Abstract: A management system using Global Positioning System receivers for tracking remote units from a central office and quickly and conveniently determining if those remote units have varied from a set of predetermined parameters of operation. The system also includes provisions that allows information to be sent from the remote units to the central office and vice versa. The system also has safety features that promote the rapid dispatch of law enforcement personnel when requests for emergency assistance have been made from the remote units.

Abstract: A recovery system and method with repeating communication functionality includes a station configured to send a first message and at least a first remote transmitting unit responsive to the central station and configured to transmit a second message to a locating unit. At least a second remote transmitting unit includes a receiver which receives the second message, a controller configured to process the second message, and a transmitter for transmitting a third message to the locating unit.

Abstract: A vehicle control system mounted on a vehicle is provided. The vehicle control system includes a first sensor configured to sense a driver's pupil size and gaze, a second sensor configured to sense an external object which exists in a peripheral region of the vehicle, a controller configured to sense lane change intention according to a change of the pupil size and the gaze, and in response to the lane change intention being sensed, control the second sensor to sense whether the external object exists in a direction of a lane to be changed, and an output unit configured to, in response to the external object existing in the direction of the lane to be changed, output a warning message.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, in a vehicle computer, a message from a first user device including data concerning movement of the first user portable device. The computer associates the movement data with one of a left vehicle door opening and a right vehicle door opening.

Abstract: A server-based car security service provides for image and position information to be provided to the server. The server uses the image information to make an authorization determination with respect to the current user. When the user is determined by the server to be an unauthorized user, the server alerts the owner or primary user of the car by sending the alert to a remote user device. The user device displays the image of the current user, and the owner has the opportunity to indicate whether the user is actually an unauthorized user or whether the determination at the server was a misrecognition error. When the user is unauthorized, the owner can request real-time monitoring of the car's position, and also the image inside the car, as well as an outside-of-the-car image.

Abstract: A control method of a vending machine which has a display module to display an image stored therein or inputted from the outside is provided. The control method includes: determining whether a door of the vending machine is open; changing an image mode displayed on the display module if it is determined that the door of the vending machine is open; and displaying a certification mode window to certify a user if the image mode is changed.

Abstract: A method for car relocation is disclosed. The method is to transmit the ID of a mobile device to a network server, after the engine of a car is turned on. After the engine of the car is turned off, the automobile device or the mobile device transmits GPS coordinate data to the network server via a wireless method. If the automobile device or the mobile device fails to receive the GPS coordinate, the screen of the automobile device will display a frame showing the place where the car is parked, and transmit the related data. By means of the operation of the buttons of the frame, the related data can be transmitted to the network server by the automobile device or the mobile device via the wireless method, and the network server will store related data to overwrite original data.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus comprises a processing resource operably coupled to a receiver for location-related data and arranged to perform, when in use, location determination. The processing resource supports a parking location determination module the parking location determination module is arranged to determine when the location determined is substantially unchanged and to determine that the location determined constitutes a candidate parking location in response to the location determined remaining substantially unchanged relative to a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for receiving information from a remote system comprising one or more time periods during which a location of the client device can be tracked and monitoring the location of the client device during each of the time periods by obtaining a plurality of location coordinates from the client device during the time period and persistently storing the location coordinates on the client device.

Abstract: Systems and methods facilitate entry into an access-controlled location using a mobile communication device. The method comprises receiving at the mobile communication device via a communication network an entry code that facilitates access to the access-controlled location, storing the entry code in a memory associated with the mobile communication device, and, in response to determining that the mobile communication device is within the predetermined distance of the access-controlled location, transmitting the entry code from the mobile communication device to an entry-control computer system, which determines whether the entry code is valid. The method may further comprise receiving at the mobile communication device an indication that the entry code is valid, and, in order to gain entry into the access-controlled location at an entrance to the access-controlled location, providing to the entry-control computer system via the mobile communication device the indication that the entry code is valid.

