Abstract:
A mobile monitoring device includes a sensor, a controller and a transceiver is in electronic communication with the controller. The transceiver is capable of secure, bidirectional communication with a computing device, or with other devices such as telephones and the Internet. The sensor is in electronic communication with the controller and is capable of detecting a change in a condition of the property being monitored or the area proximate thereto. The monitoring device executes programming commands received from the computing device or other devices or networks. The monitoring device is track-able by various methods. The monitoring device is configured for bi-directional communication with RF sensors to provide a mesh network topology for monitoring numerous items and a relatively large area with small, inexpensive devices. Communications may be digital or analog using recognized or proprietary communications protocols, and may be secured using various encryption algorithms and protocols. Digitization permits proper delivery and authentication and remote programming of each individual device, as well as ensuring the accuracy and reliability of such communications. Communications may be sent along various routes, permitting a user, a security monitoring company and any computer applications to receive and to respond to notifications, including automatic responses to notifications.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority based on co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 11/090,668, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/738,437, filed Dec. 17, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/636,348 filed Aug. 7, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/943,913 filed Aug. 31, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,864,789, which claimed priority based on U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/230,608 filed Sep. 6, 2000. These prior applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to devices, systems and methods for providing personal property security. A mobile monitoring security device of the present invention includes a communications interface that is capable of providing information regarding the status, condition, location and surroundings of the monitoring device and the personal property being monitored by the device to a user. The communications interface also gives the user the ability remotely to make programming changes to the security device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device for providing automated notice of disturbances to personal property and automated tracking of movement of the personal property and to a method and system for remotely managing the device along with a network of devices and sensors and to systems for providing automated information regarding the status, condition, surroundings and location of fixed or mobile property.  
         [0003]     Many personal, enterprise or government property items are vulnerable to theft, vandalism, or damage from external forces. Monitored security systems can be ineffective and expensive. Monitored security systems are frequently large, immobile and slow to respond. The inability to monitor the area around the item may also result in numerous false calls or an inability to identify damaging events while still occurring, thereby increasing the likely damage. Thieves and vandals of small items are seldom caught, and the personal property is seldom recovered.  
         [0004]     Currently available security systems typically require an owner or operator to be physically present to activate, deactivate or program the security systems. When a security system is activated or needs to be reconfigured or changed, the owner or operator may be required to go to the location and manually, activate, reconfigure or reset the system. The requirement of being physically present has proven to be cumbersome, particularly when the security system is at a job location, such as a construction site, located far from the owner or operator of the security system, or where a number of sites exist with personal property that needs to be monitored. Remotely activated and programmed devices could conveniently be programmed at any time from a remote location, eliminating the need for an owner or operator to travel to the property or properties and reset, program or reconfigure the security systems. Remote monitoring of conditions of the security systems and devices and conditions proximate to the security systems and the personal property being monitored by the security systems would also be useful.  
         [0005]     Current security systems often notify a security company designated to receive information relating to the security systems. Notifying a designated security company may be ineffective because the security systems frequently do not have sufficient information about the status, condition, surroundings and location of the property being monitored by the security system. In addition, security companies are frequently ill equipped to monitor various types of property. Frequently, security companies notify local authorities whenever a security system is activated. Law enforcement personnel are often too busy to investigate such notifications, and if the notification is a false alarm, responding merely wastes valuable time and resources and frustrates the police.  
         [0006]     What is needed is a device for securing personal property that is portable, simple, inconspicuous, effective, and economical, that can effectively monitor the status, condition, surroundings and location of various types of personal property and that can be managed, either separately or in conjunction with several of other security devices, remotely, inexpensively and efficiently. Such a device should be inconspicuous and highly effective in providing notification of status, condition, surroundings and location to a wide array of personal property, including vehicles, power tools, bicycles, trailers, boats, stereos, and televisions or other subjects (such as children or pets) and should be sufficiently economical to be purchased by a wide cross-section of consumers. Such a device may be manageable remotely through various access and management mechanisms including various computing devices and communications and data networks. Upon a change of status, condition, attitude, surroundings and location of personal property, such a device should be effective to provide notification of the change and provide tracking information regarding any movement of the personal property to enable identification and apprehension of possible perpetrator(s) and enable quick recovery of the property.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The present invention provides an inexpensive security monitoring device and system for securing or monitoring personal property. The device and system of the present invention may be remotely activated and programmed to provide automated notice of changes in status, condition, attitude, surroundings and location of personal property and automated tracking of movement of attached or monitored personal property. A communications interface in the monitoring device provides communications between a controller, a transceiver, a location identifier, and various detection and interrogation sensors and various tagging or monitoring devices to provide information regarding the status, condition, attitude, surroundings and location of the device, the other tagging or monitoring devices in communication with the security device, and the personal property being monitored by the device. In one embodiment, an incorporated voice menu system permits a user to interact with the security device using telephone or other audible means using a user transceiver. The communications interface also gives the user the ability to remotely make programming changes to the security device.  
         [0008]     The user may subscribe to a security monitoring company or application service provider to assist in monitoring. The security system of the present invention allows a user to augment the system by incorporating bilateral communications between the system, devices in the system, data networks, user transceivers, and computing devices, including computing devices managed by a monitoring company, or with applications provided by service providers. Bilateral communications permit exchange of information and instructions between each device in the system, thereby permitting the user and the monitoring company or service provider significant flexibility in remote and on-site operation of the system.  
