U.S. patent application number 17/065553 was filed with the patent office on 2021-02-04 for blockchain system and method for calculating location of time-crucial shipments according to expectation and smart contracts.
The applicant listed for this patent is Elliot Klein. Invention is credited to Elliot Klein.
Application Number | 20210037357 17/065553 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005162246 |
Filed Date | 2021-02-04 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210037357 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Klein; Elliot |
February 4, 2021 |
BLOCKCHAIN SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CALCULATING LOCATION OF
TIME-CRUCIAL SHIPMENTS ACCORDING TO EXPECTATION AND SMART
CONTRACTS
Abstract
A client-server system and a blockchain method for calculating
whether a time-crucial shipment is located according to an
expectation comprising a client device adapted for being adhered to
or placed within a time-crucial package shipment; and a remote
special purpose computer server comprising a transit plan schedule
database based on pickup time and location stored in memory, the
remote special purpose computer server being programmed to
calculate a location of the client device based on data accessed
from a Wi-Fi access point location database, the transmitted
identification data, and the transmitted signal strength data, and
compare the calculated location to an expected location based on
common carrier schedule transit plan pickup time and delivery
location received from third party database sources.
Inventors: |
Klein; Elliot; (Aventura,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Klein; Elliot |
Aventura |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005162246 |
Appl. No.: |
17/065553 |
Filed: |
October 8, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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17036389 |
Sep 29, 2020 |
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17065553 |
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17010460 |
Sep 2, 2020 |
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17036389 |
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16985470 |
Aug 5, 2020 |
10856116 |
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17010460 |
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16640793 |
Feb 21, 2020 |
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PCT/US19/54598 |
Oct 4, 2019 |
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16985470 |
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16162678 |
Oct 17, 2018 |
10217078 |
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16640793 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 4/35 20180201; H04W
4/70 20180201; H04W 4/021 20130101; H04L 9/0637 20130101; G06Q
10/0833 20130101; H04L 2209/38 20130101; H04W 4/80 20180201; H04L
2209/80 20130101; H04W 4/029 20180201 |
International
Class: |
H04W 4/35 20060101
H04W004/35; H04W 4/021 20060101 H04W004/021; G06Q 10/08 20060101
G06Q010/08; H04W 4/029 20060101 H04W004/029; H04L 9/06 20060101
H04L009/06; H04W 4/80 20060101 H04W004/80; H04W 4/70 20060101
H04W004/70 |
Claims
1. A computer implemented blockchain method for transferring,
sharing and trading according to a smart contract comprising:
providing a client device with a wireless telecommunication radio
module adapted for being attached to, adhered to or placed within
package(s); providing a remote computer system, wherein the remote
computer system is configured for use in connection with a package
in-process of being delivered, or being prepared for, staged for,
or in-transit of delivery: the wireless telecommunication radio
module of the client device comprising: integrated circuit(s)
adapted to electronically pair or transmit data between the client
device and one or more of a mobile phone, Wi-Fi network, a mobile
carrier(s)' network elements, Bluetooth communications module
device(s), and/or a Wi-Fi gateway for multipoint wireless data
sharing between the client device and the remote computer system;
communicating reported client device data from the remote computer
system in real time or near real time to one or more users that
includes a common carrier and/or other shipping parties in a chain
of custody of the package, and/or to data storage of one or more
database systems, the reported client device data being received by
the remote computer system from the client device and including one
or more of: (i) a determined package geographical indoor/outdoor
location and/or time, (ii) a temperature measured by a thermometer
acting as an internal reporting data sensor device, (iii) a
notification or system determined exception to delivery terms of
the smart contract and/or its performance expectation(s), and (iv)
an exception to business terms of the smart contract, the remote
computer system being structured and configured to determine and
maintain a record in a blockchain network of the chain of custody
for the package as reported to the one or more users and/or to the
one or more database systems; connecting the client device and/or
the remote computer system to one or more of (i) an enterprise
application and/or system and (ii) other devices, applications
and/or computers via the internet and/or other communications
network(s) to enable communication by machine notification
interface; further determining by comparing in the remote computer
system the reported client device data stored into one or more
database system(s) based on a blockchain database system utilizing
blockchain technology with ownership and location journey of
package chain of custody data shared and managed in an immutable
and distributed ledger; and implementing terms of the smart
contract as determined by the reported client device data and/or
database stored data shared in a distributed ledger of system(s),
with access to business terms of the smart contract, to
automatically execute an agreement by the business terms of the
smart contract(s) across a blockchain network.
2. The method of claim 1 whereby the business terms of the smart
contract are further compared to client device reported data stored
in a blockchain to execute smart contract terms to include
payment(s) based on delivery performance terms and/or exception(s)
to location, time(s) and/or reported temperature data recorded in
the distributed ledger.
3. The method of claim 1 whereby the smart contract is executed
automatically by payment(s) according to an agreement between two
parties or multiple parties interfacing with a distributed ledger
and a blockchain network.
4. The method of claim 1 whereby parties in the chain of custody
may include: package shipper, recipient, representative or third
party comprising: a common carrier, digital currency exchange,
financial institution, payment processor, lender, customs brokerage
and/or insurance provider, whereby payment(s) under smart contract
can be determined and automatically validated or made, and/or
adjusted upwards or downwards, by system(s) according to business
terms of smart contract managed by a blockchain network.
5. The method of claim 1 whereby radio module with integrated
circuit(s) sharing data between the client device and remote
computer(s) further comprise a corresponding application
programming interface (API) component structured to facilitate
communication between the data reported by circuits of client
device and the remote computer system(s) for transferring, sharing
or trading according to a smart contract.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the system(s) further determines
location(s) of a package in real time or near real time by
comparing in remote computer(s) the shipping parties' progress
through planned route and/or operational processes until it reaches
final delivery destination by comparing a digital identifier of the
radio module within a data structure record which refers or points
to another record stored in the distributed ledger of
system(s).
7. The method of claim 1 wherein exception(s) to smart contract(s)
business terms may include: a planned pick up event, customs
clearance delay, completed delivery after a promised time(s) or due
date, and/or the business terms recorded in transportation
management systems, portals and apps that query data stored within
blockchain ledger to determine and report the location(s) and data
of one or more package(s).
