At Remote Location Patents (Class 340/989)
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Patent number: 7512486Abstract: A method, device, and system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises acquiring vehicle fuel consumption information from a plurality of geographic locations, compiling the information to a map, and creating a low fuel consumption path between two locations on the map using the information.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Bradford H. Needham, Terrance J. Dishongh, Kevin S. Rhodes
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Publication number: 20090058683Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for providing location-based entertainment. In one embodiment, a device capable of providing location-based entertainment comprises a navigational interface module configured to receive navigational data, an entertainment selection module configured to utilize the navigational data to generate location-based entertainment content for a user, and a presentation module configured to present the location-based content to the user. The system may also include a position finding module and a routing module.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2007Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: Disney Enterprises,Inc.Inventor: Emily Becker
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Patent number: 7489049Abstract: An antitheft system can be provided by constructing such that, when a stop signal has been inputted from an engine 7, a main controller 2 outputs, until a first predetermined time Ts elapses, a turn-on signal to switches 8, 9 to perform a similar antitheft processing as in an operation of the engine 7 and after an elapse of the first predetermined time Ts, instructs the switch 9 to repeat a turn-on and turn-off at predetermined time intervals ?t, and, whenever the switch 9 is brought into a turned-on position, detects a position at that time by a position detecting controller 3 and compares the position with a position at the time of an engine stop to determine whether or not a theft has taken place. Owing to this construction, it is no longer necessary to always feed power to the position detecting controller 3 during the stop of the engine 7, thereby making it possible to cut down the feeding of as much power to the controller 3 as a time elapsed during which the switch 9 is kept off.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2003Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideki Komatsu, Genroku Sugiyama, Hiroyuki Adachi, Kazuhiro Shibamori, Koichi Shibata
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Patent number: 7484663Abstract: Methods and systems for automating inventory and dispatch procedures at a staging area by automatically detecting the arrival or departure of delivery vehicles, container devices and other such items. Detection of these items is facilitated by the use of automatic identification tags, and other such devices, that are physically associated with each such item. The detection of inbound vehicles and related container devices triggers a series of automated communications that facilitate the dispatch of such items within the staging area. When a delivery vehicle or container device departs, the system can be configured to check the tag or device associated with each such item so as to confirm that the correct container device(s) are associated with the correct outbound delivery vehicle. The system further provides a method of tracking inventories of such items in real time.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2007Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: John A. Olsen, III, David L. Bradley
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Publication number: 20090024317Abstract: A vehicle has a navigation system including a controller, a display, a wireless transmitter/receiver and a global positioning unit to determine the location of the navigation system. The controller is configured to transmit, to an off-vehicle system the location of the navigation system, a unique identifier of the navigation system and a list of other navigation systems. In addition, the controller is configured to receive, via the transmitter/receiver, the location of any other navigation systems which listed that navigation system and to display the locations of the other navigation systems on the display.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2008Publication date: January 22, 2009Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Jan H. Aase, Branden G. Neish
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Patent number: 7479891Abstract: A rescue and safety device for swimming-pools and amusement parks, consisting of a wristband containing a cardiac-arrest detector, a panic button, a location device and, optionally, a water detector, triggered by immersion syncope, cardiac arrest or an accident; a rescue device, especially if an inflatable grid has been installed on the bottom of the pool, that can uplift any person in difficulties from the bottom of the pool.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2006Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Inventor: Claire-Lise Boujon
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Publication number: 20090002197Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for alerting a pedestrian, such as a visually impaired pedestrian, of a vehicle in the vicinity. In general, signals are transmitted from a vehicle to a device carried by a pedestrian, such as a mobile terminal. In response, the pedestrian's device may generate an alarm, such as a vibration or an audible alarm, informing the pedestrian that a vehicle is nearby. In some cases, the pedestrian's device may transmit activation signals to the vehicle after receiving the signals from the vehicle. The activation signals may cause speakers on the vehicle to emit an audible alarm, alerting the pedestrian of the presence of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2007Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: MCI Communications Services, Inc.Inventor: Kirk E. Cemper
