Portable position determining device

The present invention relates to electronic individual object positioning devices for determining the position or location of mobile objects, humans or animals, especially the capabilities of bidirectional paging systems, or global positioning systems with other wireless communication means. With respect to a device for determining the position or location of a moving object, human or animal by using.

Tracking the location of people or objects or animals such as livestock or pets that can move in unknown directions over a considerable area has been of interest for many years. Numerous systems have been proposed that utilize existing wireless communication capabilities, but they are either cumbersome, bulky, expensive, or have all of their drawbacks. With the advent of the Global Positioning System (GPS) service, it is possible to provide a relatively inexpensive positioning system for locating moving objects. These are typically used in trucks to provide location information for companies that have a large number of truck units at any one particular time. The location of individual tracks is determined by simultaneous reception of signals from at least three GPS satellites by satellite receivers, the location of which can then be remembered or centralized via several types of radio links. It can be transmitted to the receiving station. Further, the wireless link may be a two-way communication link, in which the position-fixing information is transmitted only in response to the reception of the request. However, the Global Positioning System (GPS) has some drawbacks: it is relatively slow to capture position data and is strongly dependent on the target object being in an empty space at the line of sight with respect to at least three GPS satellites. .. Yet another drawback, especially in small portable units, is that the GPS receiver, which must be included in the positioning device, requires the use of substantial electrical energy during the period when location information is captured and deployed from the GPS system. That is. In addition, the small, portable object detector minimizes power usage while oriented in less than ideal directions to allow for quick and efficient positioning by the GPS system, and even much more. Must be simple and easy to use.

The object detector described herein and claimed herein is for attaching a mobile communication unit having at least one coupled antenna to a mobile object to obtain the position coordinates of the mobile communication unit. Access GPS system transmissions from mobile communication units and paging networks or other wireless communications networks, such as digital cellular networks (eg Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Coordinated Split Multiple Connections (CDMA), General Packet radio services (GPRS) or 3rd generation (3G) communication protocols, radio frequency (RF) -based or satellite-based mobile telephone networks, or mobiles by premises or wide area networks (eg, the Internet) alone or in combination. It involves communicating the position coordinates from the communication unit to the base station and outputting the position coordinates to the customer or asset owner in a human-readable, audible or other recognizable form.

In one feature of the description of the invention, the mobile object detector is attached to or integrated into a collar or harness or similar attachment with at least one antenna for receiving GPS signals and communicating with the base station. Will be done. Mobile object detectors can be carried by humans that are worn or otherwise tracked or positioned, and are mounted on collars or harnesses or similar fittings, or integrated within them. The body object detector is located around the body or neck of the animal or object being tracked or positioned.

Preferably, the moving object detector is embedded or integrated in a wearable item such as clothing, watches, bangles, armbands, belts, waistbands, arm or ankle bracelets, necklaces, watch items. For example, such a small shape factor as an accessory to a key chain.

Another feature of the present invention is that the GPS receiver in the mobile object detector is urged and the GPS position coordinate data is the position of the mobile object detector worn or carried by the mobile object, human or animal (eg,). Latitude and longitude) are processed to determine.

In another feature of the invention, the mobile object detector is a digital cellular communication network or other RF-based, satellite-based or Internet to handle feedback transmissions that include location information in a location request and in response to that request. A wireless communication network, such as a base communication network, communicates with a base station alone or in combination.

In another feature of the invention, the coordinate data obtained from the GPS system can be a base station or paging network or other, whether alone or in combination with a digital cellular communication network or other RF-based, satellite-based or Internet-based communication network. It can be converted into a human-readable form on the wireless communication network of the mobile object detector and then transmitted from the mobile object detector.

In another feature of the present invention, the coordinate data obtained from the GPS system detects the mobile object before being transmitted from the mobile object detector to a paging network or another wireless communication network such as a digital cellular communication network or a base station. Converted by the machine, the GPS-enable device transmits latitude and longitude, which are mapped to town and location addresses by the device's firmware and used to track and monitor subscriber location and movement.

In another feature of the invention, the mobile object detector communicates with the base station via any suitable wireless communication network, such as a digital cellular, RF-based or satellite-based communication network, thereby gaining from a GPS system. The conversion of the coordinate data to be performed can be performed before and after transmission to the base station.

In another feature of the invention, the mobile object detector communicates directly with the data communication network (Internet) as well as the access device of the user with the cellular telephone or computer, perhaps via a wireless cellular communication network. Therefore, the user can directly inquire the position of the mobile object detector from the user's access device, and can receive an alarm or a position response at the user's access device.

Such communications are made by vibration or stimulation in audio, video, fax, email, instant messaging, text messaging, short message service (SMS) messaging, internet protocols, voice, voicemail, and at least one of the five senses. be able to. Alerts can be communicated via one of the following means of communication: SMS, fax, email, instant messaging, internet protocol, voice, voicemail, GPRS, CDMA, WAP protocol, internet or text. ..

In yet another feature of the invention, the output of location information can be provided in text or utterance or graphic form via a loudspeaker or display when user selectable.

Another feature of the present invention is that the object detection system allows the user to draw location information on a map, manually draw location information, or identify the location of a mobile object detector from a location information message. ..

Another feature of the present invention is that the output of location information is a base station or paging, or another wireless communication network such as a digital cellular communication network, or another RF-based, satellite-based or Internet-based communication network alone or a combination thereof. Alternatively, it can be transferred from another intermediate station to another remote station.

In yet another feature of the present invention, other information includes the time when the position data was captured, the state of the mobile object detector, the state of the battery in the mobile object detector, and the mobile object detector. They can be within range, have passed boundaries or electronic fences, or have them or can be transmitted with them in connection with the output of location information, including broadcasts of alarm states.

In yet another feature of the present invention, the mobile object detection system automatically determines the position information and sends it to the base station or dials up to the user position to report the position information.

Yet another feature of the invention is the server equipment associated with the monitoring service, which operates in a mobile object detector "tracking" mode for receiving location updates not desired by the user (customer). The server acts as an intermediary and information storage device that can be accessed by the user upon request and as a generator of alarm and map information.

Another feature of the present invention is that the mobile object detector includes the ability to store medical records of humans or animals, and is endowed with the ability to monitor remote health and to diagnose and monitor compliance.

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its advantages, reference is made to the following description with accompanying drawings.

<figref num="1">It is a block diagram of the object detection system of this invention.</figref><figref num="2">It is the schematic of the example of the object detector by this invention.</figref><figref num="3A">FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an object detector supported by a collar according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="3B">FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an object detector supported by a collar according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="3C">FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an object detector supported by a collar according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="4">It is a block diagram of the object detector of this invention.</figref><figref num="5">It is a flowchart of the normal operation of an object detector.</figref><figref num="6">It is a flowchart of the operation of the object detector which receives an additional external control.</figref><figref num="7">FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a distance-dependent implementable system used to perform external control of an object detector.</figref><figref num="8">It is a block diagram of a base station which can be used with the object detector of this invention.</figref><figref num="9">FIG. 6 is a block diagram of another embodiment of a base station that can be used with the object detector of the present invention.</figref><figref num="10">It is a flowchart of the operation of the object detection system of this invention which obtains the position data through bidirectional paging.</figref><figref num="11">It is a block diagram of another embodiment of the object detection system of this invention.</figref><figref num="12A">It is a block diagram of another embodiment of the base station according to this invention.</figref><figref num="12B">It is a block diagram of still another embodiment of the base station by this invention.</figref><figref num="13">It is a figure of the enlarged part of the flowchart of FIG. 10 which shows another embodiment of the operation of the object detection system of this invention.</figref><figref num="14">It is a figure which shows one Embodiment of the back-end system which includes a customer radio cell telephone interface, a customer web interface, and a tracking server component.</figref><figref num="15">FIG. 5 illustrates yet another embodiment of the backend infrastructure 600 that can be used with the present invention.</figref><figref num="16">FIG. 5 illustrates an example web interface display presented to a subscriber device exhibiting various features accessible via a base station.</figref><figref num="17">FIG. 5 illustrates an example web interface display that allows a subscriber to configure tracking / geo-fence monitoring and alarm structures via a fixed or mobile web browser device according to one embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="18">It is a figure which shows the screen display interface of one example which provides the function for setting the alarm by one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="19">It is a figure which shows the interface which provides the present fence allocation information by 1 Embodiment of this invention and enables a subscriber to construct a fence.</figref><figref num="20A">It is a figure which shows the screen interface of the example which enables the user to identify a fence boundary by one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="20B">It is a figure which shows the screen interface of the example which enables the user to try-display the fence boundary by one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="20C">It is a figure which shows the screen interface of the example which enables the user to change the position of a fence boundary by one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="21">It is a figure which shows the display of one example which a subscriber can assign contact to receive the alarm message by one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="22">FIG. 5 illustrates an example display with an entry field that allows the user to identify a contact that receives an alert generated by a back-end system.</figref>