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the remote computer(s) system
further includes access to a barcode(s) attached to, adhered to or
placed within package(s) that identifies data to be read by an
optical scanner or reader and decoded by a computer system to open
an app from mobile phone, remote communication device(s), and/or
connect positioning device to report pickup or package chain of
custody delivery information associated with smart contract, by
uploading reported information to share and manage into a
distributed ledger.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation Application, which claims
priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/036,389, filed on
Sep. 29, 2020, entitled "BLOCKCHAIN SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR
CALCULATING LOCATION OF TIME-CRUCIAL SHIPMENTS ACCORDING TO
EXPECTATION AND SMART CONTRACTS," which claims priority from U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 17/010,460, filed on Sep. 2, 2020,
entitled "BLOCKCHAIN SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CALCULATING LOCATION OF
TIME-CRUCIAL SHIPMENTS ACCORDING TO EXPECTATION AND SMART
CONTRACTS," which claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 16/985,470, filed on Aug. 5, 2020, entitled "BLOCKCHAIN SYSTEM
AND METHOD FOR CALCULATING LOCATION OF TIME-CRUCIAL SHIPMENTS
ACCORDING TO EXPECTATION AND SMART CONTRACTS," which claims
priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/640,793, filed on
Feb. 21, 2020, entitled "BLOCKCHAIN SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR
CALCULATING LOCATION OF TIME-CRUCIAL SHIPMENTS ACCORDING TO
EXPECTATION AND SMART CONTRACTS," which is a U.S. National Stage
under 371 of PCT International Application No. PCT/US2019/054598,
filed on Oct. 4, 2019, entitled "BLOCKCHAIN SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR
CALCULATING LOCATION OF TIME-CRUCIAL SHIPMENTS ACCORDING TO
EXPECTATION AND SMART CONTRACTS." which claims priority from U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 16/162,678, filed on Oct. 17, 2018, now
U.S. Pat. No. 10,217,078, which issued on Feb. 26, 2019, entitled
"BLOCKCHAIN SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CALCULATING LOCATION OF
TIME-CRUCIAL SHIPMENTS ACCORDING TO EXPECTATION AND SMART
CONTRACTS," the contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to the field of logistics systems and
methods. More particularly the invention relates to systems and
methods of tracking location of a package which is en route from a
shipping location to a destination location, and to systems and
methods to ensure that an extremely time-critical delivery is
proceeding according to schedule and to alert the shipper or
recipient or a designated third party if there is a problem with
shipment such as a flight or truck delay or mishandled package or
misdirected delivery.
[0003] Sometimes next day shipping service just isn't fast enough
when a customer needs a replacement part for an assembly line
that's down, or a part is needed for an aircraft that is idle
because of part missing, or a human organ needs to be shipped for
transplant across the continent, or tissue samples, bone marrow or
eye for transplant needs next flight out speed. In such cases the
shipper or recipient will engage a private logistics shipment
service, commercial airline carrier, charter flight, or Next Flight
Out (NFO) delivery service to transport the package since time is
so critical. In other cases the parties may elect to use one or
more common carriers to transport the package from pick up to
delivery such as planes, trains, and/or trucks that operate
according to a schedule.
[0004] Some existing services such as Amazon. Wal-Mart, Federal
Express, DHL, scheduled air carriers, and the like offer same day
delivery to certain locations. However, even though such services
are generally reliable and offer tracking services, occasionally
mistakes happen during shipments, for example a package may miss a
flight or a truck may be delayed due to weather, accident, or
traffic conditions and so even if the chances of such a mistake are
very small, for extremely time-sensitive shipments such as the
above-mentioned situations there is a need for extremely accurate
tracking systems and methods which are superior to state of the art
methods that can include blockchain and smart contracts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] This need, and others which will become apparent from the
following disclosure and drawings, is addressed by the present
invention which comprises in one aspect a system comprising a
client device which is adapted for being adhered to or placed
within a time-crucial package, the device configured to receive a
Wi-Fi signal from a Wi-Fi access point and to communicate data to
one or more servers via GSM wireless transmission protocol; and one
or more servers configured to receive data via GSM from the device
and to receive schedule data from a common carrier that includes a
scheduled airline or truck tracking service; the one or more
servers programmed to determine location of the device at a given
time by comparing the data received from the device to a database
of Wi-Fi access point locations, the one or more servers programmed
to compare the determined location to a scheduled location
according to the data received from the common carrier reporting or
tracking service.
[0006] In another aspect the invention comprises a method of
determining the location of a package at a given time comprising
comparing data received via GSM protocol from the client device
which obtained the identification data from a set of Wi-Fi access
points to a known location of each Wi-Fi access point to a
scheduled location obtained from a common carrier tracking service,
thereby calculating whether the device is located according to the
scheduled location. In another aspect the method comprises
signaling an alarm if the client device is not located according to
the scheduled location and reporting the last known location
according to data received via GSM protocol from the device.
Another aspect of the method includes a step of reporting received
signal strength from one or more known Wi-Fi access points and time
of reception of the signal. In some embodiments a GSM communication
gateway allows for both USSD or SMS, two types of messages, to be
sent.
[0007] The system can make battery saving decisions based on a
variety of factors in the supply chain. For instance, a system that
has additional information on location availability or route delays
based on flight or truck database schedules can dynamically adjust
the location update frequency of the device to save power.
Additionally, the system can increase frequency or change modes to
ensure supply chain compliance or gain additional information about
the location state of the shipment and its environment.
[0008] In another aspect the invention comprises a blockchain
method for calculating whether a time-crucial shipment is located
according to an expectation comprising: providing a system
according to claim 1; receiving, by the Wi-Fi receiver of the
client device identification data of one or more nearby Wi-Fi
access points, measuring, by the Wi-Fi receiver, signal strength
data of the one or more nearby Wi-Fi access points, transmitting,
by the microcontroller, via the GSM radio module to a remote
special purpose computer server the received identification data
and the considered signal strength data when movement is detected
by the accelerometer; calculating, by the remote special purpose
computer server, a location of the client device based on data
accessed from a Wi-Fi access point location database with time
stamp, the transmitted identification data, and the received signal
strength data, and comparing, by the remote special purpose
computer, the calculated location to an expected location based on
blockchain database system data with real-time ownership and
location journey of package shipments shared and managed in an
immutable and distributed ledger.