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Publication number: 20080297376Abstract: An electronic device configured to be carried on a user's person is provided for directing the user to a parked vehicle. The electronic device utilizes node location data provided by at least one local wireless node and vehicle location information provided by the vehicle. The electronic device includes a network receiver and a controller coupled thereto. The network receiver is configured to receive the node location data from the at least one local wireless node. The controller is configured to store the vehicle location information, to estimate the location of the electronic device from the received node location data, and to determine the position of the vehicle relative to the electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2007Publication date: December 4, 2008Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Clark E. McCall
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Patent number: 7456847Abstract: A system and method for placing reference locators on a streaming video image taken from a camera mounted on a vehicle. Sensors monitoring the camera field of view and direction of the optical axis along with sensors monitoring the vehicle's position are used to generate a video overlay having various indicia. The calculated positions of the indicia may be compared to the position of landmarks taken from the video image to compensate for any inaccuracies in the calculated position taken from the various sensors.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2004Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Inventor: Russell Steven Krajec
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Patent number: 7456757Abstract: A navigation apparatus of a vehicle includes: storage means for storing information about the vehicle and a road area; and guide route calculating means for calculating a guide route on the basis of the information stored in the storage means. The navigation apparatus determines whether to avoid an entry of the vehicle into the road area on the basis of the information about the vehicle and the road area.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2005Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Osamu Kanematsu
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Patent number: 7447573Abstract: A base station is installed in a driver's house or the like where the precise position has been measured beforehand, includes a GPS antenna, a GPS receiver, and a wireless communication device, and functions to transmit various data to a vehicle serving as a moving station in a predetermined range. The vehicle has a GPS antenna, a GPS receiver, and a wireless communication device. When establishing communication between the base station and the moving station, if the current vehicle position generally matches any driving route created and stored in the storage unit earlier, automatic driving control is performed with the matching driving route serving as a target driving route. Conversely, if the current position of the vehicle matches no position on the driving routes created in the past even generally, the storage unit continuously stores the current driving route including the current position, as a new route to the destination.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2004Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yutaka Hiwatashi, Atsuyoshi Takazawa
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Publication number: 20080258939Abstract: A vehicle tracking device (101), method and/or system are provided. The device (101) includes a location interface (117), for receiving a location signal indicating a current location when operably connected to a GPS antenna; a sensor interface (109), for receiving sensor signals from sensors in the vehicle indicating a sensed status of the vehicle, when electrically or electronically connected to the sensors; and a processor (105). The processor (105) is configured to facilitate receiving, from the location interface, indications of a current location; determining, responsive to the location signal, a determined current location of the vehicle (127); receiving, from the sensor interface, a sensed status of the vehicle (129); recording a pre-defined event condition, when the pre-defined event condition occurs (131) responsive to the sensed status, in a vehicle history; and recording the determined current location in the vehicle history (133).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: SIGNATURE CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Brian J. Smith, Eric Schafer
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Publication number: 20080224896Abstract: Radios, systems, and methods for providing real-time information about user-defined geographic locations are disclosed. One radio includes memory configured to store a data file representing a geographic location(s) defined by a user, and a receiver configured to receive signals including real-time information about a plurality of geographic locations. A processor is included to compare each of the plurality of geographic locations to the user-defined geographic location(s), and the information about the user-defined geographic locations is provided to the user. A system includes a computing device to create a data file of user-defined geographic locations, and transmit the data file to the radio. One method includes storing user-defined geographic location(s) in memory and receiving signals including information about a plurality of geographic locations.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2007Publication date: September 18, 2008Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Patrik Lundblad
