U.S. patent application number 15/149320 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-01 for methods and systems related to asset identification triggered geofencing.
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 Christopher M. Macheca, Gerald A. Morgan, Stanley G. Schwarz.
Application Number | 20160253621 15/149320 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51532503 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160253621 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morgan; Gerald A. ; et
al. |
September 1, 2016 |
METHODS AND SYSTEMS RELATED TO ASSET IDENTIFICATION TRIGGERED
GEOFENCING
Abstract
Asset Identification Trigged Geo-fencing. At least some of the
example embodiments are apparatus including a tracking device
coupled to a vehicle, the vehicle having an identification number.
The tracking device is configured to associate the tracking device
with the identification number; monitor a location of the vehicle
relative to a geo-fence boundary, the geo-fence boundary containing
a location of the tracking device; disassociate the tracking device
in response to no longer having a need to track the vehicle; and
send a first message from the tracking device.
Inventors: |
Morgan; Gerald A.;
(Littleton, CO) ; Macheca; Christopher M.;
(Centennial, CO) ; Schwarz; Stanley G.;
(Indialantic, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GORDON*HOWARD ASSOCIATES, INC. |
Littleton |
CO |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GORDON*HOWARD ASSOCIATES,
INC.
Littleton
CO
|
Family ID: |
51532503 |
Appl. No.: |
15/149320 |
Filed: |
May 9, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13827652 |
Mar 14, 2013 |
9378480 |
|
|
15149320 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
701/468 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07C 5/008 20130101;
G07C 5/0858 20130101; G01C 21/26 20130101; G06Q 40/02 20130101;
G08B 21/0261 20130101; G08B 21/0269 20130101; G08B 13/1427
20130101; G06Q 10/087 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/08 20060101
G06Q010/08; G01C 21/26 20060101 G01C021/26; G06Q 40/02 20060101
G06Q040/02; G07C 5/00 20060101 G07C005/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a tracking device coupled to a vehicle,
the vehicle having an identification number, wherein: the tracking
device is configured to: associate the tracking device with the
identification number; monitor a location of the vehicle relative
to a geo-fence boundary, the geo-fence boundary containing a
location of the tracking device; disassociate the tracking device
in response to no longer having a need to track the vehicle; and
send a first message from the tracking device.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first message is sent to a
financing entity having an interest in the vehicle.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tracking device is further
configured to determine the identification number by way of at
least one selected from the group consisting of: reading a bar
code; reading a quick response code; reading a radio frequency
identification chip; and receiving the identification number by way
of a input device communicatively coupled to the tracking
device.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a connector
configured to couple to an onboard diagnostic version II (OBD-II)
port of a vehicle, the connector communicatively coupled to the
tracking device; and wherein the tracking device is further
configured to receive the identification number across the
connector.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tracking device is further
configured to read the identification number from the computer
system of the vehicle.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tracking device is further
configured to create the geo-fence boundary responsive to a command
from a financing entity having an interest in the vehicle. The
apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tracking device is further
configured to create the geo-fence boundary responsive to the
association of the identification number.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein sending the first message
further comprises sending the message to an operations center.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tracking device comprises a
global positioning system (GPS) receiver; and wherein the position
of the tracking device is obtained from the GPS receiver.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the tracking device is further
configured to monitor the location of the vehicle by way of the GPS
receiver.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the tracking device is
further configured to send the first message if the vehicle has
crossed the geo-fence boundary.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the first message is sent to
at least one of a financing entity having an interest in the
vehicle and an operations center.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tracking device is further
configured to send the first message by way of a wireless
transceiver communicatively coupled to the tracking device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. U.S. application Ser. No. 13/827,652, filed Mar. 14, 2013,
titled "Methods and Systems Related to Asset Identification
Triggered Geofencing," now U.S. patent Ser. No. ______, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference as if
reproduced in full below.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In situations where a financing institution has provided
funds for a dealership to purchase items for inventory, the
financing institution may have an interest in protecting its
investment by maintaining records on the inventory of the assets
over time. Taking multiple physical inventories over time to
maintain the records may be time consuming and prone to human
counting error. Thus, any technology which provides a more accurate
and easier way to inventory assets is beneficial.
