Using Gps (i.e., Location) Patents (Class 340/426.19)
  • Patent number: 8004403
    Abstract: A system and method for generating an alert signal for a trailer. Proper truck/trailer matching is based on a proximity analysis between position reports for a truck and position reports for a trailer. In one embodiment, this proximity analysis is triggered by a detection of movement in a trailer. In the proximity analysis, unexpected deviations in proximity between a truck and a trailer would lead to a generation of an alert signal that is sent to the appropriate management system for investigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: SkyBitz, Inc.
    Inventor: John McKethan
  • Patent number: 7996152
    Abstract: An improved security system for monitoring passengers aboard vehicles in real time uses existing off-the-shelf computer technology and an associated GPS system and wireless Internet to enable peripheral devices capable of obtaining a variety of data aboard a vehicle and transmitting that data to a remote location, including a stationary location where the data can be monitored. The method connects power derived from the vehicle, with a wireless Internet and GPS enabled laptop to enable tracking of the vehicle. Additionally, peripheral devices including cameras, audio/visual displays and identification means are associated with the mobile laptop, enabling the system to track individual passengers aboard the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Alaa Polad
  • Patent number: 7982635
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for displaying a driving location of a moving object which controls a Red, Green, Blue (RGB) ratio by corresponding to a property of a road where the moving object travels, differently renders a moving object symbol according to the controlled RGB ratio, and thereby may identify a driving status of the moving object more accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Thinkware Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Deuk Yeong Seong
  • Patent number: 7978065
    Abstract: A device attached to an outside surface of a shipping container for tracking the shipping container includes a solar panel, a battery, a GPS receiver module, a cellular data transceiver module, and a microcontroller for controlling the GPS receiver module and the cellular data transceiver module to periodically obtain the location of the shipping container and transmit the location to a tracking database of a central tracking computer. The solar panel, battery, GPS receiver module, cellular data transceiver module and microcontroller are integrated into a one-piece, watertight master control unit. The master control unit may further include a local wireless network master transceiver module. The local wireless network master transceiver module is for communicating with a wireless sensor located within the shipping container through the walls of the shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: TrackPoint Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin A. Schnitz, William R. Cave, Roland D. Keistler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7961081
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for detecting unauthorized movement of a moveable object where the system includes a GPS receiver, cellular modulator, processor, pager modem, sensor and two-way pager. When the system is coupled to a moveable object and is armed via the pager, the sensor is monitored by the processor to determine when a possible theft of the moveable object may be occurring. In an embodiment, the sensor is a multiple axis accelerometer. In one embodiment the accelerometer is a two axes accelerometer where the sensor detects small movements of the object is two axes. When the sensor is triggered, the processor pages the two-way pager. The processor also determines the system's location via the GPS receiver. The processor generates a message including the system's location and unique system identifier. The processor transmits the message to a monitoring center via a cellular network (and the cellular modulator).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventors: John Tomlienovic, Lee Knight
  • Patent number: 7948372
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel J. Herbold
  • Patent number: 7945477
    Abstract: A patron service system and method is described herein with reference to several exemplary implementations. For example, in one described implementation, portable patron units are provided to patrons for use in a resort or other establishment. The portable patron units are mobile wireless devices that include interactive display screens. The portable patron units enables patrons to interact order items, request services, and/or browse information associated with the resort wirelessly. Portable staff units are provided to staff members for use in the resort or other establishment. The portable staff units are also mobile wireless devices that include interactive display screens. The portable staff units, enable staff members to view information about orders and/or requests entered by patrons made by the patrons wirelessly. The portable staff units can also display locations of the portable patron units to enable staff members to locate portable patron units when delivering items, servicing requests, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Julie M. Werbitt
  • Patent number: 7922586