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Patent number: 7421334Abstract: An on-board intelligent vehicle system includes a sensor assembly to collect data and a processor to process the data to determine the occurrence of at least one event. The data may be collected from existing standard equipment such as the vehicle communication bus or add-on sensors. The data may be indicative of conditions relating to the vehicle, roadway infrastructure, and roadway utilization, such as vehicle performance, roadway design, roadway conditions, and traffic levels. The detection of an event may signify abnormal, substandard, or unacceptable conditions prevailing in the roadway, vehicle, or traffic. The vehicle transmits an event indicator and correlated vehicle location data to a central facility for further management of the information. The central facility sends communications reflecting event occurrence to various relevant or interested users. The user population can include other vehicle subscribers (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2004Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Zoom Information SystemsInventors: Darwin Dahlgren, Nicoline Dahlgren, Dean Dahlgren, Tah Wei Chao, Michael R. Fritsch, Anthony Kadlec, Michael John Pellegrino
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Patent number: 7418339Abstract: A method is provided for improved navigation guidance in a portable navigation device (104) having a first navigation operating mode (302) for requesting (318, 324) and receiving (326, 334) routelet data and navigation route data and operating in accordance with the routelet data (332) and a second operation navigation mode (304) for operating in accordance with the navigation route data (338). The method includes in the first navigation operating mode (302), the steps of transmitting a routelet request (318) comprising location data, speed data and direction data, the location, speed and direction data determined (312, 314 316) in response to a present location, a present speed and a present direction of travel, respectively, of the portable navigation device (104), receiving routelet data (326) and operating in accordance with the received routelet data (332).Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2005Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Kungwel Mike Liu, Parvathy Bhaskaran, Richard M. Clayton, Garurank P. Saxena, Juan C. Uribe, Bernhard P. Weisshaar
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Patent number: 7415355Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for controlling an electronic device. In one embodiment, a controller is coupled with a position determining component, and a motion detecting component. In one embodiment, the motion detecting component detects motion of the electronic device and generates a signal to the controller indicating the motion. The controller, in response to the signal, causes the position determining component to determine the geographic location of the electronic device. The geographic location is compared with a pre-defined zone and, in response to the comparing, a command is generated for controlling the electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2007Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Trimble Navigation LimitedInventors: Gregory T. Janky, Dennis Workman, Ami Bergstrom
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Patent number: 7397392Abstract: A method of providing information from a plurality of fleet machines located at a plurality of locations for purposes of permitting a manager of fleet equipment to make management decisions pertaining to a fleet comprised of such equipment, monitoring functional operational data from individual machines in a fleet of machines, conveying the monitored data to a remote server, converting the monitored data into a first group pertaining to current existing operational data, and into a second group comprised of past historical data, and transmitting by wireless means to a person having responsibility for the fleet information at least one of the groups of data.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2006Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Brian J. Mahoney, Steven L. Colvin, Manish K. Sharma
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Patent number: 7383051Abstract: A method for determining the location of a mobile unit (mobile unit) in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The illustrative embodiment provides a computationally-efficient technique for reducing the number of possible positions that have to be analyzed. In particular, the illustrative embodiment eliminates possible positions for the mobile unit from consideration by considering which signals the mobile unit can—and cannot—receive and the knowledge of where those signals can and cannot be received.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2005Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Polaris Wireless, Inc.Inventors: David Stevenson Spain, Jr., Robert Lewis Martin, Luis Perez-Breva
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Publication number: 20080120024Abstract: In a navigation device in accordance with the invention, user profiles may be stored and used to navigate a user who may be driving in a vehicle, on foot, or in other mode of transportation. Each user profile corresponds to one of the user's personae. For example, the user business profile corresponding to the user's business persona may be different from the user personal profile corresponding to the user's personal persona. For instance, the user business profile may include fine-dining type restaurants for business meetings while the user personal profile may instead include fast-food type restaurants for personal dining. The inventive navigation device provides the user with a navigated route, together with information concerning the favorite facilities and events surrounding the navigated route, which satisfy the preferences in a selected user profile. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, blockages may also be established using the device to avoid selected areas, e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2008Publication date: May 22, 2008Inventors: Michael L. Obradovich, John D. Pirtle, Steven W. Schebesch