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. 2A shows a perspective view of an identification system
in accordance with at least some embodiments;
[0006] FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of an identification system
in accordance with at least some embodiments;
[0007] FIG. 2C shows a perspective view of an identification system
in accordance with at least some embodiments;
[0008] FIG. 2D shows an elevation view of an identification system
in accordance with at least some embodiments;
[0009] FIG. 2E shows an elevation view of an identification system
in accordance with at least some embodiments;
[0010] FIG. 3 shows an overhead view of an established and/or
activated geo-fence in accordance with at least some
embodiments;
[0011] FIG. 4 shows an overhead view of an established and/or
activated geo-fence in accordance with at least some
embodiments;
[0012] FIG. 5 shows a computer system in accordance with at least
some embodiments; and
[0013] FIG. 6 shows, in block diagram form, a method in accordance
with at least some embodiments.
NOTATION AND NOMENCLATURE
[0014] 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.
[0015] 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.
[0016] " Remote" shall mean one kilometer or more.
[0017] "Portable computing device" shall mean a handheld device
having the ability to execute software instructions running on the
device and communicate over a wireless data network. The portable
computing device configured to operate exclusively from power
derived from an internal battery for an hour or more.
[0018] "Dealer inventory" shall mean a group of assets owned or
equitably owned by a dealership and offered for sale as the primary
product offering of the dealer.
[0019] "Lien-holder" shall mean a person or institution who has
provided financing for an asset and having a lien on the asset.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] 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.
[0021] Various embodiments are directed to systems and methods of
associating a tracking device with a specific asset, such as a
vehicle, and subsequently tracking location of the asset. The
developmental context is location tracking of vehicles in dealer
inventory, and thus the specification will be based on the
development context; 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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 tracking device 116 (shown within the dashed line). In
some embodiments, the tracking device may be part of the vehicle
114 as purchased from the manufacturer (i.e., an original equipment
manufacturer (OEM) device). In other embodiments, however, the
tracking device may be part of a third-party after-market
system.
[0026] Tracking 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 128 of the vehicle 114. An
example onboard device 116 configured to couple to the onboard
diagnostic two (OBD-II) port may also have the ability to read or
determine data associated with the vehicle 114.
[0027] Tracking device 116 may further comprise a wireless network
interface 124 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 124 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 124 thus implements a wireless communication system
and/or protocol.
[0028] The tracking 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 tracking 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 tracking
device 116, and thus the vehicle 114. In still other cases,
software executing on computer system 118 combined with information
received by the GPS receiver 120 may make a determination as to the
location of the tracking devices 116.
[0029] In one embodiment, the tracking 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 tracking device 116 may not necessarily have or contain
street level databases). In other cases, the tracking 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. For example, the wireless network
interface may be a cellular transceiver implementing implement a
wireless communication system and/or protocol (i.e., radio
frequency communication by way of electromagnetic waves propagating
through air).
[0030] In some cases, the location determined by the tracking
device 116 may only be a position on the face of the earth, for
example, latitude and longitude. The mapping module 112, located at
the operations center 100 and receiving a stream of locations from
the tracking device 116, may correlate to streets and addresses. In
other cases, the tracking 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. The tracking
device 116 coupled to vehicle 114 may further comprise its own
mapping module 122 coupled to computer system 118. In accordance
with at least some embodiments, the mapping module 122 may be a
computer program or program package that operates or executes on
the computer system 118 to perform a mapping function associated
with the location of vehicle 114 and any geo-fences which may be
activated on the tracking device 116.
[0031] Consider the following example situation. A lien-holder
offers loans to finance the inventory of a car dealership. The
dealership borrows funds in order to stock an inventory of
vehicles, and repays the debt as the vehicles are sold. In order to
protect the lien-holder's investment on the inventory, a
representative from the lien-holder may make a periodic (e.g.,
monthly) physical count of the vehicles to ensure the accounting of
each vehicle. The physical visit and physical accounting of the
inventory is both costly and time-consuming. Furthermore, a
physical accounting of the vehicles is prone to human error. As a
result, the lien-holder may request that each vehicle on the lot be
outfitted with a uniquely linked tracking device. Each tracking
device is linked with an identification number 130 associated with
a specific vehicle (e.g., a vehicle identification number (VIN), a
dealer-assigned tracking number, or a lien-holder assigned tracking
number). In accordance with a plurality of established and
activated geo-fences (one each for each tracking device), the
tracking devices track the locations of respective vehicles, thus
making an accounting of the vehicles automated, fast, and less
prone to error, and subsequently reducing the number of times a
physical accounting must be made.