    Abstract: A system featuring a server communicating with the network with game hosting software programmed on the server, a terrain database and a time sequence GPS position linked message database each stored on the server and accessed by the game hosting software is disclosed. The terrain database stores a plurality of three dimensional renderings of golf courses created from digital aerial photographs of each golf course, wherein each photo includes elevational and slope data for each aerial photo. The time sequence GPS position linked message database contains a plurality of messages collected by a portable computing device and transmitted to the server by the device during an actually played round of golf. Each message is: transmitted by the device to the server; associated with an elapsed time from the beginning of the play of the round of golf, and linked to a GPS determined position from where the message was transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventors: Francis Aicher Heckendorf, III, Mathew N. Matelan
  • Patent number: 7920054
    Abstract: A bicycle meter assembly with locating function includes a sensor module and a receiver module. The sensor module includes a microprocessor, a sensing unit, a display unit, a keypad, an encoder, and a wireless transceiver. The receiver module includes a wireless receiver, a decoder, and a warning unit. The sensor module and the receiver module are separately installed on a bicycle at two selected positions. The sensor module senses and displays traveling information and user's body signals that are generated when the bicycle is moving. When the user wants to locate the bicycle being parked at a selected place, the keypad can be pressed to generate a call signal, which is sent to the receiver module for the warning unit to emit a warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventors: Yi-Lun Chen, Wen-Pin Weng
  • Patent number: 7912449
    Abstract: Within a local region, information may be communicated between two or more wireless multimode communication devices (WMCD) comprising 60 GHz band and lower frequency band wireless interfaces. Spatial relationships between devices may vary. The 60 GHz interface may handle location determination operations and data transfers. The lower frequency band may support WPAN, WLAN and may handle coordination of communications and data transfers. The WMCDs may be coupled with a network. Antennas may be directional. Moreover, the spatial orientation of the antennas may be dynamically modified or swept across a specified angle. Furthermore, intelligent and/or adaptive antenna systems may be utilized. The WMCDs may utilize a position and/or time reference system to aid in location determination operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hansen, Jeyhan Karaoguz
  • Patent number: 7911336
    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 corresponding resonance frequency. The nanosensors are carried on or within walls of the container, e.g., embedded in a coating. 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Gregory J. Hummer
  • Patent number: 7912591
    Abstract: A disclosed vehicle control system comprises a mobile terminal that transmits a current location of the mobile terminal; a receiving portion that is installed in a vehicle and receives the current location transmitted from the mobile terminal; a vehicle location detecting portion that detects a current location of the vehicle; a controlling portion that controls a vehicle apparatus installed in the vehicle in accordance with a positional relationship between the current position of the mobile terminal received by the receiving portion and the current location of the vehicle detected by the vehicle location detecting portion; and a memory portion that stores behavioral pattern information of a user of the vehicle. The controlling portion controls the vehicle apparatus in accordance with the behavioral pattern information stored in the memory portion and the positional relationship between the current location of the mobile terminal and the current location of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroaki Sekiyama, Toshiyuki Namba
  • Patent number: 7898404
    Abstract: A vehicle speed exceeded notification device to be installed in a vehicle of a type including a vehicle audio entertainment system being configurable via a vehicle data communications bus extending throughout the vehicle may include an audio entertainment system content interface. The audio interface may be selectively operable to communicate audio content relating to a vehicle speed exceeded condition to the vehicle audio entertainment system. The device may also include a controller coupled to the audio entertainment system content interface for detecting a vehicle speed exceeded condition. The controller may also be for configuring the vehicle audio entertainment system, via the vehicle data communications bus, so that the audio content related to the vehicle speed exceeded condition plays through the vehicle audio entertainment system based upon detecting the vehicle speed exceeded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Omega Patents, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick
  • Patent number: 7898409
    Abstract: A circuit for exclusion zone compliance is recited. In one embodiment, the circuit comprises a satellite navigation signal reception component configured for receiving at least one signal from at least one Global Navigation Satellite System satellite and a navigation data deriving component configured for deriving position data and a clock time from the at least one signal. The circuit further comprises a non-volatile memory component configured for storing an encrypted data set describing the boundaries of an exclusion zone and a data blocking component configured for controlling the accessing of the encrypted data set. The circuit further comprises a data control component configured for blocking the output of a signal from the circuit in response an indication selected from the group consisting of: an indication that the circuit is located within an exclusion zone and an indication that output of said signal is not permitted based upon said clock time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Peter Van Wyck Loomis, James M. Janky, Bruce D. Riter