With reference to FIG. 1, the object detection system block diagram of the present invention is shown. In FIG. 1, the object detection system 10 includes a bidirectional paging system 12, a global geometric position system 50, and an object detector 42. The bidirectional paging system 12 is a conventional paging system well known in technology, for example, as shown and described in US Pat. No. 5,423,056 (Lindquist et al.). The bidirectional paging system 12 interacts with base station 18 through transmit and receive paths 16. The base station 18 may include a telephone pager or the like, or may have an input 20 for receiving a dial-in telephone number from the telephone set 24 along the communication path 22 or from the wireless telephone set 25 by the communication path 31. The base station 18 is, in other embodiments, the center of the paging service in the bidirectional paging system 12 or instead of being another operating point of the user's entry for interacting with the object detection system 10 of the present invention. It can be a monitoring service combined with a bidirectional paging system 12. Input 20 typically responds to dual-tone multi-frequency (DT MF) tones transmitted by telephone set 24 or wireless 20 telephone set 25. The base station 18 further has an output 26, and the position data displayed from the output is transmitted to the display 30 along the path 28. The display 30 can be configured to display location information in any form, such as text, figures, graphics or numbers. In another embodiment, the bidirectional paging system 12 can be replaced directly with an RF link or other wireless communication channel. The bidirectional paging system 12 is shown in an exemplary embodiment of the description of the invention to functionally represent the concept of the invention.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 1, the object detection system 10 of the present invention includes an object detector 42. In one of its modes of operation, as a bidirectional paging transceiver, the object detector 42 receives the signal transmitted by the bidirectional paging system 12 along the path 32 and sends the paging signal to the bidirectional paging system 12 along the path 34. Includes input 40 coupled to antenna 36 along cable 38 for transmission. The object detector 42 also includes an input 44 for receiving a position signal from the Global Positioning System (GPS) system 50 along the path 52, whereby the position signal is received by the antenna 48 and into the path 46. It is guided to the input 44 of the object detector 42 along. The Global Positioning Satellite System 50 is, for example, a conventional design well known for the technology described in US Pat. No. 5,726,660 (Purdy et al.). Alternatively, the location signal can be received from the Glasnost satellite system currently in use in Russia, either by using a receiving system configured for such reception or by using the European Galilean satellite system.

Yet another satellite system that can be used to track animals and pets according to the invention is the Baidu satellite system recently launched by the Chinese government. In some embodiments, the mobile object detector device can receive signals from a number of systems (eg Glonass and GPS) for improved navigation.

In operation, the object detector 42 is intended to be carried or attached to a person, object or animal positioned or tracked by the object detection system of the present invention. The user enters the system from base station 18 by dialing the telephone number address corresponding to object detector 42, which acts as a paging transceiver on telephone 24, for example. The telephone number address can also be dialed from the radiotelephone 25 and transmitted via RF channel 31. The DTMF signal is then transmitted along path 22 to input 20 of base station 18, where it is converted to a paging transmission signal and transmitted from antenna 15 to bidirectional paging system 12 along transmission path 14. The bidirectional paging system 12 relays the paging message to the antenna 36 coupled to the object detector 42 via the transmit path 32. As will be described in more detail below, the object detector 42 processes the position information request transmitted by the base station 18, obtains the position information from the global positioning satellite system 50, and responds including the position information. Is transmitted from the antenna 36 to the bidirectional paging system 12 along the path 34, and the bidirectional paging system 12 processes the position information along the path 16 to the antenna 15 of the base station 18 to process it and display it on the display 30. Relay the signal. The location information relay respond to either or special queries are automatically performed may be performed in answer. Instead, the radio paths 14 and 16 along with the antenna 15 can each be equipped with a standard telephone connection to the headquarters. Therefore, the paging center can dial the base station's telephone number to transfer location information.

Referring to FIG. 2, a schematic diagram of the object detector 42 is shown, which can typically be configured with a bidirectional paging antenna 36 and a GPS receiving antenna 48. The bidirectional paging antenna 36 is coupled to the object detector 42 along a cable 38 to the input 40 on the object detector 42. Similarly, the GPS receiving antenna 48 is coupled along the cable 46 to the input 44 on the object detector 42. The bidirectional paging antenna 36 shown in FIG. 2 is intended to represent the fact that this antenna of the object detector 42 is a typical type that can be found in a bidirectional paging device. Such antennas are typically mounted internally to the pager unit itself and are therefore necessarily very small in size. However, there can be applications of the object detector 42 of the invention that can be optimized by using an external antenna as shown in FIG. Therefore, the diagram of the bidirectional paging antenna 36 in FIG. 2 is not limited, but merely an example. The GPS receiving antenna 48 is commonly referred to as a "patch antenna" because of its flat, thin and rectangular design. Such patch antennas are typically intended to be placed relatively horizontally in the upward direction, thereby receiving relatively weak signals transmitted by the Global Positioning Satellite system from satellites aligned with the GPS system. Be exposed to do. Figure 2 therefore shows that both antennas used in the system are arranged for optimal reception and transmission, object detector 42 using flexible cables 38 and 46 for bidirectional paging antenna 36 and GPS receiving antenna 48, respectively. Prove that it can be connected to.

Referring to FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c, a schematic view of the object detector 42 mounted at the bottom of the collar 45 is shown. Such a collar 45 is configured to support the object detector 42 around the body or neck of an animal intended to be tracked or positioned by the object detector 10 of the present invention. It will be observed that the GPS antenna 48 is mounted on the collar in a position that is diametrically opposite to the position of the object detector. This is done with the intent as described below. The object detector is coupled to the GPS antenna 48 through a cable 46 that connects to input 44 of the object detector 42. This configuration is shown in FIG. 3A and is further clarified by looking at cross sections A-A'shown in FIG. 3B. Sections A-A'show a side view of the object detector mounted on the collar, where the collar 45 supports the object detector 42 at its lower point and at its diametrically opposite upper point. Supports GPS antenna 48. As mentioned above, the GPS antenna 48 is coupled to the input 44 of the object detector 42 through the cable 46. Similarly, the side view shown in cross section in Figure 3C shows the opposite side of the object detector 42 assembly mounted on the collar. In cross section B-B', the collar 45 is shown, which supports the object detector 42 at its lower point and the patch antenna or GPS antenna 48 at its diametrically opposite upper point. In addition, cross section B-B'shows a bidirectional paging antenna 36 coupled to input 40 of object detector 42. Objects that integrate the detector and antenna as one unit positioned on or in the collar, or instead have the detector and antenna distributed on or in the collar. It will be recognized that the detector and its antenna can be placed or mounted on the collar 45. However, the mass of the object detector 42, which is larger than the mass of the GPS antenna 48, and these are mounted on the opposite side of the collar 45. It also allows the object detector 42 to always remain in the lowest possible position and the GPS receiving antenna to always remain in the highest possible position in order to optimize reception from the GPS satellite system 50. Will be recognized. Clasps or buckles for the collar 45 to be opened and closed to secure the collar around the animal's neck or body to be tracked or positioned are not shown in Figures 3A-3C. Many structures are possible and will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

In a preferred embodiment, the mobile object detector is embedded or integrated within a wearable item such as clothing, watches, bangles, armbands, belts or waistbands, arm or ankle bracelets, necklaces, watch items. Or it should be understood that it is such a small shaped element, for example as an accessory to a key holder. Thus, mobile object detectors can be carried individually by children, pets or the elderly, without being bulky or fixed. In addition, mobile object detectors with such small shaped elements include a water resistant and waterproof housing (water resistant to at least 1 fathom).