[0032] In order to track a vehicle, a geo-fence may be established
for a variety of different situations. If the vehicle departs a
geo-fenced area, an alert may be sent to the remote operations
center, or directly to the lien-holder. If a vehicle is purchased,
the tracking device is disassociated from the vehicle, which may be
an indication for the lien-holder to request partial payment on the
loan. Various techniques for associating a vehicle with a tracking
device will be discussed first.
[0033] FIGS. 2A-2E show a plurality of identification and
association technologies in accordance with a variety of
embodiments. In particular, a plurality of technologies may be
employed to read an identification number uniquely linked to the
vehicle, and further associating the identification number with the
tracking device coupled to the vehicle. For simplification, the
following discussion will assume the identification number is a
standardized Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), although the
identification number need not be a VIN and may be any type of
unique identification code.
[0034] FIG. 2A shows an example VIN identification method. In this
example embodiment, vehicle 114 is tagged with an optical
machine-readable representation containing VIN information, such as
a bar code 200 or Quick Response Code (QR Code). The bar code 200
or QR code may contain VIN information including the manufacturer
of the vehicle, the year of manufacture, the country of origin, the
type of vehicle, and a unique serial number for vehicle 114
specifically. The bar code 200 may be affixed to the vehicle by way
of a sticker or a label, or other adhesive means, or may be
physically imprinted on the vehicle directly, (e.g., printed on the
VIN tag behind the front windshield).
[0035] The bar code may be read and decoded by using a portable
computing device, such as a handheld scanner 202. For example, the
handheld scanner 202 may be a laser scanner, a charge-coupled
device (CCD) reader, a camera-based reader, or a pen-type laser
reader. In particular, a person (e.g., an employee of the
dealership, a representative of the lien-holder, or another
third-party) may use the handheld scanner to physically scan bar
code 200. In another example, the scanner 202 need not be
physically handled by a person, but may be mounted and machine
controlled.
[0036] In the example system, decoded VIN information is then
wirelessly transmitted to the computer system 118 of tracking
device 116 coupled to vehicle 114. Alternatively, the handheld
scanner 202 may transmit information to the tracking device 116 by
way of a hardwired connection, such as by a universal serial bus
(USB) cable. Once the tracking device 116 receives the vehicle
specific VIN information, the tracking device 116 is associated
with vehicle 114.
[0037] In FIG. 2B, example vehicle 114 is associated with tracking
device 116 by way of a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip.
In particular, the VIN associated with vehicle 114 may be embedded
within an RFID chip 204 attached to the vehicle. In one embodiment,
the information on the RFID chip may be decoded by a handheld
two-way radio transceiver 208. Transceiver 208 sends an
electromagnetic query signal to the RFID chip, and then reads the
signal received from the RFID chip in return. In the example
system, the transceiver then wirelessly transmits the RFID chip
response to the computer system 118 in order to associate the VIN
information from vehicle 114 with tracking device 116.
Alternatively, the transceiver 208 may transmit information to the
tracking device 116 by way of a hardwired connection, such as by a
universal serial bus (USB) cable.
[0038] In another embodiment, the RFID chip 204 may be read as the
vehicle passes by an RFID scanner, where the scanner may be
embedded in a portion of a physical gate 206 into the dealership
lot 300. In particular, because the RFID chip 204 may be read at
short ranges via electric or magnetic fields, or by way of emitted
radio waves, the RFID chip 204 may be read from up to several
meters away, and unlike scanning a bar code, the RFID chip 204 need
not be within the line of sight of a handheld reader. Thus, where
an individual may physically scan each bar code (or each RFID tag,
in some embodiments), it may also be possible for the RFID chip 204
to be read and decoded as vehicle 114 is driven past the RFID
scanner 208 and onto the dealership lot 300 for the first time.