Abstract: A method and system of managing a vehicle fleet is provided. The method includes providing an electronic device, a computing device, and a vehicle that is associated with the vehicle fleet. The electronic device is located within a proximate distance from the vehicle and the computing device is located remotely from the vehicle. The electronic device is associated with a driver identifier. The method includes sending a data signal from the electronic device to the computing device indicating the driver identifier. The method further includes matching the driver identifier with a specific driver profile that is saved on a database of the computing device. The specific driver profile includes information associating the vehicle with the driver identifier. The method includes sending information regarding the specific driver profile from the database to a vehicle control module, where the vehicle control module associated with the vehicle.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for tracking the parking behavior of a vehicle. In one aspect, the method comprises: a) recording an address associated with a person to whom possession of a vehicle has been provided, b) detecting when the vehicle transitions between a parked state and a non-parked state, and measuring a time duration each time the vehicle is in a parked state; c) for each time duration that exceeds a predetermined minimum time threshold, storing parking information data including a geographic location of the vehicle as a parking instance; d) for a predetermined initial time period subsequent to the person taking possession of the vehicle, comparing, the geographic locations of the parking instances to the associated address; and e) upon determining that none of the geographic locations of the parking instances determined during the predetermined initial time period correspond with the associated address, generating an alert.

Abstract: Remote tamper detection. At least some of the example embodiments are methods including: receiving Global Positioning System (GPS) signals indicative of a location, the receiving by a first device coupled to an asset; periodically sending a signal of operability between the first device and a second device, the second device coupled to the asset, and the second device configured to selectively disable the asset; determining that receipt of the signal of operability has ceased; and then issuing an indication of the location of the first device responsive to the determining that receipt of the signal of operability has ceased, the issuing from the first device by a wireless transmission to a remote operations center.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, systems and apparatus are disclosed for providing a notification when a vehicle has been accessed by an unauthorized person. An onboard computer system of a vehicle is activated in response to a trigger event indicating that the vehicle has been accessed. It is determined whether an authorized consumer electronics device (CED), that is associated with an authorized person, is connected to a wireless communication interface of an onboard computer system. When an authorized CED has not connected to the wireless communication interface, a notification message is communicated that indicates that the vehicle has been accessed and that an authorized CED has not connected to the wireless communication interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for validating a vehicle operator. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises an input device for allowing entry of vehicle operator identification information, a transceiver for transmitting a message and receiving a response to the message, an interface for allowing a processor to communication with a vehicle sub-system, and a processor connected to the input device, the transceiver, and the interface, the processor for receiving the vehicle operator identification information from the input device, for generating the message comprising the vehicle operation identification information and providing the message to the transceiver, for receiving the response from the transceiver and for controlling the vehicle sub-system, via the interface, based on the response.

Abstract: Arrangement and method for monitoring a material storage container which includes a housing defining an interior receivable of removable material. An interior sensor system is arranged on the housing to obtain information about any material in the interior of the housing different than the location of the container. A location determining system is arranged on the housing to monitor the location of the container, and a communication system is coupled to the interior sensor system and the location determining system and transmits information about the material in the housing and the location of the container to one or more remote facilities. The communication system may be arranged on the housing itself, which is especially applicable when the housing is movable, for example, such as the housing of a Frac tank. The location and condition of the material in the container can thus be known at all times.

