U.S. patent application number 16/727983 was filed with the patent office on 2020-05-07 for electronic circuits for secure communications and associated systems and methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is Danny Schnapp Rittman. Invention is credited to Danny Rittman, Aliza Schnapp.
Application Number | 20200143089 16/727983 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56848443 |
Filed Date | 2020-05-07 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200143089 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rittman; Danny ; et
al. |
May 7, 2020 |
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS FOR SECURE COMMUNICATIONS AND ASSOCIATED
SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Abstract
An electronic circuit is disclosed which has a process subsystem
including a compliance circuit, a microprocessor, an interrupt
controller, and a bridge. The electronic circuit also has a control
block including a clock manager, a reset manager, a power manager,
and a system control. The electronic circuit includes a
crypto-block including a master sub-block, a slave sub-block, a
direct memory access circuit, a packet buffer, and a crypto-engine.
An interconnect communicatively connects the process subsystem to
the control block and the crypto-block. A communications system is
disclosed in which the electronic circuit is housed in one or more
personal computing devices. A remote disablement system may be
communicatively connected to the electronic circuit and configured
to disable the electronic circuit. An emergency communications
system may be communicatively connected to the electronic circuit
to track and identify the location of each personal computing
device. An altitude detection and airplane mode activation system
may be communicatively connected to the electronic circuit. A
categorized delivery system may be communicatively connected to the
electronic circuit.
Inventors: |
Rittman; Danny; (San Diego,
CA) ; Schnapp; Aliza; (Beverly Hills, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rittman; Danny
Schnapp; Aliza |
San Diego
Beverly Hills |
CA
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56848443 |
Appl. No.: |
16/727983 |
Filed: |
December 27, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15015441 |
Feb 4, 2016 |
10521614 |
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16727983 |
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62284744 |
Oct 8, 2015 |
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62284458 |
Oct 1, 2015 |
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62284353 |
Sep 28, 2015 |
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62282593 |
Aug 6, 2015 |
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62231405 |
Jul 6, 2015 |
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62176933 |
Mar 3, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 21/72 20130101;
G06F 21/74 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 21/72 20060101
G06F021/72; G06F 21/74 20060101 G06F021/74 |
Claims
1. An electronic circuit comprising: a process subsystem including
a compliance circuit, a microprocessor, an interrupt controller,
and a bridge; a control block including a clock manager, a reset
manager, a power manager, and a system control; a crypto-block
including a master sub-block, a slave sub-block, a direct memory
access circuit, a packet buffer, and a crypto-engine; and an
interconnect communicatively connecting the process subsystem to
the control block and the crypto-block.
2. The electronic circuit of claim 1 further comprising a memory
controller communicatively connected to the interconnect.
3. The electronic circuit of claim 1 further comprising a phase
locked loop and an oscillator circuit communicatively connected to
the control block.
4. The electronic circuit of claim 3 further comprising a wired
network connection.
5. The electronic circuit of claim 1 further comprising a private
unit, a public unit, and a barrier selectively connecting the
private unit and the public unit.
6. The electronic circuit of claim 5 wherein the barrier includes a
signal interruption mechanism.
7. The electronic circuit of claim 6 wherein the signal
interruption mechanism is a bus having an on/off switch controlling
communication input and output.
8. The electronic circuit of claim 1 wherein the private unit
further includes a central controller.
9. The electronic circuit of claim 1 wherein the basic input/output
system is located in a non-volatile memory.
10. A communications system comprising: one or more personal
computing devices; each personal computing device housing an
electronic circuit, the electronic circuit comprising: a process
subsystem including a compliance circuit, a microprocessor, an
interrupt controller, and a bridge; a control block including a
clock manager, a reset manager, a power manager, and a system
control; a crypto-block including a master sub-block, a slave
sub-block, a direct memory access circuit, a packet buffer, and a
crypto-engine; and an interconnect communicatively connecting the
process subsystem to the control block and the crypto-block.
11. The system of claim 10 further comprising an antenna embedded
within the electronic circuit.
12. The system of claim 10 further comprising an antenna located
outside the electronic circuit and communicatively connected to the
electronic circuit.
13. The system of claim 10 further comprising a memory controller,
a phase locked loop, and an oscillator circuit communicatively
connected to the interconnect.
14. The system of claim 10 further comprising a self-diagnostic
system communicatively connected to the electronic circuit, the
self-diagnostic system being configured to forecast and detect
internal malfunctions.
15. The system of claim 10 further comprising a remote disablement
system communicatively connected to the electronic circuit, the
remote disablement system being configured to disable the
electronic circuit.
16. The system of claim 15 wherein the remote disablement system
comprises a virtual machine management unit configured to transmit
instructions to the electronic circuit.
17. The system of claim 10 further comprising an emergency
communications system communicatively connected to the electronic
circuit, the emergency communications system tracking and
identifying a location of each personal computing device.
18. The system of claim 10 further comprising an altitude detection
and airplane mode activation system communicatively connected to
the electronic circuit, the altitude detection and airplane mode
activation system automatically detecting an altitude of a personal
computing device and, based on the altitude information,
automatically activating airplane mode on the personal computing
device.
19. The system of claim 10 further comprising a categorized
delivery system communicatively connected to the electronic
circuit, the categorized delivery system comprising: a service
request module obtaining a service request and a service location
from a customer; an identification module locating service
providers matching the customer's service request and service
location, the identification module identifying an
origin-destination pair comprising a matching service provider and
customer; a scheduling module scheduling a service order for the
customer at the service location; a dispatch module dispatching the
service provider to the service location; and a notification module
communicating to the customer an estimated arrival time of the
service provider at the service location to fulfill the service
order.
20. The system of claim 19 wherein the service order is one or more
of: delivery of a package, fueling of a vehicle, and trucking
service.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority to
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/015,441, filed Feb. 4, 2016,
which is a non-provisional of and claims priority to U.S. Patent
Application No. 62/284,744, filed Oct. 8, 2015, U.S. Patent
Application No. 62/284,458, filed Oct. 1, 2015, U.S. Patent
Application No. 62/284,353, filed Sep. 28, 2015, U.S. Patent
Application No. 62/282,593, filed Aug. 6, 2015, U.S. Patent
Application Ser. No. 62/231,405, filed Jul. 6, 2015, and U.S.
Patent Application Ser. No. 62/176,933, filed Mar. 3, 2015, each of
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to electronic circuits and
systems and methods of secure communications utilizing electronic
circuits. The present disclosure further relates to systems and
methods of remote disablement, emergency communications, and
activation of airplane mode utilizing electronic circuits. The
present disclosure further relates to systems and methods of
categorized delivery and scheduling services utilizing electronic
circuits.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Connecting mobile devices to the internet has immense and
well known benefits today, but also has created overwhelming
security problems that were not imagined when the basic
architecture of modern electronic computers was developed in 1945,
which was about twenty years before networks came into use. Even
then, those first networks involved a very limited number of
connected computers, had low transmission speeds between them, and
the network users were generally known to each other, since most
networks were relatively small and local.
[0004] By contrast, the number of computers connected to the
internet today is greater by a factor of many millions, broadband
connection speeds are faster by a similar magnitude, and the
network connections stretch worldwide and connect hundreds of
millions computers together. With mobile devices added to the
equation we are getting billions of computers connected together
via the internet.
[0005] Connecting mobile devices and computers to the internet is
mandatory in today's world; disconnection is not a feasible option
given the existing global dependence on the internet. However, the
ubiquity of the internet and the billions of interconnections raise
grave and constant security concerns. Many current computer systems
and mobile devices lack the ability to provide secure connections
via private or public networks.
[0006] Many individuals and organizations store sensitive personal
information such as bank account numbers and log-in and password
information in computers and mobile devices. Therefore, security
breaches can be devastating. Lost or stolen devices can also
compromise security.
[0007] At the same time, most computer systems and mobile devices
do not take full advantage of this environment. The billions of
connections could be used to our benefit. If they could be adapted
to customers' daily needs, they could provide the ultimate mobile
system constructed from hardware and software, assisting customers
to perform a wide variety of daily routines through their mobile
devices. The ubiquity of the internet and interconnectedness has
also improved the possibilities of identifying global positions and
locations, which can be utilized in various ways. For example,
computers and mobile devices could be adapted to customers'
shipping needs to provide an improved mobile system that is
constructed from hardware and software, assisting customers to make
wise shopping decisions for the best price.
[0008] Another example is the area of fueling. Gasoline fill is a
tedious procedure and interrupts daily/weekly/periodically
schedules for motor vehicle owners or users. The process is time
consuming, has health risks, and is considered an annoying
necessity. Computers and mobile devices could be adapted to
customers' shipping needs to provide the ultimate mobile system
constructed from hardware and software, taking the burden of
gasoline fill from vehicle owners by providing an on-demand fill at
the customer's location of choice.
[0009] Yet another example is the trucking industry. The trucking
industry provides an essential service to the American economy by
transporting large quantities of raw materials, works in process,
and finished goods over land, typically from manufacturing plants
to retail distribution centers. Trucks in America are responsible
for the majority of freight movement over land, and are vital tools
in the manufacturing, transportation, and warehousing industries.
The trucking industry handles much more cargo than trains, ships or
planes; without trucks, goods could never travel from rail yards,
ports and airports to their final destinations. If the trucking
industry stopped rolling, the U.S. economy would grind to a
halt.
[0010] Businesses of all sizes depend on the trucking industry to
maintain fast delivery times and deliver products safely all over
the nation. Therefore, the trucking industry is based on timetables
and schedules. Every hour is essential in order to achieve market
segments and be competitive, in any type of industry. In today's
fast-paced world shipments are needed to be haul fast and on
schedule. Companies are constantly searching for better
methodologies and concepts of scheduling management and efficiency.
Computers and mobile devices could be adapted to trucking
customers' shipment needs to provide the ultimate mobile system
constructed from hardware and software, providing a new approach
and methodology to organize shipments and cargo deliveries,
significantly increasing trucking services availability, and
enabling a new age of cargo transportation services.
[0011] Systems that locate, track, and monitor the status of people
generally utilize or incorporate known technology, including, for
example, Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, inertial and
non-inertial sensor devices, and signal analysis methods. However,
existing systems have serious drawbacks that are based on battery
power energy, available cellular services and satellite global
position around earth.
