U.S. patent application number 15/604485 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-30 for systems and methods for active supply chain monitoring.
The applicant listed for this patent is Flex Ltd.. Invention is credited to CHRISTOPHER BJORN KILBURN, THOMAS K. LINTON, ARMANDO J. LUCRECIO, FRANCIS MOSSMAN, JANNIK OLSEN.
Application Number | 20170344939 15/604485 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60412146 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170344939 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LINTON; THOMAS K. ; et
al. |
November 30, 2017 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACTIVE SUPPLY CHAIN MONITORING
Abstract
Methods, devices, and systems for tracking an asset are
provided. In particular, a device is provided that includes an
array of sensors and communications modules configured to detect
tracking information, including environmental conditions and
physical events, and report the tracking information along with a
geographical location of the device to a control server across a
wireless network. Upon receiving the tracking information, the
control server interprets the information and generates tracking
reports for the device configured to be displayed to a graphical
user interface of a third-party communication device.
Inventors: |
LINTON; THOMAS K.; (NEWNAN,
GA) ; LUCRECIO; ARMANDO J.; (FREMONT, CA) ;
MOSSMAN; FRANCIS; (AUSTIN, TX) ; OLSEN; JANNIK;
(SAN JOSE, CA) ; KILBURN; CHRISTOPHER BJORN;
(MENLO PARK, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Flex Ltd. |
SINGAPORE |
|
SG |
|
|
Family ID: |
60412146 |
Appl. No.: |
15/604485 |
Filed: |
May 24, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62340599 |
May 24, 2016 |
|
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|
62477272 |
Mar 27, 2017 |
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62482005 |
Apr 5, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01S 19/46 20130101;
G06Q 10/0833 20130101; G01S 19/16 20130101; G01S 5/0294
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/08 20120101
G06Q010/08; G01S 19/46 20100101 G01S019/46; G01S 5/02 20100101
G01S005/02 |
Claims
1. A tracking device, comprising: a housing having an electronics
receiving cavity; a battery disposed at least partially within the
electronics receiving cavity of the housing and in a first plane
parallel to a surface of the housing; a first communications
antenna configured to emit radio signals in a first frequency
range, the first communications antenna disposed at least partially
within the housing and in the first plane; and a second
communications antenna configured to emit radio signals in a second
frequency range, the second communications antenna disposed at
least partially within the housing and in the first plane, wherein
a portion of the battery is disposed in a space between the first
communications antenna and the second communications antenna,
wherein the portion of the battery interrupts a radio frequency
signal path between the first communications antenna and the second
communications antenna.
2. The tracking device of claim 1, wherein the battery includes
stacked layers of anode and cathode material, and wherein the
stacked layers form a shield blocking radio frequency interference
between the first communications antenna and the second
communications antenna.
3. The tracking device of claim 1, wherein the battery has an
electromagnetic field surrounding a portion of the battery, and
wherein the electromagnetic field interrupts the radio frequency
signal path between the first communications antenna and the second
communications antenna.
4. The tracking device of claim 1, wherein the first communications
antenna and the second communications antenna are mounted to a
first side of a substantially planar printed circuit board.
5. The tracking device of claim 4, wherein the printed circuit
board is configured as an L-shaped board, the first communications
antenna being attached adjacent to a first end of the L-shaped
board and the second communications antenna being attached adjacent
to a second end of the L-shaped board diagonally opposite the first
end.
6. The tracking device of claim 5, wherein the first communications
antenna is mounted in an orientation orthogonal to an orientation
of the second communications antenna.
7. The tracking device of claim 6, wherein the first frequency
range includes at least one frequency within the second frequency
range.
8. The tracking device of claim 7, wherein the first communications
antenna is a global system for mobile (GSM) communication systems
antenna.
9. The tracking device of claim 8, wherein the second
communications antenna is a global positioning system (GPS)
antenna.
10. The tracking device of claim 9, further comprising: at least
one radio frequency shield disposed in the space between the first
communications antenna and the second communications antenna.
11. The tracking device of claim 10, wherein the housing is a
substantially rectangular three-dimensional shape, and wherein the
first communications antenna and the second communications antenna
are mounted in opposing corners of the housing.
12. A tracking unit, comprising: a split-housing including a cover
interconnected with a base; an electrical subassembly disposed
within the split-housing, the electrical subassembly comprising: a
printed circuit board; a battery electrically interconnected to the
printed circuit board; a first communications antenna configured to
emit radio signals at a first frequency, the first communications
antenna attached to the printed circuit board; a second
communications antenna configured to emit radio signals at a second
frequency, the second communications antenna attached to the
printed circuit board, wherein a portion of the battery is disposed
in a space between the first communications antenna and the second
communications antenna, and wherein the portion of the battery
interrupts a radio frequency signal path between the first
communications antenna and the second communications antenna.
13. The tracking unit of claim 12, wherein the cover and the base
are interconnected with one another via at least one fastening
element and a sealing element.
14. The tracking unit of claim 13, wherein the first frequency and
the second frequency are within 100 MHz of each other.
15. The tracking unit of claim 13, further comprising: a
temperature sensor connected to the printed circuit board and
configured to measure and record a temperature of the tracking
unit.
16. The tracking unit of claim 15, further comprising: a pressure
sensor connected to the printed circuit board and configured to
measure and record a pressure of an environment surrounding the
tracking unit.
17. The tracking unit of claim 16, further comprising: a light
sensor connected to the printed circuit board and configured to
measure and record an ambient light level surrounding at least a
portion of the tracking unit.
18. The tracking unit of claim 17, wherein the light sensor is one
of a photodiode, phototransistor, or phototransistor.
19. The tracking unit of claim 17, wherein the first communications
antenna and the second communications antenna are mounted at
opposing corners of the printed circuit board.
20. A printed circuit board assembly for a tracking device,
comprising: a substantially planar L-shaped substrate having a
first portion running in a first direction and a second portion
running in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction,
wherein a first communications antenna configured to emit radio
signals in a first frequency range is attached to the first
portion, wherein a second communications antenna configured to emit
radio signals in a second frequency range is attached to the second
portion, wherein the first communications antenna is mounted in an
transmitting orientation orthogonal to a transmitting orientation
of the second communications antenna, wherein the first
communications antenna is separated from the second communications
antenna by an open space disposed between the first and second
portions of the substantially planar L-shaped substrate, and
wherein the open space is sized to receive a substantially planar
battery.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefits of and priority,
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e), to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.
No. 62/340,599, filed May 24, 2016, entitled "Technology Systems
and Methods for Active Supply Chain Monitoring and Optimization;"
to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/477,272, filed Mar. 27,
2017, entitled "Systems and Methods for Active Supply Chain
Monitoring;" and to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
62/482,005, filed Apr. 5, 2017, entitled "Systems and Methods for
Active Supply Chain Monitoring." Each of the aforementioned
provisional applications is incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety for all that they teach and for all purposes.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure is generally directed to the
logistics tracking and, in particular, toward the use of logistics
tracking units in monitoring shipments.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Traditional shipping models generally included a limited
number of simple transportation modes and methods to deliver a
product to its final destination. However, the traditional shipping
models typically dealt with large cargo transported by dedicated
carriers. As can be appreciated, tracking a conventional shipment
under this model was a fairly simple process of reviewing a
shipping list, or inspecting the shipment, after it had reached a
particular handoff point or destination.
[0004] Recently, the traditional shipping model has been
significantly altered to include a number of handoffs and/or
transfers between various carriers to meet optimized delivery
logistics. In addition, as lean manufacturing methods are
increasingly employed in the technology sector, the shipping
demands associated with product and/or component inventory has
significantly changed. In short, these changes require an enhanced
tracking of shipments beyond the traditional model of checking a
shipment upon reaching a destination.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a logistics tracking system in
accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a representation of a graphical user interface
displaying logistics tracking information in accordance with
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0007] FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of a logistics tracking
unit in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0008] FIG. 3B shows a first plan view of the logistics tracking
unit of FIG. 3A;
[0009] FIG. 3C shows a front elevation view of the logistics
tracking unit of FIG. 3A;
[0010] FIG. 3D shows a right elevation view of the logistics
tracking unit of FIG. 3A;
[0011] FIG. 3E shows a rear elevation view of the logistics
tracking unit of FIG. 3A;
[0012] FIG. 3F shows a second plan view of the logistics tracking
unit opposite the first plan view shown in FIG. 3B;
[0013] FIG. 3G shows a left elevation view of the logistics
tracking unit of FIG. 3A;
[0014] FIG. 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the logistics
tracking unit of FIG. 3A
[0015] FIG. 5 shows a detail perspective view of a sensor aperture
taken from section A of FIG. 4;
[0016] FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of an electronics
subassembly of the logistics tracking unit in accordance with at
least some embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 6B shows a first plan view of the electronics
subassembly of FIG. 6A;
[0018] FIG. 6C shows a second plan view of the electronics
subassembly opposite the first plan view shown in FIG. 6A;
[0019] FIG. 6D shows a detail perspective view of a single-piece
compartmentalized shielding frame of the electronics subassembly in
accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a tamperproof sensor data
permeable travel pouch for a logistics tracking unit in accordance
with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 8A shows a front plan view of a logistics tracking unit
charging system in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 8B shows a bottom end view of the logistics tracking
unit charging system of FIG. 8A;
[0023] FIG. 8C shows a right end view of the logistics tracking
unit charging system of FIG. 8A;
[0024] FIG. 8D shows a top end view of the logistics tracking unit
charging system of FIG. 8A;
[0025] FIG. 8E shows a rear plan view of the logistics tracking
unit charging system of FIG. 8A;
[0026] FIG. 8F shows a left end view of the logistics tracking unit
charging system of FIG. 8A;
[0027] FIG. 9 show a computing environment of the LTU in accordance
with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 10 shows a hardware diagram for the LTU or other
computer systems associated with the LTU system in accordance with
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 11 shows a software/hardware diagram for the LTU in
accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 12 shows another software/hardware diagram for the LTU
in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 13 shows a software/hardware diagram for the LTU server
in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 14 shows a software/hardware diagram for the
authentication function of the LTU server in accordance with
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0033] FIG. 15 shows a software/hardware diagram for the middleware
function of the LTU server in accordance with embodiments of the
present disclosure;
[0034] FIG. 16 shows a software/hardware diagram for the tracking
processing function of the LTU server in accordance with
embodiments of the present disclosure; and
[0035] FIG. 17 shows a block diagram of data that may be
communicated, stored, and/or retrieved by the LTU or other systems
herein in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] It is with respect to the above issues and other problems
that the embodiments presented herein were contemplated. In
general, embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods,
devices, and systems by which assets, objects, and/or shipments may
be tracked at any point during a shipment. At least one aspect of
the present disclosure includes providing rich tracking information
including environmental conditions, timing, travel information,
and/or other data associated with a monitored shipment. The
information may be gathered by one or more tracking units, compiled
by a tracking server, and presented to a user to provide graphical
and intuitive logistics tracking information in real-time,
near-real-time, and/or as a shipment is in transit.
[0037] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in
connection with a logistics tracking unit (LTU). The LTU may be
configured as a physical device that can be selectively associated
with a package, shipment, cargo, and/or other object that travels
from an origin to a destination. In some embodiments, the LTU may
be secured to an object directly and/or in a tamperproof travel
pouch. In any event, the LTU may be associated with a traveling
object physically (e.g., attached thereto, etc.) and/or virtually
(e.g., associating an identification of a shipment to an
identification of the LTU, etc., which can be stored in the cloud
or some other memory.
[0038] Tracking Environment:
[0039] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a logistics tracking system 100
in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The
logistics tracking system 100 may include a shipping object 104 and
an associated logistics tracking unit (LTU) 300. The shipping
object 104 and LTU 300 may be transported via at least one vehicle
108 (e.g., truck, car, ship, airplane, drone, etc.). Examples of
shipping objects 104 may include, but are in no way limited to, a
package, pallet, box, travel container, shipping container, bulk
container, freight container, drum, crate, pail, etc., and/or
combinations thereof. In some cases, the shipping object 104 may
represent a group of individual shipping containers that are
grouped together to form a single trackable shipment. The LTU 300
may be selectively attached to a shipping object 104 and associated
with a corresponding shipment. The association of the LTU 300 to
the shipment may be performed via one or more instructions sent
from an LTU server 132 to the LTU 300. Association of the LTU 300
may include correlating a unique identification of an LTU 300 with
a unique shipment identification (e.g., including one or more
shipping objects 104, etc.). Once recorded, the correlation may be
recorded in a memory of the LTU server 132 and/or third-party
server 140. In some embodiments, the association between the LTU
300 and the shipment may last until the association for the LTU 300
is reset (e.g., once a shipment is completed, upon receiving reset
commands from the LTU server 132, etc.).
[0040] Once the LTU 300 is associated with a shipment and is in an
active state (e.g., turned on, programmed to report, etc.), the LTU
300 may record and/or report a position, location, environmental
conditions, force measurements, changes in information,
combinations thereof, and/or any other information related to the
shipment. The LTU 300 may report this information via a number of
different communications channels and/or devices. In some
embodiments, the LTU 300 may be configured to determine a
geographical position using one or more satellite positioning
systems. Examples of satellite positioning systems may include, but
is in no way limited to, the global positioning system (GPS),
global navigation satellite system (GLONASS), BeiDou navigation
satellite system (BeiDou-2), European Union global navigation
satellite system (GNSS), etc., and/or combinations thereof. While
the geographical position of the LTU 300 may be determined via
information received from any propriety or open satellite
positioning system, the term GPS may be used herein to represent
all satellite positioning systems. The LTU 300 may include a GPS
receiver configured to exchange position information with a GPS
satellite system 120. This position information may be stored in a
memory of the LTU 300.
[0041] As the LTU may be configured with a suite of sensors, the
LTU 300 may detect and report a number of conditions and/or other
tracking information associated with a shipment. For instance, the
LTU 300 may detect, record, and report tracking information
including, but in no way limited to, geographical position,
temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, atmospheric conditions
(e.g., oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and/or other gas
and levels detected), shock, impacts, lighting, and/or other
conditions associated with a shipment. In any event, the LTU 300
may be configured to transmit and/or receive information via one or
more orbiting communication satellites 124 and terrestrial
satellite dish 128, terrestrial antennas 112 (e.g., cell towers,
repeaters, GSM communication equipment, etc.), wireless local area
networking (WiFi) hotspots 116, and/or other radio frequency
communications. Reported information may be passed along various
communication channels to an LTU server 132. In some embodiments,
the LTU server 132 may be configured to send instructions,
commands, and/or other information to the LTU 300 via the same or
similar communication channels.