Abstract: Remote power loss detection. At least some of the example embodiments are methods including: tracking location of an asset by an onboard device mechanically coupled to the asset, the onboard device electrically coupled to a source of power of the asset, and the onboard device receiving power from the asset; charging a supercapacitor coupled to the onboard device; and then detecting a complete loss of power provided to the onboard device, and the detecting by the onboard device; and after the complete loss of power sending a message by wireless transmission, the sending based on power derived from the supercapacitor, and the message including an indication of a last known voltage provide by the asset prior to the complete loss of power, and the sending by the onboard device after the complete loss of power.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first assembly, a second assembly, and a coupling element coupled to the first assembly and the second assembly. The first assembly includes a processor, a memory, and a radiator module, the processor operatively coupled to the memory and the radiator module. The second assembly includes a radiator operatively coupled to the radiator module. The second assembly is movable relative to the first assembly about the coupling element between a first configuration and a second configuration. The processor is configured to interrogate a radio-frequency identification module via the radiator module and the radiator when the second assembly is in the second configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system, method or device for maintaining a geofence to provide alerts in response to an object entering or exiting an area bounded by the geofence. In one example implementation, a geofence may be temporarily altered. In particular examples, such an alteration of a geofence may comprise changing a size or shape of the geofence.

Abstract: A method and system of switch and actuator coupling in a chassis of a container associated with an intermodal freight transport system is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method of a tracking system involves coupling a first switch of a chassis to a second actuator of a container and coupling a first actuator of the chassis to a second switch of the container when the container is placed on the chassis, and signaling a wake event to a container tracking device when the first switch and the first actuator of the chassis is coupled with the second actuator and the second switch of the container. The method may also include communicating at least one of a location data and a container identification number of the container through at least one of the container tracking device and a chassis tracking device, through a network, to an administrative server.

Abstract: Remote tamper detection. At least some of the example embodiments are methods including: tracking location of an asset by an onboard device mechanically coupled to the asset, the onboard device electrically coupled to a source of power of the asset, and the onboard device receiving power from the asset; detecting a loss of power provided to the onboard device, the loss of power indicative of tampering with the onboard device, and the detecting by the onboard device; and sending a message by wireless transmission, the message indicative of tampering with the onboard device, and the sending by the onboard device during the loss of power.

Abstract: An asset's TCU, or a mobile device coupled thereto, receives and stores geographical boundary definitions to a memory. A processor uses the boundary definition to determine an initial-location boundary based on the definition and the current location of the TCU at the time it received the boundary request message. As the TCU's GPS unit generates location information, the processor retrieves the initial-location boundary definition from the memory and compares the current location from the GPS receiver to it according to an algorithm. If the processor determines that the current location of the vehicle has crossed the boundary, the processor generates an alert message, which may be an e-mail, SMS, telephonic, internet, IM, or other electronic message indicating that an asset crossed the boundary, and sends it wirelessly using a transceiver to a central computer for further processing, or directly to another device, according to a notification destination identifier.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus (200) comprises a processing resource (202) operably coupled to a receiver (224) for location-related data and arranged to perform, when in use, location determination. The processing resource (202) supports a parking location determination module (266). The parking location determination module (266) is arranged to determine when the location determined is substantially unchanged and to determine that the location determined constitutes a candidate parking location in response to the location determined remaining substantially unchanged relative to a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Communications are established and conducted between a communication and jamming detection at a vehicle and a base station. At the communication and jamming detection device, a determination is made as to when jamming of the communications between the communication and jamming detection device and the base station is occurring. When jamming is determined to be occurring, at least one location determination signal is transmitted from the communication and jamming detection device to at least one external tracking device. At the at least one external location determination device, the at least one location determination signal is received from the communication and jamming detection device. The location of the communication and jamming detection device at the vehicle is determined from the at least one location determination signal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining mobility information associated with a remote device. The mobility information indicates whether the remote device is approximately stationary. The remote device interacts with a server. The method also includes determining if the mobility information indicates that the remote device is approximately stationary, and selecting a first profile of a plurality of profiles if the remote device is approximately stationary. If the remote device is not approximately stationary, a second profiled of the plurality of profiles is selected.

Abstract: A vehicle accessory can transmit a first signal to a mobile device, the first signal including a location of a vehicle. The mobile device can monitor its own location. The mobile device can assess whether one or more location-based criteria have been satisfied based on the location of the mobile device and the location of the vehicle. Upon determining that a location-based criterion has been satisfied, the mobile device can transmit a second signal to the vehicle accessory indicating that a function of the vehicle is to be controlled. Thus, for example, the mobile device can activate or de-activate vehicle features (e.g., door locking, vehicle defrosting, etc.) in a manner that capitalizes on efficient signal transmission.