[0039] Although discussion with regard to the handheld scanners in
both the bar code technology and RFID technology has involved the
scanner directly providing the tracking device computer system with
the VIN information, it is also contemplated the handheld devices
202 and 208 may transmit the VIN information first to another
remote computer system (e.g., the remote operations center 100),
where the remote computer system in turn transmits the information
to the tracking device 116.
[0040] FIG. 2C shows yet another embodiment in which the tracking
device may be associated with the vehicle. In particular, the
tracking device 116 may receive VIN information from the computer
system 128 of vehicle 114. For example, the tracking device 116 is
coupled to the OBD-II port 214 in order to read or determine data
associated with the vehicle, including reading the VIN, as well as
associating the tracking device 116 with vehicle 114.
[0041] FIG. 2D shows yet another embodiment in which the tracking
device may be associated with the vehicle. In particular, the
tracking device may be associated with a unique serial number as
well. Both the serial number of the tracking device and the VIN for
vehicle 114 may be manually entered into a computer program running
on a computer system 210 at a remote location, such as at
operations center 100.
[0042] FIG. 2E shows yet another embodiment in which the tracking
device may be associated with the vehicle. In particular, the
tracking device 116 may comprise an input device 218, where the
input device may be, for example, a touchscreen or a tactile
keypad. In this example embodiment, the VIN information for vehicle
114 may be physically entered directly into the tracking device
116.
[0043] Once the tracking device 116 has been associated with the
vehicle 114 by way of the unique identifier (e.g., the VIN), the
vehicle's location with respect to a geo-fence may be tracked.
Various techniques for activating a geo-fence, as well as
monitoring the location of a vehicle are now discussed.
[0044] FIG. 3 shows an overhead view of a geo-fence in accordance
with at least some embodiments. In particular, FIG. 3 shows a
dealership lot 300 containing multiple vehicles 302, as well as
example vehicle 114. Each vehicle being financed by the lien-holder
has been coupled to and associated with a tracking device.
Responsive to the acknowledgement that at least one vehicle on the
dealership lot 300 is associated with a tracking device, a
geo-fence may be established to aid in tracking the location of the
vehicle inventory. In the event a vehicle departs the geo-fenced
area, an alert will be sent to a remote location informing any
interested party (e.g., the dealership, the lien-holder) that the
vehicle is no longer on the dealership lot 300.
[0045] In some cases, mapping module 112 of the remote operations
center 100 may play a role in establishing the geo-fence when a
vehicle is within the coordinates of the dealership lot 300. In
particular, the mapping module may receive information from the
tracking device 116 regarding the vehicle location, as well as
other related information (e.g., the time of day, whether the
vehicle is schedule for a test-drive, whether the vehicle is
schedule for maintenance), and the operations center establishes
the relevant geo-fence boundary.
[0046] In other cases, the tracking device 116 may establish the
geo-fence. In particular, the GPS receiver, receiving timing
signals from the satellites, passes the location information to
computer system 118. Computer system 118 processes the information
received from the GPS receiver 120, and establishes an appropriate
geo-fence boundary. Regardless of how the geo-fence boundary is
established, once the geo-fence boundary is established, movement
of the vehicle with respect to the geo-fence is monitored.
[0047] Still referring to FIG. 3, a geo-fence 306 is established
along the perimeter of the dealership (shown offset for
illustration purposes). While a vehicle is located within the
boundary of geo-fence 306, the vehicle is accounted for in the
inventory. If a vehicle is crosses out of the area bounded by
geo-fence 306, an alert may be sent to the operations center 100 or
the lien-holder 126 that the vehicle has departed the lot. In some
cases, notification that the vehicle has left the lot is indicative
of an unauthorized departure, thus prompting potential
investigation.
[0048] In addition to monitoring when a vehicle leaves the
geo-fenced area without authorization, it is also possible that
vehicles recognized as being located within the geo-fence 306
correspond to an accurate and correct inventory accounting of
vehicles in which the lien-holder has a financial interest. When
the lien-holder wants an inventory, a query regarding the vehicles
on the lots can be performed automatically and without human
interaction (outside of requesting the data from the operations
center).