[0012] For example, tracking GPS relies primarily on a
line-of-sight signal acquisition, for example, caves or certain
terrain. In these locations, however, the line of sight of GPS
satellites may be substantially obscured and GPS signals may be
highly attenuated. As a result, GPS signals are typically weaker in
these types of environments so GPS receivers have difficulty
receiving GPS signals and calculating accurate position
information.
[0013] Inertial tracking systems typically use readings from
sensors such as gyroscopes and accelerometers to estimate the
relative path of personnel and/or assets. Inertial systems,
however, may accumulate large errors over time due to factors such
as drift in sensor offsets, sensitivity, and measurement
limitations of the sensors, as well as limitations of the location
determining methods (e.g., algorithms) implemented by such
systems.
[0014] Signal analysis methods that use signals of the same (or
different) frequencies from different reference points to compute
the location of personnel and/or assets may be unfeasible due to
the need to install a number of reference devices at a particular
tracking location (or scene), and may further have large
instantaneous errors, and outliers, due to the multi-path effects
of signals traveling through various building materials.
[0015] Systems that locate, track, and monitor altitude and motion
activities status of mobile devices generally utilize or
incorporate known technology including, for example, gyroscope
technology, inertial and non-inertial sensor devices, and signal
analysis methods and apparatus. However, signal analysis methods
that use signals of the same (or different) frequencies from
different reference points to compute the location, altitude or
motion activities of mobile devices may be limited due to the need
to install a number of reference devices at a particular tracking
location, and may further have large instantaneous errors, and
outliers, due to the multi-path effects of signals traveling
through various building materials.
[0016] These drawbacks of existing altitude monitoring methods have
limited their application in various industries, including the
airline industry. For example, detection and activation of a mobile
device's airplane mode is an important safety issue. Airplane mode
is a setting available on many mobile phones and other electronic
devices that, when activated, suspends many of the device's signal
transmitting functions and all cellular services (GSM, UMTS, LTE)
as well as other signal-transmitting technologies such as Wi-Fi and
Bluetooth, thereby disabling the device's capacity to place or
receive calls or use text messaging, while still permitting use of
other functions that do not require signal transmission (e.g.,
games, built-in camera, MP3 player). Airplane mode permits the user
to operate the device while on board a commercial aircraft while in
flight, where the operation of mobile phones and other devices that
send or receive signals is generally prohibited due to the common
belief that they can potentially impact aircraft avionics or
interfere with ground mobile networks. Automatic detection of
altitude and activation of a mobile device's airplane mode would be
beneficial as airline staff would not need to rely on each
passenger to activate it on his or her mobile device.
[0017] Therefore, there exists a need for an electronic circuit
providing secure communications via private and public networks.
There is also a need for a secure communications system which can
disable or permanently cease operation of a computer or mobile
device in the event of a security breach or theft or if the device
is lost. There is a need for a communications system that can take
advantage of global position and location information to provide
real-time emergency communication, beacon, location identification,
and tracking for mobile devices. There is also a need for a system
that can automatically detect the altitude of a mobile device and
activate the mobile device's airplane mode. Finally, a need exists
for an electronic circuit that can serve as a platform for
categorized delivery of products and services, including fueling
and trucking services.
SUMMARY
[0018] The present disclosure, in its many embodiments, alleviates
to a great extent the disadvantages of known electronic circuits
and communications systems by providing an electronic circuit or
microchip with a public unit communicating with a public network, a
secured private unit communicating with a private network, and an
access barrier or firewall to maintain the security of the private
unit. The electronic circuit can be embedded as an independent unit
within existing mobile microchips or as an independent microchip to
be installed within every mobile device as a special microchip to
work in conjunction with a mobile software application. The
electronic circuits described herein enable heuristic based support
for mobile software application. Disclosed systems and methods
advantageously provide security, remote disablement capability,
computing power, and heuristic based functional operations.
[0019] The present disclosure relates to any electronic circuit of
any form, such as a personal computer, mobile device and/or
microchip, that has an inner hardware-based access barrier or
firewall that establishes a private unit disconnected from a public
unit, the public unit being configured for a connection to a public
network of computers including the internet. In addition, the
computer's private unit is configured for a separate connection to
at least one non-internet-connected private network for
administration, management, and/or control of the computer and/or
microchip, locally or remotely, by either a personal user or a
business or corporate entity. The microchip communicates, through a
secured, encrypted, private network with all other same type and
others microchips on mobile devices, worldwide.
[0020] Disclosed systems and methods comprise an electronic circuit
or microchip with a secured basic input/output (BIOS) system, ROM
and RAM memory that is working with smartphone software application
and communicates with other microchips via a separate, secured, and
encrypted private network, worldwide. The electronic circuits or
microchips may include a network connection for communicating with
other microchips through public network of computers and mobile
devices including the internet. The microchips or electronic
circuits may be located within other mobile microchips or on a
device's electronic board as a separated microchip.
[0021] An inner, private hardware-based access barrier or firewall
may be located within the unit and communicatively secure the
connection between the microchips via encrypted protocol. The
protected private unit may include at least one microprocessor unit
and a system BIOS located within a flash memory. The microchip can
work in conjunction with a mobile software application to provide
computing power and heuristic based functional operations. The
inner barrier or firewall may comprise a bus with an on/off switch
controlling the communication input and output systems.
[0022] Disclosed systems and methods utilize an electronic circuit
and/or a microchip for remote disablement and enablement of mobile
devices. The system can be configured to shut down the mobile
device via remote command. In addition, the system can disable only
the integrated circuit power, via remote command, and therefor
cause the mobile device to cease its operation permanently. The
system can also cause permanent damage to the integrated circuit,
permanently ceasing its operation. Another option is to create a
power spike to damage the mobile device motherboard and other
microchips, causing permanent damage to the device.
[0023] Disclosed systems and methods include a virtual machine
management that is configured to transmit a set of instructions to
integrated circuits in order to permanently cease their or the
mobile device's operation. In exemplary embodiments, a system
executed on the mobile device or a computer sends a secured,
encrypted, private code sequence to the integrated circuit in order
to deactivate the unit, the integrated circuit, or spike the
device's motherboard. The system may include an option to erase all
device memory prior to its permanent deactivation or independently.
The system can also re-enable the power to the electronic circuit
or microchip and therefore restore its full operation, and the
mobile device as well. This feature can be used for remote
disablement of a mobile device due to privacy protection or law
enforcement reasons.
[0024] Disclosed systems and methods utilize an electronic circuit
and/or a microchip for emergency communication, beacon, location
identification and tracking on mobile devices, in real time. The
user may enter his or her medical information. The system can
record biometric information such as the user's fingerprint and eye
print for identification purposes. The system can enable GPS-based
emergency communications and a location tracking feature. The
system can also provide an SOS button. Once activated, the system
transmits a periodic emergency signal every designated time period,
identifying the mobile device location. The system can transmit the
user's medical information to a remote center for professional
assessment.
[0025] In exemplary embodiments, the system includes an integrated
circuit unit that works in conjunction with a mobile software
application. The system enables tracking of the mobile device via a
unique sequence code assembled within the electronic circuit or
microchip. The system may communicate directly with satellite
networks and works in areas that are out of cellular/wireless
range. The mobile software executed on the mobile device sends a
secured, encrypted, private code sequence to the integrated circuit
in order to activate the emergency procedure for locating and
tracking. The electronic circuit or microchip directly communicates
via satellite with all the other disclosed circuits or microchips
within mobile devices, worldwide, in order to provide the emergency
communication, location identification and tracking feature.
[0026] Exemplary embodiments include systems and methods of
automatic altitude and motion activity detection along with
airplane mode activation or deactivation on mobile devices.
Exemplary embodiments use an integrated circuit that works in
conjunction with a mobile software application to identify the
altitude and motion activities of the mobile device. The location,
altitude and motion activities identification of mobile devices
includes smartphones, tablets, mobile computers and PDMs. Exemplary
systems and methods enable automatic activation or deactivation of
airplane mode upon a mobile device's airborne condition
identification. In exemplary embodiments, the system forms a
virtual machine system and method for automatic altitude and motion
activities detection and activation or deactivation based on
satellite and short wave information. The system may also include a
private, secured communication channel in order to communicate with
other electronic circuits to exchange information and data
regarding the mobile device's physical status and motion
activities.
[0027] In exemplary embodiments, an electronic circuit comprises a
process subsystem including a compliance circuit, a microprocessor,
an interrupt controller, and a bridge. The electronic circuit
further comprises a control block including a clock manager, a
reset manager, a power manager, and a system control. The
electronic circuit also has a crypto-block including a master
sub-block, a slave sub-block, a direct memory access circuit, a
packet buffer, and a crypto-engine. An interconnect communicatively
connects the process subsystem to the control block and the
crypto-block. The electronic circuit may further comprise a memory
controller communicatively connected to the interconnect. The
electronic circuit may further comprise a phase locked loop and an
oscillator circuit communicatively connected to the control
block.
[0028] Exemplary embodiments include an electronic circuit
comprising at least one public unit, at least one private unit, and
at least one barrier located between the public unit and the
private unit. The private unit may further include a central
controller. The public unit includes a first microprocessor and a
first network connection. The private unit includes a basic
input/output system, a second microprocessor, and a second network
connection. In exemplary embodiments, the basic input/output system
is located in a non-volatile memory. The barrier communicatively
connects the private unit and the public unit and separates the
private unit from the public unit.
[0029] In exemplary embodiments, the first network connection
connects to a public network, and the second network connection
connects to a private network. In exemplary embodiments, the second
network connection is a wired connection. The barrier may
communicatively connect the private unit and the public unit. The
barrier may include a signal interruption mechanism. In exemplary
embodiments, the signal interruption mechanism is a bus having an
on/off switch controlling communication input and output.
[0030] Exemplary embodiments of a communications system comprise
one or more personal computing devices wherein each personal
computing device houses an electronic circuit. In exemplary
embodiments, the electronic circuit comprises a process subsystem
including a compliance circuit, a microprocessor, an interrupt
controller, and a bridge. The electronic circuit further comprises
a control block including a clock manager, a reset manager, a power
manager, and a system control. The electronic circuit also has a
crypto-block including a master sub-block, a slave sub-block, a
direct memory access circuit, a packet buffer, and a crypto-engine.