         [0009]     The present invention allows a user to procure a security device that couples to a cellular or other wireless transceiver and is operational over generally available wireless communications and data networks. The security device may be attached to personal property or even to a person. Upon a change of status, condition, attitude, surroundings or location, the security module may be programmed to initiate and establish a communication link or maintain an established link with the user over a wireless (e.g., cellular, personal computer system, satellite, etc.) network directly to the user by means of the communication link or indirectly to the user through a computer processing application and interface, including one or more computing devices included in or separate from the communications network.  
         [0010]     The security device may be activated, reconfigured or programmed, or one or more diagnostic routines may be activated, through remote or on-site direct interaction with the security device or through a communications or data network, or through the facilities of a computing application designed to support the system. The remote or on-site interaction may include discovery, activation or reconfiguration of other security devices, tagging devices, or motion sensors, shock sensors, audible/sound sensors, moisture sensors, humidity sensors, fire sensors, temperature sensors, detachment sensors, smoke sensors, carbon monoxide sensors, chemical sensors, video sensors, and magnetic sensors, and may also include running one or more diagnostic routines to determine the operational capability of the device, and devices or sensor for which communications have been configured or which have been discovered by the device. A low-battery sensor may also be added to measure the power supply of the security device.  
         [0011]     A user, or a security monitoring company, or both, may receive communications from the security device directly by the communications link, or may receive an alert or other notification, either spontaneously or as a result of a query by the user, the security monitoring company or a computing application through a communications or data network. Depending on the information transmitted in the communications, the user, the security monitoring company or computing application may evaluate the legitimacy of the alarm by various means, including listening to audible sounds originating in the proximity of the security device, or monitoring the sensors of the security device through various communications interfaces, including an Internet web or voice interface. The user, security monitoring company or computing application may also employ optional interrogation sensors (e.g., imagery, infrared, motion, temperature, etc.) located about the security device to further determine the status, condition, surroundings or location of the personal property being monitored.  
         [0012]     Once the nature of the alarm has been verified, the location of the security device, sensors or other devices with which it is capable of communication, may gather and transmit location data for the device, sensors or other devices to the user, the security monitoring company, or the computing application, and may also activate one or more location identifiers within the security device, making the device, sensors or other devices subject to tracking by the user, security monitoring company or computing application. Tracking may be activated by the user initiating a decodable keypad sequence recognized by the security device, or by a computer program or data or communications protocol decodable by the device, or activation may be time delayed or even immediate upon detection of an alarm condition. Tracking may assume one of several approaches, such as a transmitting beacon located within the security device that may be detected by a tracking receiver used by the user or security monitoring company, or a receiving location-based system (e.g., a global positioning satellite or GPS unit, or a wireless or cell infrastructure-based system) that allows the coordinates of the security device to be determined and forwarded to the user or security monitoring company over the communication link.  
         [0013]     Additionally, the security device may be configured to execute one or more programming commands issued by a user, computing device or computing application. Possible programming commands include a command to discover, activate or deactivate one or more of the tagging devices, sensors, or other security devices; a command to activate or deactivate the tracking transmitter; a command to activate or deactivate the low-battery sensor; a command to activate or deactivate the alarm system; a command to change the automatic clock; a command to activate or deactivate lights; a command to activate or deactivate speakers; a command to activate or deactivate a microphone; a command to activate or deactivate a camera; a command to notify the local authorities of a change in status, condition, surroundings or location of the personal property being monitored; a command to turn the security device on or off; or a command to perform various other desired functions.  
         [0014]     Communications through the communications interface may be digital or analog according to well recognized or proprietary communications protocols. Communications through the communications may further be secured using various encryption algorithms and protocols. Such digitization permits proper delivery and authentication of each communication as well as ensuring the accuracy and reliability of such communications. Digitized communications may also be sent along various routes, permitting both the user, the security monitoring company and one or more computing applications to receive and to respond to notifications, as well as allowing one or more computing devices to automatically respond to various expected notifications. These protocols also allow remote programming of each individual device by the user, the security monitoring company, one or more computing applications, or a computer system.  
         [0015]     The apparatus of the present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available personal property security devices and systems. Thus, the present invention alleviates many of the problems of prior security devices. These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]     To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0017]      FIG. 1A  illustrates one environment and configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 1B  illustrates an environment and configuration of one or more security monitoring devices that form an effective system of protecting personal property, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 1C  illustrates a monitoring device according to one embodiment of the invention with detail regarding certain electrical components of the device;  
         [0020]      FIG. 1D  illustrates a device according to one embodiment of the invention along with auxiliary devices and a U.S. dime to provide perspective as to size;  
         [0021]      FIG. 2  illustrates a block diagram of the security system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 3  illustrates a detailed block diagram of the security device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 4A  is a flow diagram of the security methods implemented by the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 4B  is a continuation of the flow diagram of the security methods implemented by the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0025]      FIG. 4C  is a continuation of the flow diagram of the security methods implemented by the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0026]      FIG. 4D  is a continuation of the flow diagram of the security methods implemented by the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0027]      FIG. 4E  is a continuation of the flow diagram of the security methods implemented by the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 4F  is a continuation of the flow diagram of the security methods implemented by the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0029]      FIG. 4G  is a continuation of the flow diagram of the security methods implemented by the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 4H  is a continuation of the flow diagram of the security methods implemented by the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0031]      FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of a monitoring method, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0032]      FIG. 6  is a mechanical embodiment of an integrated transceiver and a security module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0033]     Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications to the details of the Figures may be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the invention. The components and systems of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. The illustrations are merely representative of certain embodiments of the invention. Those embodiments of the invention may best be understood by reference to the drawings.  