[0009] Some embodiments comprise reporting device data based on
calculated or transmitted location, temperature, movement, or chain
of custody data so shipment data can be transferred to or traded
according to smart contracts in the blockchain.
[0010] With emergence of the Next Flight Out (NFO) air
transportation market for critical shipments, when time and mission
critical logistic requirements needs shipments delivered within
hours, not days, planning the best flight path and being able to
adopt and react to exception reporting with confirmations of the
location and related temperature, chain of custody and reporting of
each shipment at any point and time worldwide is critical to ensure
on-time delivery and manage smart contracts in the blockchain.
[0011] Once the package has been tendered to an airline, the
airline or other common carrier is not obligated to provide any
updates as to whether the package made it on the desired flight. A
common practice is barcode scanning each piece as it is loaded onto
the airplane or truck. That allows the shipper to login to a custom
airline cargo portal to see if it has made the flight, or
similarly, to a truck vehicle delivering the package.
[0012] There are two main problems with both of these current
systems. The first and most problematic are the false positives. It
is very common for an airline or other common carrier to scan a
piece indicating that it was loaded onto the plane or truck and
then have that piece be intentionally refused, left on the loading
dock or unloaded. This means that when the shipper logs in, they
see that the shipment was verified onboard and they can expect to
recover it one hour after the plane lands when it is released from
cargo. In the case of a five-hour cross-country flight, there is no
indication of error or delay for six hours. Once it is established
that the piece is not at the destination airport, a game of finger
pointing ensues. The destination airport calls the departure
airport saying the package never arrived. The departure airport
insists that it is at the destination airport because it was
scanned on board the plane. The destination airport searches again
and the calls the departure airport insisting that it never
arrived. Finally, the departure airport searches the dock and finds
the piece. At this point, hours have passed and the shipment has
still not left the origin city and needs to be placed on a new
flight. Similar situations apply to vehicle deliveries when a
package is placed on truck after arriving by plane.
[0013] The package being left at the departure airport without
notice is a much too common case. A less common, but even more
costly case is when a shipment is loaded on the wrong aircraft. The
shelving and organization system airlines use is very manual with
little verification. A package meant for Kansas may end up on a
flight to Korea simply because they are proximal to each other in
the cargo area. A mistake of this nature can delay the shipment by
days. In the case of a critical shipment like a human organ or part
for a downed aircraft or machine, the associated costs can be
significant.
[0014] The second problem with relying on airline notifications of
on-boarding is that they are separate closed systems with very
little control and transparency for the people that are relying on
those systems to be correct. Each of them functions differently
with a varying degree of success. A system that is designed to
track critical organ deliveries cannot interface with every airline
or common carrier over email.
[0015] A definitive measure of both take-off and landing is
required in order to have a closed supply chain that critical
shipments can use to mitigate delays in real-time. Those messages
need to interface with complex shipment tracking systems to notify
operators as soon as an error occurs in order to minimize supply
chain down time.
[0016] The location monitoring apparatus attached or inside package
finds Wi-Fi networks in-range and sends the router's BSSID/MAC
address, report time, and signal strength, over wireless
communication methods. The reported device data is communicated to
computer servers and by API and computer database with
router-specific MAC addresses to be matched though third party
mapping and location engines or other Wi-Fi Point of Interest
databases (i.e., specific Wi-Fi BSSID/MAC address of aircraft or
near runways) with collected Wi-Fi location coordinate matching
records to determine a package or other shipment's location(s) en
route. Accurate location capabilities, combined with real-time
Wi-Fi network location intelligence data offer increased efficiency
in resource and supply chain management, with lower cost and
significant less device power consumption than conventional higher
power GPS tracking solutions. Accuracy is also significantly
improved since one or more Wi-Fi data sources can be specific to a
floor, room, warehouse or even a specific aircraft's wireless
access point(s) where traditional GPS systems are limited to only
reporting latitude and longitude coordinates.
[0017] The system and method provide real-time location with Wi-Fi
signal intelligence to determine the package's location en
route.
[0018] The present invention improves en route package exception
reporting and delivery processing for time-critical shipments with
a system accessible to the global supply chain with a low cost data
reporting device adding real-time, accurate location granularity
for both indoor and outdoor location determinations, combined into
a market-ready internet-of things (IoT) system with integration
into blockchain system and methods, and logistic carriers and
enterprise management API's, flight databases and computer servers
to exchange and process en route location reporting data between
the electronic device on or within package, and third party
computer server(s) processing the data received over wireless GSM
transmission networks. This is crucial and beneficial for package
shipments en route or when package is in enclosed within en route
(i.e., a truck dispatch station) or pre-flight indoor environments
(i.e., an aircraft hangar), and improves upon prior art that rely
on GPS location where GPS signals are blocked. Examples of blocked
GPS signals include in-aircraft cargo holding areas and logistics
service holding warehouses and indoor package transfer areas that
lack access to GPS satellites, representing one of several
improvements over prior art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic of an embodiment of a device according
to the invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic of a special purpose computer server
embodiment:
[0021] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method of the invention;
[0022] FIG. 4 is an embodiment of a method carried out by the
special purpose computer server of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of the function of the
accelerometer:
[0024] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an aspect of the method regarding
toggling the GSM module, Wi-Fi module, and supplemental use of cell
tower IDs.