[0042] As described herein, the LTU 300 may send and/or receive
data across one or more of the communications channels via one or
more methods, protocols, and/or devices. In some cases, the LTU 300
may be configured to send information via the fastest route (e.g.,
the communication channel and/or mode having the fastest available
data transfer rate, etc.). In one embodiment, the LTU 300 may be
configured to send information via the most reliable route (e.g.,
via a communication channel including error checking and/or
complete transmission checking, TCP, etc.). In any event, the LTU
300 may determine that one or more of the communications channels
are unavailable (e.g., low signal strength, unreliable connection,
etc.) and switch communication to another available channel. The
LTU 300 may switch between transmission types and/or modes
"on-the-fly," or as a communications channels become unavailable or
available. In the event that no communication channel is available,
the LTU 300 may store information in a memory to be sent or
transmitted at a later time (e.g., the next time a communication
channel becomes available, etc.).
[0043] The LTU server 132 may be configured to interpret the
information received from one or more LTUs 300 in transit and
compile the information for presentation to at least one
third-party server 140. The third-party server 140 may correspond
to the server associated with a shipper, a carrier, a receiver, an
insuring entity, a governmental regulatory entity, and/or some
other entity/party. The compiled information may provide details to
the third-party regarding a particular shipment, the position
and/or location of each LTU 300, estimated time of travel and/or
arrival, state and/or conditions of the shipment and/or other
data.
[0044] In some embodiments, communications between the third-party
server 140 and the LTU server 132 may be exchanged across at least
one communication network 136. In accordance with at least some
embodiments of the present disclosure, the communication network
136 may comprise any type of known communication medium or
collection of communication media and may use any type of protocols
to transport messages between endpoints. The communication network
136 may include wired and/or wireless communication technologies.
The Internet is an example of the communication network 136 that
constitutes an Internet Protocol (IP) network consisting of many
computers, computing networks, and other communication devices
located all over the world, which are connected through many
telephone systems and other means. Other examples of the
communication network 136 include, without limitation, a standard
Plain Old Telephone System (POTS), an Integrated Services Digital
Network (ISDN), the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a
Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Voice over
Internet Protocol (VoIP) network, a Session Initiation Protocol
(SIP) network, a cellular network, and any other type of
packet-switched or circuit-switched network known in the art. In
addition, it can be appreciated that the communication network 136
need not be limited to any one network type, and instead may be
comprised of a number of different networks and/or network types.
The communication network 136 may comprise a number of different
communication media such as coaxial cable, copper cable/wire,
fiber-optic cable, antennas for transmitting/receiving wireless
messages, and combinations thereof.
[0045] Logistics Tracking Interface:
[0046] FIG. 2 is a representation of a graphical user interface
(GUI) 200 displaying logistics tracking information in accordance
with embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments,
the logistics tracking information may be presented to a display
device, screen, and/or touchscreen associated with a computing
device (e.g., server, computer, smart phone, tablet, etc.). The GUI
200 may include a graphical representation of a map 204 including a
number of geographical locations including shipping origins,
waypoints, and destinations.
[0047] The GUI 200 may include tracking information provided by at
least one LTU 300 associated with a shipment. In some embodiments,
one or more shipments in transit 208A-208E may be represented by a
high-level graphical image. The high-level graphical image may
correspond to an image configured to show one or more aspects of
the shipment including, but in no way limited to, a travel path
212A-212E, a mode of transportation (e.g., represented as a symbol
corresponding to a particular transport or shipping vehicle, etc.)
an origin (e.g., a first endpoint of the travel path 212A-212E,
etc.), a destination (e.g., a second or final endpoint of the
travel path 212A-212E, etc.), a direction of travel (e.g.,
indicated by a direction of the transportation mode symbol, arrow,
or other indicator, etc.), and/or a point in the travel path (e.g.,
indicated by a relative position of the transport mode symbol along
the path 212A-212E, and/or a position between the endpoints,
etc.).
[0048] In some embodiments, a user may be able to determine more
information by selecting a particular shipment in transit
208A-208E, travel path 212A-212E, origin, destination, and/or
endpoint, to name a few. For example, a user may interface with the
GUI 200 and select a graphical element associated with the first
shipment 208A, 212A, etc. Upon selecting the graphical element
(e.g., the airplane transportation mode symbol, etc.), the GUI 200
may present a first-level detail window 216 to a portion of the GUI
200. The information in the first-level detail window 216 may
provide enhanced details provided from the LTU 300 associated with
the first shipment in transit 208A. The enhanced details may
include more specific and/or additional information than is
available from the high-level graphical image for each tracked
shipment. By way of example, the window 216 may include a shipment
identifier 228, shipping specifics 232 (e.g., carrier type, carrier
identification, status, time in transit, total time shipping,
etc.), graphical estimated time of arrival 236, and/or an LTU
condition indicator 224. In some embodiments, one or more of these
details may be selected to reveal further details about a selected
details. This additional level of detail may be referred to as a
second-level detail view. In one embodiment, the second-level
detail view may open a new window, popup, or other viewer.
[0049] Continuing the example above, the first-level detail window
216 shows that the first shipment 208A is shipping by air, has been
"in-transit" for just over four hours, and there is one hour left
before the shipment is scheduled to arrive at a destination. In
addition, the first-level detail window 216 shows that the state of
the LTU 300 (e.g., via the LTU condition indicator 224) associated
with that shipment is satisfactory (e.g., via a thumbs up, check
mark, etc.). A satisfactory state of the LTU 300 may serve to
indicate that the LTU 300 has not been subjected to extreme
temperatures, forces, shocks, delays, interruptions, and/or other
measured values that exceed a predetermined threshold. The
predetermined threshold may be set for a particular shipment or LTU
300 by a carrier, shipper, and/or receiver. In some cases, the
threshold may be matched to a particular type of cargo (e.g., food,
live animals, sensitive equipment, etc.), such that any deviation
outside of acceptable predetermined limits (e.g., temperatures,
pressures, time delays, etc.) raises an alarm. As can be
appreciated, the LTU 300 may send an alarm reporting this deviation
to the LTU server 132 and/or third-party server 140 in real-time,
as the deviation is detected, in near-real-time, and/or in
non-real-time when the LTU 300 can establish a communication
channel to the LTU server 132 and/or third-party server 140.
[0050] In one embodiment, selecting the LTU condition indicator 224
may allow a user to request additional information about the status
of the LTU 300 over a recorded time period of the shipment. As
described above, the requested additional information may be
presented via a second-level detail view that may be configured to
open a new window, popup, or other viewer. In one embodiment, any
recorded information, or event, may be shown on a timeline
representing the travel of the LTU 300 during the shipment. The
timeline may include an overlay of waypoints, changes of
transportation modes, tracking events, and/or other shipping events
detected by the LTU 300. The information presented to the GUI 200
may be compiled and/or arranged by the LTU server 132 described
herein.
[0051] The mechanical details of the LTU 300 are described in
conjunction with FIGS. 3A-3G. The LTU 300 may incorporate a
split-housing design including a cover 304 and a base 308. The
cover 304 and the base 308 may be interconnected and/or sealed via
one or more fastening elements 348, retaining clips 360, gaskets,
and/or O-rings. In any event, an LTU electronics subassembly 600
may be arranged within the split-housing of the LTU 300. This
arrangement may include weatherproofing, athermalization, shock
resistance, sensor data permeability, etc., and/or interference
isolation from one or more components of the LTU electronics
subassembly 600.
[0052] Logistics Tracking Unit:
[0053] Referring to FIG. 3, a perspective view of the LTU 300 is
shown in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The
LTU 300 may include a number of features to allow for easy
installation, unobtrusive attachment, reliable tracking or movement
monitoring, data reporting, and/or handling. As shown in FIG. 3,
the cover 304 of the LTU 300 includes an environmental sensor
aperture 312, an ambient lighting sensor window 316, an indicator
320 (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED), display output,
touchscreen, etc.), and/or an optional physical port window 328. In
some cases, the LTU 300 may include a number of features disposed
around the periphery of the device that provide handling gripped
areas 324. These areas 324 may be configured as protruding
elements, undulated surfaces, interrupted surfaces, indentations in
the cover 304, etc., and/or some other irregular portion of the LTU
300 configured to provide a gripping surface for a user of the LTU
300.
[0054] The cover 304 may be made from a plastic or other
communication signal-permeable material. In one embodiment, the
cover 304 may be molded (e.g., injection molded, thermoformed,
rotational molded, compression molded, and/or the like) in the form
of a three dimensional geometric shape configured to house at least
a portion of the electronics subassembly 600 of the LTU 300. In
some embodiments, the LTU 300 shape may be configured as a
substantially rectangular three-dimensional unit having a minimal
height to safely contain the elements of the electronics
subassembly 600. In one embodiment, the overall height, or
thickness, of the LTU 300 may be dimensioned to have a height less
than one inch, or 25.4 millimeters.
[0055] In some embodiments, the cover 304 may include an
environmental sensor aperture 312 that is configured to allow a
portion of the environment outside of the LTU 300 to be exposed to,
or pass through, a portion of the inside of the LTU 300. This
exposure may be an unobstructed physical path from outside of the
LTU 300 to a sensing area of a sensor disposed inside the LTU 300.
For instance, the sensor may correspond to a pressure sensor that
is configured to measure a barometric pressure in an environment
surrounding the LTU 300. In this case, the environmental sensor
aperture 312 may provide an opening from the sensor contained
within the LTU 300 to the environment surrounding the LTU 300.
Parts of the LTU 300 may be sealed and/or isolated from this
opening, while the sensor is still allowed to detect and report to
the processor of the LTU 300. In some embodiments, the
environmental sensor aperture 312 may include a number of features
preventing blocking of the physical path from outside of the LTU
300 to a sensing area of a sensor disposed inside the LTU 300.
These features may be described in greater detail in conjunction
with FIG. 5.
[0056] The ambient lighting sensor window 316 may be sealed in a
portion of the cover 304. For instance, the ambient lighting sensor
window 316 may be inserted and sealed from an interior of the LTU
300. In one embodiment, the ambient lighting sensor window 316 may
be inserted and sealed from an exterior of the LTU 300. In yet
another embodiment, the ambient lighting sensor window 316 may be
configured as a window that is inserted from an interior of the LTU
300 and bonded, sealed, or laminated to a window that is inserted
from an exterior of the LTU 300. In any event, the ambient lighting
sensor window 316 allows ambient light, or light surrounding a
portion of the LTU 300, to pass therethrough and to be detected by
a light sensor disposed inside the LTU 300 on the electronics
subassembly 600. The ambient lighting sensor window 316 may be
transparent and/or translucent such that lighting external to the
LTU 300 can be detected by a sensor inside the LTU 300.
[0057] The indicator 320 may be an LED or other light emitting
element. The indicator 320 may be disposed beneath a window of the
cover 304 and/or sealed from an environment inside the LTU 300. The
window of the indicator 320 may be similar, if not identical, to
the window of the ambient lighting sensor window 316 described
above. In some embodiments, the indicator 320 may be configured to
provide a visual output representing one or more states of the LTU
300. For example, the indicator 320 may be configured to output a
specific color, flash, stay solid, and/or combinations thereof. In
one embodiment, the indicator 320 may change color to indicate a
state of charge (e.g., green indicating the LTU 300 is fully
charged, orange indicating the LTU 300 is less than fully charged,
and red indicating the LTU 300 requires charging). Additionally or
alternatively, the indicator 320 may provide a visual output
representing a state of communication associated with the LTU 300.
In this example, the indicator 320 may be colored and/or flash to
indicate, among other things, that data is being transferred, there
is an interruption in communications, there is a limited
communication or data transfer ability, etc.
[0058] In some embodiments, the LTU 300 may include one or more
ports and/or connectors configured to facilitate an exchange of
data between the processor and/or memory of the LTU 300 and an
interconnected system (e.g., a computer, server, mobile device,
flash drive, etc.). The ports may be a part of, or segregated from,
another connection (e.g., a power connection, etc.). In one
embodiment, one or more of the ports and/or may be accessible by a
removable physical port window 328. The physical port window 328
may be selectively and/or removably sealed to the cover 304 of the
LTU 300 via at least one of a fastening element, retaining element,
O-ring, gasket, and/or other element, latch, or fastening system.
It is an aspect of the present disclosure that the physical port
window 328 is weatherproof and capable of preventing fluid, dust,
and/or other debris from entering the LTU 300 via an opening in the
cover 304.
[0059] As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the LTU 300 may include a
number of dimensions making up the length 302, width 306, and
height 310 of the LTU 300. In some embodiments, the length 302 and
width 306 may be equal in dimension forming a substantially square
area. Although shown as a substantially rectangular
three-dimensional shape, the shape of the LTU 300 is not so
limited. For instance, the LTU 300 may be cylindrical and/or have
any number of sides/surfaces greater than two. In some embodiments,
the shape of the LTU 300 may provide accurate and repeatable
installation to an object in a monitored shipment. For instance,
the substantially rectangular shape of the LTU 300 allows the
device to be mounted to a substantially flat surface at the planar
surface of the base 308, the cover 304 and/or the sides 332A-D. In
some embodiments, one or more of the substantially linear edges
(e.g., around the periphery, etc.) of the LTU 300 shown in FIGS.
3A-3G may serve as an alignment or installation datum. Among other
things, these linear edges may be aligned to an orientation of the
package in shipment. For instance, the width 306 edge may be
aligned in an axis vertical (e.g., parallel with the gravity
vector) orientation when attached to an object that is part of a
shipment. In the event that the object changes orientation (e.g.,
flips upside down, falls over, etc.) an accelerometer or other
sensor of the LTU 300 may determine that the object changed
orientation and even report the direction in which the object
moved.
[0060] FIG. 3F shows an embodiment of the underside, or bottom, of
the LTU 300. As shown in FIG. 3F, the base 308 of the LTU 300 may
include a power button 336, an identification tag area 340, at
least one electrical terminal 344A, 344B, and one or more fastening
elements 348 (e.g., screws, bolts, etc., fastening the base 308 to
the cover 304 and/or some other portion of the LTU 300).
[0061] The power button 336 may be recessed beneath, or under flush
with, a planar surface of the base 308. This arrangement may
prevent accidental or undesired actuation of the power button 336.
