracking location of an asset by
an onboard device mechanically coupled to the asset, the onboard
device electrically coupled to a source of power of the asset, and
the onboard device receiving power from the asset; charging a
supercapacitor coupled to the onboard device; and then detecting a
complete loss of power provided to the onboard device, and the
detecting by the onboard device; and after the complete loss of
power sending a message by wireless transmission, the sending based
on power derived from the supercapacitor, and the message including
an indication of a last known voltage provide by the asset prior to
the complete loss of power, and the sending by the onboard device
after the complete loss of power.
Inventors: |
MORGAN; Gerald A.;
(Littleton, CO) ; MACHECA; Christopher M.;
(Centennial, CO) ; LANDERS; Rodney P.; (Woodbury,
MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Gordon*Howard Associates, Inc. |
Littleton |
CO |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GORDON*HOWARD ASSOCIATES,
INC.
Littleton
CO
|
Family ID: |
51525032 |
Appl. No.: |
14/712401 |
Filed: |
May 14, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14552631 |
Nov 25, 2014 |
9045103 |
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|
14712401 |
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13828182 |
Mar 14, 2013 |
8928471 |
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14552631 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/654 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G08B 21/185 20130101;
B60R 25/102 20130101; B60R 25/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G08B 21/18 20060101
G08B021/18 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: charging a supercapacitor of an onboard
device coupled to an asset, the charging from a source of power of
the asset; and then detecting tampering with the onboard device by
a complete loss of power from the source of power, the detecting by
the onboard device; and after the complete loss of power utilizing
power from the supercapacitor to send a message by wireless
transmission, the message including an indication of a last known
voltage provided by the source of power prior to the complete loss
of power.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein utilizing power further comprises
utilizing power from the supercapacitor for at least 3 seconds
after the complete loss of power.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein utilizing power from the
supercapacitor to send the message further comprises: receiving
signals indicative of a location of the onboard device at the time
of complete loss of power, the receiving by the onboard device; and
sending an indication of location of the onboard device, the
location derived from the signals.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein utilizing power from the
supercapacitor to send the message further comprises sending a last
known location of the onboard device prior to the complete loss of
power.
5. The method of claim 1 utilizing power from the supercapacitor to
send the message further comprises sending an indication of a trend
of voltage provided by the source of power prior to the complete
loss of power.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein detecting tampering further
comprises detecting tampering as the complete loss of power when,
within a predetermined time prior to the complete loss of power,
the voltage of a battery of the asset indicates a charged
state.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein the predetermined time is one
minute.
8. The method of claim 1 further comprising, responsive to
detecting tampering, powering off at least one component of the
onboard device not involved in sending the message.
9. An onboard device configured to couple to an asset, the onboard
device comprising: a processor; a wireless interface coupled to the
processor; a global position receiver coupled to the processor; a
means for providing power coupled to the processor; a memory
coupled to the processor, the memory storing a program that, when
executed by the processor, causes the processor to: receive signals
indicative of a location of the onboard device; detect a complete
power loss to the onboard device; and then sending a message by way
of the wireless interface, the sending powered by the means for
providing power, and the message including an indication of a last
known voltage provided by the asset prior to the complete power
loss.
10. The onboard device of claim 9 wherein the means for providing
power is a supercapacitor.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein the supercapacitor has a
capacitive density of at least 3 millifarads per cubic
millimeter.
12. The system of claim 9 wherein the means for providing power
further comprises a means for providing power for at least 3
seconds after the complete power loss.
13. The system of claim 9 wherein when the processor sends the
message, the program further causes the processor to send an
indication of location of the onboard device, the location derived
from the signals.
14. The system of claim 9 wherein when the processor sends the
message, the program further causes the processor to send an
indication of a trend of voltage provided by the asset prior to the
complete power loss.
