Abstract: The invention is a system, a device, and a method that allows remote mobile unit monitoring. The communication system of the invention includes a plurality of mobile units monitored by a stationary unit. Each of the mobile units has a processor, a memory, and a wireless modem for automatically generating a status report and transmitting the status report in an e-mail format without user intervention. The processor of the mobile unit determines when and whether to send a status report by determining if a predefined condition is fulfilled. The stationary unit, which is primarily a user interface unit, parses the status report in the received e-mail and presents the report to the user. Most of the processing and storage capabilities of the system reside in the individual mobile units.

Abstract: A system for remotely tracking a mobile unit is presented. The system includes a computer connected to a data network, mobile units collecting data and transmitting the data to the computer, and a configuration database connected to the data network. The configuration database stores configuration parameters for the mobile units. The mobile units are programmed to contact the configuration database upon being powered on, obtain the configuration parameters, and transmit the collected data to the computer according to the configuration parameters. Since each configuration file could apply to multiple mobile units, the system provides an efficient way to control the data reporting patterns of many mobile units. The configuration database may be organized in layers of configuration files for improved flexibility. Files from different layers can be mixed and matched and then applied to a group of mobile units.

Abstract: A rover determines a destination and periodically checks the location of the rover against one or more active alert thresholds. One alert threshold is the boundary of an alert area surrounding a destination. The rover sends an alert to a service center alerts a designated party of an impending arrival of the rover at the destination when the rover is within an alert area surrounding the destination. The service center can also alert a designated party when the rover leaves an alert area surrounding a location. The alerts can be communicated via an automated telephone message, a pager message, an e-mail message, or any other means of communication. The alerts can be used for deliveries by directing an alert to a customer expecting a delivery or to a site expecting a vehicle for loading or unloading. In a private context, the alerts can automatically activate systems such as a home appliances or systems in anticipation of a resident's arrival.