With reference to FIG. 4, a block diagram of the object detector 42 of the object detection system 10 of the present invention is shown. A paging receiver 60 or other digital radio communication receiver is shown with a data output 62 coupled to the input of controller 66 along path 64. The control device 66 includes a memory 68 for storing position data and a battery 70 for encouraging the object detector 42. The battery 70 is a rechargeable battery in the embodiments of the present invention. The battery 70 can be a NiCad battery or a lithium ion battery. A solar cell 71, such as a conventional crystalline silicon solar cell, or, for example, a thin film solar cell (CdTe battery) made of cadmium telluride, is provided to charge the battery 70. Silicon solar cells can instead be equipped with multi-layer devices such as copper, indium, gallium, and selenium (CIGS) compound structures. Other high efficiency solar cells that can be recharged can include Gel batteries, GaAs batteries, organic / polymer solar cells, thin films of silicon, and thin films of silicon are amorphous silicon (based on adhesion parameters). It comprises a-Si or Si: H), protocrystalin silicon or nanocrystallin silicon (nc-Si or Nc-Si: H). Alternatively, replaceable batteries that are not standard or rechargeable can be used as well.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the controller 66 includes a control output 72 coupled to the control input 76 of the paging receiver or a similar digital radio communication receiver 60 along the path 74. The paging or similar digital radio communication receiver 60 receives paging or radio communication via the antenna 36R coupled to the RF input 40R of the paging receiver 60 along the cable 38R.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 4, the GPS receiver 78 is shown, which is the equipment for coupling the position data of the output 80 to the input terminal 84 of the controller 66 along the path 82. The GPS receiver 78 further includes an enable input coupled along the path 88 from the controller 66 at output 86 to the enable input 90 of the GPS receiver 78. The GPS receiver 78 receives a GPS signal from the Global Positioning Satellite System 50 at antenna 48, and the signal is coupled to the RF input 44 of the GPS receiver 78 along the path 46. In another embodiment, the GPS receiver 78 can be configured to receive a differential GPS (D-GPS) signal to enhance the accuracy of determining position coordinates. In addition to D-GPS, external accuracy enhancements such as A-GPS (Assisted GPS) and HA-GPS (Hybrid, Assisted GPS), such as gpsOne (trade name) (provided by Calcom). Other GPS systems that use the system can be used to enhance the accuracy of determining position coordinates. Other network-assisted positioning techniques, including E-OTD (enhanced and observed time difference), which is a network-assisted positioning technique governed by the provision of positioning service (LCS) capabilities described in the 3GPP standard, for example, are implemented. It is understood that it can be done.

Non-GPS-based solutions for providing geolocation capabilities are further considered for use by the object detection systems of the present invention, for example network-based triangulation and cell tower positioning techniques can be performed. Three towers can be used to triangulate the position of the object detector, for example by setting up a sparse network of towers of known height with relative positions of the towers in a known network. This method is useful in determining the plane position and can be used to determine at least two coordinates: longitude and latitude, which is sufficient for determining any position on the earth. In addition, 3G (3rd generation) MIMO (multi-input, multi-output) based wireless systems can be used in geolocation applications according to the present invention. In addition, the emerging UWB (Ultra Wideband) Location-Position Networks (U-PoLoNets) can be used to track the location of object detectors.

Further shown in FIG. 4 is a paging transmitter or similar digital radio communication transmitter 92 configured to transmit the position data provided by the controller 66 at output 98 to the data input 94 of the paging transmitter 92 along path 96. It is shown. The controller 66 also provides an enable output of output 100 to the enable input 104 of the paging or similar digital radio communication transmitter 92 along the path 102. When the paging transmitter 92 is enabled, it transmits the data received at the data input 94 and is transmitted from the output terminal 40T to the paging transmitter antenna 36T along the path 38T so that it is radiated to the bidirectional paging system 12. Combine the signals so that. Although the paging system components are shown as separate functional elements in Figure 4, it has been recognized that they can actually be integrated into a single bidirectional paging transceiver that shares a common antenna, represented by reference number 38. Yeah. FIG. 4 is intended to provide clarity regarding the signal path operating during the communication relationship period of the object detector 42 having the bidirectional paging system 12. Multiple structures for coupling an antenna to a paging transceiver are feasible and well known in technology and will not be discussed further here.

Systems that use a digital wireless communication transmitter instead transmit the data received at data input 94 when enabled and a wireless antenna from the output terminal 40T along path 38T to be radiated to the cellular communication network. Combine the signals to be sent to the 36T.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 4, a block labeled "Signal Detector" 106 with output 108 coupled to enable input 112 of controller 66 along path 110 is shown. The signal detector 106 can enable more precise control of the object detector 42 by limiting the operation of the object detector 42 to some external conditions outside the paging communication or GPS reception area by the object detector 42. Represents any number of optional devices. In the exemplary example shown in FIG. 4, the signal detector 106 outputs the signal detector 106 whenever its detection threshold is crossed by the signal energy taken by the antenna 105 from an independent source. I will provide a. In another embodiment, the signal detector 106 can be used to measure the RF signal energy, eg, the field strength noise or signal-to-noise ratio of the signal present at antenna 36R shown in FIG. .. Such a threshold value exceeds this point and represents, for example, a limit point at which the object detector can be operated by an electronic fence or the like, or the threshold value indicates that the object detector 42 is, for example, a base station. Being in line of sight, within that distance the position of the object detector can probably represent a distance that does not provide useful information. Alternatively, the threshold can be expressed in terms of time or altitude, or as heading. Alternatively, the object detector 42 can be programmed to trigger an alarm when the object detector 42 moves out of the perimeter. Such perimeters can be programmed by physically positioning the object detector 42 in extreme areas and are reported to the object detector's memory while the GPS receiver 78 is in operation. The object detector 42 automatically sets a boundary to report the location outside the memory. Furthermore, the surroundings can be limited by at least one coordinate stored in the object detector memory.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 4, it will be recognized that each major functional block shown in FIG. 4 is composed of integrated circuits that can be configured to fit within a housing of very small dimensions. .. For example, a pocket pager that typically occupies a volume of about 3 to 5 cubic inches can weigh 4 to 6 ounces. The controller 66 can include a single-chip microprocessor or microprocessor or digital signal processor that can be programmed to provide a variety of functions and operating characteristics. Since such a program is used by the control device 66 in controlling the operation of the object detector 52, it can be stored in the memory 68. The paging receiver 60, the paging transmitter 92, and the GPS receiver 78 are indicated by functional blocks, but in reality each of them can have a plurality of complicated functions. Therefore, many k structures and functional operations are possible within the block diagram shown in FIG. For example, the GPS receiver 78 of the object detector 42 transmits OTA by a timer (not shown) of controller 66, or rather via a scheduled or ad hoc urging signal received over the Internet. It can be enabled or urged at periodic intervals via, or through cellular telephone communications or through a paging network. Such periodic urging is useful when the object detector 42 acts as a tracking device or when it automatically captures location information and sends it to a paging system or cellular telephone system 12 or base station 18. is there. In another embodiment, the GPS receiver 78 can be enabled or urged from a bidirectional paging system 12 that acts as a base station for multiple customers using the object positioning service, or by a command from the monitoring service. Such paging systems or monitoring services provide location information to users or groups by wireless or wire-connected channel means. Can communicate with the local station. The following detailed description exemplifies a description of some basic operating characteristics of the object detection system 10 of the present invention. One such feature represented by the signal detector block 106 will be described below with FIG.

Referring to FIG. 5, a flowchart of the operation of the object detector 42 shown in FIG. 4 when the user tries to determine the position of the object detector 42 is shown. This condition can be any number of users, including, for example, the effort of the owner to locate a pet dog or pet cat, or a child or Alzheimer's or a person who may have similar cognitive impairment or situation. Can represent the activity of. Similarly, the behavior shown in FIG. 5 can include the state in which the owner attempts to track the object to which the object detector 42 is attached over time. In addition, the flowchart in FIG. 5 can also show the state when the object detector 42 is attached to or carried by a person, and that person's position at a particular time or some other previous time, as described further below. It may be desirable to know. The flow begins at the beginning of the operation sequence of block 202, after which the object detector 42 requests a page or similar urging signal, such as an SMS message, location information, to a bidirectional paging receiver 60 or similar digital radio communication receiver. Followed by a decision block 204 that attempts to determine whether or not it has been received by input 40 of. If the result of this decision is negative, the flow returns to the input of the decision block to retry. However, if the result of the query is affirmative, the flow proceeds to block 206 and the GPS receiver 78 regresses the signal from the Global Positioning Satellite System 50 shown in Figure 1 to position the object detector 42. Can be captured.