In some embodiments, the power button 336 may be limited in
functionality. For instance, the power button 336 may only allow a
single activation, or powering, of the LTU 300 per shipment. The
limited functionality may prevent the device from being turned off
from pressing the power button 336 after it has been powered on,
until some reset input is provided to the LTU 300. The
functionality may be reset, for instance, by recharging the LTU
300, receiving a reset command sent from a control device, upon
completion of a shipment, and/or resetting the shipment association
via a control processor (e.g., sending a reset command to the LTU
300).
[0062] The identification tag area 340 may include an
identification tag configured to uniquely identify the LTU 300 from
another device and/or other LTU. In some embodiments, the
identification tag area 340 may be an RFID tag and/or a printed tag
including identifying information contained therein. In some cases,
the identification tag area 340 may include a location feature 342
configured to locate an attached identification tag.
[0063] The LTU 300 may include electrical contact terminals 344A,
344B configured to provide an electrical contact from an exterior
of the LTU 300 to a portion of the electronics subassembly 600
contained therein. The electrical contact terminals 344A, 344B may
be configured to charge a battery or other power source 606 of the
LTU electronics subassembly 600. Additionally or alternatively, the
electrical contact terminals 344A, 344B may be configured to
exchange communications between one or more components of the LTU
300 and an interconnected system. In one embodiment, the first
terminal 344A may correspond to a positive terminal and the second
terminal 344B may correspond to a negative terminal. In any event,
the LTU 300 may include any number of terminals that hermetically
or weather seal the inside of the LTU 300 from the outside of the
LTU 300 and may still allow electrical communication between the
inside and outside of the LTU 300. In some embodiments, the
terminals 344A, 344B may be insert molded into the base 308 of the
LTU 300. The base 308 may include a beveled, arcuate, or chamfered
surface 352 running around a periphery of the base 308.
[0064] FIG. 4 shows a perspective exploded view of the LTU 300
including the LTU electronics subassembly 600. In some embodiments,
the base 308 may include a number of features configured to contain
and/or support a portion of the electronics subassembly 600. For
instance, the base 308 may include a battery compartment 356 and a
printed circuit board (PCB) compartment 658. The battery
compartment 356 may include a number of features configured to
isolate movement of the battery 606 when retained inside the LTU
300. These isolation features may include one or more of a series
of molded contact features in the base 308 and/or the cover 304, a
compliant pad (e.g., shock absorbing member, etc.), at least one
adhesive contact, retaining clips, and/or some other element or
isolation system. The PCB compartment 658 may include an area
configured to receive one or more parts of the LTU PCB 604. The PCB
compartment 658 may be shaped to substantially match a portion of
the LTU PCB 604. In some cases, at least one channel or passthrough
may be integrated into the PCB compartment 658 and the battery
compartment 656. These features may allow electrical cabling,
grounding, and/or other wires to pass from the battery 606 to one
or more components of the PCB 604.
[0065] The base 308 may include clips 360 configured to mate with
corresponding tabs disposed on the cover 304, or vice versa. When
mated, the cover 304 and the base 308 may physically connect via
the clips 360 and the corresponding features. In some embodiments,
the clips 360 may be disposed around a periphery of the LTU 300.
The base 308 and/or the cover 304 may include one or more gaskets
or O-rings that are configured to provide a seal between the base
308 and cover 304 when interconnected. In one embodiment, the base
308 may include internal switch features 362 configured to receive
an actuation input provided at the power button 336 and pass the
input to a receiving element on the PCB 604.
[0066] FIG. 5 shows a detail view of the environmental sensor
aperture 312. As described above, the environmental sensor aperture
312 may be configured to provide an unimpeded sensing path between
a portion of the environment outside of the LTU 300 and a sensor
disposed inside a portion of the LTU 300. In some embodiments, the
environmental sensor aperture 312 may include raised or castellated
portions 508 protruding from a planar surface 502 of the cover 304.
The castellated portions 508 may be disposed around a periphery 510
of the environmental sensor aperture 312. In any event, the
castellated portions 508 provide an interrupted surface of the LTU
cover 304 such that a single planar surface cannot block a sensing
opening 504A, 504B of the environmental sensor aperture 312. This
arrangement is important when the cover 304 of the LTU 300 is
placed in intimate contact with a planar surface of some object
during shipment. In this example, the LTU 300 may still take
accurate measurements of the environment outside of the LTU 300.
While shown as a series of castellated portions 508, the raised
features are not so limited. For instance, the environmental sensor
aperture 312 may employ an undulated or irregular surface, and/or
some other feature configured to prevent blocking by an object
during operation.
[0067] Referring now to FIG. 6A, a perspective view of an LTU
electronics subassembly 600 is shown in accordance with embodiments
of the present disclosure. The electronics subassembly 600 may
include a PCB 604 electrically interconnected with a power source,
or battery 606 via one or more connectors. The PCB 604 may include
a first antenna 614 (e.g., global system for mobile (GSM)
communication antenna, etc.), first electronics and RF shielding
612 (e.g., chips, memory, transistors, etc.), a CPU 608, global
positioning system (GPS) system 616 and GPS antenna 618, an
indicator element 620, an interface connector 622, and a compliant
battery pad 610. In some embodiments, one or more of the LTU
electronics subassembly 600 components may be disposed on a first
side 602 of the PCB 604.
[0068] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the various elements of the PCB
604 may be arranged to mitigate, reduce, and/or eliminate signal
interference and/or noise between the components of the LTU 300.
For instance, the first antenna 614 (e.g., the GSM antenna) may be
disposed at a first corner of the PCB 604 while the GPS antenna 618
may be disposed at an opposite corner of the PCB 604 and the LTU
300. Additionally or alternatively, the battery 606 may be disposed
in a path between the first antenna 614 and the GPS antenna 618. As
can be appreciated, the arrangement depicted in illustrated in
FIGS. 6A and 6B provide a tortuous path for signals from each
antenna to interfere with one another. This tortuous path and
arrangement of elements can prevent interference and/or noise in
the system.
[0069] FIG. 6C shows the underside 636 of the LTU PCB 604 and
electronics subassembly 600. As illustrated, the PCB 604 may
include a power button area 632, power supply cabling 628 (e.g.,
wires, ribbon cable, flex ribbons, etc.), a battery connector 624,
a sensor hub 640 and shielding, and a power management unit (PMU)
644 and shielding. The shielding associated with one or more of the
components of the PCB 604 may provide electromagnetic interference
(EMI) and/or radio frequency interference (RFI) shielding from
internal and/or external sources.
[0070] FIG. 6D shows a detail perspective view of a single-piece
compartmentalized shielding frame 648 of the electronics
subassembly in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure. Although shown as associated with the first electronics
and RF shielding 612, it should be appreciated that the
single-piece compartmentalized shielding frame 648 may be
associated with any group of components in the electronics
subassembly 600 that could benefit from segregated
compartmentalized shielding. The single-piece compartmentalized
shielding frame 648 may be made from a metallized molded plastic or
a sheet metal part. For instance, a sheet metal part may include a
number of bent portions 652A-652D, 656 and cutouts 658A, 658B
configured to shield one area (e.g., the electronics in the area
associated with the first cutout 658A) from another area (e.g., the
electronics in the area associated with the second cutout 658B). In
some cases, the single-piece compartmentalized shielding frame 648
may include a portion of material 660 configured to cover one or
more electronic components. These covered components may be
determined to produce significant amounts of interference (e.g.,
EMI, RFI, etc.) and/or be susceptible to outside interference
(e.g., EMI, RFI, etc.). In any event, each of the bent internal
portions 656 of the frame 648 may physically separate components
within different areas of the frame 648 from interfering with one
another. The single-piece compartmentalized shielding frame 648 may
be covered by a single-piece as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B.
[0071] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a tamperproof sensor data
permeable travel pouch 700 for an LTU 300 attached to a shipping
object 702 in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure. The shipping object 702 may be similar, if not
identical, to the shipping object 104 described in conjunction with
FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the travel pouch 700 may include a
mounting area 708 surrounding at least a portion of the travel
pouch 700 and having an adhesive layer disposed on a mounting
surface facing a shipping object mount surface 706. The shipping
object 702 may correspond to a pallet, box, package, or other
object that can be transported from an origin to a destination. In
one embodiment, prior to shipping, a backing layer may be separated
from the adhesive layer and the mounting area 708 of the travel
pouch 700 may be pressed against the mount surface 706 of the
shipping object 702 to be tracked. Additionally or alternatively,
the travel pouch 700 may be fastened, glued, or otherwise
attached/secured to the shipping object 702 via one or more
fastening elements 716. The fastening elements 716 may include, but
are in no way limited to, rivets, screws, staples, nails, welds,
etc.
[0072] Although shown mounted to an XY plane of the shipping object
702, it should be appreciated that the travel pouch 700 and LTU 300
may be oriented in any number of directions, planes, and/or axes
704. For example, the travel pouch 700 may be mounted to a shipping
object 702 in the XY plane, XZ plane, and/or YZ plane as indicated
by the axes 704.
[0073] In some embodiments, the travel pouch 700 may be configured
to provide a secure attachment to the shipping object 702 while
maintaining tracking and measurement accuracy. For instance, the
travel pouch 700 may be made from a durable breathable,
translucent, signal transmissive, material (e.g., plastic, nylon,
para-aramid synthetic fiber, composite, cloth, and/or textile,
etc.) configured to allow environmental and communications to
permeate a cover 710 of the travel pouch 700 and reach the LTU 300.
Among other things, the travel pouch 700 may allow air to pass
freely from an internal space 712 of the travel pouch 700 to an
external space outside the travel pouch 700 and in a shipping
environment of the shipping object 702. This breathable material
can allow the LTU 300 to take accurate pressure, humidity, and/or
temperature readings as the LTU 300 is traveling. In addition, the
travel pouch 700 may allow lighting conditions in a shipping
environment to be observed by viewing the amount of light received
by the ambient lighting sensor window 316 through the translucent
travel pouch material. This ability allows the LTU 300 to detect
whether an associated shipment is in a lit area (e.g., outside, in
a lighted warehouse, etc.) or in an unlit area (e.g., in a cargo
hold, in a vehicle, and/or in an unlighted warehouse, etc.) and
send a message to a receiving system communicating this
information. In any event, the information collected by the LTU 300
may be used to find a location of a package, determine if certain
shipping requirements were met, and/or otherwise track conditions
of a package during shipment.
[0074] The travel pouch 700 may include a flap 714 that can be
opened to provide access to the internal space 712 of the travel
pouch 700. Once opened, the LTU 300 may be inserted into the
internal space 712 and the flap 714 may be closed and sealed
against the cover 710 surface of the travel pouch 700. The flap 714
may include an adhesive layer disposed on at least one surface. The
adhesive layer may be protected by a backing layer until the flap
714 is to be sealed, at which time, the backing layer may be
removed exposing the adhesive layer. In one embodiment, the
adhesive layer may be disposed on the cover 710. In any event, the
flap 714 may be configured to only be sealed once. In some cases,
the flap 714 cannot be resealed or removed from the cover 710
without indicating a possible tamper event has occurred. For
example, an attempt to open a sealed flap 714 may result in damage
to the flap 714, the cover 710, and/or some other portion of the
travel pouch 700. The damage may serve to indicate that a tamper
event occurred.
[0075] In some cases, the travel pouch 700 may include a tag
disposed inside the internal space 712 configured to communicate
with the LTU 300. This tag may be a simple magnetic token that is
detected by a sensor or component of the LTU 300, indicating the
LTU 300 has been inserted into the travel pouch 700. Once removed
from the travel pouch 700, the LTU 300 may no longer detect the tag
and report that the LTU 300 has been removed from the travel pouch
700. In response, the LTU 300 may enter a tamper or lockdown mode
and may even be configured to report the possible tamper event via
a message sent across a wireless communication network to at least
one receiving device and/or server.
[0076] Charging Unit:
[0077] The LTU 300 may be charged alone or together with other
tracking units via a charging system 800. The charging system 800
will be described in conjunction with FIGS. 8A-8F. The charging
system 800 may include a body 804 comprising a number of charging
slots 808 each configured to receive an LTU 300. In some
embodiments, the charging slots 808 may be disposed at an angle
relative to a rear surface 828 of the charging system 800 such that
the LTU 300 may be at least partially retained in the charging
slots 808 with the aid of gravity. Each LTU 300 may physically
engage with a corresponding charging slot 808 and the terminals
344A, 344B of the engaged LTU 300 may be configured to contact, or
electrically interconnect with, charging terminals inside the
charging system 800. Through this electrical interconnection, the
LTU 300 may be charged. While the charging system 800 may be
configured to charge one or more LTUs 300, the charging system 800
illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8F include twenty charging stations. It is
an aspect of the present disclosure that more or fewer charging
stations than illustrated in the accompanying figures may be
included in the charging system 800.
[0078] The charging system 800 may include a first wall mount
feature 812 (e.g., a lower mount bracket, etc.), a second wall
mount feature 816 (e.g., an upper wall mount bracket, etc.)
including a number of slots, holes, and/or other mounting features
configured to secure the charging system 800 to a wall or other
mount surface. In some embodiments, the charging system 800 may be
hardwired into an electrical supply, include an alternating current
(AC) input port, a direct current (DC) input port, a stepdown
transformer, an AC to DC converter, and/or other electrical supply
connection.
[0079] In some embodiments, the charging system 800 may include at
least one charging indicator 820. The charging indicator may be
configured to output a specific color, flash, stay solid, and/or
combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the charging indicator 820
may change color to indicate a state of charge for one or more of
the LTUs 300 engaged with the charging stations. While each LTU
indicator 320 may be used to visually display and/or indicate a
state of charge associated with an individual LTU 300, the charging
indicator 820 of the charging system 800 may indicate a state of
charge for the group of LTUs 300 engaged with the charging
stations. By way of example, the charging indicator 820 may
illuminate a particular color (e.g., green) only when all of the
LTUs in the charging system 800 are fully charged (or are charged
at an acceptable shipping charge level). This approach can allow a
monitoring user or a machine to determine that a particular set of
LTUs 300 are ready for shipping. Additionally or alternatively,
this approach can allow a monitoring user or a machine to determine
when a charging system 800 is available to charge a new set of LTUs
300. In some embodiments, the charging indicator 820 may illuminate
a particular color (e.g., green) when a select group of LTUs 300 in
the charging system 800 are charged (e.g., a group of LTUs 300
associated with a particular shipment, etc.). Additionally or
alternatively, the charging indicator 820 may illuminate when at
least one LTU 300 in the charging system 800 is charged.