15. The system of claim 9 wherein, responsive to detecting the
complete power loss, the program further causes the processor to
power off at least one component of the onboard device not involved
in issuing the alert.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/552,631 titled "Methods and Systems Related
to Remote Tamper Detection," filed Nov. 25, 2014, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/828,182 titled
"Methods and Systems Related to Remote Tamper Detection," filed
Mar. 14, 2013 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,928,471). Both applications are
incorporated herein by reference as if reproduced in full
below.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In situations where an individual has obtained financing for
an asset, such as a vehicle, financing institutions may be
interested in tracking the location of the asset. Tracking the
location of the asset may be beneficial in ensuring the borrower
does not abscond with the asset, or otherwise fails to make
payments. Thus, advancements in tracking financed assets may result
in a lower payment default.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] For a detailed description of exemplary embodiments,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0004] FIG. 1 shows, in block diagram form, a system in accordance
with at least some embodiments;
[0005] FIG. 2 shows, in block diagram form, a circuit diagram in
accordance with at least some embodiments;
[0006] FIG. 3 shows, in block diagram form, a system in accordance
with at least some embodiments;
[0007] FIG. 4 shows, in block diagram form, a system in accordance
with at least some embodiments;
[0008] FIG. 5 shows a graph in accordance with at least some
embodiments;
[0009] FIG. 6 shows a computer system in accordance with at least
some embodiments; and
[0010] FIG. 7 shows, in block diagram form, a method in accordance
with at least some embodiments.
NOTATION AND NOMENCLATURE
[0011] Certain terms are used throughout the following description
and claims to refer to particular system components. As one skilled
in the art will appreciate, different companies may refer to a
component and/or method by different names. This document does not
intend to distinguish between components and/or methods that differ
in name but not in function.
[0012] In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms
"including" and "comprising" are used in an open-ended fashion, and
thus should be interpreted to mean "including, but not limited to .
. . ." Also, the term "couple" or "couples" is intended to mean
either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first device
couples to a second device that connection may be through a direct
connection or through an indirect connection via other devices and
connections.
[0013] "Remote" shall mean one kilometer or more.
[0014] "Supercapacitor" shall mean one or more electrical
components, either alone or in parallel, having a capacitive
density of at least 3.0 millifarads per cubic millimeter
(mF/mm.sup.3).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The following discussion is directed to various embodiments
of the invention. Although one or more of these embodiments may be
preferred, the embodiments disclosed should not be interpreted, or
otherwise used, as limiting the scope of the disclosure, including
the claims. In addition, one skilled in the art will understand
that the following description has broad application, and the
discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be exemplary of that
embodiment, and not intended to intimate that the scope of the
disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that
embodiment.
[0016] Various embodiments are directed to systems and methods of
providing auxiliary power to an onboard device coupled to an asset,
such as a vehicle. In particular, if someone tampers with the
onboard device such that power to the onboard device is lost or
significantly reduced, the onboard device will retain enough stored
energy to send an alert related to tampering to a remote location.
The developmental context is sending tamper alerts, and thus the
specification will be based on the development context for onboard
devices coupled to vehicles; however, the developmental context
shall not be read as a limitation as to the applicability of the
various embodiments. The specification first turns to a high level
system overview.
[0017] FIG. 1 shows, in block diagram form, a system in accordance
with at least some embodiments. In particular, the system comprises
an operations center 100 communicatively coupled to a vehicle 114
by way of a wireless network 110. The operations center 100
comprises a processor 102. In some embodiments, the processor 102
may be a stand-alone computer system, or the processor may comprise
a plurality of computer systems communicatively coupled and
performing the functions of the operations center 100, the
functions discussed more thoroughly below. The processor 102 may
couple to an administrative user interface 104. The administrative
user interface 104 may enable an administrative agent 106 to
control or configure the operation of the system.
[0018] In one embodiment, in order to communicate with vehicle 114,
the operations center 100 may further comprise a network interface
108 communicatively coupled to the processor 102. By way of the
network interface 108, the processor 102, and any programs
executing thereon, may communicate with vehicle 114, such as by
wireless network 110. Wireless network 110 is illustrative of any
suitable communications network, such as a cellular network, a
Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) network, or other mechanism for
transmitting information between the operations center 100 and the
vehicle 114.
[0019] In accordance with at least some embodiments, the operations
center 100 is remotely located from the vehicle 114. In some cases,
the operations center 100 and vehicle 114 may be located within the
same city or state. In other cases, the operations center 100 may
be many hundreds or thousands of miles from vehicle 114, and thus
the illustrative wireless network 110 may span several different
types of communication networks.
[0020] Still referring to FIG. 1, the system further comprises a
vehicle 114 communicatively coupled to operations center 100 by way
of the illustrative wireless network 110. The vehicle 114 may
comprise onboard device 116, where onboard device 116 may have both
location tracking capabilities and/or vehicle disablement
capabilities.