[0049] In one embodiment, geo-fence 306 is established by the
remote operations center 100 for all of the vehicles on the lot in
total. In other words, geo-fence 306 is established regardless of
how many vehicles are present on the dealership lot 300, and
regardless of whether any of the vehicle has its own situational
geo-fence established (e.g., a test-drive geo-fence). In another
embodiment, each tracking device coupled to a vehicle individually
establishes a default geo-fence 306 corresponding to the dealership
perimeter for the specific vehicle to which the tracking device is
coupled. In other words, in some example cases, there are multiple
geo-fences having the same size, shape and location; one for each
vehicle on the dealership lot 300.
[0050] Referring again to FIG. 3, geo-fence 306 is established
around vehicles 302, including example vehicle 114. During the time
period that example vehicle 114 is located within the boundary
created by geo-fence 306, vehicle 114 is accounted for on the lot
300. In some cases, the geo-fence 306 defining the boundary of the
dealership may be activated 24 hours a day, such that at any point
the location of each vehicle may be known. In other cases, the
geo-fence 306 may be activated only part of the day, such as the
hours during which the dealership is closed. In cases where the
geo-fence 306 is individually established for individual vehicles,
each vehicle may have its own specific geo-fence activation
rules.
[0051] In the event vehicle 114 departs the area bounded by
geo-fence 306 (i.e., the dealership lot geo-fence), the tracking
device will send a message indicating a geo-fence violation. In one
embodiment, the message may be sent from the tracking device to the
operations center 100. In another embodiment, the message may be
sent from the tracking device directly to the lien-holder 126. In
yet another embodiment, the tracking device may send a message to
the operations center, and then the operations center will send a
message to the lien-holder.
[0052] In some instances, a geo-fence violation is indicative of an
unauthorized departure, and may trigger an investigation by the
dealership or by the lien-holder. For example, if a vehicle is
stolen, when it is removed from the dealership the operations
center and/or lien holder will receive a message that a vehicle has
departed the lot without the knowledge of either or both parties.
However, in some instances, the vehicle will have a legitimate
reason for departing the area bounded by the dealership geo-fence
306, such as for a test drive, for maintenance, or to transfer the
vehicle from one dealership location to another dealership
location.
[0053] If the vehicle leaves the dealership lot 300 with previous
knowledge and authorization, a new geo-fence may be established to
monitor the vehicle outside of the dealership. Circumstantial
geo-fences may be established for a vehicle in a variety of ways
and for a variety of reasons, as discussed with reference to FIG.
4.
[0054] FIG. 4 shows two geo-fences in accordance with at least some
embodiments. In particular, FIG. 4 shows dealership lot 300 bounded
by default geo-fence 306, as well as a new circumstantial geo-fence
400 for vehicle 114. In this example, vehicle 114 departed, with
previous knowledge, the dealership lot geo-fence 306, but is still
under the control of the dealership (i.e., the vehicle has not been
sold or otherwise disassociated with the tracking device). As a
result of the departure, circumstantial geo-fence 400 has been
established as having a specific size, shape, and location in
relation to the dealership.
[0055] In one embodiment, the geo-fence 400 may have a predefined
size, shape, and location. For example, if geo-fence 400 is a
test-drive geo-fence, geo-fence 400 may extend outwardly from the
dealership, and having a radius of five miles. In another example,
it may be possible to define the geo-fence as being defined by
street coordinates. In particular, it may be possible to define the
area bounded by the geo-fence by the following example street
coordinates: the area south of E 15.sup.th Street; east of N Lamar
Boulevard; north of Caesar Chavez Street; and west of Red River
Street.
[0056] In another embodiment, the circumstantial geo-fence 400 may
be established in real-time. For example, while some geo-fences may
be predefined to define a perimeter around the dealership, or may
be predefined to define an area to accommodate a test-drive or
maintenance trip, it may be possible to establish a circumstantial
geo-fence in real-time specific to the circumstances at hand. For
example, the dealership may be located in a city setting, but sells
off-road type vehicles. A potential purchaser may want to test
drive the vehicle in a location that is more similar to off-road
conditions than urban city streets can provide. Thus, the
operations center or the tracking device may receive real-time
commands to establish a geo-fence outside the regular five-mile
radius test drive geo-fence. In another example, in another
example, a 16-year old looking to purchase his first vehicle may be
given a smaller geo-fence area in which to test-drive the vehicle.