Abstract: Remote tamper detection. At least some of the example embodiments are methods including: tracking location of an asset by an onboard device mechanically coupled to the asset, the onboard device electrically coupled to a source of power of the asset, and the onboard device receiving power from the asset; detecting a loss of power provided to the onboard device, the loss of power indicative of tampering with the onboard device, and the detecting by the onboard device; and sending a message by wireless transmission, the message indicative of tampering with the onboard device, and the sending by the onboard device during the loss of power.

Abstract: Remote tamper detection. At least some of the example embodiments are methods including: receiving Global Positioning System (GPS) signals indicative of a location, the receiving by a first device coupled to an asset; periodically sending a signal of operability between the first device and a second device, the second device coupled to the asset, and the second device configured to selectively disable the asset; determining that receipt of the signal of operability has ceased; and then issuing an indication of the location of the first device responsive to the determining that receipt of the signal of operability has ceased, the issuing from the first device by a wireless transmission to a remote operations center.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting unauthorized vehicle movement that includes measuring a resting angle of a vehicle using a vehicle sensor; thereafter, detecting a change in the measured resting angle of the vehicle; determining that the detected change is not authorized; and sending an alert message based on the determination via a vehicle telematics unit.

Abstract: An asset's TCU, or a mobile device coupled thereto, receives and stores geographical boundary definitions to a memory. A processor uses the boundary definition to determine an initial-location boundary based on the definition and the current location of the TCU at the time it received the boundary request message. As the TCU's GPS unit generates location information, the processor retrieves the initial-location boundary definition from the memory and compares the current location from the GPS receiver to it according to an algorithm. If the processor determines that the current location of the vehicle has crossed the boundary, the processor generates an alert message, which may be an e-mail, SMS, telephonic, internet, IM, or other electronic message indicating that an asset crossed the boundary, and sends it wirelessly using a transceiver to a central computer for further processing, or directly to another device, according to a notification destination identifier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile crane having means for wireless reception or for the determination of data identifying the location of the crane as well as having transmission means which are in communication with these means or can be connected to them, wherein the transmission means are configured such that they transmit the data identifying the location of the crane from the crane to a receiver in a wireless manner.

Abstract: A system for tracking containers and logistics using a biometric identity card and a CSD (Container Security Device).

Abstract: A vehicle alarm communication system is provided, comprising a handheld electronic device and a vehicle system that utilizes a global positioning satellite (GPS) network and a cellular network to communicate the status of a parked vehicle. The vehicle system comprises a vehicle alarm that monitors the vehicle status when parked, a processing means, and a pair of antennas for communicating data to the key fob using a cellular network and a GPS network. The location of the vehicle is tracked in real-time via the GPS network for vehicle tracking or vehicle locating, while the cellular network is used to communicate status alerts to the key fob. The alerts communicate possible break-ins, vehicle collisions or similar vehicle alarm system changes in state. The use of dual networks allows the systems to communicate data to the user simultaneously, or in lieu of one another if one network is not available.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and assistance system for warning of an unauthorized access to a parked vehicle. The process includes a first step for providing a communication as to whether the vehicle is at least partially unlocked. In a second step, in the case of an affirmative communication, the transmission of the current location of the vehicle takes place. In a third step, a comparison is made between the current location with at least one predetermined home location. In a fourth step, in the case in which the current location does not correspond with at least one home location, a wireless transmission of a warning signal to a mobile unit is given. In a fifth step, following the receipt of the warning signal by the mobile unit, a warning that is perceptible optically and/or acoustically and/or haptically is undertaken.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of monitoring the position of a vehicle, vessel, rail car, barge, tanker truck that is loaded with bulk or hazardous material. A G.P.S unit is set to send a signal to a radio transmitter if the unit moves beyond a maximum permissible distance (for example, 50 feet or more). An oxygen sensor can be used to send a signal to a radio transmitter if oxygen levels fall below a selected minimum concentration. The radio transmitter can send the message to a tugboat crew, police department, fire department, company headquarters, civil defense office or other personnel if either of the unit has moved beyond the selected maximum travel distance or if oxygen levels fall below a minimum concentration. In addition to the radio transmission of oxygen concentration data and/or G.P.S position data, visible or audible alarms can be used such as strobe light, horn or the like.