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Patent number: 7373248Abstract: A method of providing navigational information to a vehicle operator includes processing destination information spoken by a vehicle operator with an on-board processing system on a vehicle. The processed voice information is transmitted via a wireless link to a remote data center and analyzed with a voice recognition system at the remote data center to recognize components of the destination information spoken by the vehicle operator. The accuracy of the recognition of the components of the destination information is confirmed via interactive voice exchanges between the vehicle operator and the remote data center. A destination is determined from confirmed components of the destination information, route information to the destination is generated at the remove data center, and the route information transmitted to the on-board processing system from the remote data center via the wireless link.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2005Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: ATX Group, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Schalk
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Patent number: 7366609Abstract: A portable navigation device is provided that includes a receiver configured to receive signals from GPS satellites. The device includes memory that stores a non-navigation application and non-navigation information related to the non-navigation application. A user interface is configured to enable an operator to enter non-navigation instructions related to the non-navigation application. The a processor module is provided that calculates a position of the device based on the signals from the GPS satellites. The processor module implements the non-navigation application and performs non-navigation operations defined by the non-navigation application based on the non-navigation instructions entered by the user. The processor module disables the non-navigation application after a predetermined trial period of time following a start time unless and until an application access code is entered.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Garmin Ltd.Inventor: Choy Wai Lee
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Publication number: 20080084332Abstract: A method and system for detecting construction equipment process failure are disclosed. According to one embodiment, information about a construction equipment asset from a reporting source is received. A database is then populated with the information. A process failure report is provided if the construction equipment asset is operated in a manner which violates a process norm assigned to the construction equipment asset.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2007Publication date: April 10, 2008Inventors: Michael Ritter, Arthur J. Taylor
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Publication number: 20080084333Abstract: A mountable reporting source comprising a controller coupled with an interrogating component configured for automatically receiving an identifier which is unique to an asset. A position determining component coupled with the controller is configured for determining a geographic location of the mountable reporting source. A merge asset information enabling communications component is coupled with the controller and is configured for transmitting a message conveying the identifier, the geographic location and a first portion of information about the asset. The mountable reporting source is associated with the asset based on the characteristics of the asset and the objectives of the construction project. An asset management system is enabled to merge the first portion of information about the asset reported by the mountable reporting source with a second portion of information about the asset reported by another reporting source.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2007Publication date: April 10, 2008Inventors: Mark Forrest, Kurt Maynard
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Patent number: 7336171Abstract: A vehicular electronic key system includes an on-board device that mutually communicates with a portable device, and operates control equipment installed on a vehicle when specific information from the portable device is authenticated. The on-board device includes a distance storage section for storing travel distances of the vehicle, and a warning section for warning that the portable device disappeared when communication was stopped between the on-board device and the portable device. The on-board device communicates with the portable device each time a predetermined distance is travelled, stores the travel distance at each communication time point into the distance storage section, and drives, upon detection that a signal transmitted from the portable device was disrupted, the warning section to warn an undetected region between the last travel distance stored immediately before the transmitted signal was disrupted and a travel distance at a time point at which the transmitted signal was disrupted.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2006Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuaki Kishimoto, Toshiaki Hata
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Patent number: 7327286Abstract: The marine vessel monitoring system of the present invention enables marine vessel owners to monitor their vessels when they are unable or unavailable to personally do so. The system of the present invention provides an efficient method for inspecting and repairing a designated marine vessel at periodic intervals and for reporting the results of such inspections and repairs to the vessel's owner in a timely manner for the owner's review and consideration.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2004Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Yacht Watchman International, Inc.Inventors: James J. Knoska, Melvin L. Dalrymple, William D. Williams