         [0034]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a system for securing personal property and detecting and tracking an unauthorized or unanticipated intrusion or removal of personal property, or the condition, attitude or location of the personal property, or a condition of the area proximate to personal property, including monitoring of other property or facilities in the vicinity. As illustrated, a user  102  desires to secure a personal property asset  104 , which may be of various forms including mobile assets, stationary assets, or other types of property whose status and/or location may be of interest to the user  102 . The present invention facilitates the monitoring of the asset  104  through the inclusion of a security device  106  within the confines or surroundings of the personal property asset  104 . The user  102  activates a security device  106  to monitor or be aware of surroundings about the security device  106  by directly interacting with the security device  106 , or by interacting with the security device  106  through a user transceiver  110  that initiates a communication link through a communication network  108  or through a computing device  116 . The computing device may be of various forms, including a personal computer or a personal digital assistant  116  or smart phone  118 , connected to the communication network  108 .  
         [0035]      FIG. 1B  illustrates an embodiment of the current invention to provide a system of securing personal property and detecting and tracking unauthorized or unanticipated intrusion or removal of personal property. As illustrated, more than one security device  106  may be interconnected using a star network topology where a security device  106  is in a bidirectional communication  126  with an additional security device  106 . Alternatively, more than one security device  106  may be interconnected using a mesh network topology where the security device  106  is interconnected with other security devices through a variety of bidirectional communication channels.  
         [0036]     As illustrated in  FIG. 1B , the security device  106  may be interconnected either directly with additional devices  120  that are capable of further interconnecting with other additional devices  122 , or a security device may be directly interconnected with a device  122 . Additional devices  120  and additional devices  122  may have varying capabilities, including the capability of interfacing with and controlling or receiving data from a camera  128 , a motion detector  130 , a proximity sensor  132 , a temperature sensor  134 , a moisture sensor  136 , an infrared sensor  138 , a current sensor  140 , a microphone  156 , or one of any other sensors. As indicated by the arrows, each of these sensors is capable of bidirectional communication with one or more of the security devices  106  or with one or more of the additional devices  120  or  122 , or both.  
         [0037]     In one embodiment of the invention, the security device  106  communicates with additional devices  120  and  122  using an analog communications protocol. In another embodiment of the invention, the security device  106  communicates with devices  120  and  122  using a digital communications protocol. The communications protocol may use sophisticated routing to determine the best communications path to a device. The communications protocol may include channel routing, congestion routing, fault-tolerant routing, and other routing techniques known to those skilled in the art.  
         [0038]     Furthermore, the additional devices  120  and  122  may be RF transmitters using protocols useful for various frequencies. Each of the additional devices  120  and  122 , as well as the monitoring devices  106  may include memory to store data therein. Use of RF transmitters permits the use of RFID devices, such as RFID devices  144  shown in bidirectional communication with certain additional devices  120  in  FIG. 1B .  
         [0039]     As illustrated in  FIG. 1C , the monitoring device  106  may further comprise a memory chip  150  that is in electronic communication with a controller  210  (see  FIG. 3 ) contained in the security device  106 . In one embodiment, the memory chip is a typical EEPROM  152  memory storage chip. In some embodiments, the memory chip  152  may form all or part of the memory unit  150 . The memory chip  152  may be configured such that it will not lose its content when power to the monitoring device  106  is lost or shut down.  
         [0040]     A sensor information storage unit  154  may also be added to the monitoring device  106 . The storage unit  154  may comprise any type of device that is capable of storing information. The storage unit  154  is designed to store information gathered by the sensors, including the microphone  156 , the camera  158 , and/or other input devices so that this information may be available in the future for reference and use. This type of stored information may be particularly helpful in identifying and prosecuting perpetrators. Although the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1C  includes a storage unit  154 , embodiments may also be constructed in which the information gathered by these devices is transmitted to and stored by an external storage unit. Examples of the type of systems or devices that may be used as this external storage unit include computers, hard-drives, CD-ROMs, floppy disks, videotapes, audiotapes, or other types of data storage mechanisms.  
         [0041]     An interrupt controller, such as an electronic low power device (“ELPD”)  160 , or complex programmable logic device (“CPLD”)  162  may also be added to the monitoring device  106 . The EPLD  160  is basically a battery saving device that uses extremely little power and remains in contact with the designated sensors. If the sensors detect a problem the EPLD will power up the main controller  210  to initiate a call to the user or a communication to the computing device  116  or an application server  256 . The interrupt controller  160  or  162  is a low power circuit that is in electronic communication with one or more of the sensors. Other embodiments may also be made in which the interrupt controller  160  or  162  is also in electronic communication with a low battery sensor  164 . Thus, the interrupt controller  160  or  162  allows the entire unit to be essentially shut down to save battery power and yet the sensors can still be active.  