In yet another example, the geo-fence may be altered to consider a
specific path over which the vehicle may be test-driven, or a
specific path to reach another dealership or to receive
maintenance. Thus, the geo-fence need not be circular, oval, or
square in shape, and may be any shape or size contemplated.
[0057] Although additional geo-fences may be established for
specific circumstance in addition to established dealership lot 300
geo-fence 306, it is also possible that specific circumstances
regarding vehicles leaving the lot with authorization are handled
with only geo-fence 306 and a timer.
[0058] For example, in another embodiment, geo-fence 306 is
established and activated around dealership lot 300. For an
authorized purpose, not including the sale of the vehicle, vehicle
114 departs dealership lot 300. Instead of a new geo-fence being
established for vehicle 114, the tracking device and/or operations
center delays sending a message of a geo-fence violation for some
predetermined time, such as 30 minutes for a test drive or an
example five hours for a maintenance trip. If vehicle 114 does not
return to the area bounded by geo-fence 306 within the
predetermined time period, then the tracking device and/or
operations center will send a message of an unauthorized
departure.
[0059] In yet another embodiment, the geo-fences established may be
established on a time basis. For example, the geo-fence 306 may be
activated during the hours the dealership is closed (e.g., 5:00
p.m. to 8:00 a.m.) to monitor the location of the vehicles when
there are no employees nearby to monitor the location of the
vehicles. Alternatively, specifically sized geo-fences may be set
to activate and de-active on varying time bases. Thus, not all of
the geo-fences established need necessarily be activated on the
same time schedule, and may vary based on a variety of
pre-determined rules.
[0060] Overall, when a geo-fence is established around a vehicle,
the lien-holder or dealership is interested in the location of the
vehicle. As discussed previously when a vehicle enters and/or exits
an area bounded by a geo-fence, a message is sent regarding the
movement and/or location of the vehicle.
[0061] In one embodiment, a message is sent at the time the vehicle
crosses the geo-fence. The message may be sent directly from the
tracking device to the operations center; directly from the
tracking device to the lien-holder (or other third party); from the
tracking device to the operations center, and then subsequently
from the operations center to the tracking device; or from the
tracking device to another indicated third-party.
[0062] In another embodiment, the tracking device may be instructed
to send a message regarding the vehicle crossing the geo-fence
after a specific period of time has elapsed. For example, the
dealership has elected to not establish specific geo-fences for
test drives, but rather has elected to provide a 30 minute window
for test-drives. Thus, while the tracking device may recognize the
vehicle has crossed over the geo-fence and is exiting the lot, the
tracking device is also aware that this movement is a test-drive,
and waits to send a message unless the vehicle is not recognized as
returning to the lot within a 30 minutes time period.
[0063] In yet another embodiment, the tracking device may send a
message regarding the movement and location of the vehicle only
when queried by the operations center. For example, at the time a
lien-holder is interested in the location of the financed vehicles,
the lien-holder may ask the dealership to conduct a count by way of
messages sent from the respective tracking devices.
[0064] The messages sent from the tracking device may provide
varying degrees of information. In one embodiment, the tracking
device may simply send a message indicating the vehicle has entered
or exited the area bounded by the geo-fence. In another embodiment,
the tracking device may send a message indicative of movement in
relation to the geo-fence, tracking the location of the vehicle,
and send indications of location of the vehicle. In yet another
embodiment, the tracking device may send a message indicating the
geo-fence has been breached and sends an indication of last-known
location when the ignition of the vehicle has been deactivated.
[0065] At some point after the tracking device has been coupled to
the vehicle, and the vehicles movements monitored with respect to
the geo-fence(s) established, tracking device may be disassociated
with the vehicle.
[0066] Now consider a situation where the vehicle 114, coupled to
the tracking device 116, is sold. No longer needing to track the
location of the vehicle, the tracking device is disassociated from
the vehicle. While the tracking device itself may remain coupled to
the vehicle for other functions, the association between the
vehicle's VIN and the geo-fence location tracking is no longer
linked. The disassociation may be accomplished by removing the sold
vehicle's VIN from the dealership's inventory database. In another
example, the VIN number may remain associated with the tracking
device, but a program linking the tracking device with geo-fence
monitoring is turned off. In yet another example, the tracking
device may be physical disconnected from the vehicle, thus
effectively disassociating the tracking device with the
vehicle.