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Patent number: 7324017Abstract: A process for determining travel through at least one toll road section by at least one vehicle (FAR) by means of a position determination system (POS) which is set up to determine the current position of the at least one vehicle (FAR), whereby positions of the at least one vehicle (FAR) are compared with the position of at least one reference point characteristic for an entrance (AUF) to a toll road section, whereby the orientation (ORI) of the vehicle is determined within a specifiable region (BER) about the entrance (AUF), whereby it is determined whether the orientation (ORI) determined agrees within a specifiable tolerance range with the orientation (ORA) characteristic of entry onto the toll road section.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2005Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Siemens AG OsterreichInventor: Horst Hartinger
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Patent number: 7317387Abstract: One embodiment includes a support configured to resiliently and removably grip a door hinge portion, with circuitry coupled to a wireless communication portion on an exterior side thereof. A different embodiment has a wireless communication portion with two antennas that is supportable on a container by a support so the antennas face in different directions externally of the container. Another embodiment has a detector on a support with a portion configured to extend through a gap between a door frame and a door, and has a blocking portion that can obstruct access to the gap and detector. A further embodiment includes a container with a wall and a movable door, and an antenna in a recess of the wall near the top of the container. Another embodiment includes a container with a door and a vent, and an antenna supported adjacent the vent.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2004Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Assignee: Savi Technology, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas D. Cova, Mark S. Weidick, Blair B. LaCorte
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Publication number: 20080001784Abstract: Global control system for the protection of the territory, comprising in combination fixed central units intended to be installed in a distributed way on the territory; mobile central units intended to be installed on transportation means of both road and railway and ship and air transportation networks; operating central units; the fixed and mobile central units being endowed with sensing means; and the fixed central units, the mobile central units and the operating central units being endowed with communication means for communicating information therebetween, as well as being endowed with programmable data processing means.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2007Publication date: January 3, 2008Inventor: Carmelo PAGANO
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Patent number: 7313476Abstract: One embodiment in accordance with the invention can include a controller that can be coupled with a position determining component, and a motion detecting component. In one embodiment, the motion detecting component detects motion of a valuable movable item and generates a signal to the controller indicating the motion. The controller, in response to the signal, causes the position determining component to determine the geographic location of the valuable movable item. A determination is made as to whether the geographic location is within a pre-defined zone. In response to the determination, a command can be generated for controlling the valuable movable item.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2004Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Trimble Navigation LimitedInventors: Mark Nichols, Gregory T. Janky, Dennis Workman
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Patent number: 7312696Abstract: A vehicle tracking unit may include a vehicle position determining device, a wireless communications device, and a controller. The controller may cooperate with the vehicle position determining device and the wireless communications device to send vehicle position information to a user based upon receiving an activation signal via a communications network. Furthermore, the controller may selectively cause the vehicle tracking unit to be in a low power mode to conserve power. Also, the controller may cooperate with the wireless communications device to intermittently awaken the vehicle tracking unit from the low power mode to poll the communications network to thereby determine whether the activation signal has been directed to the vehicle tracking unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2005Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Omega Patents, L.L.C.Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick
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Publication number: 20070285512Abstract: A communication system has a communication terminal and information processing device that can be mounted on a movable body. The information processing device includes a request transmission part that transmits to a communication terminal within a predetermined range a request signal, the request signal requesting the transmission of an image, through broadcast communication for transmitting information to a plurality of transmitting partners. The request signal contains a positional information indicative of a position. The communication terminal includes: an image shooting part that shoots an image around the communication terminal; a position acquisition part that obtains a position at which the image is shot; a recording part that associates and records the shot image and the position; and a receiving part that receives the request signal; and an image transmission part that transmits an image.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2007Publication date: December 13, 2007Inventors: Mitsuhiro Kitani, Hidenori Sakaniwa
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Patent number: 7299127Abstract: A combined GPS/Bluetooth module for a vehicle may be mounted on, e.g., the rear view mirror housing to receive position information from GPS and other information (such as tire pressure and other vehicle diagnostic information) over a Bluetooth link. In turn, the module can transmit over Bluetooth both the GPS data and the diagnostic information to the vehicle onboard computer or to a PDA, wireless telephone, or other display-bearing device in the vehicle for display thereof.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2003Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.Inventors: Michael Ian Willer, Takayasu Muto, Donald Robert Caldwell