[0021] In particular, onboard device 116 may comprise a computer
system 118. Although not specifically shown, computer system 118
may comprise a processor, where the processor may communicate with
subsystems of the vehicle, such as a computer system of the vehicle
114 (not specifically shown). An example onboard device 116
configured to couple to the OBD-II port may also have the ability
to read or determine data associated with the vehicle 114, and may
also have the ability to command computer systems of the vehicle to
disable certain functions (e.g. starting, spark ignition, fuel
system) such that the vehicle 114 may be disabled at the command of
the onboard device 116, discussed in more detail below.
[0022] Onboard device 116 may further comprise a wireless network
interface 112 coupled to the computer system 118. By way of the
wireless network interface 112, programs executed by the computer
system 118 may communicate with other devices. In some embodiments,
the wireless network interface 112 enables the computer system 118
to communicate with operations center 100 by way of a wireless
transmission through the wireless network 110. The wireless network
interface 112 thus implements a wireless communication system
and/or protocol.
[0023] In one embodiment, onboard device 116 may comprise a
disablement system 128 that can selectively disable the vehicle
114. Disablement may take many forms. For example, the onboard
device may disable the vehicle by disabling the spark ignition
system, disabling the fuel pump relay, disabling by way of a
starter interrupt, or a combination of disabling mechanisms. In
other embodiments, the onboard device 116 may be a relay
replacement device. For example, a starter relay is a device within
a vehicle that, when activated, provides electrical current to the
solenoid of the starter. In yet another case, the onboard device
116 may be a relay replacement device for any system that could
disable the vehicle (e.g., either prevents the motor from starting,
or prevents the motor from continuing to operate).
[0024] In addition, onboard device 116 may disable vehicle 114 on
command from the operations center 100. In particular, the
operations center may comprise disablement services described
above, and at the request of any authorized entity (e.g., an
administrative agent, a lending institution, a dealership), vehicle
114 may be disabled.
[0025] The onboard device 116 further comprises a global position
system (GPS) receiver 120 coupled to computer system 118. The GPS
receiver 120 receives signals from an array of GPS satellites
orbiting the earth, and based on timing associated with arrival of
those signals, a location of the onboard device 116 (and thus the
vehicle 114) can be determined. In some cases, the GPS receiver 120
has sufficient functionality to calculate location, and thus the
data passed to computer system 118 may be a direct indication of
location. In other cases, the functionality to determine location
may be shared between the GPS receiver 120 and software executing
on the processor 102, by way of wireless network 110. That is, the
GPS receiver 120 may receive the plurality of GPS signals and pass
the information to a program on the processor 102, which program
may then make the determination as to location of the onboard
device 116, and thus the vehicle 114.
[0026] In one embodiment, the onboard device 116 tracks the vehicle
with high precision, thus one may be able to identify the street
and block at which the vehicle is passing at any given time (though
the onboard device 116 may not necessarily have or contain street
level databases). In other cases, the onboard device 116 may act
only to determine the end-points of each trip. In another
embodiment, location tracking may be accomplished by way of
cellular signal triangulation.
[0027] In some cases, the location determined by the onboard device
116 may only be a position on the face of the earth, for example,
latitude or longitude. The operations center 100, receiving a
stream of locations from the onboard device 116, may correlate to
streets and addresses. In other cases, the onboard device 116 may
have sufficient memory and computing functionality to not only
determine position in a latitude and longitude sense, but also to
correlate the positions to cities, streets, block numbers and
addresses. Regardless of how the location tracking is accomplished,
it may be utilized as a way to locate and, in some cases, aid in
retrieving the vehicle for repossession in the event of a
non-payment.
[0028] Consider the following example situation. A driver purchases
vehicle 114 by receiving financing from a financing institution
(e.g., a bank, a dealership). The financing institution may request
that onboard device 116 be installed within vehicle 114 to track
the location of the vehicle and/or to disable the vehicle in the
event of a non-payment. The driver, aware of the possibility of
disablement or repossession in the event of a non-payment, may
attempt to tamper with onboard device 116 by disconnecting the
external power source (such as from the vehicle battery) to the
onboard device, or by removing the onboard device from the vehicle
completely.
[0029] In order to frustrate potential tampering of the onboard
device, the onboard device may be located in an inconspicuous
location, such as within an electrical compartment under the hood
or within the luggage compartment. On the other hand, the onboard
device may also be located in a more conspicuous location, such as
under the dashboard of the vehicle.