[0025] FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram of a blockchain method for
calculating whether a time-critical shipment is located according
to an expectation by remote special purpose computer server
comparing and reporting real-time ownership and location journey of
package; and/or with temperature and other movement data from
accelerometer in device; with the location journey of package
shipments shared and managed in an immutable and distributed ledger
applying blockchain technology and smart contract interactions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] According to a first embodiment of the invention, referring
to FIG. 1, the client device 11 includes a Wi-Fi receiver 17, a
microcontroller unit ("MCU") 20, a Bluetooth module 3, a GSM module
6, an accelerometer 5, a Wi-Fi antenna 14, a GSM antenna 8, a
lithium-free or rechargeable battery 16 which can be disconnected
from the remainder of the device 11 by optional pull tab 2. The MCU
20 sends instructions to and receives data from an accelerometer 5,
GSM module 6, Bluetooth module 3, and Wi-Fi receiver 17. The device
also includes an embedded SIM card 18 whenever necessary for GSM
transmission to cell tower or cell carrier networks. The client
device 11 includes a WiFi antenna 14 which receives signals
broadcast by nearby Wi-Fi access points 47 for the Wi-Fi receiver
17, and a GSM antenna 8 which communicates with GSM cell towers 13
within range of the client device 11. GSM signals from a GSM
network 12 are also received by GSM antenna 8 and sent to GSM
module 6. Client device 11 can include an optional lithium free
primary battery 16 so that client device 11 is compliant with US
FAA regulations and for safety reasons in all countries. The client
device 11 also can include an embedded SIM card 18 which identifies
the device for the GSM or related carrier network 12. The client
device 11 can communicate via Bluetooth protocol using its
Bluetooth module 3 and Bluetooth antenna 15, for example to a
mobile device 1 which receives data from server 4. The client
device 11 does not store Wi-Fi information but rather only detects
Wi-Fi signals and signal strength when it needs to transmit a
location which is calculated by the server 4 by looking up the
Wi-Fi location of the identified Wi-Fi node in a database. Every
location transmitted by the device is it's actual location, not a
previous one.
[0027] An embodiment of the special purpose computer server 4 is
shown in schematic form in FIG. 2 wherein the server 4 includes in
memory an access point and cell tower database 9, a flight plans
database by example (or alternatively another common carrier
database such as a truck shipping database) 10, and a processor
which is programmed to carry out the functions of the server 4. The
special purpose computer can optionally communicate with a USSD
gateway 11 in an alternative embodiment which can communicate with
the device 11 over SS7 signaling or otherwise without USSD over GSM
network 12.
[0028] In overall operation, the device 11 is placed in or on a
package prior to shipment of the package via truck, train, and/or
scheduled aircraft. Along the way the device 11 encounters Wi-Fi
access points of varying signal strength and sends the MAC address
and SSID of the encountered Wi-Fi access points of the respective
encounters to one or more servers 4 which function as a special
purpose computer. The servers 4 use a calculated flight and/or
transit plan based on pickup time and location, flight, truck, and
train schedules received from third party sources, and destination
location and required minimum delivery time to plan a schedule
route. The client device 11 is programmed to turn on when power is
turned on, for example when the battery 16 is connected by pulling
out a power activation pull tab 2. The client device 11 is also
programmed to process accelerometer 5 data that includes movement
of the package and can also optionally calculate when the client
device 11 is vibrating in a pattern which implies the client device
11 is aboard an aircraft with engines running, in which case the
client device 11 can automatically turn off its GSM module 6 to
prevent transmission of data while the aircraft is flying and turns
on its GSM module 6 when the absence of such a vibration pattern
implies the client device 11 is no longer on an aircraft whose
engines are running.
[0029] When the GSM module 6 is on, the client device 11
periodically broadcasts via GSM antenna 8 the Wi-Fi access point 47
data in range of client device 11 which is received at GSM cell
towers 13 and which is received in turn by the servers 4 via GSM
network 12. The servers 4 compare expected locations to one or more
Wi-Fi access point 47 encounters received from the device to
determine if the device is located where it is expected. If the
device location does not match an expected location at an expected
encounter time a notification is issued, for example an alarm
notification or an automated phone call to a designated phone
number, an alert to third party sever, an e-mail, an SMS message,
or other user machine interface.
[0030] The client device communicates data by a GSM communication
gateway from its GSM transmission module 6 that allows a range of
short data transmission methods including but not limited to USSD
or SMS short data messaging, to be sent to a remote special purpose
computer 4. USSD is one of several methods since it is a short
message data format (i.e., typically 160 bytes or 182 alphanumeric
characters) that has the advantage of using less transmission power
thus preserving device battery power to last across international
transport schedules or during extended shipping route delay.
[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a system including a courier driver
mobile communication device such as a cell phone 1 or other mobile
computing device which receives instruction from a special purpose
computer 4 which functions as one or more servers, referred to
herein as "AirTrace" by example, on an app running on the driver
cell phone 1 for a new package to be picked up at a specific
location. The driver is instructed to attach or install a client
device 11, referred to herein as "AirTrace tracker," in the package
or onto package by self-adhesive attachment means when it is picked
up.
[0032] In this first embodiment the client device 11 comprises a
battery (lithium or non-lithium) 16, memory 6, an accelerometer 5,
a GSM module 6, a Wi-Fi receiver 17, a microcontroller ("MCU") 20,
a Bluetooth module 3. Wi-Fi antenna 14 GSM antenna 8, and an
optional pull tab 2 which prevents drainage of the battery 16 until
the driver or user pulls it to activate the client device 11. The
driver needs to be sure that the client device 11 selected to be
included in the time-critical package is fully charged. The plastic
pull tab 2 is used as a switch to connect the batteries with the
tracker circuit. The pull tab cannot 2 be re-installed so the
driver can confirm it is the first time the client device 11 has
been activated and fully powered when the tab 2 is pulled.
[0033] Non-lithium AAAA alkaline primary batteries 16 can be used
instead of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Using a non-lithium
battery makes the device safer for flight safety compliance and
transport usage, and has a lower self-discharge current that allow
for long storage periods, without losing power. Once the device is
ON, a LED indicator will allow the driver or user to determine if
the device is ready to be used. A green light indicates that
battery level is correct, and connectivity over the GSM network
could be established. The driver phone 1 connects with the client
device 1 via the Bluetooth modem and the device reports 17 reports
its unique electronic identification number received or associated
from SIM card 18 over the Bluetooth Module 3 signal so every future
location reading can be correctly associated to the device package
tracking information. The driver or user's mobile communication
device such as a cell phone App reports to AirTrace Server 4 the
Tracker Id to be used.
[0034] From that moment forward, all communication from the client
device 11 to AirTrace Services. i.e., the server, 4 is done
exclusively over the GSM network 12, through the use of USSD
messages. GSM network wireless transmission technology is
distributed in most countries around the world by wireless
telecommunication carriers, allowing for package tracking in almost
every country.