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Patent number: 7286914Abstract: A system for collecting and distributing maritime data includes a vessel configured to transmit a signal representative of a current location of the vessel or an expected location of the vessel; a computer network including one or more databases, each of which includes one or more zone of concern data, wherein the zone of concern data corresponds to a zone of concern; and a service provider configured to receive the signal, retrieve the one or more zone of concern data from the computer network based upon the signal and transmit the one or more zone of concern data to the vessel. The zone of concern data is maritime data that is conducive to the safe, secure and economical operation of the vessel. The zone of concern is a three-dimensionally distance-bounded area surrounding the vessel or a time-bounded area surrounding the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2003Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Inventors: Peggy Cerchione, legal representative, Joseph P. Kelly, Victor John Yannacone, Jr., Angelo J. Cerchione, deceased
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Patent number: 7273172Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to automate inventory and dispatch procedures at a staging area by automatically detecting the arrival or departure of delivery vehicles, container devices and other such items. Detection of these items is facilitated by the use of automatic identification tags, and other such devices, that are physically associated with each such item. According to one aspect of the invention, the detection of inbound vehicles and related container devices triggers a series of automated communications that facilitate the dispatch of such items within the staging area. Additionally, when a delivery vehicle or container device departs, the system can be configured to check the tag or device associated with each such item so as to confirm that the correct container device(s) are associated with the correct outbound delivery vehicle. The system further provides a method of tracking inventories of such items in real time.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2004Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: John A. Olsen, III, David L. Bradley
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Patent number: 7263441Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for controlling an electronic device. In one embodiment, a controller is coupled with a position determining component, and a motion detecting component. In one embodiment, the motion detecting component detects motion of the electronic device and generates a signal to the controller indicating the motion. The controller, in response to the signal, causes the position determining component to determine the geographic location of the electronic device. The geographic location is compared with a pre-defined zone and, in response to the comparing, a command is generated for controlling the electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2004Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Trimble Navigation LimitedInventors: Gregory T. Janky, Dennis Workman, Ami Bergstrom
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Patent number: 7259671Abstract: Disclosed is a proximity aware personal alert system including a first mobile transceiver unit and a second mobile transceiver unit in communication with the first mobile transceiver unit via an RF link where the second mobile transceiver provides an alarm indication when the first mobile transceiver has moved a predetermined distance from the second mobile transceiver unit. When the RF link is configured as a Bluetooth link, the first and second mobile transceiver units form a monitoring piconet where the second mobile transceiver unit provides the alarm indication when the first mobile transceiver unit moves beyond a distance of approximately ten meters from the second mobile transceiver unit. The first transceiver unit is worn by a monitored person such as a child and the second transceiver unit is worn by a monitoring person such as a parent of the child.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2004Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Inventors: Christine Ganley, Don Ganley, Maura Junius, Anna Maria Kirchner
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Patent number: 7250860Abstract: A controller (301), for example on a field interface of a resource management system (300), determines a location of a mobile object (303a, 303b, 303c) and controls an environment thereof. The controller (301) receives, via a first transceiver (307), a communication including information representative of the mobile object; receives a command via a second transceiver (317) and controls the environment outside of the mobile object responsive to the command and/or the communication. A controller, for example on the mobile object (303a, 303b, 303c), detects a location of the mobile object (303a, 303b, 303c) via device (305a, 305b, 305c). The controller collects information about the mobile object including location; transmits, to a controller via its transceiver, a communication including the information; receives a command via its transceiver; and controls operation of the mobile object responsive to the command.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Signature Control Systems, Inc.Inventors: Brian J. Smith, Eric Schafer
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Patent number: 7242322Abstract: A covert activity monitoring apparatus and conditional response system having a response apparatus comprising a sensor interface and a wireless interface and one or more sensors having a predetermined conditional interrupt that can result in the response apparatus logging an activity for later download and/or transmitting an alarm condition to a remote monitoring system. In addition the remote monitoring system can initiate a locator sequence for the article incorporating the activity monitoring system.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2005Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Wherify Wireless, Inc.Inventors: Timothy Neher, Anthony LaRochelle, Bob Jacobsen, Ali Naddaf, Simon Swain, Richard Rowe