When the coordinates of the object detector 42, and thus the coordinates of the individual object or animal to which the object detector 42 is attached, are properly captured, the object detector 42 then transfers the coordinate information to the memory 68 of the control device 66 of the object detector 42. By loading, the block 208 operates to store the coordinate information. Such coordinate information can be associated with a time stamp. Such time stamps obtained from GPS satellite systems can then be stored in block 208 for later retrieval. In addition, such coordinate information can be further added to other information for communicating to the base station, such as object detector operating status, signal strength transmitted, threshold crossing, battery status, alarm signal, etc. Can be related. The flow then proceeds from block 208, where the coordinates are stored in memory 68 at block 210, where the object detector 42 is configured to send the coordinates in response to requests received across the bidirectional paging system 12. .. The transmission of coordinates is done in the opposite direction using the same bidirectional paging system 12 for which the position table request was received in block 204. Following the transmission of the coordinates of block 210, the flow proceeds to timer block 212, which gives the measured time interval, which is the period during which the object detector 42 attempts to capture the coordinates from the GPS system 50 at a particular time. It is well known that a typical GPS system takes a substantial amount of time to capture position coordinate information from a sufficient number of satellites to fix the position of the object detector 42 with sufficient accuracy. The time required involves receiving some signal in situations where it can vary widely from moment to moment, which is the request received by the paging receiver 60 of the object detector 42. Impairs the ability of the GPS receiver 78 as shown in Figure 4 to obtain complete location data to respond to. The time value represented by the timer running on block 212 is, for example, about 5 to 10 minutes. It may be a degree. At block 212, if the timer has not reached the timeout value, the flow returns to the input of block 206, where the object detector 52 is again using the GPS system 50 to capture the coordinates. Returning to block 212, if the timer has reached its end value, the flow proceeds from block 212 to block 214 and the routine ends. This timed step works to maximize the opportunity to acquire and capture location information and to limit the use of power by the GPS receiver 78. Figure 5 therefore shows the basic mode of operation of the object detector 42. It will be appreciated that many changes in this basic mode of operation are possible and can be used to enhance the operation of the object detector 42. Such characteristics can be programmed into the controller 66 of the object detector 42.

Referring to FIG. 6, GPS reception in this exemplary embodiment when the object detector 42 is in a position that exceeds the distance limit with respect to the base station or some other defined position where the request for position coordinates was initiated. A flowchart of the operation of the object detector 42 in a situation where the position information is obtained only from the machine 78 is shown. The flowchart in FIG. 6 further shows additional steps in the sequence of operations that can be used to enable and disable the GPS receiver 78 within the object detector 42. As pointed out earlier, the GPS receiver 78 is a device that typically requires substantial power to operate, so the object detection system 10 of the present invention is from the object detector battery 70 of FIG. It is effective to minimize the power drawn. This can be achieved by limiting the operating cycle of the GPS receiver 78, as the object detector 42 will be able to operate for a length sufficient to obtain the required coordinate information.

The flow starts at the start block 220 in FIG. 6 and proceeds from there to block 222, where the object detector 42 is such as the minimum distance from the base station or other defined location where the object detector 42 requests location information. Determine if the predetermined limit is exceeded. If the decision is negative, i.e. the object detector 42 does not exceed a predetermined limit, the flow returns to the input of decision block 222 for another attempt. This looping continues as long as the object detector 42 is within the predetermined limits set by the circuit within the object detector 42 and the rest of the object detection system 10 of the present invention. The functional operation of an exemplary example of such a predetermined limit characteristic will be further described below together with FIG.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 6, the flow proceeds from the start block 220 to the decision block 222 to determine whether the object detector 52 has received a query from the base station 18. If no query has been received, the flow proceeds to timer block 224 along the "N" path, where object detector 42 captures position coordinates whether the query is received from base station 18. As such, a timed sequence can be operated to periodically enable the GPS receiver 78. When the timer in block 224 times out, the flow proceeds to block 226 along the "Y" path and enables GPS receiver 78. Returning to decision block 222, if object detector 42 receives a query from base station 18, the flow proceeds to block 226 along the "Y" path to enable GPS receiver 78.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 6, the flow of the object detector 42 proceeds from block 226 to block 228 and captures the coordinates of the position of the object detector 42. The flow then proceeds to decision block 229 to determine if the object detector 42 exceeds a predetermined limit for base station 18. If the decision result of block 229 is negative, the flow proceeds to decision block 231 along the "N" path, where the counter sets the predetermined limit required by object detector 42 in block 229. Gives a predetermined number of trials to set whether or not it is exceeded. If the counter in decision block 321 has not expired, that is, if the last count has not completed all attempts or attempts to determine if the object detector 42 has exceeded the limit, then the flow is Proceed to re-enter block 228 to capture position coordinates along the "N" path. When the counter in block 231 finishes the last count, the flow proceeds along the "Y" path to the input of decision block 222. Returning to decision block 229, if it is determined that the object detector 42 exceeds a predetermined limit, the flow will remember the position coordinates captured from the GPS satellites during the step period performed in block 228. Proceeding to block 230 along the "Y" path, the enable signal given to the enable terminal 90 therefore acts to evoke the GPS receiver 78, which allows it to communicate with the GPS system and provide the location coordinates of the object detector 42. Obtainable. Therefore, the flow proceeds from block 226, where the GPS receiver 78 is enabled, to block 228, where the object detector 42 captures coordinate information from the Global Positioning Satellite System 50.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 6, when capturing the coordinates of the object detector 42 from the GPS receiver 78, the control device 66 in the object detector 42 provides the position information to the memory of the object detector 42 in the operation block 230 of FIG. Remember in 68. The flow then proceeds to block 232, where controller 66 acts to disable GPS receiver 78, thereby no longer from the battery until it is desired to capture coordinate information from GPS system 50. Do not keep the power flowing. Following the disable of GPS receiver 78 in block 232, the flow proceeds to block 234, where object detector 42 provides position data on output terminal 98 along path 96 to data input 94 in paging transmitter 92. .. The location information is then transmitted via the bidirectional paging system 12 to the base station 18 shown in FIG. The flow proceeds from block 234 and sends the coordinate information to the timeout block 236, the timer provides the time interval allowed for the object detector 42 to capture the coordinate information from the GPS system, and the object detector 42 becomes inactive. Maximize the opportunity to capture coordinates before becoming. Here the timeout value is typically on the order of 5 to 10 minutes, but the time period may be a legally arbitrary value corresponding to a particular usage condition and is actually adjustable in some applications. Can be. If the timeout value has not been reached in block 236, the operation returns to the input in timeout block 236 and enables the object detector 42 to continue trying to capture location information from the GPS system. When the timeout value is reached, the flow returns to the start of the sequence at the input from block 236 to decision block 222 along the "Y" path, where the object detector 42 is pre-populated by the object detector 42 as described above. It is enabled to check if it is positioned beyond the specified limit.

Alternatively, the mobile detector device can detect when the pet or wearer has not moved for a preset amount of time, for example when the wearer is asleep or stationary, as another way to save battery power. An accelerometer device that can operate to put the machine device to sleep is installed. In one embodiment, the accelerometer device is a piezo film or piezoelectric sensor, Surface Micromachined Capacitive (MEMS)-an analog device available from MEMSIC, Freescale, Honeywell, Systron Donor (BEI), Thermal (Submicron CMOS Process) and , Bulk Micromachined Capacitive available from VTI Technologies, Bulk Micromachined Piezo Resistive, Capacitive Spring Mass Based available from Rieker, Electromechanical Servo (Servo Force Balance), Zero Balanced, Strain Gauge, Resonant, It can include magnetic induction type, optical, surface acoustic wave (SAW) type.

Yet another sensor device can be configured as an object detector device. For example, in addition to a motion detector (eg, an accelerometer), an additional object detector device, a temperature sensor for sensing the ambient temperature of the device, is provided, and the temperature sensor is back-end as described in detail below. It is monitored by the infrastructure and reports to the user whether the programmed temperature range has been exceeded.