         [0042]     The interrupt controller  160  or  162  may be configured so that if the camera  128 , the motion detector  130 , the proximity sensor  132 , the temperature sensor  134 , the moisture sensor  136 , the infrared sensor  138 , the current sensor  140 , or one of any other sensors detects a disturbance or change in a condition of the property or the monitoring device  106  or a change in condition in the area around the monitoring device  106 , the sensor will signal the interrupt controller  160  or  162 . Once signaled, the interrupt controller  160  or  162  will then turn on or activate the controller  210 . The interrupt controller may also be configured to obtain additional information from one of the interrogation sensors, such as the camera  128  or the microphone  156 , which additional information may assist in determining the legitimacy and exigency of the alarm, such as whether there is a serious alarm condition or whether the condition is just a false alarm.  
         [0043]     As depicted in  FIG. 1D , the security monitoring device  106  may be a generally rectangular shape  106   a , or a disc shape  106   b , made small enough to be incorporated into various types of personal property, as noted by comparing the size of the monitoring device  106  shown in  FIG. 1D  to the size of a U.S. dime  168 . The monitoring device preferably includes the basic electronic components  170  of a cell phone. The monitoring device also includes a power port  172  that may be connected to an AC adapter or a DC adapter for recharging the battery of the device, or for attaching to a secondary battery to increase stand-alone battery life or to provide fail-over redundancy. A secondary battery may also be housed in the monitoring device to thwart attempts to overcome the security system by cutting out the power supply.  
         [0044]     A USB port  174  may be included for communications with a personal computer. A microphone port  174  and a camera port  176  (for a still camera or a video camera, or both) may also be included. The monitoring device may include a motion detecting port  178  as well as sensor attachment ports  180  and  182  for attaching sensors such as a smoke detector, radiation sensor, external motion sensor, water sensor, weather sensor, or other sensors as may be useful to the user. A port could be used to upload information directly to a hand-held device, or to attach a cut-out or a panic button to the device.  
         [0045]     The security device  106  is designed to be small, in some embodiments small enough to integrate into the personal property  104 . The result is that the monitoring device  106  is adaptable, reconfigurable, versatile, and can be very modular. It can thus be used for a wide variety of personal property items  104 .  
         [0046]     The device may be attached using various methods. For instance a magnet may be incorporated so the device may be mounted on any ferro-magnetic surface. Because the device may be small and lightweight, hook and loop fasteners (“Velcro”) or nylon ties may be used to mount the device to different surfaces. Thus, the parts and modules permit adaptation for use in a wide variety of circumstances and environments.  
         [0047]     The security device  106  may include an internal RF sensor  178  that is in communication with the controller  210 . The RF sensor  178  is designed to transmit signals to, and receive signals from, the antenna  182 . The RF sensor  178  can receive a instruction from the controller  210  to contact RFID devices  144 . When that instruction is received, the RF sensor sends an interrogation (or other) signal out, and the RFID sensors  144  respond according to programming.  
         [0048]     Thus, using the RFID sensors  144  permits the security device  106  to monitor not only specific personal property  104  and the area around that property, but also to monitor specific pieces of property within range of the RFID signal strength. Frequent “pinging” of the RFID sensors permits the security device to provide updates as to status and relative location to the user  102  or application server  256 , or both, and each is able to respond with further information requests or programming changes to the security device  106  as well as any of the RFID sensors  144 . The bidirectional communications between each element of the entire security system permit great flexibility in the management and design of a security system to meet different circumstances and desires. The RFID devices may be programmed to provide notification if they are detached from the property, or if removed without proper entry of a security code. The user may program the RFID devices, as well as the security device  106 , using special codes transmitted over appropriate protocols, thereby controlling access to the RFID devices and the security devices. The RFID devices may even be programmed to provide notification if an additional device comes into proximity to the security device  106 , or other monitoring of various RFID-affiliated property.  
         [0049]     Upon the triggering or happening of certain events or conditions, the security device  106  autonomously contacts the user  102  by initiating a communication link through the communication network  108  to the user transceiver  110  or the computing device  116 . Upon such notification, the user  102  may receive audible or other information about the security device  106  or the surroundings of the security device  106 , including information acquired and delivered by the security device  106  to the user transceiver  110  or the computing device  116 . The user  102  may respond to such information in various manners. The user  102  may evaluate audible sounds and determine whether such audible information suggests further reactions such as notifying proper authorities. If the personal property  104  has been removed to another location, the user is able to identify the new location by detection of a tracking signal  112  emanating from the security device  106  through the use of a tracking receiver  114  or by evaluation of other packaged location information dispatched from the security device  106  through a separate communication channel or through the communication network  108  to the user transceiver  110  or the computing device  116 .  
         [0050]     The signals going to and from the RF sensor  178  may be monitored by the controller  210  to provide the monitoring device  106  with information regarding the progress of a telephone call. Specifically, the RF sensor  178  allows the monitoring device  106  to receive information regarding whether an incoming telephone call has been answered, whether an incoming telephone call has ended, whether an outgoing call has been answered by a receiving party, whether an outgoing call has been ended by a receiving party, as well as other valuable information. As a result, the monitoring device reacts appropriately to the instructions transmitted during the telephone call.  