An interconnect communicatively connects the process subsystem to
the control block and the crypto-block. The electronic circuit may
further comprise a memory controller communicatively connected to
the interconnect. The electronic circuit may further comprise a
phase locked loop and an oscillator circuit communicatively
connected to the control block. The system may further comprise an
antenna embedded within the electronic circuit and/or located
outside the electronic circuit and communicatively connected to the
electronic circuit.
[0031] The electronic circuit may have at least one public unit, at
least one private unit, and at least one barrier located between
the public unit and the private unit. The public unit includes a
first microprocessor and a first network connection connecting to a
public network. The private unit includes a basic input/output
system, a second microprocessor, and a second network connection
connecting to a private network. The barrier communicatively
connects the private unit and the public unit and separates the
private unit from the public unit via signal interruption
mechanism.
[0032] In exemplary embodiments, the private unit further includes
a central controller having a master control unit. Communications
between the private unit and the public unit may be controlled via
the private network. Advantageously, the electronic circuit can be
simply and effectively connected to the internet and communicate
with all other electronic circuits via private, secured, and
encrypted network, providing the ultimate computing power. In
exemplary embodiments, the master control unit controls at least
one operation executed by the second microprocessor. Any or all of
these private units can be administered, managed, and/or controlled
by a personal or corporate computer/microchip through the use of
one or more separate and secured, encrypted internet based
networks. By thus avoiding any connection whatsoever to the
generally insecure public internet, connection of the computer's
private unit to the secure private network allows for all the
well-known speed, efficiency and cost effectiveness of network
connection while still completely avoiding the incalculable risk of
internet connection.
[0033] Exemplary embodiments of a communications system further
comprise a self-diagnostic system communicatively connected to the
electronic circuit and being configured to forecast and detect
internal malfunctions. An exemplary communications system may
further comprise a remote disablement system communicatively
connected to the electronic circuit and being configured to disable
the electronic circuit. In exemplary embodiments, the remote
disablement system comprises a virtual machine management unit
configured to transmit instructions to the electronic circuit. An
exemplary communications system may further comprise an emergency
communications system communicatively connected to the electronic
circuit to track and identify the location of each personal
computing device.
[0034] Disclosed systems and methods utilize an electronic circuit
or microchip to facilitate scheduling categorized delivery and/or
service, according to demand, to the customer's desired location by
smartphone, the internet, or by a land line phone call. Disclosed
systems provide for a categorized, on-demand delivery service by
receiving by a computer-based, smartphone software, categorized
delivery service request from customers, said categorized delivery
order to ultimately be delivered to the customer's location. Then
the system posts the delivery and/or service request via a
smartphone application or via web based software. The system
receives via a website by a computer based software or by
smartphone application software a delivery and/or service request
from prospective customers and alerts transporters/service
providers according to their category.
[0035] The systems and methods may include obtaining from a
customer a delivery or service request, according to the customer's
desired category, via smartphone application or web site, phone
call or phone messaging. In exemplary embodiments, the system
identifies an origin-destination-pair and schedules a categorized
delivery and/or service to the customer's desired location.
[0036] Disclosed systems and methods include automatic
identification of one or more available, registered, categorized,
transporters to provide the delivery and/or service. In exemplary
embodiments, the system dispatches the categorized transporter to
the customer's location and notifies the customer about the
estimate arrival time (ETA), as well as the actual arrival. The
system can also provide a visual transporter's progress via GPS
map, which enables a customer's update about the delivery and/or
service arrival's progress. The system may include a rating system
for the customer's convenience. Customers can pay at the time of
service to the transporter/service provider according their mutual
agreement.
[0037] In exemplary embodiments, a communication system further
comprises a categorized delivery system communicatively connected
to the electronic circuit. The categorized delivery system
comprises a service request module, an identification module, a
scheduling module, a dispatch module, and a notification module.
The service request module obtains a service request and a service
location from a customer. The identification module locates service
providers matching the customer's service request and service
location and identifies an origin-destination pair comprising a
matching service provider and customer.
[0038] In exemplary embodiments, the scheduling module schedules a
service order for the customer at the service location, and the
dispatch module dispatches the service provider to the service
location. The notification module communicates to the customer an
estimated arrival time of the service provider at the service
location to fulfill the service order. Exemplary embodiments
further comprise a posting module configured to allow a customer to
place the service request. In exemplary embodiments, the service
order is one or more of delivery of a package, fueling of a
vehicle, and trucking service.
[0039] Disclosed systems and methods utilize an electronic circuit
or microchip to facilitate scheduling gasoline or diesel
(hereinafter "fuel") fill according to demand, at the customer's
location by smartphone, the internet, or by land line phone call.
The method may include obtaining from a customer a gasoline filing
request via smartphone, the internet, phone call, or phone
messaging. The system may identify an origin-destination-pair and
schedule gas filling service at the customer's location. The method
also includes automatically identifying one or more available
gasoline transporters to provide the service. In exemplary
embodiments, the system dispatches the gasoline provider to the
customer's location and notifies the customer the ETA, as well as
the actual arrival. Customers can pay at the time of service,
pre-pay in advance, or be billed at a later time.
[0040] Disclosed systems and methods utilize an electronic circuit
or microchip to facilitate scheduling trucking service according to
demand, at the customer's or any other location by smartphone, the
internet, or land line phone call. The method may include obtaining
from a customer a trucking service request via smartphone, the
internet, phone call, or phone messaging. The system identifies an
origin-destination-pair and schedules trucking service at the
customer's or any location. The method also may include
automatically identifying one or more available truckers in local
vicinity or radius defined by the user to provide the service.
[0041] In exemplary embodiments, the system dispatches the trucker
to the customer's or any other location and notifies the customer
of the ETA as well as the actual arrival. The system may collect
from the customer the transported cargo's information and present
it to the available truckers. Upon cargo delivery the system may
provide an invoice with a graphic description of the route, the
total miles, and the cost. Customers can pay at the time of
service, pre-pay in advance, or be billed at a later time. The
system may show the trucker's progress on GPS map via
smartphone.
[0042] Accordingly, it is seen that electronic circuits are
provided which provide secure communications and, as a platform
technology, provide a number of additional features and advantages
such as remote disablement and enablement capabilities, emergency
location and tracking ability, and categorized delivery and service
functions. These and other features of the disclosed embodiments
will be appreciated from review of the following detailed
description, along with the accompanying figures in which like
reference numbers refer to like parts throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] The foregoing and other objects of the disclosure will be
apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description,
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0044] FIG. 1 is a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of an
electronic circuit in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0045] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
communications system in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0046] FIG. 3 is a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of a
communications system in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0047] FIG. 4 is a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of an
electronic circuit in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0048] FIG. 5 is a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of a remote
disablement unit in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0049] FIG. 6 is a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of a remote
disablement system in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0050] FIG. 7 is a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of a remote
disablement system in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0051] FIG. 8 is a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of an
electronic circuit in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0052] FIG. 9 is a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of an
electronic circuit in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0053] FIG. 10 is a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of an
emergency communications system in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0054] FIG. 11 is a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of an
electronic circuit in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0055] FIG. 12 is a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of an
electronic circuit in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0056] FIG. 13 is a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of an
electronic circuit in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0057] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
an altitude detection and airplane mode activation system in
accordance with the present disclosure;
[0058] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
an electronic circuit in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0059] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
an electronic circuit in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0060] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
an altitude detection and airplane mode activation system in
accordance with the present disclosure; and
[0061] FIG. 18 is a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of a
system and method of scheduling categorized delivery and/or service
in accordance with the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0062] In the following paragraphs, embodiments will be described
in detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying
drawings, which are not drawn to scale, and the illustrated
components are not necessarily drawn proportionately to one
another. Throughout this description, the embodiments and examples
shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations
of the present disclosure. As used herein, the "present disclosure"
refers to any one of the embodiments described herein, and any
equivalents. Furthermore, reference to various aspects of the
disclosure throughout this document does not mean that all claimed
embodiments or methods must include the referenced aspects.
Reference to materials, configurations, directions, and other
parameters should be considered as representative and illustrative
of the capabilities of exemplary embodiments, and embodiments can
operate with a wide variety of such parameters. It should be noted
that the figures do not show every piece of equipment, nor the
materials, configurations, and directions of the various circuits
and communications systems.
[0063] An exemplary embodiment of an electronic circuit (also
referred to as an integrated circuit or microchip) is illustrated
in FIG. 1. The electronic circuit can be of any form, e.g., a
personal computer, a mobile device such as a smartphone, or a
microchip. Any type of electronic circuit or microchip could be
used and configured as described herein, including but not limited
to, a low noise amplifier (LNA) type circuit, a customized voltage
controlled oscillator (VCO) type circuit, a phase locked loop (PLL)
type circuit, a low pass filter (LPF) type circuit, a notch filter
type circuit, and/or a serializer and de-serializer (SERDES) type
circuit.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary electronic circuit 10
comprises a process subsystem 12 including a compliance circuit 13,
a microprocessor 15, an interrupt controller 17, and a bridge 19.
The compliance circuit 13 may be a Debug or joint test action group
circuit. The microprocessor 15 may be a Cortex Mx circuit. In
exemplary embodiments, the interrupt controller 17 is a nested
vectored interrupt controller. The bridge 19 may be an automatic
half barrier (AHB-AXI) circuit. The electronic circuit 10 further
comprises a control block 37 including a clock manager 39, a reset
manager 41, a power manager 43, and a system control 45. The
electronic circuit also has a crypto-block 14 including a master
sub-block 51, a slave sub-block 53, a direct memory access circuit
55, a packet buffer 57, and one or more crypto-engines 59.
[0065] An interconnect 61 communicatively connects the process
subsystem 12 to the control block 37 and the crypto-block 14. The
interconnect circuit 61 serves as a general interface to the
various sub-blocks of the electronic circuit 10. The electronic
circuit 10 may include one or more network connections that can
communicatively connect the electronic circuit to a public network
of computers, which could be linked by the internet. One of the
network connections can communicatively connect the electronic
circuit 10 to a private network of computers, separate and distinct
from the public network. The network connections can be wireless or
wired connections. For additional security, a private network
connection may be a wired connection to the private network, and
one or more sub-blocks of the electronic circuit 10 may also be
configured so they cannot connect to the internet. In exemplary
embodiments, the one or more sub-blocks of the electronic circuit
10 are not connected to the internet and other sub-blocks are
connected to the internet.