Abstract: A computerized vehicle control system and device for limiting the functionality of a mobile asset (e.g., vehicle) capable of performing a plurality of mobile asset functions. The device includes an asset monitor, a mobile wireless transceiver, and a mobile asset processor. The asset monitor is in communication with a first mobile asset for collecting monitored data associated with the first mobile asset. The mobile wireless transceiver is adapted to interface with a management computer. The mobile asset processor is adapted to receive the monitored data from the asset monitor; determine that a first mobile asset function of the plurality of mobile asset functions should be limited; and limit operation of the first mobile asset function. The mobile asset control device can be adapted to override the functionality of the mobile asset, based on the navigation, relative location of the mobile asset, or business rules.

Abstract: A method is provided for warning mobile users of traffic conditions. One or more sensor messages are monitored from a plurality of mobile devices transported by a plurality of vehicles. A traffic condition is determined based on the one or more sensor messages. Location of the traffic condition is also determined based on position information of one or more of the plurality of mobile devices. The mobile devices that are within a predetermined proximity to the location of the traffic condition are selected. An alert message is generated in response to the traffic condition. The selected mobile devices are notified with the alert message.

Abstract: Activating geo-fence boundaries and collecting location data. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: activating a geo-fence for a pre-determined area responsive to an event related to a vehicle; receiving Global Positioning System (GPS) signals indicative of a location of the vehicle, the receiving by an onboard device coupled to the vehicle; detecting that the vehicle has crossed the geo-fence; creating a data set comprising data regarding locations of the vehicle with respect to the geo-fence; determining a parameter associated with an existing insurance policy based on the data set.

Abstract: Techniques are provided to streamline the distribution of global positioning system (GPS) assistance data to a plurality of devices, such as radio access point devices. A provisioning server generates GPS assistance data from satellite positioning data obtained by periodically querying a satellite positioning data server for the satellite positioning data for a plurality of satellites. The provisioning server assigns the GPS assistance data a configurable expiration time. The provisioning server automatically refreshes the GPS assistance data prior to its expiration and makes it available through for download by the radio access point devices.

Abstract: A method of using a wireless patron unit within a venue, and within a vicinity of the venue, includes providing at least one patron with a wireless patron unit having a touch-screen display, which has stored therein at least one venue specific application program. The method also includes connecting the wireless patron unit to a server, entering patron-related into the wireless patron unit, and displaying patron-related information on the patron unit. The method further includes entering a patron order for at least one item or service provided by the venue, displaying the patron order and a location of the wireless patron unit, and providing a current status of the patron order on the touch-screen display of the wireless patron unit.

Abstract: A detection system for an enclosed container includes many nanosensors for detecting materials harmful to human beings within an enclosed container and transmitting a signal representing a condition thereof. The nanosensors are carried on a carrier material, such as a corrugated sheet. At least one detection device detects a condition of the nanosensors and outputs a signal responsive thereto, which can be received by a monitoring system external to the container. Containers which have harmful materials within them can be inspected or stopped before entering the country.