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Patent number: 7239236Abstract: A premise-monitoring alarm system has a base transceiver for a control panel and numerous distributed remote transceivers servicing the numerous distributed remote alarm-event sensors. Given remote transceivers are enhanced with a user-sensible indicator as well as a user interface. For installation purposes, a remote transceiver responds to a manual trigger through the interface with transmission of a test signal. The base transceiver responds to any within-range test signal with sending a reply signal. In turn, the sending-remote transceiver responds to reception of the reply signal with output of a user-sensible indication through the user-sensible indicator. That way, during installation, a single installer can determine when the two transceivers are within range without help from additional persons or equipment.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Inventor: Rick A. Britton
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Patent number: 7228199Abstract: A system and method for remote monitoring of material storage levels for dry bulk goods, wherein an independent entity, such as a transportation carrier, can continuously monitor raw material supply levels at a remote manufacturing plant, and, based on projected usage rates, place timely orders on behalf of the plant, with preselected vendors, to replenish depleted raw materials. The transportation carrier can then coordinate material shipments from the vendor to the manufacturing site using its own trucks. In this manner, the task of maintaining sufficient on site raw material storage levels is completely removed from the manufacturing plant.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: J.P. Donmoyer, IncInventor: David B. Wallace
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Patent number: 7227071Abstract: The present invention provides a music search system for conducting music search, which allows the user to easily listen to music matched to situation. The music search system includes a music data storage section, a location acquisition section, a parameter converting section, a music search section, and a reproducing section. The music data storage section stores a plurality of pieces of music data so as to be associated with a corresponding one of music parameters. The location acquisition section acquires a situation parameter. The parameter converting section converts the situation parameter acquired by the location acquisition section into the music parameter. The music search section uses the music parameter resulted from conversion by the parameter converting section to search through the plurality of pieces of music data stored in the music storage section and selects a piece of music to be reproduced. The reproducing section reproduces the piece of music selected by the music search section.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2003Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junichi Tagawa, Masayuki Misaki, Hiroaki Yamane, Masako Ono, Ryoichi Yagi
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Patent number: 7206672Abstract: The invention concerns a data bus system (30) including a communication unit (40) for bidirectional wireless communication with at least one unit (20) outside of the vehicle (10) and with vehicle units (50, 60, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 90, 110, 120, 130, 140) which are in data transmission communication with the communication unit (40) via at least one data bus (150, 152, 154), wherein data as to status of the vehicle units (50, 60, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 90, 110, 120, 130, 140) is transmitted via the at least one data bus (150, 152, 154) to the communication unit (40) and transmittable via the communication unit (40) to at least one unit (20) outside the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventor: Achim Mueller
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Patent number: 7199726Abstract: A mobile location reporting communication system consists of a network of communication sources and targets managed by one or more control stations. In the system, a communication source may request for the location of a mobile communication target from the network. The target conveys its location to the network and that information is provided to the source. In the invention a mobile communication source request for the location of mobile communication targets that are present in a prescribed geographic boundary. The network provides to the source only remote targets that are present in the prescribed boundary. Also in the invention, a concealed or clandestine mobile portable target, close to the mobile portable source, may be tracking the source. The source may invoke a method that may the result of mobile targets that have traveled a pre-specified distance with the source while maintaining proximity to the source.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Inventor: Mundi Fomukong
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Patent number: 7194330Abstract: A container tracking system comprises a dispatcher workstation with a graphical user interface and a database. These are used to track the whereabouts of shipping containers in a storage and transfer yard. A mobile unit in the yard is attached to container handling equipment and monitors the container lock-on mechanism. When a container is locked on for a move, the mobile unit starts reporting positions and velocities to the dispatcher workstation over a radio channel. These positions and solutions are computed from a combination of GPS satellite navigation receiver solutions, inertial navigation, and local beacon markers. Reports stop when the container handling equipment unlocks from the container. The database then updates the new position for that container, and the graphical user interface can be used to “see” the container on a yard map.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2003Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Containertrac.com, Inc.Inventor: Robert M. Carson