[0066] The electronic circuit 10 may include a memory controller 31
comprised of a memory controller circuit. An external memory
interface 33 may be in communication with the memory controller 31
via a memory interface port. The memory interface can be of SD,
Flash or other volatile memory access. There may also be an on-chip
RAM 35 comprised of on-chip RAM IP. In exemplary embodiments, the
electronic circuit 10 may further comprise an antenna 19 embedded
within the electronic circuit and/or located outside the electronic
circuit and communicatively connected to the electronic
circuit.
[0067] In exemplary embodiments, a control block 37 includes a
clock manager 39, which may be comprised of a clock manager
circuit, to set the internal clock rate and pace. A reset manager
41, or clock reset circuit, may also be in the control block 37. A
power manager 43 in the control block 37 automatically controls the
unit's power. The system control 45 uses control logic to
synchronize between the system's parts and I/O devices. A phase
locked loop 47 to maintain certain frequency and an oscillator
circuit 49 are in communication with the control block 39.
[0068] In exemplary embodiments, the crypto-block 14 includes a
master advanced extensible interface 51. The master advanced
extensible interface 51 is the master sub-block. A slave advanced
extensible interface 53 is also provided for the encryption block.
This is the slave sub-block. The crypto-block 14 may also include a
direct memory access circuit 55, which enables fast, immediate
direct access to memory when necessary. In exemplary embodiments, a
packet buffer 57 serves as a register to store packets of data for
the memory. A crypto engine 59 provides the private communication
protocol encryption at 512 or 1024 bit. Exemplary embodiments may
include certain peripherals 63 in communication with the
interconnect 61 of the electronic circuit 10. Such peripherals
could include a general purpose input/output 65, an L2 GPS
frequency circuit 67, and/or a single PORT interface 69 serving as
a standard PORT to connect with other devices.
[0069] Exemplary electronic circuit architecture may be arranged to
have some forms of a public unit and a private unit. A barrier may
be located between the public unit and the private unit. The public
unit may include a network connection that can communicatively
connect the electronic circuit 10 to a public network of computers,
which could be linked by the internet. A second network connection
may be located within the private unit. The second network
connection can communicatively connect the electronic circuit 10 to
a private network of computers, separate and distinct from the
public network. The network connections can be wireless or wired
connections. For additional security, the second network connection
may be a wired connection to the private network, and the private
unit may also be configured so it cannot connect to the internet.
In exemplary embodiments, the private unit is not connected to the
internet and the public unit is connected to the internet.
[0070] A barrier may be located between the public and private
units, sub-blocks, or groups of sub-blocks. It should be noted that
the barrier is not necessarily located physically between the two
units, sub-blocks, or groups of sub-blocks; rather, it stands
between them for communication purposes, separating the private
unit from the public unit for security while at appropriate times
serving as an interconnect to communicatively connect the two
units. The barrier may also separate the first and second network
connections. More particularly, the barrier may be an inner
hardware-based access barrier or inner hardware-based firewall. An
exemplary barrier has a signal interruption mechanism to prevent
communications between the private and public units, sub-blocks, or
groups of sub-blocks when necessary or desirable. In exemplary
embodiments, the signal interruption mechanism is a bus having an
on/off switch that controls communication input and output.
[0071] The signal interruption mechanism may be a secure, out-only
bus or equivalent wireless connection. In general, the secure
control bus may be wired, wireless or channel communication. In
exemplary embodiments, the private and public units, sub-blocks, or
groups of sub-blocks may also be connected by an in-only bus (or
equivalent wireless connection) that includes a hardware input
on/off switch or equivalent signal interruption mechanism,
including an equivalent circuit on a microchip or nano-chip (or
equivalent wireless connection). In another exemplary embodiment,
the private and public units, sub-blocks, or groups of sub-blocks
may be connected by an output on/off switch or microcircuit or
nano-circuit equivalent on the secure, out-only bus (or equivalent
wireless connection) in order to secure and encrypt the embedded
electronic circuit or microchip communication protocol.
[0072] In exemplary embodiments, the private unit of the electronic
circuit or microchip includes a private microprocessor and a system
BIOS. The system BIOS may be located in flash or in a non-volatile
memory. In exemplary embodiments, the memory containing the system
BIOS is located in a portion of the electronic circuit or microchip
protected by the inner hardware-based access barrier or
firewall.
[0073] In exemplary embodiments, a private unit of an electronic
circuit could comprise an outer private unit, an intermediate more
private unit, and an innermost private unit. The protected private
unit of the electronic circuit or microchip could include a central
controller, including a master controlling device or a master
control unit. In exemplary embodiments, the master controlling
device comprises a master microprocessor, core or processing unit
configured for general purposes.
[0074] Similarly, one or more public units, sub-blocks, or groups
of sub-blocks of the electronic circuit 10 include a public
microprocessor. This microprocessor is separate from the barrier.
The public microprocessor may be configured to operate as a general
purpose microprocessor. In exemplary embodiments, the public unit
of the electronic circuit or microchip includes a number of
microprocessors or processing units or cores, including but not
limited to, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, or 1024. The master
controlling device may include a non-volatile memory such as RAM
and/or ROM memory, and the electronic circuit 10 may also include a
re-writable flash memory. Volatile memory like flash that has
read/write ability can function as an inexpensive read-only memory
(ROM) when located in the private unit because it can be protected
by an access barrier or firewall against writing. Furthermore, it
can even be protected against unauthorized reading, unlike ROM.
Moreover, it can be written to when authorized by the central
controller to update an operating system or download an app, for
example, again unlike ROM. In exemplary embodiments, an integrated,
hybrid, LOOP based antenna is embedded within the microchip and
outside the microchip.
[0075] Turning to FIGS. 2 and 3, in exemplary embodiments an
electronic circuit 10 forms an integral part of a communications
system 100 comprising one or more personal computing devices 40. In
exemplary systems, each personal computing device 40 houses an
electronic circuit 10. More particularly, the electronic circuit or
microchip 10 can be embedded within a mobile device's existing
microchip or installed within a mobile device's electronic board,
as an integral part of the system, and be configured to operate as
a specific purpose electronic circuit or microchip. Alternatively,
the electronic circuit or microchip 10 could be part of a complete,
independent computer system within a mobile device. The personal
computing device 40 could be one or more of a personal computer, a
smartphone, a tablet computer, a PDM, a server, a cloud server
array, a blade, a cluster, a supercomputer, a supercomputer array,
and a game machine, and/or any other device with computing
functionality. In FIG. 2, satellite communications are represented
by solid lines and electronic circuit communications by dashed
lines.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 3, a sender circuit 10a sends signals to a
receiver circuit 10b via channel 89. The sub-blocks in the sender
circuit 10a may include a source 71, a source encoder 73, a channel
encoder 75, a modulator 77, and a transmitter antenna 19a. The
sub-blocks in the receiver circuit 10b may include a destination
81, a source decoder 83, a channel decoder 85, a detector/modulator
87, and a receiver antenna 19b. In exemplary embodiments, the
electronic circuit 10 works in conjunction with a smartphone
software application. Field programmable gate arrays and other
specific circuitry can be used to create and maintain a private,
secured and encrypted network to provide analysis and heuristic
based logic to work in conjunction with the mobile software
application, enabling a powerful mechanism to provide personal
assistance to users.
[0077] In exemplary embodiments, the electronic circuit or
microchip 10 may also work with other electronic circuits and
microchips, embedded within mobile devices, via private, encrypted,
secured communication protocol, worldwide. More particularly, the
electronic circuit and/or microchip 10 is connected to another
electronic circuit and/or microchip 10, the connection between
computers being made with the same hardware-based access barriers
or firewalls including potentially any of the buses and on/off
switches described herein in order to ensure private, secured and
encrypted network, worldwide. This advantageously results in a
private, secured, encrypted communication protocol established with
all existing electronic circuits or microchips embedded within
mobile devices, worldwide, creating a powerful computing system
providing a wide variety of user benefits.
[0078] A secure control bus may be configured to work with the same
electronic circuit or microchip 10 within other mobile devices, via
the secured, private network. More particularly, the secure control
bus may be configured to provide a connection to control at least a
second firewall located on the periphery of the electronic circuit
or microchip 10. In exemplary embodiments, the hardware-based
access barriers or firewalls are used successively between an outer
private unit, an intermediate more private unit, and an innermost
private unit, and the public unit (or units), with each private
unit potentially being configured for a connection to a separate
private network.
[0079] In exemplary embodiments, the electronic circuit or
microchip 10 is configured to be securely controlled through a
private network of computers. A secure control bus may be
configured to connect a master controlling device with the public
microprocessor located in the unprotected public unit or units.
More particularly, the secure control bus may be configured such
that it cannot be affected, interfered with, altered, read from or
written to, or superseded by any part of said unprotected public
unit or by input from the public network. The secure control bus
is, however, able to receive input from the master controlling
device, and the master controlling device provides secure control
via the secure control bus.
[0080] In exemplary embodiments, the master controlling device
controls the private unit or units through the private network of
computers by the additional and separate private network connection
in the secure private unit or units and via the secure control bus.
More particularly, the secure control bus may provide and ensure
direct preemptive control by the master controlling device over the
private microprocessor, core or processing unit. A secondary
controller may also be used to control the private unit. In
addition, the master controlling device may be configured to
securely control the operations of the public microprocessor. In
exemplary embodiments, one or more secondary controllers may be
used to control the public microprocessor located in the
unprotected public unit. The secondary controllers may be
integrated with or located in the public microprocessor in the
public unit. The electronic circuit 10 may also have an energy
storage unit on it. In exemplary embodiments, the energy storage
unit is a metal capacitor, though any type of energy storage unit
could be used. As discussed in detail herein, the capacitor can
store power for an SoS beacon pulse as part of emergency
communications system 300.