[0035] Transmission over the GSM network demands more energy than
any other single operation performed by the device. Determining the
right moment to transmit is thus very important for power
efficiency. The client device 11 includes an accelerometer 5 that
allows client device 11 to determine movement, even minor
vibration. The accelerometer 5 can be used for two objectives; to
prevent the client device 11 from transmitting when it is moving by
turning off the GSM module 6, thereby preventing any kind of
transmission to be done before a plane takes off and until it has
landed and the package is not moving any more. The accelerometer 5
is sensitive enough to detect vibrations caused by the plane
engines, so no transmission is also intended during flight and when
no plane engine vibrations are detected GSM module 6 is turned back
on and the client device 11 reports its location. The accelerometer
can also be used for a second objective, that is to communicate
with the microcontroller and trigger the GSM radio module to report
location of the package after movement pattern of the accelerometer
have been detected as a power-saving benefit compared to having
device transmit location and consume power when it is not moving or
has not been moved for a selected period of time.
[0036] Depending on the shipping en route plan, the AirTrace server
4 may also configure other operation modes during the shipment. For
example, if the shipping only requires truck transportation, a
message can be sent to configure the device to report its location
on a time sequence, regardless of accelerometer readings. The same
example applies for a package that did require flight
transportation but flight has already occurred and the rest of the
shipping is carried out by truck. Another example would be a
package delayed in customs for two days, then AirTrace server may
instruct the device to stop all activity for a period of time,
saving energy for later.
[0037] Once the MCU 20 determines a location needs to be reported,
it requests a Wi-Fi receiver to scan for Wi-Fi access points that
may be near to the device. The Wi-Fi receiver eventually informs a
list of Wi-Fi access points, including each Wi-Fi access point Mac
Address or SSID, and signal strength RSSI. The MCU 20 will then
order the list of Wi-Fi access points by signal strength, and then
for supplemental or better location verification ask the GSM Module
6 to scan for one or more GSM Cell tower 13 ID data points detected
to be in range of the device. The list of Wi-Fi access points 47
and supplemental GSM Cell tower 13 data serve as location
verification reference points that are known by the AirTrace
Service 4 through the Wi-Fi access point 47 and cell tower 13 ID
location database 9. The MCU 20 will then create a set of USSD
messages, each transmitting the collected data in real time and
containing a Wi-Fi access point 47 collection data or supplemental
cell tower ID information, to be transmitted to server(s) 4
(referred to herein as "AirTrace Service") over the GSM
network.
[0038] AirTrace servers receive reference points information, and
based on the geographical records kept in one or more Wi-Fi access
point 47 and Cell Tower ID location databases, will compare to
known Wi-Fi access point 47 locations or attempt to triangulate the
device location from multiple location data sources, and record it
in the server as part of the corresponding shipping confirmations
or exception tracking.
[0039] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of an exemplary method wherein an
order is created 22, an optimal flight is identified 23 using, by
example, an airline flight database 10. The client device 11 is
associated 24 and reported to a shipment tracking application for a
common carrier shipping system that can include truck shipment 30.
The driver mobile phone 1 application reports acceptance by the
package airline, or other common carrier truck shipper, and/or air
carrier 25. The client device 11 reports and the device signal is
verified 26. As an option, when aircraft engine vibration is
detected, a takeoff signal is received 27 and a flight tracking API
service 31 is used to calculate or report an expected package
location at various times, for example at a connecting airport,
destination airport, and/or truck depot. The system listens 28 for
an AirTrace signal and if received 29 the server calculates whether
the device is located 30 at the departure airport. If so,
operations is notified 31 either of a failure to board 32 or a
route deviation 31. If landing is detected 32, the system
determines 29 whether client device 11 signal has been received. If
so, the system calculates whether the device is located at expected
arrival airport 30. If located at expected arrival airport,
operations is notified 33 of client device 11 arrival by server
message, otherwise operations is notified 31 of a likely route
deviation or shipment location exception.
[0040] The device platform in FIG. 3 includes support for a
Bluetooth network stack based on the Bluetooth chip inside the
location device, which allows the package-positioning device to
wirelessly exchange data with other Bluetooth devices (e.g., a
delivery driver's mobile phone other mobile computing device).
[0041] Bluetooth is managed by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group
(SIG), and operates at frequencies between 2402 and 2480 MHz, or
240 and 2483.5 MHz including guard bands 2 MHz wide at the bottom
end and 3.5 MHz wide at the top. The system's application framework
provides access to the Bluetooth functionality through the
Bluetooth APIs to pair between two devices. These APIs let
applications wirelessly connect to other Bluetooth devices,
enabling point-to-point and multipoint wireless features. Examples
include the device on or inside a package to communicate to a
mobile phone or other Bluetooth receiver in range of the
positioning device and share it's ID and pair location of a
driver's smart phone while en route to airport or other POI area.
The benefit of Bluetooth includes not needing to activate the
device's Wi-Fi connection to prolong device battery life. Bluetooth
function can either be used to complement or in place of Wi-Fi
access points for transmitting a unique ID to identify a package
in-transit and not yet at an airport or POI. Similar to Wi-Fi
positioning, the Bluetooth chip inside device can estimate distance
based on received signal strength from Bluetooth Low Energy signals
emitted by the Bluetooth sensor and chipset inside
package-positioning device that constantly broadcast their presence
in range of a second Bluetooth receiver device (e.g., mobile phone
or mobile computing device of shipment driver).
[0042] In other embodiments, Bluetooth chip inside the package
communication device can also be used to associate a user or
shipment with an attached tracking device, receiving an indication
that the tracking device is lost or misplaced, setting a flag
indicating that the tracking device is missing, receiving a
location within a proximity of the tracking device from one of a
plurality of mobile devices associated with a community of users,
and providing the location to the user to help track the location
reported based on the crowd sourced location positioning reported
by Bluetooth chip and associated firmware within the Bluetooth
chip.
[0043] The system and method of the invention allows for Bluetooth
module and connection protocols, to associate wireless device, and
its unique device ID to communicate to third party computer server,
and to confirm pickup over mobile app or API that en route delivery
by driver has started, and/or to receive instruction to connect the
device pre-applied or to be placed by driver by accessing a mobile
app running on their mobile device (phone or mobile communication
tablet device) for a new package to be first accepted for delivery,
requiring driver or other receiving package delivery service to add
and attach or receive the package with the novel tracking device
already pre-placed by shipper onto a package or part, or placed
inside the package. As the driver needs to ship accept and begin
package delivery steps on a schedule right away, the driver selects
in mobile app the tracker device option to be associated that is
fully charged, and activates the power-on pull tab to verify
connection over GSM and begin the package's en route journey based
on a planned delivery schedule.