Reference to FIG. 7 shows a schematic block diagram of one structure that allows the object detector 42 to be provided with a predetermined limit signal. FIG. 7 shows a base station 18 that is coupled to its antenna 126 through a cable 128 and is capable of operating to generate a signal radiated according to the radiation pattern characteristics of the base station antenna 126. In addition, FIG. 7 shows an object detector 42 containing a signal detector block 120 coupled to an antenna 122 through a cable 124. Note that base station 18 operates in transmit mode and object detector 42 operates in receive mode via antenna 122. The object detector 42 separates the object detector 42 from the base station 18 by comparing the received signal strength of the signal transmitted by the base station from the antenna 126 with the reference signal stored in the signal detector 120. You can make decisions about the location of the base station with respect to the distance you are at. In this example, the signal strength measured between base station 18 and object detector 42 is expected to deviate in a predictable way when compared to the distance separating object detector 42 from base station 18. An alternative for comparing the limit signal to the reference signal simply uses the signal-to-noise characteristic of the receiver of the object detector 42. Limits are given when it is no longer possible to obtain or capture a signal from base station 18. The limit can be adjusted by simply adjusting the signal strength of the base station. Illustratively, a predetermined limit can therefore be set by controlling the signal strength of the signal at base station 18, thereby defining a virtual boundary 130 surrounding base station 18. The signal strength is low enough that it can only be detected by the signal detector 120 of the object detector 42 at the virtual boundary 130. Therefore, if the antenna 122 of the object detector 42 is greater than the distance indicated by the radius "r" from base station 18, no signal is detected (or an acceptable threshold). (Lower than), the object detector 42 is expected to exceed a predetermined limit represented by the distance "r" which can be considered as an acceptable radius. However, if the object detector 42 receives or detects (or is higher than a predetermined threshold) the signal emitted by the base station 18, the antenna 122 of the object detector 42 is within radius "r". Predicted to be, the object detector 42 must not be urged to try to capture location information from the GPS system 50 at that point.

Referring to FIG. 8, a block diagram including a configuration that can be executed at base station 18 to process the position information received from the object detector 42 is shown. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 8, base station 302 includes paging receiver 304 having a receiving antenna 306 coupled to paging receiver 304 by cable 308. The output of the paging receiver 304 is fed along the path 312 at output 310 to input 314 of processor 316, which receives and processes location information for output or display. In the exemplary example of FIG. 8, information is stored in register 320 along path 318, and information from that register 320 goes to path 322 for output to input 328 of data display 330 along path 326 at terminal 324. It is searched by processor 316 along. In this simple example, shown by the block diagram in Figure 8, the location information is the form of longitude and latitude degrees, the name of the nearest highway intersection, or polar coordinates such as the direction of orientation, base station 302 and objects. It is processed so that it is displayed as data regarding the distance to and from the detector 42. In another embodiment, the location information is converted or changed to a voice signal during the processing operation period to be output as an utterance message via an audio output device (not shown in FIG. 8), or at least as an alphanumeric code. Can be transformed or transformed into a form for drawing on a map using any means. In other alternative embodiments, location information can be transferred from base station 18 to another remote device or station.

Referring to FIG. 9, another embodiment is shown showing a base station 350 including a paging receiver 304. The paging receiver 304 receives the position information transmitted by the object detector 42 to the antenna 306 of the paging receiver 304 along the cable 308. The paging receiver 304 is coupled from output 352 to input 356 of processor 358 of base station 350 along path 354. Processor 358 can also have access to register 380 along path 378, from which register 380 the processor 358 can further obtain location information stored from register 380 along path 382. Such location information is, of course, available from GPS receiver 368 via antenna 382 and cable 384, which information is coupled to input 374 of processor 358 along path 372 at output 370. This GPS receiver 368 is part of base station 350, which allows base station 350 to make an enhanced display of location information obtained from object detector 42.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 9, a GPS display 366 is shown that obtains data about position coordinates from processor 358 with output 360 flowing to input 364 to GPS display 366 along path 362. The GPS display 366 is configured to provide a map of the area containing both the base station 350 and the object detector 42, thus displaying the relative position of each component of the object detection system 10 with respect to the others. Maps are shown along with streets or public roads, as is typical of GPS displays, and the display included shows the location of base station 350 and object detector 42, respectively. In another feature, base station 350 can include mobile devices other than paging receivers, such as cellular telephones, PDAs, and the like.

The embodiments shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 have been described for the purpose of demonstrating the concepts and principles of the description of the present invention and are merely exemplary without limitation to this particular embodiment. The output of location information in the form of alphanumeric text, spoken messages or map displays can be performed in any number of structures that can be considered. Further, equipment may be included to allow the user to select which output means is desired. In addition, the output with location information can be indicated by or accompanied by an alarm in place of or in addition to the selected output. In addition, when the output is in text format or speech format, for example, the information given can be used to manually draw position coordinates on the geographic map of the area where the object detector 42 is used. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the processing of coordinate data generated by the GPS receiver is the control device 66 of the object detector 42 before transmitting the location information to the paging system 12 or base station 18 (see FIG. 1). (See Figure 4) can include transforming or changing coordinate data into a human readable form. In yet another embodiment of the invention, location information can be transferred from base station 18 to another remote device or station.

With reference to FIG. 10, a flowchart of the operation of the combined units of the object detection system 10 of the present invention is shown as shown in FIG. The flow starts at block 402, where the routine starts and proceeds to block 404 where base station 18 requests location information by paging object detector 42. In this block 404, base station 18 sends a request for location information to object detector 42. The flow proceeds from block 404 to block 412, with object detector 42 going through a sequence to enable GPS receiver 78 to get new position coordinate information. In it, the flow proceeds to block 406, the object detector 42 checks its own memory (see, for example, the block diagram of object detector 42 shown in Figure 4), and the flow proceeds to block 408. Here, the object detector 42 determines whether or not the coordinates actually exist in the memory. If the result is affirmative, the flow proceeds to block 410 along the "Y" path, where the object detector 42 determines whether the coordinates stored in its memory are current. If the result of block 410 is affirmative, the flow proceeds to block 420 along the "Y" path, where object detector 42 retrieves the coordinate information from its memory 68 shown in FIG. 4 and blocks 422. Set the object detector 42 to send the coordinates to the base station. In that, the flow proceeds to block 424, and the base station 18 determines whether or not the coordinate information requested by the object detector 42 has been received. If the result is affirmative, the flow proceeds to block 428 along the "Y" path, where base station 18 outputs or displays coordinate information to the user at base station 18. In that, the flow proceeds from block 428 to block 430, ending the routine.

Returning to block 424 of FIG. 10, if base station 18 determines that it has not received the requested coordinate information, the flow proceeds to decision block 426 along the "N" path. At block 426, base station 18 determines whether the most recent page of object detector 42 was actually the last attempt allowed within the protocol of base station operation. If the result is affirmative, the flow proceeds to block 418 along the "Y" path, where object detector 42 acts to disable GPS receiver 78, thereby no longer object detector 42 battery 70. Without using the power from, then proceed to block 430 and the routine ends. However, if the decision for block 426 is negative, the flow returns to the starting position of the routine for input to block 404, where base station 18 retries to page object detector 42.

Returning to block 408 of FIG. 10, the object detector 42 checks to determine if the position coordinate information is actually in memory 68 of the object detector 42. If the result is negative, the flow proceeds to block 414 along the "N" path, object detector 42 captures the new coordinate information, proceeds to block 416 as described above, and object detector 42 memory 68. Store new coordinate information in. The flow then returns to the input of block 412 and the GPS receiver 78 is enabled.

The object positioning system described above is disclosed for use with pets, which allows pet owners to locate escaped pets without asking. As described above, in one embodiment, the detector is triggered to determine the position of the pet in response to receiving a signal from the paging system. The paging system uses existing infrastructure to direct messages to moving objects such as pets via wireless links. This only requires the inclusion of a paging receiver that is tuned to the frequency of the paging transmitter. Of course, there are a large number of paging transmitters located in any predetermined area. If the pet wanders outside the range of all these paging transmitters, the system will not work. This then requires a direct RF link to the pet instead.

If the object detector 42 receives the request, the detector 42 does one of the two. First, it simply searches its own memory to determine if the position coordinates are stored in its own memory from the previous capture operation of the GPS system. If remembered, they can be returned to the requester. Instead, the GPS system is turned on in response to the request and the location is determined. Of course, as mentioned above, preparations are also made for situations that the GPS system cannot capture.

When the information is returned to the user, the disclosed embodiments include the use of a two-way pager. It is desirable for these two-way pagers to use the existing infrastructure of the paging system. This is facilitated by including multiple receivers in each paging tower or paging "stick" that allows the signal to be received and sent back to the central station. This central station then processes the received information and forwards it to the user. This information is in the form of coordinates as described above. This coordinate information can then be relayed back to the user in any number of ways. It can actually be sent back to the user via the paging channel, which can result in a redundancy of about 2-5 minutes. Instead, it can be sent directly to the user, where such an infrastructure is in place. This infrastructure can even incorporate the use of cellular telephone systems. In any case, it is necessary to relay the coordinates to the user in order to determine the relative position of the user and the unspoken pet. The bidirectional system that can be used is a conventional system, and an example of such a conventional system is described in US Pat. No. 5,708,971.