[0030] If a driver does disconnect power to the onboard device, the
onboard device may recognize the loss of external power as a
tampering event, and may send any of a plurality of messages, data,
and/or alerts to the operations center 100 or to a third party 130
(e.g., an administrative agent, a lending institution, or a vehicle
dealership). In particular, the onboard device may send an
indication of last known location, the last known voltage provided
to the onboard device before the power loss, and/or an indication
of the trend of voltage provided to the onboard device before the
power loss.
[0031] Due to the fact the onboard device is, at least in some
embodiments, powered by a source of power of the vehicle,
disconnecting the onboard device from the power may render the
onboard device lacking in enough power to send messages and alerts
related to tampering. To combat the issue, the onboard device
comprises an auxiliary short-term power source. In one embodiment,
the auxiliary power source may be a battery, such as a lithium-ion
battery; however, the use of a battery may have several drawbacks.
In particular, a lithium-ion battery may be restricted by
temperature; when the temperature is low, the battery power may be
reduced, and when the temperature is too high, the lifespan of the
battery may be severely depleted. Furthermore, continuous charging
cycles of a lithium-ion battery may result in a shortened lifespan,
thus resulting in the extra cost and wasted time of replacing
batteries. In another embodiment, the auxiliary short-term power
source may be one or a series of capacitors; however, the amount of
physical volume needed for related-art capacitors of sufficient
capacity to operate the onboard device, even for a short period of
time, may be prohibitive.
[0032] In other cases, the auxiliary power source for the onboard
device may be a supercapacitor, where the supercapacitor is a
capacitor having a high energy density. For example, the
supercapacitor 124 shown in FIG. 1 may be a 0.2 Farad capacitor
having an energy or capacitive density of at least 3.0 millifarads
per cubic millimeter (mF/mm.sup.3). When the onboard device is
connected to the external power source (i.e., the vehicle battery),
supercapacitor charges. The interplay between the vehicle battery,
the supercapacitor, and the onboard device is shown in more detail
in FIG. 2.
[0033] FIG. 2 shows, in block diagram form, a high level circuit
diagram. In particular, onboard device 116 may receive power from
vehicle battery 200. In this specific example, the input voltage to
the onboard device 116 (shown within the dotted line) may be 12
volts from the vehicle battery. Voltage regulator 202 converts the
incoming voltage to approximately 3.3 volts in example systems,
though any internal voltage may be used. A diode 204 serves to
prevent a backflow of current from the supercapacitor 124 during
periods of time when battery 200 has been disconnected from the
onboard device 116.
[0034] While connected to the vehicle battery 200, the
supercapacitor 124 charges and the onboard device 116, including
tamper detection elements 206, receive operating power from the
vehicle battery. The tamper detection elements 206 may comprise a
plurality of elements used in tamper detection, location tracking,
and disablement. Although specifics regarding the tamper detection
elements 206 will be described in more detail below, in general,
while connected to the vehicle battery, any or all of the elements
of the onboard device may be receiving operating power; however, in
the situation where external power has been lost, in order to
conserve power stored on the supercapacitor only some of the
elements of onboard device 116 (tamper detection elements 206) may
receive power from the supercapacitor 124.
[0035] FIG. 3 shows, in block diagram form, a high level overview
of an example embodiment. In particular, onboard device 116 is
shown as connected to, and receiving power from, vehicle battery
200. In addition, a plurality of tamper detection elements 206,
coupled to the onboard device, are also receiving power from the
vehicle battery 200. For example, while the onboard device is
receiving power from the vehicle battery, all the electrical
components of the onboard device 116 may be receiving power from
the battery 200, including the tamper detection elements. In
addition during the time the onboard device is receiving power from
the vehicle battery, the supercapacitor coupled to the onboard
device is charging or charged.
[0036] FIG. 4 shows, in block diagram form, a high level overview
of an example embodiment. In particular, the onboard device 116 has
been disconnected from the vehicle battery (such as by a person
tampering with the device), and the onboard device 116 is thus no
longer receiving power from the external source. During a period of
time after the vehicle battery is not providing power to the
onboard device, the onboard device is powered by the supercapacitor
until such time as the supercapacitor no longer maintains a charge.