         [0051]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, a personal property security device (“PPSD”) including security device  106  and additional devices  120 , may also include a combination of several electronic devices. The PPSD may include a digital and/or analog cellular transceiver  200 . The transceiver  200  may be used for several purposes. First, the transceiver  200  may be configured to be activated and deactivated by means of a remote transmission from the user transceiver  110  or from the computing device  116 . In selected embodiments, a special switch may be installed to activate and deactivate the transceiver  200 . Once activated, the transceiver  200  is in a mode ready to discover and communicate with other devices, or to initiate communication with a user transceiver  110 , a computing device  116 , or a communication network  108  to provide notification of a disturbance to the personal property or the surroundings of the personal property.  
         [0052]     In one embodiment of the present invention, when the transceiver  200  receives a disturbance signal from a triggering device or detection sensor  212 , the transceiver  200  initiates a connection to a computing device  116  and remains in communication with the computing device  116 . The computing device  116  may recognize where the communication originated via a device address, readily known caller identification system, or global positioning data, as may be obtained from the Global Positioning System (“GPS”) provided by the transceiver  200 . The security device  106  may communicate with the user transceiver  110 , the computing device  116 , or one or more hosts participating on the communications network  108 , using various control based protocols. Such protocols may require the security device to interact using sophisticated security authentication algorithms, data interchange algorithms, and command and control algorithms.  
         [0053]     The use of protocols to identify, authenticate to, and control network traffic is well-known in the typical wired and wireless environments. According to one embodiment of the invention, each RFID sensor  144 , each security device  106 , each computing device  116 , each user transceiver  110 , and selected other devices are provided with a unique address. The address may be used uniquely to identify the item to the network. A specific communications protocol may be used for the network. The protocol identifies and authenticates the item to the network, typically by using the unique address. Furthermore, control of the protocol permits control of each item in the network. Thus, the entire network may be centrally controlled, or each item may be centrally or locally addressed and programmed, or both. Use of a specific protocol permits the various devices to communicate even though each type of device, or even each device, may be operating on a different platform.  
         [0054]     The user  102  may listen to the audio data transmitted by the transceiver  200  to detect noises corresponding to activity in the vicinity of the security device  106 . The user may be able to determine from the sounds in the area of the security device whether the signal was a false alarm or whether the security device  106  has initiated communication because of attempted theft, vandalism, or other trouble.  
         [0055]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the transceiver  200  or detection sensors  212  may be connected to an on/off or activation switch  224  that can be activated by means of a data communication received from the computing device  116  or the like. The activation switch  224  may be designed to receive a command and control message in accordance with implemented communications protocols from the computing device  116 . When the activation switch  224  recognizes the control message, it may cause other parts of the security device  106  or connected devices  120  or  122  to be activated or deactivated as desired. The transceiver  200  may also be connected to other electronic devices such as the devices generally described below.  
         [0056]     First, the security device  106  may include a triggering device or detection sensor  212 , such as a motion sensor, a shock sensor or the like, and may take several different forms as needed for the specific use of the security device. The detection sensor  212  may take many different forms as the specific need of the security device  106  may dictate and may be activated or deactivated by means of the remotely controlled on/off activation switch  224 . In operation, when the security device  106  is activated and in the ready mode, a bump, shock, or jarring, or a movement in the area of the security device may cause the detection sensor  212  to signal the transceiver  200  to initiate communication with the computing device  116  in an attempt to request help. In certain embodiments, the detection sensor may be a simple panic button for a jogger to use if being attacked, or the detection sensor could be a special switch that detects water to signal that a child wearing the security device has fallen into water or the like.  
         [0057]     Second, the security device  106  may include a location identifier  218 , which in one embodiment assumes the form of a tracking transmitter. One example of tracking transmitters includes devices similar to tracking devices used to tag and to track wildlife or sophisticated receiver-based tracking devices that use GPS. The detection sensors may be configured to activate the location identifier to enable the tracking of movements of the security device. The location identifier is preferably silent in operation.  
         [0058]     For an embodiment that includes a tracking transmitter, the tracking transmitter typically emits a silent radio signal that is capable of being tracked by a directional tracking device such as the tracking receiver  114 . For example, a simple animal tracking collar has been found to be effective in tracking movements of a security device for distances of several miles to tens of miles or more so long as substantial line of sight between the tracking transmitter and the directional tracking device was maintained. Systems capable of tracking movements of a security device at distances beyond many miles are also currently available. Another tracking embodiment uses a receiver-based location identifier to track movements of the personal property asset. One such embodiment employs the GPS system to track movements. In such an embodiment, the security device  106  relays positioning data to the computing device  116 , which may then be used in conjunction with tracking or mapping systems to locate the security device  106 .  
         [0059]     Third, as depicted in  FIG. 2 , the security device  106  may include a long life rechargeable battery or power source  238 , which typically provides power to the components of the security device  106  that are located with the secured personal property, including the transceiver  200 , the on/off or activation switch  224 , the triggering or detection sensors  212 , and the location identifier  218 . The power source  238  is typically as small as possible so that the security device may be inconspicuously attached to personal property and not be too heavy to be worn on a child&#39;s belt for such an application. For applications that use a cellular telephone as the transceiver, the power source or battery of the cellular telephone may be used to power the other components of the security device.  