Abstract: Establishing geo-fence boundaries and collecting data. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: detecting a vehicle is located within a first political boundary; establishing a first geo-fence boundary for the vehicle corresponding to the first political boundary, the establishing responsive to detecting the vehicle is within the first political boundary; collecting data regarding the vehicle movement within the first geo-fence boundary; and detecting the vehicle has departed the first geo-fence boundary.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable medium for providing information to a mobile device based on an event comprising detecting an occurrence of the event, determining if the event is a specific event and if the event occurred at or near a geographical location and sending an alert of the event to at least one mobile device if the event is the specific event, if the event occurs at or near the geographical location, and if the at least one mobile device is located at or near the geographical location.

Abstract: An asset's TCU, or a mobile device coupled thereto, receives and stores geographical boundary definitions to a memory. A processor uses the boundary definition to determine an initial-location boundary based on the definition and the current location of the TCU at the time it received the boundary request message. As the TCU's GPS unit generates location information, the processor retrieves the initial-location boundary definition from the memory and compares the current location from the GPS receiver to it according to an algorithm. If the processor determines that the current location of the vehicle has crossed the boundary, the processor generates an alert message, which may be an e-mail, SMS, telephonic, interne, IM, or other electronic message indicating that an asset crossed the boundary, and sends it wirelessly using a transceiver to a central computer for further processing, or directly to another device, according to a notification destination identifier.

Abstract: Communications are established with a first base station and the communications include first validation information associated with the first base station. Second validation information is obtained and the second validation information is stored in a data structure. The second validation information is associated with a second and valid base station. The first validation information is compared to the second validation information stored in the data structure and it is determined whether the first base station is valid based upon the comparison. When the comparing indicates that the first base station is not valid, a warning is initiated to a user.

Abstract: Tokenless biometric authorization of transaction between a consumer and a merchant uses an identicator and an access device. A consumer registers with the identicator a biometric sample taken from the consumer. The consumer and merchant establish communications via the access device. The merchant proposes a transaction to the consumer via the access device. The access device communicates to the merchant associated with the access device. After the consumer and merchant have agreed on the transaction, the consumer and the identicator use the access device to establish communications. The access device communicates to the identicator the code associated with the access device. The identicator compares biometric sample from the consumer with registered biometric sample. Upon successful identification, the identicator forwards information regarding the consumer to the merchant.

Abstract: Tokenless biometric authorization of transaction between a consumer and a merchant uses an identicator and an access device. A consumer registers with the identicator a biometric sample taken from the consumer. The consumer and merchant establish communications via the access device. The merchant proposes a transaction to the consumer via the access device. The access device communicates to the merchant associated with the access device. After the consumer and merchant have agreed on the transaction, the consumer and the identicator use the access device to establish communications. The access device communicates to the identicator the code associated with the access device. The identicator compares biometric sample from the consumer with registered biometric sample. Upon successful identification, the identicator forwards information regarding the consumer to the merchant.

Abstract: Location determination signals are received and a location of interest is determined from the location determination signals. A communication service is established and synchronized with a known, valid base station via a first communication channel. A value of a signal strength indicator associated with the first communication channel is monitored. When the value of the signal strength indicator falls below a threshold level, a warning message is transmitted to the known, valid base station before synchronization of the communication service is lost with the known, valid base station.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted device is configured to transmit vehicle position data to a network-based server using a wireless communication system. The device includes first and second processing modules carried by a vehicle. The first module receives positioning signals and processes the signals into vehicle position data representing date and time, and the position, velocity and direction of travel of the vehicle. The second module stores the signals and communicates the signals to a network-based server using a wireless communications system. The signals are storable on-board the device during periods that the device is out of range of the wireless communication system for later transmission to the network-based server.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted device is configured to transmit vehicle position data to a network-based server using a wireless communication system. The device includes first and second processing modules carried by a vehicle. The first module receives positioning signals and processes the signals into vehicle position data representing date and time, and the position, velocity and direction of travel of the vehicle. The second module stores the signals and communicates the signals to a network-based server using a wireless communications system. The signals are storable on-board the device during periods that the device is out of range of the wireless communication system for later transmission to the network-based server.