Due to the amount of charge the supercapacitor can maintain, it is
possible that the onboard device may only be powered for small
finite period of time, such as three to four seconds after the loss
of external power. As a result, in order to ensure the messages and
data related to tampering are able to be transmitted to the
operations center or third party, the onboard device may execute
instructions to provide power to only the tamper detection elements
206 needed for retrieval of power loss relevant information and
wireless transmission of messages related to the loss of power.
[0037] In one embodiment, the last known location of the onboard
device received by the GPS receiver may be stored in memory on the
computer system 118. Thus, in an external power loss situation, the
onboard device, now powered by the supercapacitor, may shut down
power to the GPS receiver and rely on the last stored indication of
location in memory. In another embodiment, the onboard device may
execute instructions to power down the disablement system 128.
Thus, during the time the onboard device is powered by the
supercapacitor, the supercapacitor may be providing power solely to
the computer system (or a portion of the computer system) and the
wireless network interface.
[0038] Regardless of which elements of the onboard device receive
power from the supercapacitor, if external power is lost to the
onboard device, the supercapacitor provides enough power for the
onboard device to send a message regarding the power loss. In one
embodiment, the onboard device, detecting a power loss, may
wirelessly transmit an indication of the last known location of the
vehicle, where the last known location of the vehicle may aid in
locating the vehicle for repossession. In another embodiment, the
onboard device may wirelessly transmit an indication of the last
known voltage provided by the vehicle battery before the loss of
power. In yet another embodiment, the onboard device may wirelessly
transmit an indication of the trend of voltage provided by the
vehicle battery prior to the power loss. Data and messages
transmitted from the onboard device to the operations center and/or
the third party may alert the operations center and/or third party
to a potential tamper situation.
[0039] Not every power loss to the onboard device 116 is indicative
of tampering. Thus, onboard device 116 may send data to the
operations center and/or a third party in order to provide context
for analysis of the power loss situation. For example, in addition
to sending an indication of last known location, the onboard device
may send a value indicative of the last known voltage prior to the
power loss, and/or a value indicative of the trend of voltage for a
predetermined period of time prior to the power loss (e.g., the
minute before power loss is detected). In another embodiment, the
onboard device 116 may periodically send an indication of the
voltage during periods of time when the vehicle battery is supply
power. Thus, the trend of voltage may be determined and/or analyzed
by the operations center. On the other hand, the onboard device may
have the capability to analyze the situation to determine whether
the power loss is or is not indicative of tampering.
[0040] FIG. 5 shows example voltages over time for plurality of
power loss situations. In particular, FIG. 5 shows, in graphical
form, three example voltage trend lines for the onboard device 116
receiving voltage from the vehicle battery. A sudden change from
constant 12 volts to zero volts, as shown by dashed line 502, may
be indicative of a tamper situation. In this example situation, the
supercapacitor would power the tamper detection elements of the
onboard device to send off appropriate tamper related messages to
the operations center and/or third party. In particular, the
onboard device may send an indication of the last known location of
the onboard device, the last known voltage before the power loss,
and/or an indication of a trend of voltage before the power
loss.
[0041] In the example situation related to dashed line 502, the
last known voltage and trend of voltage are both approximately 12
volts; thus, the sudden change of voltage between 12 volts and zero
volts may be indicative of disconnecting the onboard device 116
from the external power supply, and likely indicates tampering with
the device. The likelihood of tamper in any particular situation
may be analyzed at the operations center, by the onboard device
116, or both.
[0042] FIG. 5 further illustrates another potential situation by
solid line 504. In this example, the voltage trend of a negative
slope before a voltage drop to zero may be indicative of a problem
with the battery, such as degradation due to extreme temperatures,
or a slow drain on power resulting from leaving a cabin light on in
the vehicle. Because there is not a sudden drop in voltage from a
fully charged state, but rather a trend of power loss, the example
shown by line 504 is likely not indicative of a tamper situation.
Nevertheless, in the example situation related to dashed line 504
the onboard device 116 (powered by supercapacitor 124) may still
send a message to the operations center with any or all the
previously discussed information. In another example system,
however, the onboard device 116 may judge the situation as not a
tamper situation, and refrain from sending the tamper message in
spite of the loss of power to the onboard device 116.
[0043] In other cases, the last known voltage and the trend of
voltage determined at the time power is lost to the onboard device
may initially seem like a tamper situation (i.e., dashed line 502),
but may later be indicative of a legitimate, non-tamper situation.