         [0060]     As described above and depicted in  FIG. 2 , the security system may include a directional tracking receiver  114 . The tracking receiver  114  is typically a separate device that is kept close at hand by the user of the personal property security device  106 , when the security device is in use. For example, a tracking receiver  114  may be attached to a personal property owner&#39;s cellular phone, such as the transceiver  200 , or to the computing device  116 , or may be incorporated into the user&#39;s wireless transceiver such that the tracking receiver  114  or computing device  116  and the user transceiver  110  will always be together, when needed.  
         [0061]     The tracking receiver  114  may be activated by the user when the security device  106  provides notification of a disturbance to the personal property. The tracking receiver  114  indicates in which direction the personal property has been moved. The tracking receiver  114  may be designed to pick up the signal given off by the location identifier (e.g., tracking transmitter)  218 . If the user has several security devices, multiple or a single location identifier (e.g., tracking receiver) may be configured to track any of the security devices  106  in use. Use of appropriate communications protocols permit individual tracking of each of the security devices in use. In embodiments that incorporate GPS technology, a screen on the computing device  116  may display the position of the security device. Typical embodiments of the security devices may be built small and compact enough to be inconspicuous and able to be attached to most anything that a person would want to protect from theft or vandalism, or as the case may be, from other hazards.  
         [0062]     Operationally in a digital network embodiment, upon activation, triggering, or detection of a disturbance, the security device  106  automatically sends data to a computing system  252 . The computing system  252  may comprise a computer network, such as the Internet  254 , and an application server  256 . When communicating with the computing system  252 , the security device  106  may transmit data identifying the security device  106  and alerting the user  102 , or a security monitoring service that monitors alerts on the application server  252 , of a disturbance of the personal property item  104 . The user can then determine whether to call the police, respond to the signal, or what other action to take. The user may decide to go to the location of the item being disturbed and find the thief still in the process of stealing the personal property item  104 .  
         [0063]     Once triggered, the security device  106  may also transmit to the user via the computing system  252  any sounds that it picks up in its vicinity via the microphone  156  or the microphone  206 , thereby allowing the user  102  or the security monitoring service to listen in on what is taking place and help determine if the disturbance is a false alarm. The security device  106  can be totally silent so that the thief may never know that he has been detected. The user or monitoring service can then determine whether to call the police or if the disturbance was a false alarm. The security device  106  may also have activated its tracking transmitter when it was disturbed thereby allowing the user, if the personal property had already been removed, to track or follow the security device  106  to its new location. This would allow the user to contact the police and have the thief arrested and the personal property  106  to be recovered.  
         [0064]     The security device  106  may have extremely wide application, as it is adaptable to be useful to almost everyone for a wide variety of protection uses. It may assume a small and compact embodiment thereby enabling it to be attached in inconspicuous places where a thief will not likely see it. It can be attached to vehicles, mobile trailers, power tools, bicycles, stereos, TVs, boats, motorcycles, etc. It may even be adapted to be activated with a panic button or water sensor and attached to children or joggers or even old persons, and the like. The security device  106  may facilitate alerting people when a wearer is disturbed or a child has fallen into water such that location may be determined quickly and easily via the tracking capabilities already described. A user  102  of the security device  106  or parent of a child using the device can be more assured of knowing when trouble has occurred and can respond to the exact location of the trouble quickly. A user may desire to use many security devices to monitor the safety and location of several items of personal property in various locations.  
         [0065]     Each security device may be designed to transfer a unique identifier address to enable a user  102  to determine what personal property or persons are being disturbed or are distressed. The security device  106  may be designed to be small, compact and totally self-contained, making it portable and independent of outside power sources except for the need to be recharged periodically or may draw power from some other source. These features make embodiments of the security device  106  extremely mobile and versatile.  
         [0066]      FIG. 3  is a detailed block diagram of a personal property security device  106  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. For clarity, the security device  106  is partitioned into a transceiver portion for establishing a communication link with a communication network and a security or detection portion for control of sensor devices that either may be triggered or may be interrogated by the user to obtain additional information.  
         [0067]     In  FIG. 3 , the security device  106  is partitioned into a transceiver  200  depicted as an integrated transceiver comprised of a wireless transmitter/receiver  204  and a microphone  206  and speaker  208 . Those of skill in the art appreciate that the integrated transceiver  200  may be implemented either as discrete components on a circuit board or in a packaged assembly assuming the form of, for example, a cellular or other similar telephone or radio. The security device  106  is further comprised of a security module  202  for performing evaluation and control of the security device and any accompanying sensors. The security module  202  may interface with the transceiver  200  through various means including combined integration of (i) the various components associated with the integrated transceiver  200  with (ii) the various components associated with the security module  202  on a common circuit board or multiple circuit boards. When an integrated transceiver is employed, a convenient interface between the devices may be provided by a data port or other hands-free interfaces commonly associated with integrated transceivers.  