[0080] The charging system 800 may include a communication module
that is configured to communicate with a charge monitoring server
across a wireless communication network to alert the charge
monitoring server of any status associated with one or more LTUs
300 in the charging system 800. As can be appreciated, the charge
monitoring server may be configured to receive messages from
multiple charging systems 800 regarding the state of charge
associated with LTUs 300 engaged therewith.
[0081] LTU Environment:
[0082] FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of a computing
environment 901 that may function as the servers, LTUs, user
computers, or other systems provided and described above. The
environment 901 includes one or more user computer, or computing
devices, such as a LTU 300, a communication device 907, third-party
server 140, etc. The computing devices 300, 907, 140 may include
general purpose personal computers (including, merely by way of
example, personal computers, and/or laptop computers running
various versions of Microsoft Corp.'s Windows.RTM. and/or Apple
Corp.'s Macintosh.RTM. operating systems) and/or workstation
computers running any of a variety of commercially-available
UNI9.RTM. or other operating systems. These computing devices 300,
907, 140 may also have any of a variety of applications, including
for example, database client and/or server applications, and web
browser applications. Alternatively, the computing devices 300,
907, 140 may be any other electronic device, such as a thin-client
computer, Internet-enabled mobile telephone, an LTU, and/or
personal digital assistant, capable of communicating via a network
136, sending or receiving logistics information or commands, and/or
displaying and navigating web pages or other types of electronic
documents. Although the exemplary computer environment 901 is shown
with three computing devices, any number of user computers or
computing devices may be supported.
[0083] Environment 901 further includes a network 136. The network
136 may can be any type of network familiar to those skilled in the
art that can support data communications using any of a variety of
commercially-available protocols, including without limitation SIP,
TCP/IP, SNA, IPX, AppleTalk, and the like. Merely by way of
example, the network 136 maybe a local area network ("LAN"), such
as an Ethernet network, a Token-Ring network and/or the like; a
wide-area network; a virtual network, including without limitation
a virtual private network ("VPN"); the Internet; an intranet; an
extranet; a public switched telephone network ("PSTN"); an
infra-red network; a wireless network (e.g., a network operating
under any of the IEEE 802.9 suite of protocols, the Bluetooth.RTM.
protocol known in the art, and/or any other wireless protocol);
and/or any combination of these and/or other networks.
[0084] The system 901 may also include one or more servers 913,
132. In this example, server 913 is shown as a web server and
server 132 is shown as an application server, or more particularly,
a LTU server 132. The web server 913, which may be used to process
requests for web pages or other electronic documents from computing
devices 300, 907, 140. The web server 913 can be running an
operating system including any of those discussed above, as well as
any commercially-available server operating systems. The web server
913 can also run a variety of server applications, including SIP
servers, HTTP servers, FTP servers, CGI servers, database servers,
Java servers, and the like. In some instances, the web server 913
may publish operations available operations as one or more web
services.
[0085] The environment 901 may also include one or more file and
or/application servers 132, which can, in addition to an operating
system, include one or more applications accessible by a client
running on one or more of the computing devices 300, 907, 140. The
server(s) 132 and/or 913 may be one or more general purpose
computers capable of executing programs or scripts in response to
the computing devices 300, 907, 140. As one example, the server
132, 913 may execute one or more web applications. The web
application may be implemented as one or more scripts or programs
written in any programming language, such as Java.TM., C, C#.RTM.,
or C++, and/or any scripting language, such as Perl, Python, or
TCL, as well as combinations of any programming/scripting
languages. The application server(s) 132 may also include database
servers, including without limitation those commercially available
from Oracle, Microsoft, Sybase.TM., IBM.TM. and the like, which can
process requests from database clients running on a computing
device 300, 907, 140.
[0086] The web pages created by the server 913 and/or 132 may be
forwarded to a computing device 300, 907, 140 via a web (file)
server 913, 132. Similarly, the web server 913 may be able to
receive web page requests, web services invocations, and/or input
data from a computing device 300, 907, 140 (e.g., a user computer,
etc.) and can forward the web page requests and/or input data to
the web (application) server 132. In further embodiments, the
server 132 may function as a file server. Although for ease of
description, FIG. 9 illustrates a separate web server 913 and
file/application server 132, those skilled in the art will
recognize that the functions described with respect to servers 913,
132 may be performed by a single server and/or a plurality of
specialized servers, depending on implementation-specific needs and
parameters. The computer systems 300, 907, 140, web (file) server
913 and/or web (application) server 132 may function as the system,
devices, or components described in FIGS. 1-8F and/or 10-17.
[0087] The environment 901 may also include a database 917. The
database 917 may reside in a variety of locations. By way of
example, database 917 may reside on a storage medium local to
(and/or resident in) one or more of the computers 300, 907, 140,
913, 132. Alternatively, it may be remote from any or all of the
computers 300, 907, 140, 913, 132, and in communication (e.g., via
the network 136) with one or more of these. The database 917 may
reside in a storage-area network ("SAN") familiar to those skilled
in the art. Similarly, any necessary files for performing the
functions attributed to the computers 300, 907, 140, 913, 132 may
be stored locally on the respective computer and/or remotely, as
appropriate. The database 917 may be a relational database, such as
Oracle 20i.RTM., that is adapted to store, update, and retrieve
data in response to SQL-formatted commands. LTU and/or Server
Hardware:
[0088] FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a computer system 1000
upon which the servers, user computers, computing devices, LTUS, or
other systems or components described above may be deployed or
executed. The computer system 10 is shown comprising hardware
elements that may be electrically coupled via a bus(ses) 1021. Some
hardware elements, represented by dashed boxes, may be optional or
specific to one of the devices, e.g., the LTU. The hardware
elements may include one or more central processing units (CPUs)
1023; one or more input devices 1025 (e.g., a mouse, a keyboard,
etc.); and one or more output devices 1027 (e.g., a display device,
a printer, etc.). The computer system 10 may also include one or
more storage devices 1029. By way of example, storage device(s)
1029 may be disk drives, optical storage devices, solid-state
storage devices such as a random access memory ("RAM") and/or a
read-only memory ("ROM"), which can be programmable,
flash-updateable and/or the like.
[0089] The computer system 10 may additionally include a
computer-readable storage media reader 1031; a communications
system 1033 (e.g., a modem, a network card (wireless or wired), an
infra-red communication device, etc.); and working memory 1037,
which may include RAM and ROM devices as described above. The
computer system 10 may also include a processing acceleration unit
1035, which can include a DSP, a special-purpose processor, and/or
the like.
[0090] The computer-readable storage media reader 1031 can further
be connected to a computer-readable storage medium, together (and,
optionally, in combination with storage device(s) 1029)
comprehensively representing remote, local, fixed, and/or removable
storage devices plus storage media for temporarily and/or more
permanently containing computer-readable information. The
communications system 1033 may permit data to be exchanged with a
network and/or any other computer described above with respect to
the computer environments described herein. Moreover, as disclosed
herein, the term "storage medium" may represent one or more devices
for storing data, including read only memory (ROM), random access
memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory, magnetic disk storage
mediums, optical storage mediums, flash memory devices and/or other
machine readable mediums for storing information.
[0091] The computer system 10 may also comprise software elements,
shown as being currently located within a working memory 1037,
including an operating system 1039 and/or other code 1041. It
should be appreciated that alternate embodiments of a computer
system 10 may have numerous variations from that described above.
For example, customized hardware might also be used and/or
particular elements might be implemented in hardware, software
(including portable software, such as applets), or both. Further,
connection to other computing devices such as network input/output
devices may be employed.
[0092] Examples of the processors 1023 as described herein may
include, but are not limited to, at least one of Qualcomm.RTM.
Snapdragon.RTM. 800 and 801, Qualcomm.RTM. Snapdragon.RTM. 620 and
615 with 4G LTE Integration and 64-bit computing, Apple.RTM. A7
processor with 64-bit architecture, Apple.RTM. M7 motion
coprocessors, Samsung.RTM. Exynos.RTM. series, the Intel.RTM.
Core.TM. family of processors, the Intel.RTM. Xeon.RTM. family of
processors, the Intel.RTM. Atom.TM. family of processors, the Intel
Itanium.RTM. family of processors, Intel.RTM. Core.RTM. i5-4670K
and i7-4770K 22 nm Haswell, Intel.RTM. Core.RTM. i5-3570K 22 nm Ivy
Bridge, the AMD.RTM. FX.TM. family of processors, AMD.RTM. FX-4300,
FX-6300, and FX-8350 32 nm Vishera, AMD.RTM. Kaveri processors,
Texas Instruments.RTM. Jacinto C6000.TM. automotive infotainment
processors, Texas Instruments.RTM. OMAP.TM. automotive-grade mobile
processors, ARM.RTM. Cortex.TM.-M processors, ARM.RTM. Cortex-A and
ARM926EJ-S.TM. processors, other industry-equivalent processors,
and may perform computational functions using any known or
future-developed standard, instruction set, libraries, and/or
architecture.
[0093] The computer system 1000 may include one or more sensors and
systems 304, sensor processors 1043, communications subsystem 1033
connected to one or more different communication media (e.g., a
cellular communication system 1045, a BlueTooth.RTM. or
BlueTooth.RTM. Low Energy (BLE) communication system, a WiFi.RTM.
communication system, etc.), a positioning system 1051 (e.g., a
global positioning satellite (GPS) system), one or more antenna
1053, a battery 1055, and/or a charging port 1057. These associated
components may be electrically and/or communicatively coupled to
one another via at least one bus 10221 to distribute power and/or
communication signals.
[0094] In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present
disclosure, the communication system 1033 may utilize or
communication using any type of known communication medium or
collection of communication media and may use any type of
protocols, such as SIP, TCP/IP, SNA, IPX, AppleTalk, and the like,
to transport messages between endpoints. The communication system
1033 may use wired and/or wireless communication technologies to
communicate over communication network 136. The Internet is an
example of the communication network 136 that constitutes an
Internet Protocol (IP) network consisting of many computers,
computing networks, and other communication devices located all
over the world, which are connected through many telephone systems
and other means. Other examples of the communication network 136
include, without limitation, a standard Plain Old Telephone System
(POTS), an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), the Public
Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a Local Area Network (LAN), such
as an Ethernet network, a Token-Ring network and/or the like, a
Wide Area Network (WAN), a virtual network, including without
limitation a virtual private network ("VPN"); the Internet, an
intranet, an extranet, a cellular network, an infra-red network; a
wireless network (e.g., a network operating under any of the IEEE
802.11 suite of protocols, the Bluetooth.RTM. protocol known in the
art, and/or any other wireless protocol), and any other type of
packet-switched or circuit-switched network known in the art and/or
any combination of these and/or other networks. In addition, it can
be appreciated that the communication network 352 need not be
limited to any one network type, and instead may be comprised of a
number of different networks and/or network types. The
communication network 352 may comprise a number of different
communication media such as coaxial cable, copper cable/wire,
fiber-optic cable, antennas for transmitting/receiving wireless
messages, and combinations thereof.
[0095] The communication system 1033 can utilize one or more
communication subsystems to communicate over the communication
network 136. For example, the cellular system 1045 can be used to
communicate through an antenna 1053 to a cellular system 112. The
BLE system 1047 can be used to communicate to over a Bluetooth.RTM.
connection, and the WiFi.RTM. system 1049 can be used to
communicate over the WiFi.RTM. communication system 116. Any of the
systems 1045, 1047, 1049 may use an antenna 1053 for transmitting
wireless signals.
[0096] The communications componentry can include one or more wired
or wireless devices such as a transceiver(s) and/or modem that
allows communications not only between the various systems
disclosed herein but also with other devices, such as devices on a
network, and/or on a distributed network such as the Internet
and/or in the cloud. The communications subsystem 1033 can also
include inter- and intra-communications capabilities such as
hotspot and/or access point connectivity.
[0097] Additionally, and while not specifically illustrated, the
communications subsystem can include one or more communications
links (that can be wired or wireless) and/or communications busses
(managed by the bus manager 1974), including one or more of CANbus,
OBD-II, ARCINC 429, Byteflight, CAN (Controller Area Network), D2B
(Domestic Digital Bus), FlexRay, DC-BUS, IDB-1394, IEBus, I2C, ISO
9141-1/-2, J1708, J1587, J1850, J1939, ISO 11783, Keyword Protocol
2000, LIN (Local Interconnect Network), MOST (Media Oriended
Systems Transport), Multifunction Vehicle Bus, SMARTwireX, SPI, VAN
(Vehicle Area Network), and the like or in general any
communications protocol and/or standard. The various protocols and
communications can be communicated one or more of wirelessly and/or
over transmission media (sometimes when physically connected to a
port in the LTU 300) such as single wire, twisted pair, fibre
optic, IEEE 1394, MIL-STD-1553, MIL-STD-1773, power-line
communication, or the like. (All of the above standards and
protocols are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety)
[0098] As discussed, the communications subsystem 1033 enables
communications between any if the inter-systems and subsystems as
well as communications with non-collocated resources, such as those
reachable over a network such as the Internet. The communications
subsystem 1033, in addition to well-known componentry (which has
been omitted for clarity), can include interconnected elements
including one or more of, but not limited to: one or more antennas
1053, an interleaver/deinterleaver, an analog front end (AFE),
memory/storage/cache, MAC circuitry, modulator/demodulator,
encoder/decoder, a plurality of connectivity managers, GPU,
accelerator, a multiplexer/demultiplexer, transmitter, receiver and
wireless radio components such as a Wi-Fi PHY/Bluetooth.RTM.
module, a Wi-Fi/BT MAC module, transmitter and receiver. The
various elements in the computer system 1000 are connected by one
or more links/busses 1021 (not shown, again for sake of
clarity).
[0099] The computer system 1000 can have one more antennas 1053,
for use in wireless communications such as multi-input multi-output
(MIMO) communications, multi-user multi-input multi-output
(MU-MIMO) communications Bluetooth.RTM., LTE, 4G, 5G, Near-Field
Communication (NFC), etc. The antenna(s) 1053 can include, but are
not limited to one or more of directional antennas, omnidirectional
antennas, monopoles, patch antennas, loop antennas, microstrip
antennas, dipoles, and any other antenna(s) suitable for
communication transmission/reception. In an exemplary embodiment,
transmission/reception using MIMO may require particular antenna
spacing. In another exemplary embodiment, MIMO
transmission/reception can enable spatial diversity allowing for
different channel characteristics at each of the antennas.