[0081] Advantageously, exemplary systems incorporating disclosed
electronic circuits can provide a wide variety of functions. For
example, in exemplary embodiments a self-diagnostic system is
provided to forecast and detect possible internal malfunction of
the electronic circuit and other parts of the personal computing
device and warn the user of the malfunction. The self-diagnostic
system could automatically switch to a redundant system to avoid
cessation of operations of the device. By the same token, exemplary
embodiments have a power disconnect feature to disconnect the power
supplies to the microprocessor or other parts of the device,
causing the entire personal computing device to permanently cease
operations.
[0082] It should be noted that the electronic circuit 10 and
communications system 100 described above, with some or all of
their components and connections, can be employed in a number of
systems and applications described herein. These include, but are
not limited to, a remote disablement system 200, an emergency
communications system 300, a communications and delivery system
400, a communications and on-demand fueling system, a
communications and on-demand trucking system, and an altitude
detection and airplane mode activation system 700.
[0083] Turning to FIGS. 4-9, a remote disablement system will now
be described. In exemplary embodiments, a remote disablement system
200 is communicatively connected to the electronic circuit 10 and
is configured to disable the electronic circuit 10. As discussed
above, the electronic circuit 10 may be embedded within a personal
computing device's 40 existing microchip as an integral part of the
system and configured to operate as a specific purpose electronic
circuit or microchip, or it may be installed within the device's
electronic board. As described in detail herein, the remote
disablement system 200 provides an administrator with control over
the electronic circuits 10 to remotely fully disable or partially
disable and/or re-enable or permanently damage one or more mobile
devices including smartphones, tablets, mobile computers and PDMs
according to a device's functionalities and/or the user's desires
in order to protect the user's privacy and private data exposure.
In exemplary embodiments, the electronic circuit 10 is included
inside one or more of a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet
computer, a PDM, a server, a cloud server array, a blade, a
cluster, a supercomputer, a supercomputer array, laptop computer,
and/or a game machine.
[0084] Generally, the remote disablement and/or re-enablement can
be accomplished via hardware and software instructions. As seen in
FIGS. 4, 5 and 8, the electronic circuit 10 may include a disabling
unit 202. The hardware and software may be installed and operate on
personal computing devices 40 and connect to another computer
program that runs on a separate server via a secured, encrypted,
private communication protocol. An exemplary disabling unit 202 is
connected to the send and receive units and receives an encrypted,
proprietary sequence of codes. The disabling unit 202 may include a
power source 241, a gateway 243 and a transceiver 245 for signal
transmission, a disablement sub-unit 247, and other device
circuitry 249. Upon matched combination, the disabling unit 202
disables the mobile device 40. Since the system continues its
operation within the microchip, it can receive another codes
sequence and re-enable the mobile device operation.
[0085] In exemplary embodiments, illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the
remote disablement system 200 includes a hardware controlling
device 204 in communication with the electronic circuit 10. The
hardware controlling device 204 may be located in the personal
computing device 40 or located remotely. The system 200 may include
a logic circuit 221, an embedded processing unit 223, an interface
225, one or more data converters 227, communications in 229 and out
231, and the disabling unit 202. The hardware controlling device
204 may comprise a microcontroller, core or processing unit, mobile
software, and a memory unit configured for the remote disablement
function. The hardware controlling device 204 may include a RAM
and/or ROM memory and, through processor 206, provide feedback 208
to the controller 204. Alternatively, the electronic circuit 10 may
work in conjunction with mobile software to send disabling and/or
re-enabling signals. As discussed above, the hardware and/or
software works together via a secured, private encrypted,
communication protocol. Communication between the mobile and
external software and the electronic circuit and related
circuitries via the cloud is also possible.
[0086] The disablement functionality works with the circuitry to
enable full or partial personal computing device disablement
control, according to functionalities, including mobile software
applications. The disablement hardware and software can connect
with other mobile devices that include the same microchip(s) and
proprietary mobile software, worldwide, via a secured, encrypted
protocol, creating powerful security/privacy control system for
customer's benefits. The system may be secured and encrypted with
1024-bit encryption protocol to avoid data breach over the
communication channels. In exemplary embodiments, the hardware and
software may form a virtual machine based disablement system and
method for remote disablement of a mobile device according to
demand. Disclosed systems and methods advantageously provide admin
usage in case of lost or stolen mobile devices or any other
security based necessities determined, for example, by government
law enforcement and national security. In these instances, the
device can be remotely disabled and/or completely destroyed.
[0087] An exemplary remote disablement system 200 is configured to
shut down an electronic unit via remote command. Advantageously,
the system can disable the electronic circuit 10 and/or the entire
personal computing device 40 via remote instruction. In exemplary
embodiments, the system 200 disables the entire integrated circuit
power, via remote command, and thereby causes permanent damage to
the integrated circuit 10. In exemplary embodiments, the system 200
creates and sends a power spike into the electronic circuit 10 to
permanently disable it or into the personal computing device's 40
motherboard and other microchips, causing permanent damage to the
device 40 and disabling the entire device. A power disabling system
204, shown in FIG. 8, can disable the electronic circuit 10 by
cutting the ground power to the circuitry.
[0088] The system 200 can provide more than one level of remote
disablement such that only a specific unit or partial
functionalities of a personal computing device 40 are disabled
and/or the complete device is disabled. FIG. 9 illustrates a
disabling unit 207 for a specific functionality circuit. The
disabling unit 207 disables only part of the electronic circuit 10
by cutting off power to only the specific unit. In exemplary
embodiments, the system 200 may include a selective feature
disablement management feature configured to be able to remotely
disable only certain specific features of a personal computing
device 40. Advantageously, the functionalities and features to be
disabled may be determined based upon online and offline
functionalities and features, taking into account the admin's
priorities and preferences and other relevant circumstances. The
remote disablement levels or features can be determined by a
heuristic based algorithm. The disablement algorithm may be
supported by other electronic circuits within other personal
computing devices 40. The system 200 may be configured to check the
personal computing device 40 for user information and allow or deny
access to online and offline activities for the main software
application based on the disablement levels requirements.
[0089] In exemplary embodiments, a complementary device and user
parts of a wireless communication device may permit the personal
computing device 40 to function normally in the presence of an
authorized user. In such instances, the system 200 communicates
within a defined operation envelope defining a permissible working
relationship and communication link for authorizing normal
functioning of the personal computing device 40. The system may be
configured to respond to interruption of the communications link
with the personal computing device 40 by inhibiting the device from
normal functioning. The interruption of the link could be measured
in time or distance to permit a separation to be established
between the admin and the mobile device. Thus, advantageously, if
the mobile device is forcibly taken from the authorized user and
the user's safety and privacy jeopardized, the mobile device can be
remotely disabled.
[0090] To maintain security, the disablement algorithm may
communicate with its supporting circuits and external software over
a secured, encrypted, private communication protocol. In exemplary
embodiments, the remote disablement algorithm is connected via its
private, secured, encrypted protocol with all supported microchips
that exist on mobile devices, worldwide. In exemplary embodiments,
a fraction of a second before the personal computing device 40 is
disabled or shut off, the electronic circuit 10 sends a last pulse
indicating the latitude and longitude of the device.
[0091] In exemplary embodiments, the system includes a virtual
machine management unit 251 in communication with the personal
computing device 40. The virtual machine management unit is
configured to transmit a set of instructions to the electronic
circuit 10 to permanently cease its operation. More particularly,
the system prompts the personal computing device 40 to send a
secured, encrypted, private code sequence to the electronic circuit
10 in order to deactivate the device 40, the integrated circuit 10,
or the device's motherboard. This may be accomplished via
specialized software executed on the personal computing device 40
such as a smartphone software application. In exemplary
embodiments, the mobile software sends the secure code to start the
remote disablement sequence in the personal computing device 40.
The system 200 may include an option to erase the personal
computing device's 40 memory prior to its permanent deactivation or
independent of the deactivation. Working with the software, the
system 200 may remotely monitor the activities of the personal
computing device 40.
[0092] In exemplary embodiments, after disabling a personal
computing device 40, the system 200 can re-enable the device. In an
embodiment, the system re-enables the electronic circuit's 10 power
and therefore restores the circuit's full operation as well as the
entire device's operation. In addition, the system 200 can
re-enable the proprietary microchip by sending a command sequence
and therefore restoring the personal computing device 40 to full
operation. In exemplary embodiments, the system 200 includes
circuitry to disable and re-enable the device's operation numerous
times.
[0093] Turning to FIGS. 10-13, an emergency communications system
will now be described. In exemplary embodiments, an emergency
communications system 300 is communicatively connected to the
electronic circuit 10. The electronic circuit 10 may be embedded
within an existing microchip of a personal computing device 40 or
within the electronic board as an integral part of a communications
system and configured to operate as a specific purpose electronic
circuit or microchip. As best seen in FIG. 11, an emergency unit
302 may be located on the electronic circuit 10.
[0094] The emergency communications system 300 may comprise
systems, methods and computer software for purposes of emergency
communication, beacon, location identification, tracking, and
transmission of a user's medical vital signs status on personal
computing devices, in real time. As shown in FIG. 10, in exemplary
embodiments the system 300 tracks and identifies the location of
each personal computing device 40 in the system, including its
location, status and global position in any type of terrain and
landscape, world-wide.
[0095] During ordinary operation, the emergency communications
system 300 may communicate within a defined operation envelope
defining a permissible working relationship and communication link
for authorizing normal functioning of the personal computing device
40. The system 300 responds to interruption of the communications
link with the personal computing device 40 inhibited from normal
functioning, as measured in time, distance or malfunction, and
continues the emergency transmission using the electronic circuit's
circuitry, via satellite or short waves. The system 300 can
identify mobile device malfunction and continue emergency satellite
transmission using the electronic circuit and/or a capacitor power
unit, as described herein. It should be noted that the emergency
communications system could also have remote disablement features
as described above and could also incorporate a remote disablement
system 200.
[0096] Signals can be sent over personal computing devices using
electronic circuits 10 and a mobile software application that work
in conjunction to identify the location of the personal computing
device 40, which could include a personal computer, a smartphone, a
tablet computer, a PDM, a server, a cloud server array, a blade, a
cluster, a supercomputer, a supercomputer array, and a game
machine, and/or any other device with computing functionality. The
emergency communications systems 300 may be configured to determine
the best, shortest route to reach the user/trackee using a
combination of tracking points and display the determined route on
the graphical user interface associated with the user's personal
computing device 40.