         [0068]     The security module  202  is comprised of a controller  210  and detection or triggering sensors  212 . The detection sensors  212  may be autonomous sensors that provide an interrupt or other signal to the controller  210  or may be monitored under the direction of the controller  210  and implemented as a peripheral device whose state is monitored by the controller  210 . The controller  210  interfaces with the wireless transceiver  204  via an interface  214 , and interfaces with the RF sensor  178  as discussed above. Upon the detection of sensor information, the controller  210  may initiate a direct digital data connection using a communications protocol such as the Internet Protocol (“IP”) or may initiate a dialing sequence using the wireless transceiver  204 , which causes the wireless transceiver  204  to initiate a call using a preset number or preprogrammed dialing string  216 , which may correspond to the routing or phone number of the user transceiver  110  ( FIG. 1A ). Once a communication channel is established, the controller  210  may forward sensor information or may allow audible tones detected by the microphone  206  to be passed via the wireless transceiver  204  to the user transceiver  110  or the computing device  116 .  
         [0069]     The security module  202  may further comprise a location identifier  218 , which may be under the control of the controller  210  or may be autonomous and be activated by the controller  210  or, alternatively, may provide information to the controller  210  in the form of location data. The present invention contemplates at least two embodiments of the location identifier  218 . In a first embodiment, the location identifier  218  is implemented as a tracking transmitter or beacon that, when activated, broadcasts a tracking signal  112  that may be detected and located through the use of a tracking receiver  114  ( FIG. 1A ). Such an embodiment is one in which the location identifier  118  assumes a transmitter role.  
         [0070]     In an alternate embodiment, the location identifier  218  assumes a receiver role in which the remote location transmitters  220  transmit signals  222  that are received at the location identifier  218  and may be read and provide location data to the controller  210  for forwarding over the communication network  108  ( FIG. 1A ) for evaluation and interpretation by the user transceiver  110  ( FIG. 1A ) or the computing device  116 . Such location data may be longitudinal/latitudinal data interpretable by the user  102  ( FIG. 1A ) or other information processable by the user  102  that relates to the location of the security device  106 . Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the location transmitters  220  may take the form of fixed site or orbiting types of transmitters, with one such embodiment including the GPS system, known by those of skill in the art.  
         [0071]     Additional features contemplated by the present invention include activation circuitry  224  that allows the user  102  or another entity, such as the computing system  252  ( FIG. 1A ), to activate the alarming or security features of the security device  106 . Activation implementations contemplated include a remote transmission activation device depicted as a transmitter activation  226 , known by those of skill in the art to include devices such as “remote-keyless entry”-like devices, or similar devices known by those of skill in the art, or activation by means of the computing device  116  or the computing system  252 . Other such activation devices include switch activated devices  228  including manual push buttons, toggle switches or other switches activated either manually or by the closing of a door or other similar implementations. Additionally, a timing activation  230  implemented either in the form of a clock or timer is also contemplated as depicted in activation  230 . This clock may be contained on the device  202 , the security device or on the system  252 , or may be a device that receives a timing signal from a cell phone tower or a GPS satellite or other such external source.  
         [0072]     Other activation implementations contemplated by the present invention include a dial-in activation  232  wherein a user  102  via the user transceiver  110  or other similar device, or the computing system  252  (either automatically or through human intervention) contacts or dials the integrated transceiver  200 , which interacts with the controller  210 . In such an embodiment, the controller  210  may monitor audio signals originating from the user  102 , which would otherwise be presented to the speaker  208  of the integrated transceiver  200  but are rather routed via an interface  234  to the controller  210  in the form of, for example, DTMF tones or similar key pad tones whose decoding and usage, are known by those of skill in the art. Such an activation keypad sequence may be decoded by the controller  210  for use in activation of the security device  106 . The interface may be designed to employ a voice synthesizer as well as a voice recognition system, which may include an internal microphone, capable of recognizing audible words from a user or from a central security system.  
         [0073]     While the user  102  may rely upon the information provided via the detection sensors  212 , and audible information from the microphone  206 , a further embodiment of the present invention contemplates the inclusion of interrogation sensors  236  that may take the form of image-creating peripherals such as cameras or other sensor devices even including temperature sensors for monitoring the safety of the environment about the security device  106 , or other data-providing sensors such as security network location data generating devices for use in interrogating mobile or in-transit security devices as well as other sensors, known by those of skill in the art. The security device  106  may optionally include a power module  238  for use in powering the transceiver  200  and the security module  202 . Alternatively, the power module  238  may be externally provided to the security device  106 . The power module  238  may include a battery or capacitor, or a combination of both. The battery or capacitor may be replaceable. The battery or capacitor may incorporate or be connected to a charger, or may be connected to a backup power source, or may be powered by the item being protected.  
         [0074]     The sensors  212  may include various types of sensing devices. Cameras and microphones can provide visual and audio information. However, the sensors may also include such things as a motion sensor, a shock sensor, an audible/sound sensor, a humidity sensor, a fire sensor, a temperature sensor, a detachment sensor, a motion sensor, a smoke sensor, a video sensor, a magnetic sensor, a freezing sensor, an overheating sensor, a weight sensor, a chemical sensor, a radiation sensor, a glass break sensor, an intrusion sensor, a carbon monoxide sensor, a poison sensor, a vibration sensor, or a light sensor. The monitoring device  106  may include a display module (such as a computer screen or LCD screen) to show the status of each of the different aspects being monitored.  