[0100] Antenna(s) 1053 generally interact with the AFE, which is
needed to enable the correct processing of the received modulated
signal and signal conditioning for a transmitted signal. The AFE
can be functionally located between the antenna and a digital
baseband system in order to convert the analog signal into a
digital signal for processing and vice-versa.
[0101] The controller/microprocessor 1023 may comprise a general
purpose programmable processor or controller for executing
application programming or instructions related to the computer
system 1000. Furthermore, the controller/microprocessor 1023 can
perform operations for configuring and transmitting/receiving
information as described herein. The controller/microprocessor 1023
may include multiple processor cores, and/or implement multiple
virtual processors. Optionally, the controller/microprocessor 1023
may include multiple physical processors. By way of example, the
controller/microprocessor 1023 may comprise a specially configured
Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or other integrated
circuit, a digital signal processor(s), a controller, a hardwired
electronic or logic circuit, a programmable logic device or gate
array, a special purpose computer, or the like.
[0102] The computer system 1000 can further include a transmitter
and receiver which can transmit and receive signals, respectively,
to and from other devices, subsystems and/or other destinations
using the one or more antennas 1053 and/or links/busses. Included
in the communication system 1033 circuitry is the medium access
control or MAC Circuitry. MAC circuitry provides for controlling
access to the wireless medium. In an exemplary embodiment, the MAC
circuitry may be arranged to contend for the wireless medium and
configure frames or packets for communicating over the wireless
medium.
[0103] The computer system 1000 can also optionally contain a
security module (not shown). This security module can contain
information regarding but not limited to, security parameters
required to connect the device to one or more other devices or
other available network(s), and can include WEP or WPA/WPA-2
(optionally+AES and/or TKIP) security access keys, network keys,
etc. The WEP security access key is a security password used by
Wi-Fi networks. Knowledge of this code can enable a wireless device
to exchange information with an access point and/or another device.
The information exchange can occur through encoded messages with
the WEP access code often being chosen by the network
administrator. WPA is an added security standard that is also used
in conjunction with network connectivity with stronger encryption
than WEP. The computer system 1000 also includes a Wi-Fi/BT/BLE PHY
module and a Wi-Fi/BT/BLE MAC module and wireless transmitter and
receiver.
[0104] The various connectivity managers manage and/or coordinate
communications between the computer system 1000 and one or more of
the systems disclosed herein and one or more other devices/systems.
The connectivity managers include an charging connectivity manager,
a database connectivity manager, a remote operating system
connectivity manager, a sensor connectivity manager, etc.
[0105] The database connectivity manager allows the computer system
1000 to receive and/or share information stored in a database. This
information can be shared with other components/subsystems and/or
other entities, such as third parties. The information can also be
shared with one or more devices, such as an app on a mobile device
the client uses to track information about the LTU 300. In general,
any information stored in the database can optionally be shared
with any one or more other devices optionally subject to any
privacy or confidentially restrictions.
[0106] The remote operating system connectivity manager facilitates
communications between the LTU 300 and any one or more other
systems. These communications can include one or more of navigation
information, operational information, sensor information, or in
general any information related to the operation of the LTU
300.
[0107] The sensor connectivity manager facilitates communications
between any one or more of the sensors 1043 and any one or more of
the other systems. The sensor connectivity manager can also
facilitate communications between any one or more of the sensors
1043 and/or connected systems and any other destination, such as a
third-party 140, app, or in general to any destination where sensor
data is needed.
[0108] The communications subsystem can also optionally manage one
or more identifiers, such as an IP (internet protocol) address(es),
associated with the LTU 300 and one or other system or subsystems
or components therein. These identifiers can be used in conjunction
with any one or more of the connectivity managers as discussed
herein.
[0109] The navigation sensor 1051 may include one or more sensors
having receivers and antennas that are configured to utilize a
satellite-based navigation system including a network of navigation
satellites capable of providing geolocation and time information to
at least one component of the computer system 1000. Examples of the
navigation sensor 1051, as described herein, may include, but are
not limited to, at least one of Garmin.RTM. GLO.TM. family of GPS
and GLONASS combination sensors, Garmin.RTM. GPS 15x.TM. family of
sensors, Garmin.RTM. GPS 16x.TM. family of sensors with
high-sensitivity receiver and antenna, Garmin.RTM. GPS 18x OEM
family of high-sensitivity GPS sensors, Dewetron DEWE-VGPS series
of GPS sensors, GlobalSat 1-Hz series of GPS sensors, other
industry-equivalent navigation sensors and/or systems, and may
perform navigational and/or geolocation functions using any known
or future-developed standard and/or architecture. Other positioning
sensors 1051 sensors may be used with other types of satellite
systems, for example, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS)
similar, if not identical, to NAVSTAR GPS, GLONASS, EU Galileo,
and/or the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) to name a
few.
[0110] The sensors 1043 may include one or more of, but is not
limited to, an orientation sensor, an odometry sensor, an infrared
(IR) sensor, a motion sensor, a vibration or shock sensor, an
environmental sensor, and/or other sensors or sensor systems. Some
sensor group or types may comprise sensors configured to collect
data relating to the environment around the LTU 300. Examples of
environmental sensors may include, but are not limited to,
oxygen/air sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors,
light/photo sensors, pressure sensors, and more. The oxygen/air
sensors may be configured to detect a quality or presence of the
air at the LTU location (e.g., ratios and/or types of gasses
comprising the air, dangerous gas levels, safe gas levels, etc.).
Temperature sensors may be configured to detect temperature
readings surrounding the LTU 300 or of the LTU 300. Humidity
sensors may detect an amount of water vapor or water present in or
around the LTU 300. The light/photo sensors can detect an amount of
light present in around the LTU 300. Further, the light/photo
sensors may be configured to detect various levels of light
intensity associated with light around the LTU 300. Thus, the LTU
300 can determine if it is outside or inside a building, structure,
and/or container. The pressure sensor can determine a barometric
pressure or changes thereto. As such, the LTU 300 can determine
changes in elevation or weather conditions effecting the LTU 300.
In other configurations, the pressure sensor can also measure rapid
increases or decreases in pressure caused by explosions, loss of
cabin pressure in a airplane, submersion, etc.
[0111] Examples of other sensors may include, but are not limited
to, infrared sensors, motion sensors, wireless network sensors,
camera (or image) sensors, audio sensors, and more. IR sensors may
be used to measure IR light irradiating from at least one surface
or an other object around the LTU 300.
[0112] Among other things, the IR sensors may be used to measure
temperatures, form images (especially in low light conditions), and
even detect motion around the LTU 300. The motion sensors may be
similar to motion detectors. The infrared (IR) sensors may include
one or more components configured to detect image information
associated with an environment of the LTU 300. The IR sensors may
be configured to detect targets in low-light, dark, or poorly-lit
environments. The IR sensors may include an IR light emitting
element (e.g., IR light emitting diode (LED), etc.) and an IR
photodiode. In some embodiments, the IR photodiode may be
configured to detect returned IR light at or about the same
wavelength to that emitted by the IR light emitting element. In
some embodiments, the IR sensors may include at least one processor
configured to interpret the returned IR light and determine
locational properties of targets. The IR sensors may be configured
to detect and/or measure a temperature associated with a target
(e.g., an object, pedestrian, other vehicle, etc.). Examples of IR
sensors as described herein may include, but are not limited to, at
least one of Opto Diode lead-salt IR array sensors, Opto Diode
OD-850 Near-IR LED sensors, Opto Diode SA/SHA727 steady state IR
emitters and IR detectors, FLIR.RTM. LS microbolometer sensors,
FLIR.RTM. TacFLIR 380-HD InSb MWIR FPA and HD MWIR thermal sensors,
FLIR.RTM. VOx 640.times.480 pixel detector sensors, Delphi IR
sensors, other industry-equivalent IR sensors and/or systems, and
may perform IR visual target and/or obstacle detection in an
environment around the LTU 300 using any known or future-developed
standard and/or architecture.
[0113] The LTU 300 may include a wireless network sensor. This
sensor may be configured to detect one or more wireless network(s)
around the LTU 300. Examples of wireless networks may include, but
are not limited to, wireless communications utilizing
Bluetooth.RTM., Wi-Fi.TM. ZigBee, IEEE 802.11, and other wireless
technology standards. For example, a mobile hotspot may be detected
around the LTU 300 via the wireless network sensor 752. In this
case, the LTU 300 may determine to utilize the mobile hotspot
detected via/with one or more other devices 1033, 1049 and/or
components associated with the LTU 300.
[0114] The camera sensors may be image sensors or image/video
capture technologies. Optionally, the camera sensors may record
still images, video, and/or combinations thereof. The audio sensors
may be configured to receive audio input from around the LTU 300.
The audio input may correspond to voice commands, conversations
detected around the LTU 300, phone calls made around the LTU 300,
and/or other audible expressions made around the LTU 300. Further,
the audio sensors can record ambient sound around the LTU 300 to
determine other environment information.
[0115] The sensors may also include force sensors to detect a force
observed on the LTU 300. One example of a force sensor may include
a force transducer that converts measured forces (e.g., force,
weight, pressure, etc.) into output signals. Further, mechanical
motion sensors can be included and may correspond to encoders,
accelerometers, damped masses, and the like. Optionally, the
mechanical motion sensors may be adapted to measure the force of
gravity (i.e., G-force) as observed on the LTU 300. Measuring the
G-force observed on the LTU 300 can provide valuable information
related to a LTU's acceleration, deceleration, collisions, and/or
forces that may have been suffered by the LTU 300.
[0116] Other sensors can include orientation sensors, which can
include accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetic sensors, and the like
that are configured to detect an orientation associated with the
LTU 300 relative to at least one reference point. In some
embodiments, the orientation sensor may include at least one
pressure transducer, stress/strain gauge, accelerometer, gyroscope,
and/or geomagnetic sensor.
[0117] Optionally, the sensors may be configured to collect data
relating to one or more conditions, objects, vehicles, and other
events that are external to the LTU 300. For instance, the force
sensors may detect and/or record force information associated with
the outside of a LTU 300. For instance, if an object strikes the
exterior of the LTU 300, the force sensors may determine a
magnitude, location, and/or time associated with the strike.
[0118] The odometry sensor and/or system may include one or more
components that is configured to determine a change in position of
the LTU 300 over time. In some embodiments, the odometry system may
utilize data from one or more other sensors and/or systems in
determining a position (e.g., distance, location, etc.) of the LTU
300 relative to a previously measured position for the LTU 300.
Additionally or alternatively, the odometry sensors may include one
or more encoders, Hall speed sensors, and/or other measurement
sensors/devices configured to measure a wheel speed, rotation,
and/or number of revolutions made over time. Examples of the
odometry sensor/system as described herein may include, but are not
limited to, at least one of Infineon TLE4924/26/27/28C
high-performance speed sensors, Infineon TL4941plusC(B) single chip
differential Hall wheel-speed sensors, Infineon TL5041plusC Giant
Mangnetoresistance (GMR) effect sensors, Infineon TL family of
magnetic sensors, EPC Model 25SP Accu-CoderPro.TM. incremental
shaft encoders, EPC Model 30M compact incremental encoders with
advanced magnetic sensing and signal processing technology, EPC
Model 925 absolute shaft encoders, EPC Model 958 absolute shaft
encoders, EPC Model MA36S/MA63S/SA36S absolute shaft encoders,
Dynapar.TM. F18 commutating optical encoder, Dynapar.TM. HS35R
family of phased array encoder sensors, other industry-equivalent
odometry sensors and/or systems, and may perform change in position
detection and/or determination functions using any known or
future-developed standard and/or architecture.
[0119] In some embodiments, the sensors and systems 304 may include
other sensors 1043 and/or combinations of the sensors described
above. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the sensors
1043 described above may include one or more processors configured
to process and/or interpret signals detected by the one or more
sensors 1043. In some embodiments, the processing of at least some
sensor information provided by the sensors and systems 1043 may be
processed by at least one sensor processor 1043. Raw and/or
processed sensor data may be stored in a sensor data memory storage
medium 1037. In some embodiments, the sensor data memory may store
instructions used by the sensor processor for processing sensor
information provided by the sensors and systems 1043. In any event,
the sensor data memory may be a disk drive, optical storage device,
solid-state storage device such as a random access memory ("RAM")
and/or a read-only memory ("ROM"), which can be programmable,
flash-updateable, and/or the like.
[0120] The processor 1023 may receive processed sensor information
from the sensor processor and determine to control an aspect of the
LTU 300. Controlling an aspect of the LTU 300 may include
communicating or presenting information via a communication system
1033 or output 1027 (e.g., illuminating an light emitting diode
(LED)). In this example, the processor 1023 may receive sensor data
describing an environment surrounding the LTU 300 and, based on the
sensor data received, determine to adjust the performance of the
LTU 300.
[0121] The processor 1023 may communicate, in real-time, with the
sensors and systems 1043 forming a feedback loop. In particular,
upon receiving sensor information describing a condition in the
environment surrounding the LTU 300, the processor 1023 may
autonomously make changes to an operation of the LTU 300. The
processor 1023 may then receive subsequent sensor information
describing any change to the condition of the environment. This
continual cycle of observation (e.g., via the sensors, etc.) and
action (e.g., selected control or non-control of operations, etc.)
allows the LTU 300 to operate autonomously in the environment.
[0122] In some embodiments, the processor 1023 may receive control
information from one or more control sources. The control source
may provide a command(s) and/or control information including
operational commands, operation override control commands, and the
like. The control source may correspond to an LTU server 132, a
traffic control system, an administrative control entity, and/or
some other controlling server. It is an aspect of the present
disclosure that the processor 1023 and/or other components of the
LTU 300 may exchange communications with the control source across
the communication network 136 and via the communications subsystem
1033.
[0123] Information associated with controlling the LTU 300 may be
stored in a control data memory 1037 storage medium. The control
data memory 1037 may store instructions used by the processor 1023
for controlling the LTU 300, historical control information,
control rules, and the like. In some embodiments, the control data
memory 1037 may be a disk drive, optical storage device,
solid-state storage device such as a random access memory ("RAM")
and/or a read-only memory ("ROM"), which can be programmable,
flash-updateable, and/or the like.