  • Patent number: 7868752
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel J. Herbold
  • Patent number: 7865136
    Abstract: A vehicular audio/visual system that receives a transmitted electric wave of video or sound, and that outputs the electric wave by switching to an output mode corresponding to user's instruction from among output modes corresponding to multiple types of media includes: a positional information detecting unit that detects positional information of a vehicle; a receiving area storage unit that stores at least one of an area in which the electric wave can be received and an area in which it is difficult to receive the electric wave; a receiving area determination unit that refers to the receiving area storage unit on the basis of the detected positional information and determines whether the electric wave can be received; an output mode switching unit that prohibits an output mode that outputs the electric wave as video or music from being entered when it is determined that the electric wave cannot be received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhisa Shitanaka
  • Patent number: 7860517
    Abstract: A method, a computer readable medium and a system for using a mobile agent to track a mobile device using a plurality of location breadcrumbs in an environment where network access may be unreliable, comprising, registering with a tracking server by a tracking client to receive a location of the mobile agent, receiving a location breadcrumb by the tracking server from the mobile agent, and reporting the location of the mobile agent by the tracking server to the tracking client.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventors: John P. Patoskie, Robert R. Hauser
  • Patent number: 7839269
    Abstract: A haptic signal distribution system capable of distributing haptic synchronous signals includes a master haptic device and groups of slave haptic devices. In one embodiment, the master haptic device is configured to distribute haptic synchronous signals to slave haptic devices. The haptic synchronous signals, for instance, may include information relating to a tempo for a piece of music. A haptic signal distribution system, for example, allows a master wearable haptic device to selectively distribute haptic synchronous signals to one or more groups of slave wearable haptic devices via a wireless communications network. Upon receipt of the haptic synchronous signals, each slave wearable haptic device generates a series of haptic feedback having a rhythm of beats in response to the haptic synchronous signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Steger, Barbara Kruse
  • Patent number: 7834745
    Abstract: Disclosed is a key-less ignition system for a vehicle. The system allows a user to automatically start the engine of a vehicle via a push button and a remote passive transponder. The system finds particular application in conjunction with smaller vehicles such as motorcycles. In one specific embodiment of the invention, the system is used in connection with an anti-theft device, such as a wheel lock. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the key-less ignition system is used in connection with a records management system, whereby service technicians can remotely retrieve maintenance records relating to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Bulletproof Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick Ramirez, Reed W. Mapes
  • Patent number: 7825780
    Abstract: A cellular alarm notification signal is received wirelessly from an alarming vehicle, and a position of a cellular transceiver of the alarming vehicle is requested and provided to police, security, emergency personnel, and/or surveillance cameras. A vehicle alarm notification is sent directly to the owner of a particular vehicle immediately upon alarm, or to the police, or to building security to dispatch an investigative team, or to a building surveillance company to activate or monitor a relevant security camera. In addition to the alarming status of the vehicle, the cellular alarm notification cellular call may provide a position of the alarming vehicle to the notified party, obtained through appropriate location services provided in a wireless system to satisfy requirements for responding in a personal emergency to a requesting public safety access point (PSAP).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Lance Douglas Pitt
  • Patent number: 7817034
    Abstract: A monitoring system for developing information data, for use in association with an opening that provides access for removal by a customer of articles stored in an article storage area. In one embodiment, the monitoring system includes a beam forming device adapted to be arranged about the perimeter of the opening so as to form at least one radiation beam that spans the opening. The radiation beam has a position with respect to the opening that is sufficient to detect manual removal by the customer of one or more of the articles from inside the article storage area, by the article and hand of the customer causing a temporary blockage of at least a portion of the radiation beam as the article and hand of the customer pass through the opening. A processing circuit coupled to the beam forming device senses the blockage of the radiation beam, and in response to the sensing, develops the information data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: Munroe Chirnomas
  • Patent number: 7805542