In particular, the onboard device may recognize a sudden drop in
voltage and power loss, as shown by line 502, and thus, the onboard
device reacts by sending tamper related messages to the operations
center and/or third party. A short time later, the vehicle battery
may be reconnected to the onboard device. The onboard device reacts
to the power being restored by sending a message to the operations
center and/or third party that power has been restored. In
addition, the onboard device may send data related to the new trend
in voltage, as shown by dashed-dot-dashed line 504. This example
situation, while initially indicative of tampering, the power loss
notification may actually be indicative of a legitimate power loss,
such as routine maintenance on the vehicle. A situation where the
time between the loss of power and the regain of power is short,
such as 10 or fewer seconds, is more likely indicative of a
legitimate hiccup in the power. Additionally, a temporary power
loss of a couple of hours may be indicative of maintenance. On the
other hand, however, the longer the period of time between the loss
of power and the regain of power, the more likely there has been
tampering with the onboard board device. Thus, the message received
by the remote operations center and/or by the third party of the
return of power provides additional analytical context.
[0044] In addition to an analysis of voltages over time, other
contextual evidence may be used to determine whether a loss of
power is indicative of a tampering event. For example, the onboard
device may detect whether the starter has been engaged within a
predetermined time period prior to the power loss (e.g., 10 seconds
or less). A situation in which the starter has been engaged shortly
before the loss of power is more likely indicative of a problem
with the battery, and thus more likely of a legitimate power loss.
Alternatively, if the onboard device has not detected any attempt
to start the vehicle before a power loss is detected, it is more
likely that a tampering event has occurred.
[0045] Although the above description has discussed ascertaining
whether tampering has occurred with regard to a single onboard
device, any number of onboard devices in the system may be
contemplated.
[0046] FIG. 6 shows a computer system 600, which is illustrative of
a computer system upon which the various embodiments may be
practiced. The computer system 600 may be illustrative of, for
example, computer system 118 coupled to the onboard device 116. In
yet another embodiment, computer system 600 may be illustrative of
processor 102. In particular, computer system 600 comprises a
processor 602, and the processor couples to a main memory 604 by
way of a bridge device 606. Moreover, the processor 602 may couple
to a long term storage device 608 (e.g., a hard drive, solid state
disk, memory stick, optical disc) by way of the bridge device 606.
Programs executable by the processor 602 may be stored on the
storage device 608, and accessed when needed by the processor 602.
The program stored on the storage device 608 may comprise programs
to implement the various embodiments of the present specification,
such as sending an indication of the last known location of vehicle
114 in the event of device tampering. In some cases, the programs
are copied from the storage device 608 to the main memory 604, and
the programs are executed from the main memory 604. Thus, the main
memory 604, and storage device 608 shall be considered
computer-readable storage mediums.
[0047] The method of remote tamper detection will now be discussed
in more detail. FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram depicting an overall
method of detecting tampering and issuing an alert related to the
tampering. The method starts (block 700) by tracking location of an
asset by an onboard device mechanically coupled to the asset, the
onboard device electrically coupled to a source of power of the
asset, and the onboard device receiving power from the asset (block
702); detecting a loss of power provided to the onboard device, the
loss of power indicative of tampering with the onboard device, and
the detecting by the onboard device (block 704); and sending a
message by wireless transmission, the message indicative of
tampering with the onboard device, and the sending by the onboard
device during the loss of power (block 706). Thereafter, the method
ends (block 708).
[0048] From the description provided herein, those skilled in the
art are readily able to combine software created as described with
appropriate general-purpose or special-purpose computer hardware to
create a computer system and/or computer sub-components in
accordance with the various embodiments, to create a computer
system and/or computer sub-components for carrying out the methods
of the various embodiments and/or to create a non-transitory
computer-readable medium (i.e., not a carrier wave) that stores a
software program to implement the method aspects of the various
embodiments.
[0049] References to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "some
embodiments," "various embodiments," or the like indicate that a
particular element or characteristic is included in at least one
embodiment of the invention. Although the phrases may appear in
various places, the phrases do not necessarily refer to the same
embodiment.
[0050] The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the
principles and various embodiments of the present invention.
Numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those
skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated.
For example, the various embodiments have been described in terms
of remote tamper detection. This context, however, shall not be
read as a limitation as to the scope of one or more of the
embodiments described--the same techniques may be used for other
embodiments. It is intended that the following claims be
interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications.
* * * * *