[0097] In exemplary embodiments, the emergency communications
system 300 records users' personal information including medical
data. More particularly, the system 300 records personal
identification features such as the user's fingerprint and eye
print. The user can enter his/her medical information and the
system 300 is configured to transmit vital signs status in real
time to a central emergency server. The system may measure the
user's vital data using the mobile device health sensor and/or via
the application software. In these instances, the user's medical
information and vital signs status may be transmitted to a remote
center for assessment by one or more medical professionals.
[0098] The emergency communications system 300 enables GPS based
emergency communication and location tracking. More particularly,
the system 300 enables tracking of the user's personal computing
device 40 via a unique sequence code that is assembled within the
electronic circuit 10. The system may communicate directly with a
satellite network and can work in areas that are out of
cellular/wireless range. In exemplary embodiments, the system 300
includes an SOS button 304. When the SOS button is activated, an
emergency sequence for location and tracking is activated and
launched.
[0099] The emergency sequence may include transmission of a private
emergency signal, in the form of an encrypted, secure private code
sequence (e.g., 1024-bit encryption protocol) to avoid data breach,
to the electronic circuits 10 of other personal computing devices
40 in the area and to the central emergency server every designated
time period. The code starts the emergency procedure. In addition,
the code may identify the location of the personal computing device
40. The transmission may be done via GPS system and/or via the
proprietary microchip protocol.
[0100] In exemplary embodiments, a distress signal is transmitted
to other electronic circuits 10 within other personal computing
devices 40, worldwide, to increase its power and transfer to the
main emergency server in a central location. In exemplary
embodiments, the system identifies the mobile device location
(latitude and longitude), and, as best seen in FIG. 10, transmits
this information via sky waves (represented by dashed lines),
and/or even through the ionosphere (represented by the layer of
various shapes) to be received by other electronic circuits 10. The
closest electronic circuit 10 that receives the information passes
it on through regular network ground waves (represented by the
solid line and arrow), such as the internet. In this way, a mobile
user can be located worldwide, without any cellular/internet
services. In exemplary embodiments, the signals can be monitored
worldwide and the location of the distress detected by
non-geostationary satellites. The user can be located by some
combination of GPS trilateration and Doppler triangulation.
[0101] As the emergency procedure starts, the system 300 may put
the user's personal computing device 40 on power saving mode to
maximize battery life. In exemplary embodiments, the system
switches to proprietary lowest power consumption mode upon SOS
button activation. In addition, as best seen in FIG. 12, the
emergency communications system may have a capacitor 306 that is
within the electronic circuit 10 and the capacitor may hold energy
for extra use after the battery power is exhausted. The system 300
may disable the majority of the personal computing device 40,
keeping only the necessary features, or may disable the entire
device. From that moment on, the emergency communications system
300 controls every power related operation within the personal
computing device 40.
[0102] In exemplary embodiments, the emergency communications
system 300 detects battery exhaustion time and provides certain
operations accordingly. For example, within a certain time period
before the battery power runs out, the system 300 transmits the
last location of the user's personal computing device 40 and a
forecasted location in the next few hours, based on the movement
that was done for the past few hours. Thus, the system may send a
last GPS location signal to other electronic circuits 10 to be
transferred to the central emergency server. When the personal
computing device 40 is being shut off for any reason, including
when the battery is dying, a fraction of a second before shut off
the electronic circuit 10 sends a last pulse containing the
latitude and longitude information of the device. It can also
transmit the latitude and longitude during each SoS interval that
can last for a few days. The system also may offer a text messaging
feature during low battery period so the user can communicate via
text with an emergency control center, a rescue team, or other
rescue services.
[0103] With reference to FIG. 13, the system 300 may also include a
short wave transceiver unit 308 located on the electronic circuit
10. In exemplary embodiments, the system may trigger a short wave
transmitter to transmit for longer time short wave radio signals.
These signals are targeted to emergency receivers worldwide. In
exemplary embodiments, the system 300 has a self-adjustment short
wave adjustment system to adjust the short wave transmission,
achieving maximum efficiency, during terrain change and/or battery
life condition. The transmitter is activated when the battery's
energy is completely drained.
[0104] The high frequency RF circuitry, including an RF antenna 310
on the electronic circuit 10, as shown in FIG. 12, is designed to
operate for few more days using the metal capacitor's energy. More
particularly, the electronic circuit 10 continues to transmit short
wave pulses after the main battery power is exhausted, providing a
few more days of GPS location identification transmission. In
addition, based on the battery power remaining, the system may
adjust the emergency transmission pulse, creating longer intervals,
in order to extend the emergency transmission time. In exemplary
embodiments, the frequencies of the short wave signals are
automatically adjusted by the electronic circuit to be in the range
of few to hundreds Megahertz, according to the topographic and
landscape in order to reach longer distances.
[0105] As mentioned above, the capacitor 306 stores power to enable
an SoS beacon pulse every few minutes for a few days or up to about
a week of emergency beacon, even after the battery in the personal
computing device 40 is exhausted. In exemplary embodiments, each
pulse contains latitude and longitude information of the device 40,
user name, phone ID and additional information about the user's
condition. It should be noted, however, that the capacitor does not
kick into work only after the battery is dead. As the battery is
still live the user can enter his medical condition and status via
text. This text can be coded and transmitted with the other
information in the pulse mentioned above. The advantageous result
is a beacon pulse that is transmitted every few minutes about the
location and status of the user. Once this pulse reaches other
electronic circuits 10 on other personal computing devices 40, it
transfers the emergency signal through a regular network, between
the electronic circuits 10. The phone company/users will receive an
alert about an emergency condition akin to amber alerts.
[0106] FIGS. 14-17 illustrate exemplary embodiments of an altitude
detection and airplane mode activation system 700. More
particularly, exemplary systems can automatically detect the
altitude and motion activity of a personal computing device 40 and,
based on the altitude information, can automatically activate
and/or deactivate airplane mode on the personal computing device.
An altitude detection and airplane mode activation system 700 may
employ the electronic circuit 10 containing an auto airplane mode
circuit 702, best seen in FIG. 15, and other components and
features of the communications system 100 described above. In FIG.
14, satellite communications are represented by solid lines and
electronic circuit communications by dashed lines.
[0107] The electronic circuit 10 may be embedded within an existing
microchip of a personal computing device 40 or within the
electronic board as an integral part of a communications system and
configured to operate as a specific purpose electronic circuit or
microchip. The system 700 may include a short wave transceiver 704
used in conjunction with the electronic circuit 10 to detect
location, altitude, and motion activities of the personal computing
device 40. As best seen in FIG. 16, a self-adjustment short wave
monitor system including a short wave unit 704 may be provided to
adjust the short wave transmitting, achieving maximum efficiency,
during terrain change and/or battery life condition.
[0108] The personal computing device 40 could include a personal
computer, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a PDM, a server, a cloud
server array, a blade, a cluster, a supercomputer, a supercomputer
array, and a game machine, and/or any other device with computing
functionality, including Apple and Android platforms by, e.g.,
smartphone app. Exemplary systems 700 are based on hardware and
software installed and operated on personal computing devices and
connecting to the cloud and/or to an external computer program that
runs on a separated server via a secured, encrypted, private
communication protocol (e.g., 1024-bit protocol) to avoid data
security breaches. The system 700 works with or without cellular
services and transmits signals to and receives signals from
satellites or short wave pulses via a private, secured, encrypted
channel to communicate the motion status of the personal computing
device 40.
[0109] With reference to FIG. 17, the altitude detection and
airplane mode activation system 700 utilizes private, encrypted,
secured signals to communicate with satellites or short waves to
identify the personal computing device's location, altitude and
motion activities. More particularly, the mobile software executed
on the personal computing device 40 communicates via a secured,
encrypted, private code sequence with the electronic circuit 10 to
activate the designated circuitry for the personal computing
device's altitude and motion activity identification and
activation/deactivation. These signals may comprise dynamic pulses
on a predefined order and frequency, in order to detect the
altitude of the personal computing device 40. Upon personal
computing device airborne status detection, the system 700
automatically switches the personal computing device into airplane
mode. In exemplary embodiments, the system 700 has a safe text
messaging feature that enables direct text messaging with other
users, enabling the user's communication in airplane mode. On the
other hand, once the system 700 identifies that the mobile device
is on the ground it automatically deactivates airplane mode and
switches to normal operation mode so the personal computing device
40 resumes its normal operation. In FIG. 17, sky waves are
represented by dashed lines, ground waves by a solid line with an
arrow, and the ionosphere by the layer of various shapes.
[0110] In exemplary embodiments, the system 700 transmits through a
private, secured, encrypted communication channel in designated
time frames an encrypted, secured signal to all other personal
computing devices in the area and to a main server. The
transmission may be done via GPS system, short wave unit 704 that
is on the electronic circuit 10 and/or via the proprietary
microchip protocol. Thus, exemplary embodiments provide techniques
and configurations used for location, altitude and motion
activities identification and automatic activation or deactivation
of airplane mode, operated on mobile devices in order to maintain
FAA regulations and flight safety.
[0111] In operation, an exemplary altitude detection and airplane
mode activation system 700 identifies the altitude, motion
activity, or both of a personal computing device 40. The system
uses electronic circuits 10 described above and mobile software
application to automatically detect the altitude of the personal
computing device 40 and activate or deactivate its airplane mode.
More particularly, the system 700 identifies the personal computing
device's 40 altitude and motion activity using electronic circuitry
that is working in conjunction with the proprietary mobile software
application and/or outside servers or the cloud and automatically
switches to airplane mode when the personal computing device 40
becomes airborne. Alternatively, upon detecting that the personal
computing device is airborne, the systems may display that data on
a screen of the device to alert the user without, or prior to,
switching to airplane mode. In exemplary embodiments, the system
700 constantly checks the mobile device altitude and motion
activities by sending encrypted code sequences to satellites in
order to locate the mobile device altitude. The system 700 also
automatically deactivates airplane mode when the personal computing
device 40 is on the ground level.