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide for an apparatus and method for input/output management in a mobile environment. One embodiment includes a mobile unit comprising at least one processor, a data bus interface and a computer readable memory persistently storing a unique hardware identification. The mobile unit can receive a wireless signal and, based on the wireless signal, communicate a set of data across the data bus. The persistent unique hardware identification of the mobile unit is used to restrict access to data received at the mobile unit via the wireless signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventor: George W. Hindman
  • Publication number: 20100216423
    Abstract: A panic device operable in conjunction with a local device is configured to unlock a locking mechanism. The panic device can take the form of an electronic key fob, a key shaft, or a key holder. A first trigger on the panic device triggers a local alarm that is on-board or off-board the panic device. A second trigger on the panic device can activate an alarm circuitry that utilizes a local device to provide position information to a distant dispatch station. The local device uses a GPS-aware circuitry or other non-GPS means such as triangulation to determine the position information. The position information can then be sent to the distant dispatch station with or without the aid of the local device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Robert D. Fish, Robert Eisenman
  • Patent number: 7783305
    Abstract: A method for providing menu tree assistance includes receiving a voice request from a user via a telematics unit and a wireless network and determining a voice menu tree based on the voice request. The method further includes receiving at least one response based on the voice menu tree, determining a failure or confirmation based on the at least one response and converting the response to data based on the determined confirmation. The method further includes recording the response based on the determined failure and providing the recorded response and data to an advisor at a call center. A system and a computer readable medium including computer program code are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: General Motors LLC
    Inventors: Steven J. Ross, Richard A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7755479
    Abstract: A security system and method for monitoring a security status of fixed and mobile assets. The security system comprises an agent connected with the asset. The agent includes a receiver for receiving; a sensing device for monitoring a security of the asset; a processor for compiling the a security data to generate a security status; and a wireless transceiver for transmitting data to a master control unit. The master control unit retransmits the security status to an global operations center for processing the security status to detect a security threat. In response to a security threat, the global operations center initiates and action or counter measure. For mobile assets the security system also tracks a location of the asset as the is transported between a shipper's loading dock and a designated distribution center, including an origination port and a destination port. For fixed agents, the security system includes an interface for interfacing an existing security device to the master control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: InfrAegis, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory E. Webb, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7742861
    Abstract: A system of wireless electronic devices for construction equipment and a maintenance system thereof are disclosed, in which various information used in an input and output unit, like modules of a construction work vehicle such as a hydraulic excavator, etc., are transmitted and received based on a wireless method, so that the use of wires can be significantly decreased. The wireless electronic system of a construction machine comprises at least one control panel which transmits a wireless signal for controlling each part of a construction machine in accordance with an operator's control; a main control device which receives a wireless signal from the control panel and transmits a wireless control signal for controlling a corresponding device; at least one auxiliary control device which performs input and output control, operation control, error detection, automatic control, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventor: Chang Soo Lee
  • Patent number: 7737830
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for providing tracking information. The system includes a base unit that receives a request from a first mobile unit and provides a response to the first mobile unit. The base unit obtains a current position of a second mobile unit. The response from the base unit to the mobile unit indicates the current position of the second mobile unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: NAVTEQ North America, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Behr, Randoll B. Jones
  • Patent number: 7739032
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for computing position using a regional-terrain model is provided. The method includes obtaining from at least three satellites pseudorange measurements, computing a transitional position by using a default altitude with a large uncertainty, using this transitional position to obtain from a terrain model altitude information associated with a region, and computing an accurate three-dimensional position as a function of the pseudorange measurements and the altitude information. The region defines a boundary, and the boundary includes the transitional position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Frank van Diggelen
  • Publication number: 20100141412