[0044] From that moment forward, all communication from the client
device 11 to server 4 is done exclusively over the GSM network 12.
The GSM network 12 is distributed all over the world, allowing for
package tracking in almost every country. Data messages from device
is managed by various Gateway 11 options managed by the
telecommunication company that provides the SIM Card 18 or other
network carrier connection transmission protocol installed on each
client device 11.
[0045] Transmission over the GSM network 12 demands more energy
than any other operation performed by the device. Determining the
right moment to transmit is then very important for power
efficiency. The tracking device 11 includes an accelerometer module
5 with firmware built-on that allows MCU 20 to detect and process
data from the activity, even minor vibration or other movements.
The accelerometer 5 is then used to perform one or more of these
steps:
[0046] 1 Engine vibration patterns characteristic and determined by
the device accelerometer sensor inside device and associated
processing firmware and software to report aircraft engine flight
engine patterns, and/or;
[0047] 2 Prevent the device to transmit when it's moving or
alternatively, if it is not moving. After movement has been
detected over a period of time, the whole GSM Module 6 can be
turned on or off, depending on WiFi signal reporting changes, and
or:
[0048] 3 Force the client device 11 to report its location after
movement starts and ceases.
[0049] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the server operation. The process
starts 34 when an order is received 35. The server searches 36
common carrier schedule databases such as the example of flight
schedules, calculates 37 pickup location, time of pickup, route
plan, delivery time, and delivery location. The server receives 38
pickup confirmation from a driver's mobile phone or device,
receives 39 Wi-Fi data from the device via GSM, calculates 40
actual location of the client device 11 based on Wi-Fi data and a
stored Wi-Fi access point location table, compares 41 the actual
location at time, T.sub.X, to route plan time-locations. In
shipments involving drivers with mobile phones or computing device
1, the system may also consider the driver's GPS location of that
mobile phone 1 or communication device and calculate whether a
driver has erroneously indicated that a package has been picked.
The system calculates 42 whether the client device 11 location
matches the route plan time location. If not, a notice of route
deviation is sent 43; if so, the server calculates 44 whether the
client device 11 has been delivered to a planned or expected
location. The process ends 45 when the device is located to the
planned location.
[0050] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an aspect of an embodiment of a
method regarding the function of the accelerometer wherein after
the device is activated it reports its initial location 51 and
obtains an accelerometer reading 52 to determine if the device is
moving. If it is moving and the movement persists over a number of
readings 53, the RF can be programmed by the MCU and/or client
server to be turned on or off and a report is sent 54, the GSM
module is toggled to OFF or ON, an accelerometer reading is taken
after waiting a pre-determined number of minutes 55, and if the
device is moving according to the accelerometer reading 56, another
accelerometer reading is taken after a predetermined number of
minutes until the device remains still 57 over a preset number of
accelerometer readings and the location is reported 58. If the
device does not remain still for the preset number of accelerometer
readings, the still counter is increased 59 and another
accelerometer reading may be taken after a few seconds or other
interval.
[0051] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an embodiment of an aspect of the
method regarding toggling the GSM module, Wi-Fi module, and use of
supplemental cell tower IDs wherein the server requests a location
report from the device 61 which turns on the Wi-Fi module and
requests a Wi-Fi access point list 62. The Wi-Fi module is turned
off after sending the Wi-Fi access point information to the MCU and
the GSM module is toggled to ON and a request for cell tower
identification information is done 63. After any cell tower IDs are
received, the device module defines messages for transmission
including Wi-Fi and cell tower information and transmits that
information over USSD channel 77 before toggling the GSM module
off. The report location requested 61 can include the system's
microcontroller further programmed to transmit via GSM radio module
only after accelerometer described in FIG. 5 first detects movement
and second, the device's microcontroller performs a comparison step
to the last set of nearby Wi-Fi receiver access point(s), detected
and stored by microcontroller from the Wi-Fi receiver, and
determined a change from last stored nearby Wi-Fi access
point(s).
[0052] The flow chart of FIG. 6 can access internet databases, such
as the FAA flight logs or third party carrier transportation
databases accessible such as FlightAware.TM. or OAG Flightview.TM.
flight plans database, or truck databases such as US Postal
Service, DHL, Amazon or United Parcel Service to further augment
the Wi-Fi traces and reporting time(s) with other real-time flight
take-off and landing reporting and/or truck delivery tracking
status sources such as geographical information and time
constraints (i.e., late flight departure or other FAA database
confirmation data that an aircraft has taken off or package has not
yet been picked up by a truck).
[0053] The flow chart of FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram of the
method steps and process 64 of smart contract implementation. The
method shows how the computer server with client device 76
described herein may be implemented, along with the location and
temperature reporting involved in blockchain technology and a
blockchain database system 65 remote from the client device, with
smart contract interactions associated to a single and specific
package shipment 66 transported by aircraft or truck.
[0054] The method, and blockchain technology described herein may
be applied to compare data transmitted and received from the small
form factor client device, placed inside or on a time-critical
package 76, so its real-time ownership, temperature data reported
by thermometer inside the accelerometer 67 acting as a temperature
reporting data sensor, and location by access points and their
signal strength are received by device Wi-Fi receiver 17 reporting
nearby Wi-Fi access point data to microcontroller module 73, and
further transmitted by GSM radio method 6, so it can be recorded,
shared and managed in a distributed ledger and distributed standard
under ledger systems 69 in a remote blockchain database 65.
[0055] FIG. 7 provides an example in which the method 64 by
computer program product described herein may be implemented, along
with the entities (i.e., the shipment parties involved in chain of
custody) involved in access to blockchain interactions. The method
of FIG. 7 includes, but is not limited to client device 76,
blockchain database 65, and a smart contract 70 to better validate
and manage the ownership, and expectations associated with shock
and other movements reported from accelerometer 67, and/or location
journey of a package en route to be transferred, shared and traded
according to smart contracts. The information about the shipment
nearby Wi-Fi location access points received by Wi-Fi antenna 8 and
associated movement and temperature data reported from
accelerometer 67 is transmitted with nearby Wi-Fi access point
location data received, together with other identifying data
received from client device 76, after transmission by GSM radio
module 6 for comparison in Wi-Fi access point location database 68
that can also interface with the blockchain database for trade by
smart contract 75. The special computer server 71 to perform the
method then independently stores the location and data results.