[0124] In addition to the mechanical components described herein,
the LTU 300 may include a number of user interface devices. The
user interface devices receive and translate input into a
mechanical movement or electrical signal or stimulus. The input may
be one or more of motion, voice, touch, and/or physical interaction
with the components of the LTU 300. In some embodiments, the input
may be configured to control one or more functions of the LTU 300
and/or systems of the LTU 300 described herein. User interfaces may
include, but are in no way limited to, at least one graphical user
interface of a display device, a touch mechanism, power control
switch, communications equipment, etc.
[0125] An embodiment of the electrical system associated with the
LTU 300 can include a power source(s) that generates power, power
storage that stores power 1055, and/or load(s) that consume power.
Power storage may be associated with a power storage system 1055.
The electrical system may be managed by a power management
controller (PMC). Further, the electrical system can include one or
more other interfaces or controllers.
[0126] The power management controller can be a computer, computing
system(s), software, and/or electrical system with associated
components, as described herein, capable of managing the functions
to receive power, routing the power to the power storage (e.g.,
battery 1055), and then providing the power from the battery 1055
to the loads. Thus, the power management controller may execute
programming that controls switches, devices, components, etc.
involved in the reception, storage, and provision of the power in
the electrical system.
[0127] The battery 1055 can be any type of battery for storing
electrical energy, for example, a lithium ion battery, a lead acid
battery, a nickel cadmium battery, etc. Further, the battery 1055
may include different types of power storage systems, such as,
ionic fluids or other types of fuel cell systems. The battery 1055
may also include one or more high-capacity capacitors. The
capacitors may be used for long-term or short-term storage of
electrical energy. The input into the battery 1055 may be different
from the output, and thus, the capacitor may be charged quickly but
drain slowly. The functioning of any converter, battery capacitor,
etc. may be monitored or managed by the PMC. Further, the battery
1055 may be electrically connected to a charge port 21057, which
can be any physical connector, that connects to an outside source
of power (an electrical distribution system) to charge the battery
1055.
[0128] LTU Software:
[0129] An embodiment of software 1100/1200 that may function on the
processor 1023 may be as shown in FIG. 11 and/or FIG. 12. While the
components in FIGS. 11 and 12 are described as software, the
functions described can be embodied as gates in an ASIC, FPGA, or
other processor. As such, the software functions 1100/1200 may be
embodied as hardware in some configurations. The software can
include one or more of, but is not limited to: a modem service
1144, an operating system (LINUX kernel 1160), a recovery function
1148, a Firmware Over-The-Air (FOTA) client 1152, a factory
function 1156, an LED function 1264, a GPS function 1268, a sensor
function 1272, and/or a main task (cloud mode control) function
1276. In some configurations, the software/hardware 1100 may
function on a physical separate processor 11233 from the
hardware/software 1200. In other configurations, the
hardware/software 1100, 1200 execute on a single processor but in
separate partitions.
[0130] The modem server 1144 can include various functionality. For
example, the modem functionality 114 can include one or more of,
but is not limited to: a file system 1104, a log 1108, a parallel
optical interface (POI) 1112, 1116, a modem 1120, a data function
1124, a battery function 1128, a power management (PM) function
1132, a MUX12/DEMUX 1236, and/or a HDLC 1240. These various
functions will be explained hereinafter.
[0131] The file system 1104 can be any file system or filesystem
that is used to control how data is stored and retrieved. The file
system 1104 separates the data into pieces and gives each piece a
name, the information is easily isolated and identified. The file
system 1104 includes a structure and logic rules used to manage the
groups of information and the names of the information. An example
file system 1104 can be the Apache Hadoop File System, the
Microsoft Resilient File System, and/or Apple's Hierarchical File
System. Any file system can be used for file system 1104 to
organize the LTU sensor data or other information.
[0132] A log 1108 can include any data sequentially stored by the
LTU 300. The log 1108 may also include a data logger, which is an
electronic device that records data over time or in relation to
location either with a built-in instrument or sensor or via
external instruments and sensors. The data logger 1108 may be based
on a digital processor (or computer). They data logger 1108 can be
battery powered and equipped with a microprocessor, internal memory
for data storage, and sensors. Some embodiments of the data logger
1108 can interface with a personal computer, and use software to
activate the data logger 1108 and view and analyze the collected
data, while others have a local interface device and can be used as
a stand-alone device.
[0133] The data logger 1108 may vary between general purpose types
for a range of measurement applications to very specific devices
for measuring in one environment or application type only. It is
common for general purpose types to be programmable; however, many
remain as static machines with only a limited number or no
changeable parameters. One of the primary benefits of using data
loggers is the ability to automatically collect data on a 24-hour
basis. Upon activation, data loggers are typically deployed and
left unattended to measure and record information for the duration
of the monitoring period. This autonomy allows for a comprehensive,
accurate picture of the environmental conditions being monitored,
such as air temperature and relative humidity.
[0134] A POI 1112, 1116 is a form of fiber optic technology aimed
primarily at communications and networking over relatively short
distances (less than 300 meters), and at high bandwidths. Parallel
optic interfaces 1112, 1116 differ from traditional fiber optic
communication in that data is simultaneously transmitted and
received over multiple fibers. Different methods exist for
splitting the data over this high bandwidth link. In the simplest
form, the parallel optic link is a replacement for many serial data
communication links. In the more typical application, one byte of
information is split up into bits and each bit is coded and sent
across the individual fibers. There may be two forms of
commercially available products for POIs 1112, 1116. The first is a
twelve-channel system consisting of an optical transmitter 1112 and
an optical receiver 1116. The second is a four-channel transceiver
product that is capable of transmitting four channels 1112 and
receiving four channels 1116 in one product. Parallel optics is
often the most cost effective solution for getting 40 Gigabit per
second transmission of data over distances exceeding 100 meters
[0135] A modem 1120 (modulator-demodulator) can be any network
hardware/software that modulates one or more carrier wave signals
to encode digital information for transmission and demodulates
signals to decode the transmitted information. Modems can be used
with any means of transmitting analog signals, from light emitting
diodes to radio frequency signals. A common type of modem 1120 is
one that turns the digital data of a computer into modulated
electrical signal for transmission over telephone lines and
demodulated by another modem at the receiver side to recover the
digital data.
[0136] Data function 1124 is any software that stores, retrieves,
or manages data. The LTU 300 can store sensor, position, or other
information in working memory 1037, in a storage media 1031, or in
a storage device 1029. The information may be managed by the data
function 1124, which can include any type of file system controller
or database controller.
[0137] The battery function 1128 can send information about the
battery 1055 and/or receive commands to manage the battery 1055.
Thus, the information about the battery function 1128 can include
an amount of charge, battery status. The commands received by the
battery function 1128 can manage the charging of the battery
through the port 1057, signal the processor 1023 that a charge is
needed when the battery 1055 reaches some threshold, etc. Any
required commands to maintain battery charge, charge the battery,
or use the battery may be sent by the battery function 1128 to the
Batt function 1168.
[0138] A power management (PM) function 1132 can be any feature
that receives commands to manage power to the LTU 300. For example,
the PM 1132 can receive commands to turn off the power or switch
the LTU 300 to a low-power state when inactive or while charging.
Further, the PM 1132 can receive commands to manage how different
other components, e.g., the sensors 1043, communications system
1033, etc. use or are allotted power. Thus, the commands received
by the PM 1132 can control switches or other componentry to change
power allocation. Further, the PM 1132 can receive power savings
commands from the LTU server 132 to command the PMIC 1164 to change
power functions, which may be sent to the PMIC function 1164.
[0139] A MUX/DEMUX 1136 can be any hardware/software that selects
one of several analog or digital input signals and forwards the
selected input into a single line. A multiplexer of 2n inputs has n
select lines, which are used to select which input line to send to
the output. MUX/DEMUX 1136 can be used to increase the amount of
data that can be sent over the network within a certain amount of
time and bandwidth. A MUX/DEMUX 1136 is also called a data
selector. The MUX/DEMUX 1136 makes it possible for several signals
to share one device or resource, for example one A/D converter or
one communication line, instead of having one device per input
signal. Conversely, the demultiplexer (or DEMUX) 1136 is any
hardware/software taking a single input signal and selecting one of
many data-output-lines, which is connected to the single input. A
DEMUX 1136 is a single-input, multiple-output switch.
[0140] A High-Level Data Link Control (HDLC) 1240 may be any
hardware/software that provides a bit-oriented code-transparent
synchronous data link layer protocol function developed by the
International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The current
standard for HDLC is ISO 13239, which is incorporated by reference
herein for all that it teaches and for all purposes. The HDLC 1240
provides both connection-oriented and connectionless service. In
some configurations, the HDLC 1240 can be used for point to
multipoint connections, but also to connect one device to another,
using what is known as Asynchronous Balanced Mode (ABM). The
master-slave modes Normal Response Mode (NRM) and Asynchronous
Response Mode (ARM) may also be used.
[0141] The Linux Kernel 1160 can incorporate various operating
system functions and include a power management integrated circuit
(PMIC) function 1164, a battery (Batt) management function 1168,
and/or a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART)
function 1172. The operating system (OS) functions manage computer
hardware and software resources and provides common services for
computer programs. All computer programs, excluding firmware,
require an operating system to function. The OS schedules tasks of
various operations or programs for efficient use of the system
1000. For hardware functions, such as input and output and memory
allocation, the operating system acts as an intermediary between
programs and the computer hardware. The Linux Kernel is a type of
OS, but another OS may be used in the LTU 300.
[0142] The power management integrated circuits (PMIC) 1164 can be
any hardware/software for managing power requirements of the LTU
300. Thus, the PMIC 1164 can include some form of electronic power
conversion and/or relevant power control functions. A PMIC 1164 can
decrease the amount of space required to manage the electrical
systems and/or battery function 1168. The PMIC 1164 may be
responsive to commands received by the PM 1132 and may sent
information to the PM 1132 for transmission to the LTU server 132.
The Batt 1168 can control the battery state or function of the
battery 1055. In some configurations, based on commands from the
battery function 1128, the OS 1160 batt 1168 may manage or control
the functioning of the battery 1055.
[0143] The UART 1172 can be a computer hardware device or software
for asynchronous serial communication in which the data format and
transmission speeds are configurable. The electric signaling levels
and methods (such as differential signaling, etc.) may be handled
by a driver circuit external to the UART 1172. The UART 1172 can be
used in conjunction with communication standards such as TIA
(formerly EIA) RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485. A UART 1172 may be an
individual (or part of an) integrated circuit (IC) used for serial
communications over a computer or peripheral device serial port.
The UART 1172 may be included with the processor 1123.
[0144] The recovery function 1148 can return the LTU 300 settings
to a previous version. As such, the recovery function 1148 may
store LTU 300 settings and change those settings as required by LTU
commands or other inputs. Different versions of the settings may be
maintained and stored with version identifiers that can be
retrieved or provided to the modem service 114 to send to the LTU
server 132 or output to another output. A command can be received,
from the LTU server 132 through the modem service 114, that
instructs the recovery function 1148 to return the settings to an
earlier version. The recovery function 1148 may then make those
changes to the settings. The recovery function 1148 may also
provide any information to the modem service 114 to allow the
physical recovery of the LTU 300. In this configuration, the modem
service 114 provides shipping information to a user to send the LTU
300 to a destination. In other situations, the recovery function
1148 may send a signal to the LTU server 132 providing a location
of the LTU 300, such that a user can retrieve the LTU 300.
[0145] The FOTA 1152 1152 refers to various functions for receiving
new software, configuration settings, and even updating encryption
keys distributed from the LTU server 132 or another device. One
important feature of FOTA 1152 is that a single LTU server 132 can
send an update to all the LTUs 300, who are unable to refuse,
defeat, or alter that update, and that the update applies
immediately to everyone on the channel. In the context of the
mobile content, FOTA 1152 may include over-the-air service
provisioning (OTASP), over-the-air provisioning (OTAP) or
over-the-air parameter administration (OTAPA), or provisioning LTUs
300 with the necessary settings with which to access services. As
LTUs 300 accumulate new applications and become more advanced, LTU
configuration can become increasingly important as new updates and
services develop. FOTA 1152 via SMS optimizes the configuration
data updates in SIM cards and enables the distribution of new
software updates to LTUs 300 with the necessary settings with which
to access services such as WAP or MMS. FOTA 1152 messaging may
provide remote control of LTUs 300 for service and subscription
activation, personalization and programming of a new service for
mobile operators and third parties.
[0146] Factory 1156 can return the LTU 300 settings to a factory
version. As such, the factory function 1156 may store a first or
primary version of the LTU 300 settings. This primary version may
be retrieved or provided to the modem service 114 to send to the
LTU server 132 or output to another output. A command can be
received, from the LTU server 132 through the modem service 114,
that instructs the factory function 1156 to return the LTU 300 to
factory settings. The factory function 1156 may then make those
changes to the settings. The factory function 1156 may also provide
any information to the modem service 114 to allow the physical
recovery of the LTU 300. In this configuration, the factory
function 1156 provides shipping information to a user to send the
LTU 300 to a LTU factory or distributor. In other situations, the
factory function 1156 may send a signal to the LTU server 132
providing a location of the LTU 300, such that a user can retrieve
the LTU 300. Thus, the factory function 1156 can provide quick
retrieval of all LTUs 300 in the event of a recall or other
event.
[0147] A light-emitting diode (LED) function 1264 can be a LED
circuit or LED driver that powers a LED. The circuit or function
1264 can provide sufficient current to light the LED at the
required brightness, and may limit the current to prevent damaging
the LED. The voltage drop across an LED is approximately constant
over a wide range of operating current; therefore, a small increase
in applied voltage greatly increases the current. Very simple
circuits can be used for low-power indicator LEDs.
[0148] Sensor function 1272 may be a sensor interface, for example,
the Simple Sensor Interface (SSI) protocol, which can include any
simple communications protocol designed for data transfer between
the processor 1023 and the sensors 1043. The SSI protocol, for
example, is an Application layer protocol as in the OSI model. The
SSI protocol has been developed jointly by Nokia, Vaisala, Suunto,
Ionific, Mermit and University of Oulu. The SSI protocol can be
used in point-to-point communications over UART 1172. SSI can also
provide polling sensors and streaming sensor data. Sample
implementation of the SSI protocol for MSP430 microcontrollers has
been published in 2006 by Nokia.
[0149] The GPS function 1268 can include any drivers and/or
receivers that can receive positioning information. The GPS
function 1268 can relay position data to the processor 1023 using
the NMEA 0183 protocol. Other proprietary protocols exist as well,
such as the SiRF and MTK protocols. Receivers can interface with
other devices using methods including a serial connection, USB,
Bluetooth.RTM..