    Abstract: A vehicle location reminder system having a vehicle positioning system operable to provide an approximate location of a vehicle and record the approximate location of the vehicle. A status check system monitors use of the vehicle and sends a signal to the vehicle positioning system to record the approximate location of the vehicle when the vehicle is no longer in use. A memory system is connected to the status check system and the vehicle positioning system, the memory system being adapted to determine if the approximate location of the vehicle, when no longer in use, is in a familiar location. An alert system is connected to the memory system. The alert system prompts a vehicle user to record data on a mobile device pertaining to the approximate location of the vehicle when the location of the vehicle, when no longer in use, is not in a familiar location. A replay system is adapted to replay the recorded data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Dale L. Partin, Michel F. Sultan
  • Patent number: 7688197
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system of identifying an unauthorized use of a telematic device or a vehicle equipped with a telematic device. The telematic device includes an identification code, which is transmitted to a service provider. The identification codes of those telematic devices, which have been reported as being used in unauthorized, are stored at the service provider. The identification codes received at the service provider is compared for a match with the stored identification codes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Becker, Dirk Lappe, Arnold Gieseke
  • Patent number: 7688185
    Abstract: A system and method for generating an alert signal for a trailer. Proper truck/trailer matching is based on a proximity analysis between position reports for a truck and position reports for a trailer. In one embodiment, this proximity analysis is triggered by a detection of movement in a trailer. In the proximity analysis, unexpected deviations in proximity between a truck and a trailer would lead to a generation of an alert signal that is sent to the appropriate management system for investigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: SkyBitz, Inc.
    Inventor: John McKethan
  • Patent number: 7671763
    Abstract: A vehicle locator system is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the vehicle locator system includes a vehicle locator/charging unit having a unit microprocessor, a first cell phone circuitry and a first GPS and or RF circuitry connected to the unit microprocessor, a charge plug and a charge port connected to the charge plug; and a cell phone having a cell phone microprocessor, a second cell phone circuitry, a second GPS and or RF circuitry and a display connected to the cell phone microprocessor and a charge port adapted for connection to the charge port of the vehicle locator/charging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Raymond J. Riffel
  • Patent number: 7671727
    Abstract: A speed exceeded notification device is for a vehicle of a type including a vehicle data communications bus extending throughout the vehicle, and at least one vehicle device generating data related to vehicle speed on the vehicle data communications bus. The speed exceeded notification device may include a wireless communications device, and a controller to be coupled to the vehicle data communications bus. The controller may be for reading the data related to vehicle speed from the vehicle data communications bus, and determining when a vehicle speed exceeds a speed threshold for a first time period. Based thereon, the controller may cooperate with the wireless communications device to send a remote vehicle speed exceeded notification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Omega Patents, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick
  • Patent number: 7667593
    Abstract: A monitoring system for cargo containers coming into the United States from foreign countries, to detect any harmful contents, within the close container, which would prove dangerous to the American people. The system includes a unique flexible plastic strip in which are embedded, 1) a global positioning computer chip, 2) a power source, 3) an encrypted strip serial number computer chip, and thousands of nano detection devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: Gregory J. Hummer
  • Patent number: 7659810
    Abstract: A speed exceeded notification device is for a vehicle of a type including a vehicle data communications bus extending throughout the vehicle, and at least one vehicle device generating data related to vehicle speed on the vehicle data communications bus. The speed exceeded notification device may include a wireless communications device, and a controller to be coupled to the vehicle data communications bus. The controller may be for reading the data related to vehicle speed from the vehicle data communications bus, and determining when a vehicle speed exceeds a speed threshold for a first time period. The controller may also be for determining when the vehicle speed exceeds the speed threshold for a second time period less than the first time period and, in response thereto, generating a local vehicle speed exceeded notification. Based thereon, the controller may cooperate with the wireless communications device to send a remote vehicle speed exceeded notification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Omega Patents, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick
  • Patent number: 7659811
    Abstract: A speed exceeded notification device may be installed in a vehicle of a type including a vehicle data communications bus extending throughout the vehicle, and at least one vehicle indicator coupled to the vehicle data communications bus. The speed exceeded notification device may include a wireless communications device, and a controller to be coupled to the vehicle data communications bus. The controller may be for determining when a vehicle speed exceeds a speed threshold for a first time period, and based thereon may cooperate with the wireless communications device to send a remote vehicle speed exceeded notification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Omega Patents, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick
  • Patent number: 7649494
    Abstract: A GPS receiver which performs correlation processing by using replicas of C/A codes generated in the GPS receiver after a GPS signal received from a GPS satellite is subjected to accumulating processing, wherein in the accumulating processing, a plurality of signals for integrating generated in the GPS receiver by predicting modulation of the GPS signal by a navigation message are integrated with the received GPS signal, and results of the integration are accumulatively added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kazumi Matsumoto, Maho Terashima
  • Patent number: 7643938
    Abstract: A hydraulic excavator periodically measures its current location at predetermined time intervals by the GPS device in an inoperative state where its engine key is in the off position and sends the current location data and time data to a management server by a main controller and communicator. The management server receives the periodically sent location data at its communicator and successively stores it in its memory. The current location data and the measurement time data to provide a location confirmation service by a location information provider. Changes in location can be confirmed on a map, the movement of the hydraulic excavator can be tracked, and assistance can be given for confirmation of location and prevention of theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Adachi, Genroku Sugiyama, Kazuhiro Shibamori, Hideki Komatsu, Koichi Shibata, Hiroshi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7626490
    Abstract: If an information sending request is received from an information terminal via a data communication connection before search for information requested by the information terminal via a voice communication connection is finished, the sending of the information to the information terminal is prohibited. This prevents old information from being transmitted to the information terminal in response to the information sending request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kashima
  • Patent number: 7599794
    Abstract: A system and method for tracking a position of a remote vehicle using a telematics system is provided. The system includes a communication terminal for generating and transmitting a remote position track service request signal, and informing the user of vehicle position information; a service providing center for receiving the remote position track service request signal and transmitting a remote position track service signal, and transmitting the vehicle position information; and a telematics terminal having a GPS (Global Positioning System), and receiving the remote position track service request signal, and detecting a vehicle position using the GPS to generate and transmit the vehicle position information to the service providing center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Hyundai Autonet Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seong Taeg Nou
  • Patent number: 7599769
    Abstract: A system and method for reporting a vehicle theft using a telematics system is provided. The system includes a telematics terminal for determining existence or not of a trespasser, generating a theft detection message, and diagnosing the vehicle status and generating diagnostic information; a communication terminal for receiving a predetermined theft notification message and a relevant organization notification or non-notification selection message, and generating a relevant notification request signal; and a service providing center for detecting the inherent number, searching for a subscriber having the inherent number, transmitting a theft notification message, and transmitting a vehicle theft notification message to a relevant organization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Hyundai Autonet Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seong Taeg Nou
  • Patent number: 7599715
    Abstract: Vehicles and methods for providing a communication between a mobile unit and a vehicle are described. In one embodiment, a communication is received from a mobile unit, the communication is interfaced to a vehicle's electromechanical system, an audio-visual interface associated with the vehicle's electromechanical system displays the communication; and a communication is transmitted to the mobile unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: Richard B. Himmelstein
  • Patent number: 7570155
    Abstract: A security system includes a position detecting device, a sensing device, and a notifying device. The position detecting device detects a position of a vehicle. The sensing device senses a moving object that moves around the vehicle. The sensing device is mounted in the vehicle. The notifying device provides a notification when the position of the vehicle, which is detected by the position detecting device, indicates that the vehicle is parked at a predetermined position, and when the sensing means senses that the moving object is located in a predetermined range from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Yasutoshi Horii
  • Patent number: 7567166