Such method of not storing data directly in client device for later
retrieval or access assures package shipment parties remote
blockchain permission-based access to complete location, ownership
and temperature data during and after delivery points in the
shipment's journey that is trustworthy by the blockchain technology
method as it provides access to an immutable and distributed ledger
to better validate trackable ownership, device locations and
telemetry data reported that is independently stored with time
stamp receipt data from the client device, and sent by GSM data
transmissions to a remote special purpose computer database server
storage with blockchain technology that can't be hacked.
[0056] So as long as the terms of the smart contract 70 are met by
client device 76, the smart contract 70 can automatically execute
an agreement between client device 11 and distributed ledger 69 and
access to the blockchain database 65 data stream will automatically
be provided by remote special computer server 71. By storing and
executing smart contracts on blockchain database 65 a
permission-less model is provided that allows the device 76 to join
the blockchain database 65 to record, access and make use of the
real-time device telemetry data stream 72 from client device 76 to
include Wi-FI receiver data 17 even when there is no relationship
between client device 76 and distributed ledger 69 and each device
may be unknown and un-trusted to the other.
[0057] In FIG. 7, the term "blockchain" is utilized in relation to
the data reported from client device that is transmitted to,
received by and stored in special purpose computer server 71,
blockchain database storage module 65, and smart contract 70; where
a blockchain is, in general, a distributed database that maintains
a continuously-growing list of the reported client device data
records hardened against tampering and revision and includes data
structure "blocks" and optionally programs or executables. Each
block may contain a timestamp and information linking the block to
a previous block where a blockchain consists of blocks that hold
time stamped batches of valid data. Typically, each block may
include the hash of the prior block that links the blocks together,
where a "hash" is a hash function in order to add more security by
a cryptographic hash function that may be utilized to assist in
verifying the authenticity of the entry in the block. This novel
method solves a problem in conventional industry practice, by
adding something the logistics industry had not been able to obtain
by prior methods, by utilizing blockchain access to package
shipment trackable ownership location and related telemetry data by
client device interaction methods that may as an optional example
in the illustrated embodiment, be computed and compared in the
device microcontroller module 73 so reported data can be sent by
GSM radio module to a second remote computer server with blockchain
technology to be then shared and traded in a smart contract 75 with
trusted accuracy, and in immutable form.
[0058] Using Wi-Fi signals is faster, more precise and
battery-friendly than GPS and cell-towers alone. These databases
can also be manually updated to add specific new or private Wi-Fi
addresses and can include an aircraft's specific Wi-Fi router or
hotspot data to reveal its location, using that Wi-Fi positioning
to verify a Point of Interest area such as a specific airport,
airport terminal floor or zone, specific aircraft's Wi-Fi or
hotspot connection, warehouse or holding area floor, room or even
Wi-Fi points adjacent to flight runway area or aircraft shipment
loading area(s).
[0059] When using the system indoors, an optional database library
allows for both manual entry and machine learning by matching to
historical Wi-Fi location access points (BSSID/MAC address) linked
to a latitude or longitude, room, floor or other very specific
location (i.e., United aircraft 33 at JFK Airport, terminal 3) and
stored in the system's database. The library provides accurate
airport, aircraft, and warehouse-level positioning indoors by
accessing its database of Wi-Fi fingerprints and reported data
points collected over time or manually entered. The additional
fingerprints can be collected from both public and private Wi-Fi
hotspot databases that are reported and stored in a database with
time stamps for each Wi-Fi hotspot noted and by correlating mobile
device location data with Wi-Fi hotspot MAC addresses and other
recorded data.
[0060] The system estimates the mobile device's current geographic
location, latitude and longitude, by using as references one more
Wi-Fi signals for location reporting of the package from the
attached client device, within range. This can also be complemented
or augmented by using Cell-ID location data that the attached
mobile device receives, in addition to Wi-Fi. The location is
reported by using cellular tower networks (GSM, CDMA, 3G, LTE, 5G,
LTE-M1, NB-IoT) and across all operators throughout the world. It
should be noted that the Wi-Fi system and method only listens for
signals and does not attempt to connect or transmit to any wireless
Wi-Fi networks. A combination of these techniques may be used to
increase the accuracy of the system.
[0061] The web services API enables applications to submit via
HTTP, SMS or USSD message formats that can include a Wi-Fi access
point identifier and signal strength to obtain its geographic
location, latitude and longitude, and indoor location data plus an
optional confidence radius. The same data can also be reported for
a cell id or cell tower identifier data to augment location
confidence and reporting.
[0062] The GSM location message transmissions by the
package-positioning device can also be enabled to add high-grade
proven cryptography targeted at small form factor devices and
building around that additional security application services such
as device identity management. Such cryptography can be added into
smart baggage tags and connecting package devices to airline and
airport enterprise applications via a secure M2M/IoT cloud
application addressing IATA 753 airline industry standard but it
also addresses, for example, airport concerns about the security of
smart baggage tags and other trackers and the potential creation of
millions of insecure mobile hackable endpoints.
[0063] Incorporating blockchain in combination with the IoT enabled
sensor device attached onto or placed inside packages can add
real-time ownership and location journey of package shipments to be
shared and managed in a distributed ledger enabling AirTrace
Service to be part of a distributed standard.
[0064] The blockchain technology can be incorporated to add and
share data from the device attached to any object entrusted to
someone else for transport, with trackable ownership, possession,
locations and telemetry parameters such as, accelerometer data
around motion, shock and temperature. The final buyer or package
delivery recipient can access a complete record of information and
trust that the information is accurate and complete since the
blockchain adds an immutable and distributed ledger that can't be
hacked. Blockchain permits additional streams of real-time data to
enhance analytics and patterns accessible to parties with AirTrace
Services that can receive, record and share data from device with
GSM sensor data reporting including location and other embedded
sensor data such as from the accelerometer with built-in internal
thermometer so multiple data telemetry can be shared with trusted
accurately and with completeness. Such system can enable chain of
custody of a shipment independently to better validate and manage
the ownership and journey of a package to be transferred and traded
according to smart contracts.