With reference to FIG. 11, a system block diagram of another embodiment of the object detection system of the present invention is shown. In FIG. 11, the object detection system 11 includes a base station 18, an object detector 42, and a global positioning satellite system 50. Base station 18 and object detector 42 communicate directly with each other via a pair of arrows, the radio links indicated by arrows 21 and 23. The wireless links 21 and 23 will be further described below. Base station 18 can include telephones, pagers, etc., or may have input 20 for receiving dial-in telephone numbers from telephone set 24 along communication path 22 or from wireless telephone set 25 by communication path 31. it can. Input 20 typically responds to dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) tones transmitted by telephone set 24 or wireless telephone set 25. The base station 18 also has an output 26, from which position data to be displayed is transmitted to the display 30 along the path 28. The display 30 can be configured to display location information in any form, such as text, figures, graphics or numbers. In a typical graphic display, a map of the area in which the object detector 42 is operating can be displayed with the position coordinates for the object detector displayed on the map played on the display 30. Radio links 21 and 23 operate between two stations, such as a direct RF link in a system that has a base station and a mobile station and does not require an intermediate station to relay transmissions between the base station and the mobile station. It can be any radio frequency communication channel that is possible. Alternatively, the radio links 21 and 23 can use satellite communications to link the object detector 42 and the base station 18 together, as shown in FIG. In such a system, antennas 15 and 36 and their associated transmit and receive structures are, of course, configured for subsequent satellite communications, as represented by radio links 21 and 23. Therefore The wireless links 21 and 23 can be constructed by a number of other means well known in the technology and will not be further described. The example shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 uses a bidirectional paging system to provide an RF or radio link between base station 18 and object detector 42.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 11, the object detection system 11 of the present invention includes an object detector 42. The object detector 42 includes an input 40 coupled to the antenna 36 along the cable 38 to receive the signal transmitted over the wireless link from the base station 18. The object detector 42 also includes an input 44 for receiving position information from the Global Positioning System (GPS) system 50 via the RF path 52 via the antenna 48. From antenna 48, GPS signals are directed to object detector 42 along path 46 to input 44. The GPS system 50 is a well-known and conventional design in technology, one example of which is described in US Pat. No. 5,726,660 (Purdy et al.). Alternatively, the position information signal can be received from the Glasnovch satellite system by using a receiving system configured for such reception.

In operation, the object detector 42 is intended to be carried or attached to a person, object or animal positioned or tracked by the object detection system 11 of the present invention. The user enters the system from the base station, for example by dialing the telephone number address corresponding to the object detector 42. The object detector 42 functions as a receiver for receiving a request or command along the wireless link 23 or a transmitter of location information to the base station 18 along the wireless link 21. As mentioned above, the telephone number can be dialed on the telephone set 24 or telephone set 25. The DTMF signal generated by the telephone set 24 or 25 is coupled to input 20 of base station 18 by path 22. At base station 18, the DTMF request signal is converted to a radio signal, transmitted from antenna 15 to antenna 36 along transmission path 23, and antenna 36 is coupled to object detector 42 along cable 38. The object detector 42 processes the position information request transmitted by the base station 18, obtains the position information from the global positioning satellite system 50, and sends a response including the position information from the antenna 36 to the antenna 15 along the path 21. Transmit, antenna 15 is coupled to base station 18 for processing and display on display 30. Alternatively, in some applications, special structural components of standard telephone channels adapted for the purpose can be replaced with radio paths 21 and 23 along with antennas 15 and 36 and their associated structures.

Referring to FIG. 12A, a block diagram of another embodiment of base station 303 including characteristics that can be performed at base station 302 of FIG. 8 above to process position information received from object detector 42. It is shown. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12A, the base station 302 includes a paging receiver 304 having a receiving antenna 306 coupled to the paging receiver 304 by a cable 308. The output of the paging receiver 304 is given at output 310 along the path 312 to input 314 of processor 316, which receives and processes location information for output or display. In the exemplary example of FIG. 12A, information is stored in register 320 via path 318. From register 320, information can be retrieved by processor 316 through path 322 for processing before being output to input 328 of data display 330 along path 326 at terminal 324. In this simple example, shown by the block diagram in Figure 12A, the location information is as the form of longitude and latitude, the name of the nearest highway intersection, as a display of object detector 42 and base station 18, or as the direction of orientation. Polar coordinates, processed to be displayed as data on the distance between base station 302 and object detector 42.

In another embodiment corresponding to FIG. 12A, the location information can be transformed or transformed into the form depicted on the map reproduced on the display 330.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the location information can be converted or converted into a voice signal for output as an uttered message via the audio output 338 shown in FIG. 12A during the processing operation period. The audio output 338 receives the position information converted or transformed into an audio signal from the output 332 along the line 334 to the input 336 of the audio output 338. The audio output 338 may typically be, for example, an audio power amplifier for generating an audio signal having sufficient power to drive a loudspeaker. In other embodiments, such an audio output 338 can be configured as a line output for driving a voice mail system, telephone connection or other audio output means. In this exemplary example, from the audio output 338, the audio or audio signal is coupled to the loudspeaker 342 along the line 340 for reproduction to the user. In addition to the audio signal, some announcement signal indicating the alarm state as described above may also be coupled to the audio output 338 along line 334 for reproduction by the loudspeaker 342 or an alarm transducer configured for the purpose. it can.

Referring to FIG. 12B, another embodiment of base station 351 is shown. Base station 351 includes a paging receiver 304. The paging receiver 304 receives the position information transmitted by the object detector 42 by the antenna of the paging receiver 304 connected by the cable 308. The output of the paging receiver 304 is coupled from output 352 to input 356 of processor 358 of base station 351 along path 354. Processor 358 has access to register 380 along path 378, from which processor 358 can further obtain location information stored from register 380 along path 382. Such location information is, of course, valid from GPS receiver 368 via antenna 396 coupled to GPS receiver 368 along cable 398. The location information is then combined along the path 372 with the output 370 from the GPS receiver 368 to the input 374 to the processor 358. This GPS receiver 368 is part of base station 351 and allows base station 351 to provide an enhanced display of location information obtained from object detector 42. This enhanced display can include, for example, presenting a map of the area in which the object detector 42 is operated.

Continuing with reference to Figure 12B, the GPS display 366 is shown, which is an enhanced display as mentioned in the previous paragraph, with output 360 getting data on position coordinates from processor 358, which is Inputs from input 364 to GPS display 366 along path 362. The GPS display 366 is configured to provide a map of the area that includes both the base station 351 and the object detector 42, and thus can display the relative position of each component of the object detection system 10 with respect to others. In addition, FIG. 12B shows an audio output 390 capable of operating to receive an audio signal or other audio frequency signal at input 388 via line 386 from output 384 of processor 358, such a signal being the processor. It results from the conversion or change of position information during the processing operation period of 358. The audio output 390 produces an audio signal for driving the loudspeaker 394 via line 392. In addition to the audio signal, some notification signal indicating the alarm status can also be coupled to the audio output 390 along line 386 because it is played by the loudspeaker 394. The audio output 390 may typically be an audio power amplifier for generating an audio signal having sufficient power to drive a loudspeaker, as described above. In other embodiments, such audio outputs can be configured as line outputs for driving voice mail systems, telephone connections or other audio means.

It has been recognized that FIGS. 12A and 12B can configure the object detection system 11 of FIG. 11 by simply replacing some other radio links with the paging system and paging receiver 304 shown in these FIGS. 12A and 12B. Yeah. As is typical of GPS display units, a map is shown along with the streets and public roads shown there, and the display included on the display shows the respective locations of base station 350 and object detector 42. ing. Further, as mentioned above, a read statement giving a street name, longitude, latitude, direction or distance can also be included in the displayed output.

The embodiments shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B are exemplary and illustrate the concepts and principles of the invention, and the invention is not limited to any particular embodiment. The output of location information in the form of alphanumeric text, spoken messages or map displays can be performed in any number of structures that can be considered. In addition, equipment that includes several different output structures as shown in Figures 12A and 12B and allows the user to choose which output means is desired may also be incorporated into the system described above. it can. An output with location information can be indicated by or accompanied by an alarm in place of or in addition to the selected output. In addition, when the output is in text format or speech format, for example, the information given can be used to manually draw position coordinates on the geographic map of the area where the object detector 42 is used. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the processing of the coordinate data generated by the GPS receiver is the control device of the object detector 42 before transmitting the position information from the object detector 42 to the base station 18 (see FIG. 1). 66 (see Figure 4) can include transforming or altering the coordinate data into a human readable form.