[0112] In exemplary embodiments, the system 700 enables or disables
other personal computing device 40 functionalities according to its
altitude and motion activities. The system 700 can also detect when
the personal computing device 40 is on an aircraft or has entered
into an aircraft's cabin and automatically switches into airplane
mode. The system uses direct communication with satellites and
radio frequency waves to determine the mobile device altitude and
motion activities and to enable or disable the mobile device's
functionalities. The system's short wave signals frequencies can be
automatically adjusted by the electronic circuit to be in the range
of few to hundreds Megahertz, according to the topographic and
landscape in order to reach longer distances.
[0113] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 17, the electronic circuit 10 may
directly communicate via satellite with all other electronic
circuits 10 within personal computing devices 40, worldwide, in
order to provide the necessary information to identify each
personal computing device's 40 altitude and motion activities data
and/or to share related data and data transfer to the main server
in a central location. The system may be supported by the
electronic circuits 10 in the other personal computing devices 40.
The system 700 may transmit periodic identification signals every
designated time, and by that identify the personal computing
device's 40 location, altitude or motion activities. In exemplary
embodiments, the system 700 works in conjunction with the emergency
communications system 300 discussed above to provide alerts about
the most recent location of the personal computing device 40.
[0114] During ordinary operation, the altitude detection and
airplane mode activation system 700 may communicate within a
defined operation envelope defining a permissible working
relationship and communication link for authorizing normal
functioning of the personal computing device 40. The system 700
responds to interruption of the communications link with the
personal computing device 40 inhibited from normal functioning, as
measured in time, distance or malfunction, and continues the
emergency transmission using the electronic circuit's circuitry,
via satellite or short waves. The system 700 identifies personal
computing device circuitry partial failures and compensates to
maintain airplane mode activation or deactivation for maximum
safety. Transmission could also continue during a personal
computing device 40 failure using the electronic circuit 10, short
wave transmitter unit in order to identify altitude or motion
activities. The system 700 can identify the device's airplane mode
and continue emergency satellite transmission using the electronic
circuit and/or a capacitor power unit and/or mobile application
software.
[0115] With reference to FIG. 18, exemplary embodiments of systems
and methods of scheduling categorized delivery and/or service
according to customer demand are provided. A communications and
delivery system 400 may employ the electronic circuit 10 and other
components and features of the communications system 100 described
above. In exemplary communications and delivery systems 400, the
electronic circuit 10 provides heuristic based circuitry to support
a categorized delivery and service application. More particularly,
the circuit 10 and system 100 hardware supports a mobile software
system and method for scheduling an on-demand delivery and/or
service, to the customer's location of via mobile device and/or web
based software application. Elements of the emergency
communications system 300 describe above, such as GPS location and
tracking services, enable identification of suppliers and products
and delivery to a customer's location or any other location using
the user's personal computing device 40 and/or an internet web
site.
[0116] Exemplary communications and delivery systems 400 provide a
categorized delivery and/or service to the customer's location of
choice. Customers are able to request an item delivery or service
to their location or to another location of the customer's choice,
according to category, in real time or per scheduled appointment.
The request can be made via a smartphone or other personal
computing device 40, through a web site dashboard and control panel
software and cellular phone messaging system or a phone call. The
item can be a package containing any type of product, or could be a
service. For example, a service could be a taxi or a notary. After
the request is made the system locates available
transporter/service providers according to the desired category on
the network and dispatches one of the providers to the customer's
location, for example, via a smartphone application. The system can
also be used to match transporters/service providers to routes.
[0117] Registered transporters and/or service providers are drivers
411 that are interested to provide the delivery and/or service to
customers. Transporters/service providers register into their
desired category 401 according the delivery and/or service type,
and this information may be communicated to and/or stored in the
system's recording layer 409. In this way, the system 400 creates a
registered transporters network or fleet, nation-wide or worldwide,
to accommodate categorized delivery and or service requests from
any region. Transporters or service providers register with the
communications and delivery system 400 via their personal computing
devices 40, either through a web site control panel or other
application. Worldwide operation and support could also be
provided. In exemplary embodiments, the transporters/service
providers pay a monthly fee for their subscription. Only registered
subscribers will be available through the system and on the web
based, GPS based map. Registered transporters or service providers
could enter their personal or company details and payment methods,
such as credit card and/or PayPal. The system could also facilitate
cooperation between registered transporters/service providers and
banks or credit card companies so the transporters/service
providers could provide credit or other financing to its
customers.
[0118] In exemplary embodiments, customers 415 can register for
free by entering their data 405. Credit card details may be
necessary to verify that the customer is above 18 years of age.
Registered customers select a desired delivery or service category
401 and receive an updated smartphone and web site based map of all
available transporters/service providers at a radius of 20 miles of
their locations. The customer 415 can then select a
transporter/service provider for the desired service or delivery.
The system 400 maintains the category, progress, client data
information, and administrative functions in the application space
422. In exemplary embodiments, the customer can also run a
background check on a transporter/service provider or use other
tools, such as reviews or feedback 419, to verify the credibility
of the transporter/service provider. The feedback 419 may be
communicated to the driver by the main application 421. Upon the
customer's selection and the transporter/service provider's
approval, the customer receives a confirmation notification from an
administrator 407.
[0119] The transporter/service provider and the customer then
exchange their contact information and may communicate
independently about the delivery and/or service via a personal
computing device 40. The method and details of payments for the
delivery and/or service provider are to be concluded between the
customer and the transporter/service provider. In exemplary
embodiments, the transporter/service provider contacts the customer
via "picking up" the order and they exchange the delivery and/or
service payments details. Upon their mutual agreement, the
transporter/service provider is dispatched to the customer's
location to carry out the delivery or service request. The system
400 may notify the customer of the provider's ETA and show on the
screen of the user's personal computing device 40 or web site GPS
based map, the transporter's/service provider's progress 403 toward
the customer's location including updating the ETA accordingly. The
category 401 and/or progress 403 may be communicated to and from
the driver 411 via the operational layer 413 of the system 400. The
recording layer 409 and operational layer 413 may be located within
the system's library space 420.
[0120] Payment can be done at the time of service, as agreed
between the transporter/service provider and customer. In this way,
the customer receives a delivery and/or service at his preferred
location. The service is fast, efficient and comprehensive.
Transporters and service providers are available nationwide to
receive delivery or service requests according to zip code and
location. The system 400 based on these conceptual requirements can
be a combination of exact and fuzzy logic. Both forms of logic can
be handled by a fuzzy logic application since exact matches can be
coded as discrete values (instead of ranges) within such an
application. The system 400 may provide a transporter/service
provider rating system for the customer's convenience.
[0121] In exemplary embodiments, the communications and delivery
system 400 comprises a service request module configured to obtain
a service request and a service location from a customer. A posting
module 403 allows a customer to place the service request. The
posting module 403 may be accessible by smartphone, computer-based
software, and/or web-based software. An identification module 404
is configured to locate service providers matching the customer's
service request and service location. The identification module 404
then identifies an origin-destination pair comprising a matching
service provider and customer. The system 400 also has a scheduling
module 406 to schedule a service order for the customer at the
service location.
[0122] In exemplary embodiments, a notification module
automatically identifies a matching service provider based on
availability, registration, and/or product or service category. In
exemplary embodiments, the system 400 alerts the
transporter/service provider about a delivery and/or service
request in the region. A dispatch module dispatches the service
provider to the service location. In exemplary embodiments, the
system 400 automatically identifies the customer's location and
dispatches a transporter/service provider to the desired location
in order to provide the delivery or service. Advantageously, the
service request and service order can be done automatically in real
time.
[0123] The notification module automatically communicates to the
customer an estimated arrival time of the service provider at the
service location to fulfill the service order, as well as
notification of the provider's progress based on GPS updated map
and notification of actual arrival time. The system 400 may also
have a tracking module to track the location and movement of the
service provider. In exemplary embodiments, a payment module is
included in the system, in some embodiments in the transaction
module 417, to receive and facilitate payment for the service
order. The service order may be for a delivery of a package
containing any type of tangible item or product. Alternatively, the
order may be for a particular kind of service.
[0124] In exemplary embodiments, the service order is for fueling.
Thus, in an embodiment, fuel delivery could be one of the service
orders of the communications and delivery system 400.
Alternatively, one could think of embodiments in which a
communications and on-demand fueling system is independently
created employing the electronic circuit 10 and other components
and features of the communications system 100 described above as
well as the components of the communications and delivery system
400 such that a customer can obtain fueling at his or her location
of choice.
[0125] An on-demand fueling system can include obtaining from a
customer a service request identifying an origin-destination-pair
(matching customer location with a provider in the area). The
system automatically identifies the customer's location and
dispatches a tanker operator to the desired location in order to
provide the gasoline fill service. The system notifies the
customers of the estimated time of service and payment method, as
well as providing invoice upon completion of the transaction
417.
[0126] Thus, exemplary embodiments advantageously provide a private
gasoline fill service at the customer's location of choice.
Customers are able to schedule a gasoline fill service for their
vehicle at their location, in real time or per scheduled
appointment. The reservation can be made via a smartphone or other
personal computing device 40, through a web site dashboard and
control panel software and cellular phone messaging system or a
phone call. The personal computing device 40 could include a
personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a PDM, a
server, a cloud server array, a blade, a cluster, a supercomputer,
a supercomputer array, and a game machine, and/or any other device
with computing functionality, including Apple and Android platforms
by, e.g., smartphone app. After the reservation (with potentially
the vehicle odometer read for future use as vehicle fuel log) is
made, the system finds an available gasoline tank vehicle that
belongs to the registered provider network or is doing business
with the network and dispatches it to the customer's location.
[0127] In exemplary embodiments, the tanker vehicle operator
contacts the customer via "picking up" the order. As in the
communications and delivery system 400, the communications and
on-demand fueling system may notify the customer of the tanker
vehicle's ETA and show on the personal computing device screen the
tanker's progress toward the location with ETA updates accordingly.
Payment can be done at the time of service, pre-paid or at a later
time by billing statement. In exemplary embodiments, the on-demand
fueling system facilitates barters and exchanges instead of
traditional payments. In this way, the customer receives a gasoline
fill service at his preferred location, hassle free. The service is
fast, efficient and comprehensive. The tanker operator's tanker
vehicles are available nationwide to receive gasoline fill requests
according to zip code and location.