[0150] LTU Server Software:
[0151] The software/hardware associated with the LTU SErver 132 may
be as shown in FIG. 13. The LTU server 132 can manage the reception
of data from several LTUs 300 and provision the data to clients
140. Each LTU 300 may be associated with a particular third-party
140, and thus, the LTU server 132 can ensure the received data is
sent to the correct third-party 140. Further, the LTU server 132
can command the various LTUs 300 based on input from the third
parties 140 or based on operational situations. The LTU server 132
can include one or more of, but is not limited to: one or more
queues 1312, middleware 1320, tracking procession 1328, a database
1356, a load balance 1336, an application programming interface
(API)/page view 1340, and/or authentication 1348.
[0152] The queue 1312 can be a kind of abstract data type or
collection stored in working memory 1037 in which the entities in
the collection are kept in order and the principal (or only)
operations on the collection are the addition of entities to the
rear terminal position, known as enqueue, and removal of entities
from the front terminal position, known as dequeue. This makes the
queue a First-In-First-Out (FIFO) data structure. In a FIFO data
structure, the first element added to the queue will be the first
one to be removed. This data structure is equivalent to the
requirement that once a new element is added, all elements that
were added before have to be removed before the new element can be
removed. Often a peek or front operation is also entered, returning
the value of the front element without dequeuing it. A queue is an
example of a linear data structure, or more abstractly a sequential
collection.
[0153] Queues 1312 allow data, objects, persons, commands, events,
etc. to be stored and held to be processed later. In these
contexts, the queue 1312 performs the function of a buffer. The
queue 1312 can be implemented as data structures coupled with
access routines, as an abstract data structure or in
object-oriented languages as classes. Common implementations are
circular buffers and linked lists.
[0154] The queue 1312 may have two or more instances 1314 through
1316c. As used herein, an instance can be a concrete occurrence of
any object or code, existing usually during the runtime of a
computer program. The queue 1312 can have a first instance 1314 to
receive data from one or more LTUs 300 in an LTU group 1304. An LTU
group 1304 can include all LTUs 300 or some subset of LTUs 300
organized based on a characteristic(s), e.g., a customer identity.
The data may be queued to allow for provision to the middleware
1320 for further processing. Queueing the received data allows for
provision to the middleware 1320 at a time coordinated with the
middleware 1320.
[0155] The queue 1312 can have one of more other instances of
queues 1316a-1316c, which each queue 1316 may be associated with a
particular and/or predetermined LTU 1308a-1308c. The queues 1316
can queue commands to be sent to the LTUs 1308. Commands need to be
queued as the LTU 1308 may not be able to communicate in some
situations, e.g., the LTU 300 is out of cellular or wireless
range/coverage. AS such, the queue 1316 can receive a command from
the middleware 1320 and hold the command until contact with the LTU
1304 is established and the command(s) in the queue 1316 can be
sent.
[0156] Middleware 1320 can include the software that provides
services to software applications in the tracking processing 1328
beyond those available from the operating system. The middleware
1320 allows development or implementation of communication and
input/output changes to occur with changing the purpose or
performance of tracking processing 1328. Middleware 1320 can also
include web servers, application servers, content management
systems, and similar tools that support application development and
delivery. An example of at least some of the functions that may be
performed by an instance of the middleware 1320 may be as shown in
FIG. 15. The middleware 1320 can be deployed as one or more
instances 1324a-1324c that may be associated with a particular
and/or predetermined LTU 1308 and/or customer 140.
[0157] Tracking Processing 1328 can include application processing
including business processes or other functions. Tracking
processing 1328 can include related, structured activities or tasks
that produce a specific service or product (serve a particular
goal) for a particular customer or customers regarding tracking of
assets with the LTU 300. As with the middleware 1320, the tracking
processing 1328 can be deployed as one or more instances
1332a-1332c that may be associated with a particular and/or
predetermined LTU 1308 and/or customer 140. An example of at least
some of the functions that may be performed by an instance of the
tracking processing 1328 may be as shown in FIG. 16.
[0158] Database 1356 can include any database storage or databass
access service. Thus, the database 1356 can include object-oriented
databases, flat file databases, relational databases, or another
type of database. In some situations, the database 1356 may be a
database developed in SQL or other language or protocol.
Regardless, the database 1356 can also include a database manager
that can retrieve, store, or manage the data within the database.
As with the middleware 1320 and the tracking processing 1328, the
database 1356 can be deployed as one or more instances 1356a-1356c
that may be associated with a particular and/or predetermined LTU
1308 and/or customer 140. Databases are well known and need not be
described further herein; however, examples of data that may be
stored within the database 1356 may be as provided in the
description of FIG. 17.
[0159] The third-party software 140 can be a client that accesses a
service made available by a the LTU server 132. The server 132 may
be accessed by way of a network 136. A client can be a computer
program that, as part of its operation, relies on sending a request
to another computer program (e.g., the LTU server 132). For
example, a web browser at the third-party computer 140 can connect
to an API/page view service 1340 and retrieve web pages for display
at the third-party device 140. The web pages can include LTU data
about assets associated with the third-party. Further, the
third-party device 140 may be pushed LTU information depending on
the configuration of the LTU server 132 and/or third-party device
140.
[0160] The load balance function 1336 can improve the distribution
of workloads across multiple computing resources, such as the
API/page view function 1340 and/or the authentication processing
1348. Load balancing 1336 aims to optimize resource use, maximize
throughput, minimize response time, and avoid overload of any
single resource. Using multiple components with load balancing 1336
instead of a single component may increase reliability and
availability through redundancy. Load balancing 1336 can include
dedicated software and/or hardware, such as a multilayer switch or
a Domain Name System server process, to accomplish the load
balancing. Generally, the load balance 1336 can distribute tasks
across the multiple instances 1344, 1352 of the API 1340 and/or
authentication functions 1348
[0161] The API/Page View 1340 can be any set of subroutine
definitions, protocols, and tools for building application
software. In general terms, the API/Page View 1340 is a set of
clearly defined methods of communication between various software
components. The API/Page View 1340 allows for development of the
third-party software 140 and/or tracking processing 1328 by
providing all the building blocks, which are then put together by
the programmer. The API/Page View 1340 may be a web-based system,
operating system, database system, computer hardware or software
library. The API/Page View 1340 can take many forms, but often
includes specifications for routines, data structures, object
classes, variables or remote calls. POSIX, Microsoft Windows API,
the C++ Standard Template Library, and Java APIs are examples of
different forms of the API/Page View 1340. Further, the API/Page
View 1340 can provide LTU information to the client 140 in pages or
through pushing data to the client 140. As with the middleware
1320, the tracking processing 1328, and/or the database 1356, the
API/Page View 1340 can be deployed as one or more instances
1344a-134c that may be associated with a particular and/or
predetermined LTU 1308 and/or customer 140.
[0162] Authentication 1348 can be any hardware/software capable of
confirming the truth of an attribute of a single piece of data (a
datum) claimed true by an entity. Authentication 1348 is a process
that confirms the identity of the client 140 and begins to
establish the connection between the client 140 and the tracking
processing functions 1328. Authentication 1348 might involve
confirming the identity of a third-party 140 by verifying the
authenticity of a website with a digital certificate, receiving and
verifying a token or other security instrument, etc. In other
words, authentication often involves verifying the validity of at
least one form of identification.
[0163] As the weakest level of authentication, only a single
component from one of the three categories of factors is used to
authenticate. The use of only one factor does not offer much
protection from misuse or malicious intrusion. When elements
representing two factors are required for authentication, the term
two-factor authentication is applied--e.g., the LTU server 132 can
require users 140 to provide a password (knowledge factor) and a
pseudorandom number from a security token (ownership factor).
Multi-factor authentication can instead use more than two factors,
e.g., multiple authentication factors are used to enhance security
of an interaction in comparison to the two-factor authentication
process.
[0164] The term digital authentication refers to a group of
processes where the confidence for user identities is established
and presented via electronic methods to an information system. It
is also referred to as e-authentication. Digital authentication can
include enrollment--an individual applies to a credential service
provider (CSP) to initiate the enrollment process. After
successfully proving the applicant's identity, the CSP allows the
applicant to become a subscriber; authentication--after becoming a
subscriber, the user receives an authenticator e.g., a token and
credentials, such as a user name (the third-party 140 is then
permitted to perform online transactions within an authenticated
session with a relying party, where they must provide proof that
the third-party 140 possesses one or more authenticators); and/or
life-cycle maintenance--the CSP is charged with the task of
maintaining the third-party's credential of the course of its
lifetime, while the subscriber is responsible for maintaining his
or her authenticator(s). As with the middleware 1320, the tracking
processing 1328, API/Page View 1340, the authentication functions
1348 can be deployed as one or more instances 1352a-1352c that may
be associated with a particular and/or predetermined LTU 1308
and/or customer 140. An example of at least some of the functions
that may be performed by an instance of the authentication
functions 1348 may be as shown in FIG. 14.
[0165] Authentication Software:
[0166] An example of functions performed by the authentication
software 1348 may be as shown in FIG. 14. The functions can include
an authentication interface 1404 (that receives or sends
communications to the third party 140 during the authentication
processing), an authentication page view 1408, a validation
function 1412, an encryption function 1416, a security token
manager 1420, and/or and API interface 1424 (that sends or receives
communications from/to the API/Page View 1340).
[0167] The authentication page view 1408 can be a LTU server 132
function to script pages or information to the user 140. The
information encompasses required input or outputs used for the
development of a secret or other authentication functions. Thus,
the authentication page view 1408 produces the interface used to
authenticate the user 140.
[0168] Validation 1412 includes any process of ensuring that a
program operates on clean, correct and useful data set. Validation
1412 can use routines, often called "validation rules" "validation
constraints" or "check routines", that check for correctness,
meaningfulness, and security of data that are input from the
third-party system 140 and/or output to from the LTU server 132.
The rules may be implemented through the automated facilities of a
data dictionary, or by the inclusion of explicit application
program validation logic.
[0169] Encryption 1416 can include any process of encoding and/or
decoding a message or information in such a way that only
authorized parties can access the content of the message.
Encryption does not of itself prevent interference, but denies the
intelligible content to a would-be interceptor. In an encryption
scheme, the intended information or message, referred to as
plaintext, is encrypted using an encryption algorithm, generating
ciphertext that can only be read if decrypted. For technical
reasons, an encryption scheme can use a pseudo-random encryption
key generated by an algorithm. It is in principle possible to
decrypt the message without possessing the key, but, for a
well-designed encryption scheme, considerable computational
resources and skills are required. An authorized recipient can
easily decrypt the message with the key provided by the LTU server
132 to the third-party system 140 but not to unauthorized
users.
[0170] An example of an encryption type are public-key encryption
schemes where the encryption key is published for anyone to use and
encrypt messages. However, only the receiving party has access to
the decryption key that enables messages to be read. A publicly
available public key encryption application called Pretty Good
Privacy (PGP) was written in 1991 by Phil Zimmermann, and
distributed free of charge with source code; it was purchased by
Symantec in 2010 and is regularly updated and may be used for
encryption 1416.
[0171] A security token manager 1420 can be any hardware/software
that is used to gain access to an electronically restricted
resource. The token is used in addition to or in place of a
password. It acts like an electronic key to access LTU information.
Some tokens may store cryptographic keys, such as a digital
signature. The security token manager 1420 can be a security token
service (STS), which is a software based identity provider
responsible for issuing security tokens as part of a claims-based
identity system. In a typical usage scenario, a client 140 requests
access to a secure software application in tracking processing
1328. Instead of the application authenticating the client 140, the
client 140 is redirected to a security token manager 1420. The
authentication 1408 authenticates the client 140 and instructs the
security token manager 1420 to issue a security token. Finally, the
client 140 is redirected back to the API/Page View 1340 where it
presents the security token. The token is the data record in which
claims are packed, and is protected from manipulation with strong
cryptography. The API/Page View 1340 or other software can verify
that the token originated from the security token manager 1420
trusted by it, and then makes authorization decisions accordingly.
The token is creating a chain of trust between the security token
manager 1420 and the software application consuming the claims.
This process is illustrated in the Security Assertion Markup
Language (SAML) use case, demonstrating how single sign-on can be
used to access web services.
[0172] Security token services can be offered as web services,
through the use of application programming interfaces (APIs), or
for native applications in conjunction with software development
kits (SDKs). Broadly speaking, there are three types of Secure
Token Services: IP-STS (Identity Provider Secure Token Service):
authenticates clients directly; FS-STS (Federated Provider STS);
and RP-STS (Relying Party Secure Token Service), which delegates
client authentication.
[0173] Middleware Software:
[0174] An example of functions performed by the middleware software
1320 may be as shown in FIG. 15. The functions can include an LTU
information receiver 1504 (that receives communications from an LTU
information queue 1314), an information converter 1508, a database
interface 1512, and/or a command converter 1516.
[0175] The information converter 1508 can convert LTU information
data from one format received by the queues 1316 to another format
that can be processes by the tracing processing functions 1332.
Throughout the LTU 900 environment, LTU data may be encoded in a
variety of ways. The operating system 1628 is predicated on certain
standards for data and file handling. Furthermore, each LTU program
can handle data in a different manner. Whenever any one of these
variables is changed, data is converted in some way before the data
can be used by a different computer, operating system, and/or
program. Even different versions of these elements usually involve
different data structures. For example, the changing of bits from
one format to another, usually for the purpose of application
interoperability or of capability of using new features, is merely
a data conversion. Data conversions may be as simple as the
conversion of a text file from one character encoding system to
another; or more complex, such as the conversion of file
formats.
[0176] There are many ways in which data is converted within the
computer environment. The conversion 1508 may require processing by
the use of a special conversion program, or it may involve a
complex process of going through intermediary stages, or involving
complex "exporting" and "importing" procedures, which may include
converting to and from a tab-delimited or comma-separated text
file, etc. In some cases, the converter 1508 may recognize several
data file formats at the data input stage and then is also capable
of storing the output data in a number of different formats. The
converter 1508 may be used to convert a file format. If the source
format or target format is not recognized, then at times a third
program may be available which permits the conversion to an
intermediate format, which can then be reformatted using the first
program. There are many possible scenarios. Regardless, the
converter 1508 converts information from the LTUs 300 into a usable
form for the tracking processing 1328. It should be noted that the
command converter 1516 may function similarly but convert commands
from the tracking processing 1328 into a format understood by the
LTUs 1308 before send the converted commands to queue 1316.