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety/security method and device for two-wheeled vehicles and similar. The inventive device comprises a processor which is connected to a geographic positioning centre (CL) and to a communication unit (UT) with a cellular telephone system which can communicate with a party. The aforementioned processor is also connected to a start/stop sensor (M/A), a movement sensor (AC) and an inclinometer (CV) and to means of identifying the vehicle and/or the driver. The processor is programmed so as to: centralise and store the data originating from the above-mentioned sensors; select a device state from numerous pre-determined states including one or more sensitive states; and, when a sensitive state has been selected, compose and transmit a message containing data relating to said state, vehicle and/or driver identification data and geographic positioning data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Inventor: Laurent Bourgine De Meder
  • Patent number: 7561030
    Abstract: A vehicle remote control system can have a transmitter transmitting a signal, a receiver receiving the signal, and a control device in communication with the receiver and controlling at least one operation of the vehicle. A selected operation may be executable by the signal. The vehicle remote control system includes a microphone that can determine an ambient noise volume and an ambient noise frequency in an area around the vehicle and is in communication with the control device. Furthermore, the vehicle remote control system includes a speaker that is able to generate an answer signal to confirm that the selected operation was executed. The speaker is in communication with the control device which generates an answer signal as a function of ambient noise volume and the ambient noise frequency in the area surrounding the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin P. McBride, Thomas J. Keeling, Christopher M. Kurpinski, Toshihiro T. Wakamatsu, Michael A. Wiegand
  • Patent number: 7561102
    Abstract: A system and technique for improving the speed and ease of missing vehicle location and recovery by vehicle-carried transponder periodic coded replies to radio interrogation by a network of (VHF) transmitting towers, by integrating a concealed GPS location receiver with the transponder and providing the GPS-obtained coordinate information through the VHF network to enable a preliminary initial recovery location from which to home-in for recovery by subsequent direction-finding from the periodic transponder responses. Other location-on-demand services are also readily operable through the use of this VHF network, including providing said GPS coordinate or location information on the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: LoJack Operating Company, LP
    Inventor: William Duvall
  • Patent number: 7548886
    Abstract: A system and method for early detection of identity theft are provided. An authorized user establishes an identity with an organization's computing system and registers a mobile device and a notification device with the organization's computing system. When a use of the identity is attempted, a record associated with the identity is retrieved and a request is sent to the registered mobile device for location information. The current location of the mobile device is compared to the location of the source of the request for authorization. If the current location of the mobile device is not within an area of the source of the authentication request, information about the attempted use is compared with the registered notification criteria. If the conditions of the attempted use fall within the notification criteria, a notification message is sent to the notification device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dustin C. Kirkland, David Bruce Kumhyr
  • Patent number: 7545259
    Abstract: Method, fob, and system suitable for use in directing a user to the vehicle. The direction being determined as a function of GPS coordinates determined with GPS units on a fob and vehicle. The GPS unit being activated in coordination with each other such that the GPS coordinates associated with the same are commonly inaccurate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Yi Luo, John S. Nantz, Riad Ghabra
  • Patent number: 7545894
    Abstract: A method acquires a location system signal that includes second data signals superimposed on the first data signals. The method includes iterating Doppler frequency offset values and time offsets to generate error signals, each representing a difference between summed consecutive correlation values and a corresponding estimated ideal value. Each error signal corresponds to a different time offset and an associated time period. The second data signal has a bit edge that occurs during the time period of each of the sums of consecutive correlation values. The presence of a bit edge during an associated time period increases the error signal. A measure of the minimum error is used to identify a time offset value that is used to develop a first determined Doppler frequency offset. A Kalman filter refines the first determined Doppler frequency offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Nesreen I. Ziedan, James L. Garrison
  • Patent number: 7535379
    Abstract: A server specifies a sending range for meteorological information that it has received, for each type of meteorological information. The server also specifies constitution and size of area meteorological data distributing for each area segment. This will enable the server to provide necessary meteorological information more efficiently. Furthermore, a vehicle-mounted navigation apparatus, or a vehicle, selects and specifies different meteorological information for a corresponding area segment based on present position and route, and specifies the constitution and the size of area meteorological data requesting distribution, by the server. It is expected that this can reduce the data size of meteorological information and prevent unnecessary information from being distributed, enabling savings in communication time and communication charges when data is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsuyuki Suzuki