[0128] The on-demand fueling system based on these conceptual
requirements may be a combination of exact and fuzzy logic. The
system can be used to match tanker operators to routes. Both forms
of logic can be handled by a fuzzy logic application since exact
matches can be coded as discrete values (instead of ranges) within
such an application. In exemplary embodiments, the communications
and on-demand fueling system comprises analogous components as the
communications and delivery system 400.
[0129] In operation, the communications and on-demand fueling
system receives reservations from vehicle owners/customers. The
reservation criteria entered by the customer include a customer's
location, service time constraint, number of vehicles to be
serviced, potentially the reading of the vehicle's odometer and an
agreed upon payment schedule required to reserve the gasoline fill
service. Prospective customers can enter their preferred gasoline
fill request details. The system can be used to create a gasoline
log book for tax purposes, gasoline consumption by average, and
other statistical or recordkeeping purposes. The system may post
online at least a portion of the availability information relating
to various gasoline fill services, and the payment schedule may be
determined prior to the posting of the availability information. In
exemplary embodiments, the payment schedule includes a cost per
vehicle.
[0130] The system can then receive reservation offers from a
plurality of independent service providers. In exemplary
embodiments, each of the reservation offers includes an agreement
to a specific location request and a predetermined payment
schedule. The system then selects a number of the received
reservation requests such that the selected requests collectively
are consistent with the reservation criteria entered by identified
customers/vehicle owners. The system then communicates reservation
offers from one or more independent tanker vehicle operators (or
independent passengers to tanker vehicle operators) to provide the
gasoline fill service. The system automatically identifies the
customer's location and available providers in the area.
[0131] As with the communications and delivery system 400,
communications and on-demand fueling system facilitates
registration of fuel order fill providers, creating a registered
tanker network or fleet, nation-wide or worldwide, to accommodate
fuel service requests from any region. Registered transporters or
service providers could enter their personal or company details and
payment methods, such as credit card and/or PayPal. The system
could also facilitate cooperation between registered
transporters/service providers and banks or credit card companies
so the transporters/service providers could provide credit or other
financing to its customers. Worldwide operation and support could
also be provided.
[0132] In exemplary embodiments, the communications and on-demand
fueling system receives any changes in the reservation criteria and
communicates the changes to each of the independent customers
associated with the order. After a customer and fueling provider
agree to the terms of a fueling order, the system dispatches the
tanker to the customer's or any other location and notifies the
customer of the ETA as well as the actual arrival time of the
gasoline fill service to the customer's vehicle. The system may
notify the customer of the tanker's ETA and show on the screen of
the user's personal computing device 40 or web site GPS based map,
the tanker's progress toward the customer's location including
updating the ETA accordingly. Upon completion of the gasoline fill,
the system automatically provides an invoice to the customer.
[0133] In exemplary embodiments, the customer can read the mileage
from the vehicle odometer at the time of the order fill and
generate a detailed report that can serve as gasoline base
report/log for IRS purposes, or for any other use, like gasoline
analysis and comparison. The system could also include a Quick
Charge option for electric vehicles or other alternative fueling
and power including but not limited to hydrogen, battery
replacement, and compressed air. In exemplary embodiments, the
electrical Quick Charge option is based on an advanced dynamo
system. The communications and on-demand fueling system may also
provide the option to sell complementary motor vehicle products
such as motor oil, cleaning solvents and the like. The
complementary products could be delivered by a registered service
operator.
[0134] In exemplary embodiments, the service order is for trucking
service. Thus, in an embodiment, fuel delivery could be one of the
service orders of the communications and delivery system 400.
Alternatively, one could think of embodiments in which a
communications and on-demand trucking system is independently
created employing the electronic circuit 10 and other components
and features of the communications system 100 described above as
well as the components of the communications and delivery system
400 such that a customer can obtain trucking and cargo hauling
service at his or her location of choice. In exemplary embodiments,
the communications and on-demand trucking system comprises
analogous components as the communications and delivery system
400.
[0135] Developments in technology, such as computers, satellite
communication, and the internet, have contributed to many
improvements within the industry, but no on-demand trucking service
has been offered as yet. This kind of on-demand cargo or hauling
service could be valuable in a number of industries. For example,
trucks are very important to the construction industry, as dump
trucks and portable concrete mixers are necessary to move the large
amounts of rocks, dirt, concrete, and other building materials used
in construction.
[0136] Exemplary embodiments of a communications and on-demand
trucking system provide a private or commercial cargo shipment
service at the customer's or any other location of choice. The
system enables customers to schedule a cargo hauling/shipment
service for their vehicle at their or any other desire location, in
real time or by scheduled appointment. The reservation can be made
via a smartphone or other personal computing device 40, through a
web site dashboard and control panel software and cellular phone
messaging system or a phone call. The personal computing device 40
could include a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet computer,
a PDM, a server, a cloud server array, a blade, a cluster, a
supercomputer, a supercomputer array, and a game machine, or any
other device with computing functionality, including Apple and
Android platforms by, e.g., smartphone app.
[0137] The system may obtain from a customer a service request and
automatically identify the customer's location. After the
reservation (with potentially the vehicle odometer read for future
use as a vehicle fuel log) is made, the system then identifies an
origin-destination-pair (matching customer location with a provider
in the area). More particularly, the system finds an available
trucking provider that is in the vicinity of the service request
and belongs to a registered provider network or is doing business
with the network. The system then dispatches a truck operator to
the customer's desired location in order to provide cargo hauling
service. The system based on those conceptual requirements may be a
combination of exact and fuzzy logic. The system can be used to
match truck operators to routes. Both forms of logic can be handled
by a fuzzy logic application since exact matches can be coded as
discrete values (instead of ranges) within such an application.
[0138] In exemplary embodiments, the trucking service operator
contacts the customer via "picking up" the order. As in the
communications and delivery system 400, the communications and
on-demand trucking system may notify the customer of the truck's
ETA and show on the personal computing device screen the truck's
progress toward the location with ETA updates accordingly. Payment
can be done at the time of service, pre-paid or at a later time by
billing statement, and the system may facilitate payment by credit
card. In exemplary embodiments, the system facilitates barters and
exchanges instead of traditional payments. In this way, the
customer receives a cargo hauling service at his preferred
location, hassle free. The service is fast, efficient and
comprehensive. The truck operator's vehicles are available
nationwide to receive cargo hauling requests according to zip code
and location.
[0139] Upon receipt of a customer's cargo delivery request, the
communications and on-demand trucking system will identify local
truckers within a desired radius. The customer can fill in basic
details about the cargo to be delivered. These details include but
are not limited to number of pallets and/or boxes and total
height/width and weight of the cargo to be hauled. In exemplary
embodiments, the system offers to provide value estimation and
cargo content. The cargo delivery request may immediately be sent
as an alert to all available truckers in the vicinity or desired
radius. In exemplary embodiments, the first provider that
acknowledges the shipping service request will get the task. Upon
task assignment, the request will be removed from the active
hauling requests. In exemplary embodiments, the system presents to
the customer an ETA for the truck arrival. Upon loading the cargo
onto the truck, the customer and driver will acknowledge within the
system the status of the cargo as being in transit. Upon cargo
delivery the trucker and customer can approve the delivery and
payment may be credited to the trucker's account.
[0140] In operation, the communications and on-demand trucking
system receives reservations from cargo owners/customers. The
reservation criteria entered by the customer include a customer's
location or any desired location, any service time constraints,
number of pallets or boxes to be hauled, the weight and value of
the cargo in total or by individual boxes or groups of boxes, the
contents of the cargo, and an agreed upon payment schedule required
to transport the cargo to a desired destination. Prospective
customers can enter their preferred cargo delivery request details.
The system may post online at least a portion of the availability
information relating to various gasoline fill services, and the
payment schedule may be determined prior to the posting of the
availability information. In exemplary embodiments, the payment
schedule includes a cost per shipment or cost by unit of
weight.
[0141] The system can then receive reservation offers from a
plurality of independent cargo hauling providers. In exemplary
embodiments, each of the reservation offers includes an agreement
to a specific hauling request and a predetermined payment schedule.
The system then selects a number of the received hauling requests
such that the selected requests collectively are consistent with
the reservation criteria entered by identified customers/cargo
owners. The system then communicates hauling offers from one or
more independent hauling vehicle operators to provide the cargo
hauling service. The system automatically identifies the customer's
location and available hauling providers in the area.
[0142] As with the communications and delivery system 400, the
communications and on-demand trucking system facilitates
registration of cargo hauling providers, creating a registered
trucker network or fleet, nation-wide or worldwide, to accommodate
cargo hauling requests from any region. Registered cargo hauling
providers could enter their personal or company details and payment
methods, such as credit card and/or PayPal. The system could also
facilitate cooperation between registered cargo hauling providers
and banks or credit card companies so the cargo hauling providers
could provide credit or other financing to their customers.
Worldwide operation and support could also be provided.
[0143] In exemplary embodiments, the communications and on-demand
trucking system receives any changes in the reservation criteria
and communicates the changes to each of the independent providers
associated with the order. After a customer and cargo hauling
provider agree to the terms of a cargo hauling order, the system
dispatches the trucker to the customer's location or any other
location and notifies the customer of the ETA as well as the actual
arrival time of the cargo haul service to the customer's location.
The system may notify the customer of the trucker's ETA and show on
the screen of the user's personal computing device 40 or web site
GPS based map, the trucker's progress toward the customer's
location including updating the ETA accordingly. The system may
also notify the customer of the actual delivery of the cargo. In
exemplary embodiments, the truck drive may confirm delivery of the
cargo to the desired destination by a mobile app or internet web
site. Upon completion of the cargo delivery, the system
automatically provides an invoice to the customer. In exemplary
embodiments, the invoice includes a graphic description of the
route that was made, number of miles and the total cost.
[0144] Thus, it is seen that electronic circuits and communications
systems are provided, including systems and methods of remote
disablement, emergency communication, categorized delivery,
on-demand fueling, on-demand trucking, and altitude detection and
airplane mode activation. It should be understood that any of the
foregoing configurations and specialized components or connections
may be interchangeably used with any of the systems of the
preceding embodiments. Although illustrative embodiments are
described hereinabove, it will be evident to one skilled in the art
that various changes and modifications may be made therein without
departing from the scope of the disclosure. It is intended in the
appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications that
fall within the true spirit and scope of the present
disclosure.
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