[0067] In another embodiment, the tracking device may be
disassociated due to tampering. For example, the tracking device
may be removed from the vehicle, thus severing power to the
tracking device, and effectively disabling the tracking device's
ability to monitor the location of the vehicle and send messages.
In yet another example, the tracking device from one vehicle may be
removed and subsequently coupled to another vehicle. In this
example, tracking device 116 is still programmed to report the
movement and location of vehicle 114, but since it has been removed
and coupled to another vehicle, in actuality the tracking device
116 is monitoring the location of another vehicle.
[0068] When disassociation of a tracking device with a vehicle is
detected, a message is sent to the operations center, to the
lien-holder, or the lien-holder via message first to the operations
center. In one embodiment, the message sent in response to a
disassociation may inform the lien-holder that a vehicle has been
sold, and thus the vehicle should be removed from the inventory. In
another embodiment, the message sent in response to a
disassociation informs the lien-holder and/or the dealership that
there has been tampering with one of the tracking devices, and may
thus trigger an investigation as to the location of the previously
associated vehicle.
[0069] In addition to monitoring the location of a vehicle with
respect to one or more geo-fences, the tracking device coupled to
the vehicle may have the capability to perform other actions. In
one embodiment, the tracking device may receive operating power
from the vehicle battery, and may be able to detect a loss of
charge in the battery. In the event a loss of charge is detected by
the tracking device, the tracking device may send a message to the
dealership or to the operations center that a low battery is
detected in the vehicle.
[0070] In another embodiment, the tracking device may have the
capability to send a signal to the vehicle computer to lock or
unlock the vehicle. For example, the vehicle computer may receive
instructions from the tracking device to automatically engage the
locks on the vehicle at 8:00 p.m. and to automatically disengage
the locks at 8:00 a.m. In another example, the tracking device may
send a message to the operations center that a vehicle is not
locked after business hours, and a command may be issued in
real-time to lock the vehicle (or to unlock the vehicle if the
vehicle is locked during business hours). In another embodiment,
before the tracking device sends a signal to the vehicle computer
to lock the vehicle, the tracking device may first determine the
location of the vehicle. More specifically, the tracking device may
instruct the vehicle computer to lock the vehicle only if the
vehicle is located within the dealership lot geo-fence 306. This
location check may thus prevent a situation where a customer is
inadvertently locked out of the vehicle on test-drive occurring
after business hours.
[0071] FIG. 5 shows a computer system 500, which is illustrative of
a computer system upon which the various embodiments may be
practiced. The computer system 500 may be illustrative of, for
example, computer system 118 coupled to the onboard device 116. In
yet another embodiment, computer system 500 may be illustrative of
processor 102. In particular, computer system 500 comprises a
processor 502, and the processor couples to a main memory 504 by
way of a bridge device 506. Moreover, the processor 502 may couple
to a long term storage device 508 (e.g., a hard drive, solid state
disk, memory stick, optical disc) by way of the bridge device 506.
Programs executable by the processor 502 may be stored on the
storage device 508, and accessed when needed by the processor 502.
The program stored on the storage device 508 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 508 to the main memory 504, and
the programs are executed from the main memory 504. Thus, the main
memory 504, and storage device 508 shall be considered
computer-readable storage mediums.
[0072] The method of tracking an associated vehicle will now be
discussed in more detail. FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram depicting an
overall method of associating a vehicle with a tracking device, and
subsequently tracking the vehicle. The method starts (block 600),
and continues with coupling a tracking device to a vehicle, the
vehicle having an identification number (block 602); associating
the identification number with the tracking device (block 604);
creating a geo-fence boundary containing a location of the vehicle
(block 606); sending a first message from the tracking device
indicating that the vehicle has traveled outside the geo-fence
boundary (block 608). Thereafter, the method ends (block 610).
[0073] 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.
[0074] 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.
[0075] 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 vehicle inventory tracking for lien-holders. 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.
* * * * *