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Patent number: 7191058Abstract: A vehicle monitoring and notification system includes a mapping application and a data manager. The mapping application receives data identifying a particular location and automatically translates this data into a set of location values. The mapping application then stores the foregoing set of location values. The data manager retrieves the stored set of location values and monitors travel of a vehicle based on location values produced by a location sensor coupled to the vehicle. The data manager compares a set of location values produced by the sensor to the stored set of location values to determine when the vehicle is within a predefined proximity of the particular location. When the data manager determines that the vehicle is within the predefined proximity of the particular location, the data manager causes a notification message to be transmitted to a user communications device to notify a user of an impending arrival of the vehicle at the particular location.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2003Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Melvino Technologies, LimitedInventors: David Laird, Martin Kelly Jones
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Patent number: 7187278Abstract: A method and apparatus that automatically tracks, monitors and schedules the shipping of objects through carriers such as delivery trucks, ships, or planes is disclosed. A tracking tag is attached to each shipped object. The tracking tag and transportation system uses such techniques as GPS, cellular technology, and bar coding, and sensors such as those that make temperature, pressure, and noise measurements as sources of tracking information. Logic rules and hierarchical weights are given to each source, for any given condition so that the most accurate tracking is made. Tracking is continuous throughout the object's trip. Another set of logic rules is applied to take actions to intervene in the shipping process. For example if it seems the object is off schedule, upgrades or downgrades to the shipping are made. The transportation system can be integrated within a customer's company to facilitate easy scheduling, and production management.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2001Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Inventor: Peter Biffar
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Patent number: 7177907Abstract: Messages with a valid range are selected by a message filter unit among the messages received through a network by a message reception unit, and the selected messages with a valid range are temporarily stored in a message storage unit. A message delivery assessment unit compares periodically the valid range of the stored message with a valid range with a current position obtained by a positioning unit, and a message delivery unit delivers the message with a valid range for which the current position is in the valid range, to a user. As a result, the message reception device can deliver the message valid in a specific location to the user with an appropriate timing.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2002Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Kazuhiro Sakata
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Patent number: 7174243Abstract: The invention provides a wireless, internet-based system for monitoring and analyzing both GPS and diagnostic data collected from a vehicle. Specifically, the present invention provides a system for collecting these types of data and analyzing them to provide improved determination and mapping of the vehicle's location.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: HTI IP, LLCInventors: Bruce Lightner, Larkin Hill Lowrey, Mark Hunt
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Patent number: 7158016Abstract: A crash notification system (12) for an automotive vehicle (10) is used to communicate with a communication network (22) and ultimately to a response center (24). The system (12) within vehicle (10) includes an occupant sensor (30) that generates an occupant sensor status signal. A crash sensor (34) a vehicle identification number memory (48), or a vertical acceleration sensor (46) may also be used to provide information to the controller (14). The controller (14) generates a communication signal that corresponds to the occupant sensor status signal and the other information so that appropriate emergency personnel may be deployed.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2004Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technology, LLCInventors: Mark A. Cuddihy, Gurpreet Aulakh, James Helmke, Frank Perry, Judy Bridgeman
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Patent number: 7155321Abstract: A remote vehicle diagnostics, monitoring, configuration and reprogramming tool is provided. The system includes a fleet of vehicles equipped with wireless mobile communications means that enable fleet managers to remotely diagnose, monitor and reprogram vehicles in their fleet via an Internet Web-based browser environment. Each vehicle within the fleet is equipped with a smart device that is coupled to the data bus within each vehicle. Date commands relating to the vehicle's parameters (e.g., diagnostic parameters such as max road speed, engine RPM, coolant temperature, air inlet temperature, etc.) are sent and received using satellite and terrestrial wireless communications technology. The invention allows users to remotely perform total fleet logistics and eliminates (or reduces) the need to physically bring fleet vehicles to a repair, maintenance or configuration facility.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2001Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: IDSC Holdings LLCInventors: William Bromley, Brian R. Carl, Sam Chang, Brian Crull, Andrew Ditchfield, Dennis Essenmacher, Michael Kapolka