With reference to FIG. 13, an enlarged portion of the flowchart of operation of another embodiment for the object detection system 10 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 and the block diagram of FIG. 4 is shown. FIG. 13 shows two cases in which the object detector 42 can operate to associate other information about the operation of the object detection system 10 with the position coordinate information in order to enhance the function of the object detection system 10. The example of FIG. 13 shows the relationship of the object detector to the battery state or boundary or the relevant information about the threshold having the position coordinate information that can be transmitted from the object detector 42 to the base station 18. The inspection of FIG. 13 observes that the flow starts at block 404 and continues through block 412, each of which is also seen in FIG. 10 as a continuous block in the flow chart following the starting block of 402.

Continuing the reference in Figure 13, starting at block 404, where base station 18 in Figure 1 (or base stations in Figures 8, 9, 12A and 12B) pages object detector 42 and the flow goes to block 405. Proceed, where object detector 42 receives a page from base station 18. Upon receiving the page from base station 18, at decision block 407 the object detector then performs an inspection of battery 70 to see if there is sufficient battery capacity to proceed to capture position coordinate information from GPS system 50. To decide. If battery inspection shows that sufficient battery capacity is present, the flow proceeds to decision block 411 along the "Y" path, where object detector 42 determines if the threshold has been exceeded. Perform a second inspection. For example, the object detector 42 may be within or beyond a predetermined range set by the strength of the signal transmitted from base station 18 or by receiving a signal indicating crossing the boundaries of the electronic fence. .. If the decision made in decision block 411 is affirmative, the flow proceeds to block 412 along the "Y" path to enable GPS receiver 78 on object detector 42. The flow then proceeds to the steps of the flowchart as shown in FIG.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 13, however, the battery inspection performed in decision block 407 of FIG. 13 is rejected and the battery 70 does not have sufficient capacity to capture complete position coordinate information from the GPS system 50. If this is shown, the flow proceeds to block 409 along the "N" path, where controller 66 (see Figure 4) in object detector 42 indicates that the battery 70 does not have sufficient capacity. Fetch low battery alarm bytes to indicate. This low battery inspection alarm byte is given to the transmitter of the object detector 42, and as shown in block 415, the object detector 42 can operate to transmit this alarm byte to the base station 18. Following the transmission of an alarm byte indicating low battery inspection, the flow proceeds from block 415 to block 417, where the routine ends. If the object detector 42 returns to block 411 performing the threshold check and the check decision in decision block 411 is negative, the flow proceeds to block 413 along the "N" path, where the object detector 42 The controller 66 fetches the out of range alarm byte, transmits it to the transmitter, and sends it to the base station 18 as an alarm byte in block 415. In that, the flow proceeds to block 417 as before, and the routine ends.

FIG. 14 shows another embodiment of the back-end infrastructure 500 of the object detection system 11 of the present invention, which includes a customer radio cell telephone interface, a customer web interface, and a tracking server component. In particular, FIG. 14 shows an example of a communication backend system 500 including a mobile object detector tracking device 42 provided with a cellular telephone transceiver for communicating by the digital cellular telephone network 520. Preferably, the cellular communication system is 3G, i.e. fits high speed multimedia data with speeds ranging from 128 Kbps per second to a few megabits. As is known, 3G systems are regionally European UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), North America (CDMA2000), Japan (NTT). It is used in DoXoMo). Signals can be propagated anywhere via a 3G wireless network with advanced roaming characteristics and can be automatically handed off to other wireless systems such as in-house telephone systems, cellular, satellites, etc. .. Alternatively or in addition, the configured cellular telephone network comprises a wide area network of these radios (eg WWAN) of the type normally operated by common carriers, which are AMPS (Line Radio Service), GSM ( Global System for Mobile Communications), GPRS (General Line Radio Service), CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data), TDMA (Time Division Multiplexing), 1x RTT (1x Wireless Transmission Technology), CDMA (Code Division) Use open standards such as Multiple Access), EDGE, W-CDMA, and GSM / UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System). Such digital cellular telephone networks can include those provided by Verizon, Sprint, Cingular, Syniverse and the like. A tracking server device 530 is provided that receives routine position coordinate updates or other monitoring information that the customer does not need or request. Server 530 acts as an intermediary information storage device that can be accessed on demand and as a generator of alarm and map information. Through the web browser device 550, the customer can access or communicate with the object detector via internet 99 and cellular telephone network 520, and the mobile detector device positioning received by the tracking server 530 online. You can receive real-time downloads of coordinates. Instead, through the customer's cellular phone 540, the customer can access or initiate communication with the object detector via the cellular phone network 520 and tracking server 530, "wireless" in the mobile detector device positioning coordinates. Receive downloads in real time. Communication is it It can include a user-initiated location query 551a initiated through each customer cellular phone 540, which query is sent to the tracking server for packaging and formatting over the cellular telephone network 520 and then received by device 42. It will be understood that it is communicated over the cellular telephone network 520. Similarly, the user start location query 551b can be initiated through each customer web browser device 550, and this query is sent to the tracking server for packaging and formatting, and then the cellular telephone network for reception on device 42. Communicated via 520.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention can perform a short message service (SMS) data service operated by WLAN (Wireless Wifi) to communicate with a 3G enabled mobile object detector. This operation involves formatting the user start position query control or similar urging message to IP format before transferring it to the WLAN. Upon receiving an SMS message, the mobile object detector urges a GPS or satellite tracking receiver to obtain its position coordinates.

As described here, responses 552a and b from the tracking server are routine position updates, position responses to guide user queries, object detector operating state, transmitted signal strength, and threshold overshoot. , Battery status, alarm signal, etc. can be included. In the case of communication via the user's web browser device, the client connection is made by the subscriber using their personal computer via an SSL (Secure Socket Layer) connection.

FIG. 15 shows yet another embodiment of the backend infrastructure 600 that can be used with the present invention. In this scenario, base station 610 has, for example, a GlobalPetFinder, Jericho, NY tracking / monitoring service provider, which provides, for example, the infrastructure to set geographical fence boundaries and object detector tracking services. Additional party services such as uLocate Service Technology Platform 615 that raises alerts for various user-identified devices and modalities, such as SMS, MMS, text messages, instant messages, emails, browser alerts, etc. Is affiliated with.

In addition to the uLocate® platform service, any location-based service technology platform, such as provided by the Cell Telephone Network as a way to send current location and tracking information to mobile or fixed device subscribers. It is understood that it can be integrated. For example, a service provider obtains a position from a GPS receiver chip built into an object detector, or instead a radio position based on the signal strength of the nearest cell phone tower (eg, an object detector device without GPS features) and three. You can use GPS to send this information to the LBS Services web service, which is via the appropriate channel, for example via a website or mobile interface via one of any myriad communication modalities. Can be provided to the owner's device inquiring about custom information. In particular, as shown in Figure 15, the back-end infrastructure 600 is a further enhanced wireless network service provider 620, such as Syniverse. Includes Technologies to provide gateways and data connectivity that enable GPS data communication and interoperability between mobiles, fixed wide area networks. For example, in Infrastructure 600, object detector 42 acquires its GPS data coordinates and locks this data, even when urged by a remote signal or internally, for example, when crossing a programmed geographic fence boundary. For example, provide to Syniverse wireless network service. GPS location data can be communicated through the gateway to the base station monitoring service provider's web server 610. An additional party service, such as the uLocate LBS Platform Service, makes location decisions and formats the appropriate response message for communication back to the identified user device 540. For example, through platforms for providing geographic fence / geocoding services, users are enabled to provide geographic fence boundary information and program tracking modes through their websites. In operation, the platform receives / processes all geographic fence information and determines when a user or pet of the mobile detector device leaves the programmed geographic fence boundary. The uLocate LBS solution can be implemented to locate object detectors, find potentially close ones, and share their location with others. By providing a mapping API (Application Program Interface) extraction, the uLocate service enables LBS alert messaging via a standard interface across all mobile carriers, and is therefore shown. In an embodiment, the warning message is generated via the uLocate® service, for example Syniverse on wireless communication 613. It is transferred directly from the Technology wireless network 620 to the user's mobile device, such as a PDA, mobile computer device, cell phone. Alternatively or in addition, a warning message is generated and pushed to the web browser of the user who accesses the website of the surveillance service (eg to the base station) online. Therefore, the uLocate service receives GPS data, determines border crossings, and initiates the generation of warning messages to notify the user or pet owner of the geographic location of the object detector device in a manner relevant to the user. To do. Therefore, through uLocate®'s Third Party Service Auxiliary or wireless network, the location of Object Detector 42 and potential other relevant data (maps, landmarks, driving directions, tracking history, etc.) will be available on its user equipment. Users or pet owners can be notified via the service's website 610 as shown above.