[0177] The database interface 1512 can manage an organized
collection of data, for example, database 1356. The database
interface 1512 may be a database management system (DBMS), which is
a computer software application that interacts with other
applications and the database itself to capture and analyze data. A
general-purpose DBMS is designed to allow the definition, creation,
querying, update, and administration of databases. Well-known DBMSs
include MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, MariaDB, Microsoft SQL Server,
Oracle, Sybase, SAP HANA, MemSQL and IBM DB2. A database is not
generally portable across different DBMSs, but different DBMS can
interoperate by using standards such as SQL and ODBC or JDBC to
allow a single application to work with more than one DBMS.
Database management systems are often classified according to the
database model that they support; the most popular database systems
since the 1980s have all supported the relational model as
represented by the SQL language.
[0178] Tracking Processing Software:
[0179] An example of functions performed by the tracking processing
software 1328 may be as shown in FIG. 16. The functions can include
a Message Queue Telemetry Transport (MQTT) Management 1604, an
import airport API 1608, a match LTU information 1612, a report
process information 1616, a communication middleware 1620, a
database repositories 1624, and/or an operation system (OS)
1628.
[0180] The MQTT Management 1604 can include a messaging function
based on the ISO standard (ISO/IEC PRF 20922)
publish-subscribe-based "lightweight" messaging protocol for use on
top of the TCP/IP protocol. MQTT Management function 1604 can
communicate over connections with remote locations where a "small
code footprint" is required or the network bandwidth is limited, as
with the LTU environment 900. The publish-subscribe messaging
pattern requires a message broker, e.g., the MQTT Management 1604.
The MQTT Management 1604 may be responsible for distributing
messages to interested clients based on the topic of a message.
Alternative protocols include the Advanced Message Queuing Protocol
(AMQP), Streaming Text Oriented Messaging Protocol (STOMP) the IETF
Constrained Application Protocol, 16MPP, and Web Application
Messaging Protocol (WAMP).
[0181] The import airport API 1608 can be an API that imports
information about airports, airport communications infrastructure,
or other environmental communications systems. The import airport
API 1608 can also import LTU information or other information for
provision to the client 140. Also, the import airport API 1608 can
interface with systems to send/receive processed LTU information
destined for the client 140.
[0182] The match LTU information function 1612 can function to
associated a client 140 with a particular LTU 300. As such, the
match LTU information function 1612 can create the associated of
identifiers for the LTU 300 and client 140. Further, the match LTU
information function 1612 can determine, based on the associations,
which LTU data is to be sent to each client 140. The match LTU
information function 1612 then can instruct the routing of the LTU
information for the communication middleware 1520 or other
communication function.
[0183] The report process information 1616 can generate the reports
of the LTU information for the client 140. As such, based on any
processing rules predetermined by the LTU server 132 or provided
from the client 140, the report process information 1616 can
organize and present the LTU information to the client.
[0184] Communication middleware 1620 provides the communications
capabilities to communicate with other system components or other
systems or devices, e.g., the client 140 and/or LTU 300. The
communication middleware 1620 can have similar functionality to
middleware 1320 described in conjunction with FIGS. 13 and 15.
[0185] Database repositories 1624 functions to interact with the
database interface 1512 or database 1356 to store, retrieve, or
manage LTU data associated with a client 140. As such, the Database
repositories 1624 can receive LTU data and store that data for
provision to the report process information function 1616 that will
use the data to generate reports.
[0186] The operation system (OS) 1628 may be the same or similar to
the operating system 1160 or may perform similar functions to the
OS 1160 described in conjunction with FIGS. 11 and 12.
[0187] Communications Data:
[0188] An embodiment of a data structure 1702 or database
information 1700 that includes information about LTU location
and/or condition that may be stored in database 1356, may be as
shown in FIG. 17. The information within database 1700 can include
one or more fields, but is not limited to those shown in FIG. 17,
as represented by ellipses 1732. Further, there can be more
records, each associated with a client 140 and/or LTU 300, than
those shown in FIG. 17, as represented by ellipses 1728.
[0189] The LTU identifier field 1704 can include the identifier for
each of the LTUs 300 that are part of the LTU system 100 and or
active therein. As such, the database 1700 shows only a single
record for one active LTU within the environment 100. However,
there may be two or more records provided, within the database
1700, as represented by ellipses 1728. Two or more LTU ID's 1704
can be associated with a single client identifier 1708. This client
identifier 1708 may identify the client 140 associated with the
asset that is being tracked by the LTU 300. The IDs 1704, 1708 may
be associated by the match LTU information function 1612. Either
node 1704, 1708 can include any kind of numeric, alpha numeric,
GUID, or other designator that uniquely identifies the LTU 300 or
client 140 from all other LTUs 300 or clients 140 within the
environment 100.
[0190] The rest of the data 1702 may be a minimal set of data that
may be exchanged between the LTU 300 and the LTU server 132 and
then sent to the third-party system 140. Due to requirements to
prevent overuse of the battery and for quick messaging on crowded
networks 136, the LTU 300 is required to send only a minimal amount
of data to have the LTU's position and condition known. Thus, there
is a minimal amount of information that may be provided in any
message 1700. For example, the message 1700 can include a position
1712, a time/date 1724, and one or more items of sensor data 1716,
1720, if needed. Each of these fields may be provided in a
communication to the LTU server 132, which may store the data and
provide the data to the third-party 140.
[0191] The position 1712 can be a position or location indicator
determined from GPS or other location data. The position 1712 can
be coordinate-based information associated with a latitude and/or
longitude, a determined address, an IP address, an altitude, etc.
This information on position 1712 may be send periodically, e.g.,
every 5 minutes, every hour, etc. The periodicity of the
communication of position information may be predetermined or
user-established. In some situations, the periodicity of sending
the position information 1712 can be based on the current state of
the LTU 300. For example, a faster travel medium, e.g., an
airplane, may require more frequent updates than a ship or vehicle.
Further, if the LTU 300 is beginning or ending a trip, the
periodicity may become more frequent. If the LTU 300 has remained
motionless, as if abandoned, the periodicity of position updates
may become more infrequent to preserve battery power. Thus,
numerous factors are considered by the LTU 300 or the LTU server
132 in setting the periodicity of position information 1712
updates.
[0192] Optionally, one or more sensor data 1716, 1720 may also be
sent in the message 1702. The sensor data 1716, 1720 can be any
data from sensors 1043 as explained in conjunction with FIG. 10.
Thus, if a change has been determined by a sensor 1043, a message
1702 with the changes sensor data 1716 may be included. The change
may need to cross a threshold before being sent or may be sent
regardless of the degree of change. Further, if the LTU 300 is
beginning or ending a trip, the number or periodicity of the sensor
data measurements 1716, 1720 being sent may become more frequent.
If the LTU 300 has remained motionless, as if abandoned, an update
of all sensor measurements 1716, 1720 may be sent. Thus, numerous
factors are considered by the LTU 300 or the LTU server 132 in
determining which and how often sensor measurements are sent,
retrieved, and or provided to the client 140.
[0193] The features of the various embodiments described herein are
not intended to be mutually exclusive. Instead, features and
aspects of one embodiment may be combined with features or aspects
of another embodiment. Additionally, the description of a
particular element with respect to one embodiment may apply to the
use of that particular element in another embodiment, regardless of
whether the description is repeated in connection with the use of
the particular element in the other embodiment.
[0194] Examples provided herein are intended to be illustrative and
non-limiting. Thus, any example or set of examples provided to
illustrate one or more aspects of the present disclosure should not
be considered to comprise the entire set of possible embodiments of
the aspect in question. Examples may be identified by the use of
such language as "for example," "such as," "by way of example,"
"e.g.," and other language commonly understood to indicate that
what follows is an example.
[0195] The systems and methods of this disclosure have been
described in relation to the connection of a battery to a cooling
plate. However, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present
disclosure, the preceding description omits a number of known
structures and devices. This omission is not to be construed as a
limitation of the scope of the claimed disclosure. Specific details
are set forth to provide an understanding of the present
disclosure. It should, however, be appreciated that the present
disclosure may be practiced in a variety of ways beyond the
specific detail set forth herein.
[0196] A number of variations and modifications of the disclosure
can be used. It would be possible to provide for some features of
the disclosure without providing others.
[0197] The present disclosure, in various embodiments,
configurations, and aspects, includes components, methods,
processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and
described herein, including various embodiments, subcombinations,
and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how
to make and use the systems and methods disclosed herein after
understanding the present disclosure. The present disclosure, in
various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, includes
providing devices and processes in the absence of items not
depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments,
configurations, or aspects hereof, including in the absence of such
items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g.,
for improving performance, achieving ease, and/or reducing cost of
implementation.
[0198] The foregoing discussion of the disclosure has been
presented for purposes of illustration and description. The
foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or
forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for
example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in
one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose
of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the embodiments,
configurations, or aspects of the disclosure may be combined in
alternate embodiments, configurations, or aspects other than those
discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted
as reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosure requires
more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as
the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than
all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment,
configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby
incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim
standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0199] Embodiments of the present disclosure include a tracking
device, comprising: a housing having an electronics receiving
cavity; a battery disposed at least partially within the
electronics receiving cavity of the housing and in a first plane
parallel to a surface of the housing; a first communications
antenna configured to emit radio signals in a first frequency
range, the first communications antenna disposed at least partially
within the housing and in the first plane; and a second
communications antenna configured to emit radio signals in a second
frequency range, the second communications antenna disposed at
least partially within the housing and in the first plane, wherein
a portion of the battery is disposed in a space between the first
communications antenna and the second communications antenna,
wherein the portion of the battery interrupts a radio frequency
signal path between the first communications antenna and the second
communications antenna.
[0200] Any of the one or more of the above aspects wherein the
battery includes stacked layers of anode and cathode material, and
wherein the stacked layers form a shield blocking radio frequency
interference between the first communications antenna and the
second communications antenna.
[0201] Any of the one or more of the above aspects wherein the
battery has an electromagnetic field surrounding a portion of the
battery, and wherein the electromagnetic field interrupts the radio
frequency signal path between the first communications antenna and
the second communications antenna.
[0202] Any of the one or more of the above aspects wherein the
first communications antenna and the second communications antenna
are mounted to a first side of a substantially planar printed
circuit board.
[0203] Any of the one or more of the above aspects wherein the
printed circuit board is configured as an L-shaped board, the first
communications antenna being attached adjacent to a first end of
the L-shaped board and the second communications antenna being
attached adjacent to a second end of the L-shaped board diagonally
opposite the first end.
[0204] Any of the one or more of the above aspects wherein the
first communications antenna is mounted in an orientation
orthogonal to an orientation of the second communications
antenna.
[0205] Any of the one or more of the above aspects wherein the
first frequency range includes at least one frequency within the
second frequency range.
[0206] Any of the one or more of the above aspects wherein the
first communications antenna is a global system for mobile (GSM)
communication systems antenna.
[0207] Any of the one or more of the above aspects wherein the
second communications antenna is a global positioning system (GPS)
antenna.
[0208] Any of the one or more of the above aspects further
comprising: at least one radio frequency shield disposed in the
space between the first communications antenna and the second
communications antenna.
[0209] Any of the one or more of the above aspects wherein the
housing is a substantially rectangular three-dimensional shape, and
wherein the first communications antenna and the second
communications antenna are mounted in opposing corners of the
housing.
[0210] Embodiments of the present disclosure further include a
tracking unit, comprising: a split-housing including a cover
interconnected with a base; an electrical subassembly disposed
within the split-housing, the electrical subassembly comprising: a
printed circuit board; a battery electrically interconnected to the
printed circuit board; a first communications antenna configured to
emit radio signals at a first frequency, the first communications
antenna attached to the printed circuit board; a second
communications antenna configured to emit radio signals at a second
frequency, the second communications antenna attached to the
printed circuit board, wherein a portion of the battery is disposed
in a space between the first communications antenna and the second
communications antenna, and wherein the portion of the battery
interrupts a radio frequency signal path between the first
communications antenna and the second communications antenna.
[0211] Any of the one or more of the above aspects wherein the
cover and the base are interconnected with one another via at least
one fastening element and a sealing element.
[0212] Any of the one or more of the above aspects wherein the
first frequency and the second frequency are within 100 MHz of each
other.
[0213] Any of the one or more of the above aspects further
comprising: a temperature sensor connected to the printed circuit
board and configured to measure and record a temperature of the
tracking unit.
[0214] Any of the one or more of the above aspects further
comprising: a pressure sensor connected to the printed circuit
board and configured to measure and record a pressure of an
environment surrounding the tracking unit.
[0215] Any of the one or more of the above aspects further
comprising: a light sensor connected to the printed circuit board
and configured to measure and record an ambient light level
surrounding at least a portion of the tracking unit.
[0216] Any of the one or more of the above aspects wherein the
light sensor is one of a photodiode, phototransistor, or
phototransistor.
[0217] Any of the one or more of the above aspects wherein the
first communications antenna and the second communications antenna
are mounted at opposing corners of the printed circuit board.
[0218] Embodiments of the present disclosure further include a
printed circuit board assembly for a tracking device, comprising: a
substantially planar L-shaped substrate having a first portion
running in a first direction and a second portion running in a
second direction orthogonal to the first direction, wherein a first
communications antenna configured to emit radio signals in a first
frequency range is attached to the first portion, wherein a second
communications antenna configured to emit radio signals in a second
frequency range is attached to the second portion, wherein the
first communications antenna is mounted in an transmitting
orientation orthogonal to a transmitting orientation of the second
communications antenna, wherein the first communications antenna is
separated from the second communications antenna by an open space
disposed between the first and second portions of the substantially
planar L-shaped substrate, and wherein the open space is sized to
receive a substantially planar battery.
[0219] Any one or more of the aspects/embodiments as substantially
disclosed herein.
[0220] Any one or more of the aspects/embodiments as substantially
disclosed herein optionally in combination with any one or more
other aspects/embodiments as substantially disclosed herein.
[0221] One or means adapted to perform any one or more of the above
aspects/embodiments as substantially disclosed herein.
[0222] The phrases "at least one," "one or more," "or," and
"and/or" are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and
disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions "at
least one of A, B and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "one or
more of A, B, and C," "one or more of A, B, or C," "A, B, and/or
C," and "A, B, or C" means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B
together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C
together.
[0223] The term "a" or "an" entity refers to one or more of that
entity. As such, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more," and "at
least one" can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be
noted that the terms "comprising," "including," and "having" can be
used interchangeably.
* * * * *