[0065] A special feature of the invention is the way it determines
whether a device location at various times matches the expected
locations at those times. Another special feature is the way the
device uses vibration of aircraft or truck engines or movement to
turn off the device's GSM module, thereby saving power during the
times when the a GSM transmission would be useless and in the case
of aircraft, to comply with aviation regulations.
[0066] Overall the device and system includes computer assisted
server, device vibration and movement data listening, processing
and location determination methods to temporary prevent in-flight
radio transmission with transmission deactivation methods designed
to be compliant with regulations and restrictions that have been in
effect since 2003 when the United States Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) required restrictions on use of mobile
communication aboard all aircraft during flight for aviation safety
and avoidance of interference with aircraft avionics. This
represents an automated computer implemented approach to what
airlines require passengers to manually activate their mobile
device "airplane mode" before or during flight, as flight safety
requirements and regulations require text telephony and other
signal-transmitting technologies such as GSM or other wireless
radio communications to remain off in-flight. In the case of truck
shipment the device and system rely on the accelerometer to listen
for movement of a package with the client device and turn on or off
transmissions accordingly, to maximize power conservation and
report by GSM radio module only when programmed or instructed to do
according to accelerometer movement parameters.
[0067] As defined, a Package is a bundle of something, that is
packed and wrapped or boxed. It can represent a stand-alone parcel
or a container, such as a box or case, in which something is or may
be packed for goods, freight, or logistics transport. It can also
be a finished product contained in a unit that is suitable for
immediate installation and operation, as an aircraft or other
critical replacement part, and can also include items for medical
and pharmaceutical transport.
[0068] The term USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) is a
Global System for Mobile (GSM) communication technology that is
used to send text between a mobile phone and an application program
in the network. Applications may include prepaid roaming or
location reporting. USSD is similar to Short Messaging Service
(SMS). Unlike SMS, USSD transactions occur during the session only.
With SMS, message scan be sent to a mobile phone and stored for
several days if the phone is not activated or within range. The
Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) supports USSD. USSD is defined
in the GSM standard documents GSM 02.90 and GSM 03.90.
[0069] The term Wi-Fi refers to a wireless networking technology
that allows computers and other devices to communicate over a
wireless signal. It describes network components that are based on
one of the 802.11 standards developed by the IEEE and adopted by
the Wi-Fi Alliance. Examples of Wi-Fi standards, in chronological
order, include: 80211.a, 80211b, 80211g, 80211n, and 80211ac.
[0070] Wi-Fi is the standard way computers connect to wireless
networks. Most wireless communication devices have Wi-Fi chips to
allow Device to find and discover wireless routers. Most mobile
devices support Wi-Fi, enabling them to connect to wireless
networks as well. When a device establishes a Wi-Fi connection with
a router, it can communicate with the router and other devices on
the network. A Wi-Fi "hotspot" includes the geographic boundary
covered by a Wi-Fi (802.11) wireless access point. Typically set up
for Internet access, a device entering the hotspot with a
Wi-Fi-based receiver inside can view the access point in range and
configured to advertise their presence (beaconing) and
authorization is not necessary.
[0071] The term GSM, also known as: "Global System for Mobile
Communications, is a generally a TDMA based wireless network
technology. GSM phones make use of a SIM card to identify the users
account. The use of the SIM card allows GSM network users to move
their phone identity from one GSM device to another by simply
moving the SIM card. Currently most GSM networks operate on the 850
MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 1900 MHz frequency bands.
[0072] The term SIM stands for subscriber identity module or
subscriber identification module (SIM) is an integrated circuit
that is intended to securely store the international mobile
subscriber identity (IMSI) number and its related key, which are
used to identify and authenticate subscribers on mobile telephony
devices (such as mobile phones and GSM devices). The SIM circuit is
part of the function of a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC).
"SIM cards" can be separate cards or virtual circuit cards and are
transferable physically or electronically (e.g., by Internet
database) between different mobile devices. A SIM card contains its
unique serial number (ICCID), international mobile subscriber
identity (IMSI) number, security authentication and ciphering
information.
[0073] The term USSD Gateway is a session-based protocol. USSD
messages travel over GSM signaling channels and are used to query
information and trigger services. USSD establishes a real time
session between mobile device and application handling the
service.
[0074] The term SS7 signaling is the core signaling/control
protocol used within fixed and mobile networks. The SS7 network is
an interconnected set of network elements that is used to exchange
messages in support of telecommunications functions.
[0075] In view of the foregoing structural and functional
description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that portions
of the systems and method disclosed herein may be embodied as a
method, data processing system, or computer program device such as
a non-transitory computer readable medium. Accordingly, these
portions of the approach disclosed herein may take the form of an
entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment
(e.g., in a non-transitory machine readable medium), or an
embodiment combining software and hardware. Furthermore, portions
of the systems and method disclosed herein may be a computer
program product on a computer-usable storage medium having computer
readable program code on the medium. Any suitable computer-readable
medium may be utilized including, but not limited to, static and
dynamic storage devices, hard disks, optical storage devices, and
magnetic storage devices.
[0076] Certain embodiments have also been described herein with
reference to block illustrations of methods, systems, and computer
program products. It will be understood that blocks of the
illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the illustrations, can
be implemented by computer-executable instructions. These
computer-executable instructions may be provided to one or more
processors of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer,
or other programmable data processing apparatus (or a combination
of devices and circuits) to produce a machine, such that the
instructions, which execute via the one or more processors,
implement the functions specified in the block or blocks.
[0077] These computer-executable instructions may also be stored in
computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other
programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular
manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable
memory result in an article of manufacture including instructions
which implement the function specified in the flowchart block or
blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a
computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a
series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or
other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented
process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or
other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the
functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.
[0078] The present invention, therefore, is well adapted to carry
out the objectives and attain the ends and advantages mentioned, as
well as others inherent therein. While the invention has been
depicted and described and is defined by reference to particular
embodiments of the invention, such references do not imply a
limitation on the invention, and no such limitation is to be
inferred. Consequently, the invention is intended to be limited
only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims, giving full
cognizance to equivalents in all respects.
* * * * *