In addition to the uLocate (brand name) platform service, any location-based service measures, such as those provided by the Cell Telephone Network as a way to send current location and tracking information to subscribers of mobile or fixed devices, are available. It is understood that it can be integrated. For example, a service provider obtains a position from a GPS receiver chip built into an object detector, or instead a radio position based on the signal strength of the nearest cell phone tower (eg, for an object detector device without GPS features) and Triangulation can be used to send this information to the LBS Services web service, which is via the appropriate channel, for example via a website or mobile interface via one of any myriad communication modalities. Custom information can be provided to the owner's device to inquire.

FIG. 16 shows a web interface display 700 as an example of a user device showing various features accessible via a base station. As shown in Figure 16, the interface of the subscribed user device is the tracked pet, including the owner's pet or the name of the object being tracked 715, and the last known address and time stamp 711. Or a map 710 showing the last known location of a person, a device management feature 720 that allows subscribers to set up a tracking structure, and a battery status indicator 725 that shows the remaining power of the object detector. The current temperature reading instructions 730 associated with the object detector device, the mode setting button 740 to enable user programming of the walking mode or tracking mode function, and any alarms, such as off-fence alarms, battery alarms, mobile devices. It also includes an alarm status indicator 750 that indicates whether a temperature alarm, which occurs when the temperature of the surrounding environment exceeds or drops below a certain threshold, is generated at the object position.

An illustration of device management features accessible to subscribers when the user selects device management feature 720 through interface 700 is shown in FIG. 16 and yet another display 775 is shown in Figure 17. Occurs, which allows subscribers to set up tracking / geographic fence monitoring and alerting structures via their fixed or mobile web browser devices. As shown in FIG. 17, the user is presented with the name of the pet or person being tracked in the first column 780 and the corresponding column 782 is the current geographic programmed for the object detector device. The fence boundary is presented and the corresponding column 784 is presented with the contact specified to receive the alert notification. It is understood that there are numerous pets associated with a subscriber's account, as shown in FIG. 17, and there are numerous ways to transfer tracked pet location information.

For a particular pet, the user can program the alert settings by selecting the pet's structural link 785, eg, "Hank", as shown in FIG. When structural link 785 is selected, yet another screen display 789 is raised, giving the function of setting the alarm shown in FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the temperature state alarm setting can be, for example, an upper limit temperature 790a and a lower limit temperature 790b. In addition, the user can provide a preferred method of providing information for locating a lost pet or person. As shown in field 792, for example, the user can indicate the report in latitude or longitude coordinates, or in a particular address or distance and direction reporting mode. The entry field 795 shown in the interface sets a mode of monitoring behavior, eg basic mode, in which the user gets a predetermined number on the subscriber's cell phone to get the position coordinates of the lost pet or person. The position can be requested asynchronously by dialing. Instead, the user can set a "fence" mode of operation, allowing the subscriber to virtually set a geographic fence of any size and initiate the tracking function, thereby allowing the subscriber to set their own. You can be warned as soon as your pet leaves the fence boundary. Yet another link, 786, is shown in Figure 17, which allows the user to edit the geographic fence programmed for the pet and change the radius or edit the subscriber's contact information when selected. .. One link 787 is specifically dedicated to identifying tracking points that allow the back-end system to set one position as a reference point that can guide subscribers to their pets. In one embodiment, the object detection system first attempts to find an address to guide the subscriber, and if that is not possible, the subscriber receives the pet's location in the form of distance and direction from the identified tracking point. To do. For example, a user sets a tracking point in front of the user's home and the subscriber's pet.

In particular, through the device management screen interface 789 shown in FIG. 19, the subscriber is given the current fence allocation information 803 for the pet stored in the base station of the backend system. The subscriber can select the preview button 806 to generate and display a pictorial map 807 of the fence boundaries shown for the subscriber's pet. Alternatively or in addition, the subscriber chooses the name of the fence 810 (Jen's house?) As identified earlier when creating the fence, for example Assign Fence for the pet to assign to the pet Hank. By selecting the "button 813", you can assign a fence configured to any destination of your pet. The selection of preview button 816 allows observation of the pictorial map display of its assigned fence (Jen's house?) (Not shown).

In addition, via the screen interface 789 shown in FIG. 19, the subscriber is given a link 820 to create a new fence for the indicated pet, eg pet "Hank". That is, in response to the selection link 820, the interface display 850 is presented as shown in FIG. 20A, allowing the user to identify the fence boundary. Entry field 853 allows the user to identify the origin of the fenced area and includes entry field 854 for naming a particular fence boundary (eg Simpson's house). The entry field 855 allows the subscriber to enter the radius of the fence boundary surrounding the origin with the indicated address. As shown in Figure 20B, after entering information 846 containing the origin (address) and radius (geographical fence boundary) to create the fence, enclose the origin address 849 represented by the icon on the display. A preview 845 showing the geographical fence boundary 847 is displayed. In one embodiment, if the user enters an address to create a fence, the back-end system places the center of the house directly on the street, and the subscriber's house is actually recessed from the street or in the estate. It may be located more backwards. The system allows subscribers to make adjustments via the user interface presented in Figure 20B. For example, as shown in FIG. 20B, the user can move the fence within the preview screen 845 by clicking on the position where the subscriber intends to be the new center of the fence, eg position 839. That is, after the system displays a preview of the fence, the user can manipulate the cursor to click anywhere on the map to recenter the fence position. When this is done, the new position 839 shown in preview display 845'shown in Figure 20C corresponds to the position entered through the preview in Figure 20B. A fence is created at the origin of the new position with a preview of the origin of'. This process can change the actual address to something other than what the subscriber wants to enter. However, this change is ignored when the new calculated address is the one that the satellite understands to be the proper address for the configured fence.

It is understood that each new fence created by the subscriber is remembered to be associated with the subscriber's pet.

Referring again to FIG. 17, through the device management screen interface 789, the subscriber can assign the contact to receive the alert and the contact information identifying the messaging modality of the alert, such as SMS, email advice, etc. it can. Assign By selecting the Contacts button 797, the display is presented to the subscriber who allows the assignment of contact methods for the pet (or person). Figure 21 shows that the subscriber can assign contacts to receive an alert message. Shows an example display 860 that can be done. As shown in Figure 21, the subscriber scrolls through the contact list created by the subscriber and selects one or more contacts by selecting the add button 866. A first drop-down list 865 is given that allows this. In addition, a new pet, eg pet "Hank", is shown to the subscriber via the screen interface 860 shown in Figure 21. A link 670 is given to create the contact, i.e., in response to the selection link 870, the interface display 880 is presented as shown in Figure 22, which allows the user to identify the contact. Enables. Through the interface display 880, the user can enter the contact name via the entry field 885 and identify the preferred communication mode for being contacted via the entry field 887, eg cell phone or email. In addition, if the email contact mode is identified, it allows the identification of the email address of the new contact. 1 In the embodiment, the contact includes the cell phone identified as the contact device with SMS text messaging capabilities. You have to make sure that.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the back-end infrastructure is optional with a veterinarian who can track, monitor, and maintain the health records of the subscriber's pets, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. It can have a selective interface. Therefore, the back-end system receives a supply of data from the veterinarian about that particular pet requires, for example, an "injection" or dental examination. In response to receiving such notifications of data supply 580, the back-end system requires the subscriber's pet to visit a veterinarian to ensure certain types of medical injections and / or maintenance of good health. An alarm can be issued to the subscriber that there is. For example, a subscriber can receive a notification that a pet needs an injection, and an email or IM message is quickly generated and sent to the designated contact via the contact device. Integrating veterinary information into the back-end system in the manner shown in Figures 14 and 15 ensures that subscribers can receive critical information about their pet's health. Further, for this embodiment, the medical record of the pet can be stored and displayed in the memory of the object detector device. Therefore, if a pet is discovered by a non-owner, at least important medical data about the discovered pet can be retrieved.

Although preferred embodiments have been described in detail, it should be understood that various modifications, substitutions and modifications can be made without departing from the technical scope of the invention as defined by the claims.