         [0075]     The sensors may include a “sleep” mode to conserve power when no stimulus is detected, from which the sensors “awake” upon detecting a stimulus. Furthermore, the monitoring devices  106  and the additional devices  120  and  122  may be used to monitor not only the personal property involved, but also the area proximate the property. To that end, the computing system  252  or the user transceiver  110  may include speakers and visual monitors to display information collected by the monitoring devices and the additional devices, and the monitoring device may be in communication with lighting at the location. Similarly, because the communication in each leg is bidirectional, the monitoring device  106  or the additional devices  120  and  122  may be equipped with speakers to permit the user or security company to transmit audible signals (such as a voice or a warning sound) to the area of the property being monitored.  
         [0076]      FIGS. 4A through 4H  provide flowcharts of the operational steps, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 4A , a procedure  300  illustrates activation of the security device  106 . As described above, activation may occur according to various means. A step  302  depicts such an activation event received by the activation module  224 , which may be included within the controller  210  as software or other procedural devices or may be externally generating an interrupt or other signal to the controller  210 , as depicted in activate device step  304 . In the step  306 , the sensors  212  are activated and continue in a continuous monitoring state and may be implemented as the sensors  212 , which assume autonomous monitoring and generate an interrupt to the controller  210  or may be periodically polled by the controller  210 .  
         [0077]     Referring to  FIG. 4B , a procedure  320  illustrates detection and notification of an alarm condition. In the procedure  320 , a detect condition  322  is generated either by the sensor  212  or identified by the control  210  in a polling arrangement. The controller  210  initiates a data or voice connection request to the wireless transceiver  204  in a step  324 . The wireless transceiver  204  establishes a communication link in steps  326  and  328  via the communication network  108  to a user transceiver  110  or computing device  116 . Once such a communication link is established, the microphone  206  may detect and forward sounds or audible tones or other condition information to the wireless transceiver  204  in a step  330 . Detected or audible signals are thereafter passed across the communication link in steps  332  and  334  to the user transceiver  110  or computing device  116 . The user thereafter may evaluate received information and determine appropriate action.  
         [0078]     Alternatively, referring to  FIG. 4C , a user  102  in a procedure  340 , may elect to undertake enhanced interrogation of the device  106  surroundings in an attempt to better determine whether the sensor detected condition requires emergency intervention. As described above, enhanced or interrogation sensors may be integrated with the security device  106  to provide enhanced conditions such as imagery, infrared detection, or other desirable conditions helpful to a user in evaluating the surroundings about the security device  106 . To initiate enhanced interrogation, the present invention contemplates a user  102  in a step  342  initiates a logic sequence, for example, through the use of a keypad sequence that generates a decodable sequence, for example, DTMF tones, or through one or more data packets provided by the computing system  252  communicating by means of the communication network  108 . The logic sequence is transferred from the user transceiver  110  or computing device  116  or from the computer system  252  to the wireless transceiver  204  via steps  344  and  346  over the communication link  108  either originally established as initiated by the detection of a sensor or through a user initiated communication link  108 .  
         [0079]     After initial detection and notification of an alarm condition in procedure  320  or after further enhanced interrogation in procedure  340 , a user may determine whether or not a sensed alarm condition is an actual alarm condition as described in procedure  370  (see  FIG. 4D ) or a false alarm condition as described below in procedure  500  (see  FIG. 4H ). When a user determines or elects to declare the alarm condition as an actual alarm condition, various tracking scenarios may ensue. Several tracking scenarios are illustrated in  FIGS. 4A through 4H  and described below.  
         [0080]     In procedures  380  (see  FIG. 4D ), a tracking scenario is illustrated wherein the security device  106  initiates activation of the location identifier  218 , which assumes a tracking transmitter configuration. In a controller  210  activation scenario, a step  382  illustrates an optional countdown timer wherein the controller, upon the detection of a triggering event from the detection sensors  212 , delays the activation for a period of time allowing the user to evaluate and perhaps further interrogate sensors before activating the tracking signal  112 . Upon expiration of the optional countdown timer, the controller  210 , in a step  384 , activates the transmitting location identifier  218 . The location identifier  218 , in a step  386 , transmits the tracking signal  112 , which is detected by a user or other entity utilizing a tracking receiver  114 . The tracking receiver  114 , in a step  388 , locates the transmitting location identifier  218 , thus concluding tracking scenario  380 .  
         [0081]     An alternate tracking scenario is illustrated as procedure  400  (see  FIG. 4E ) which also employs a location identifier  218  implemented as a tracking transmitter. However, in this scenario, the tracking transmitter is activated by the user upon determination that the alarm is in fact an actual alarm rather than a false alarm. In procedure  400 , a user enters a keypad sequence or encodes an activation request using computing device  116 , in a step  402 , which is communicated to the wireless transceiver  204  in steps  404  and  406 . Alternatively, the security service, working through the computer system  252 , encodes an activation request, which is communicated to the wireless transceiver  204  in steps  404  and  406 .  
         [0082]     The wireless transceiver  204 , in step  408 , forwards the keypad sequence or activation request to the controller  210  whereupon the controller  210 , in a step  410 , decodes the keypad tone sequence or activation request and determines the requested course of action. Upon decoding, the controller  210 , in a step  412 , activates the transmitting location identifier  218  which in turn, in a step  414 , broadcasts or transmits the tracking signal  112  to the tracking receiver  114 . In a step  416 , the tracking receiver  114  locates the transmitting location identifier  218 , thus concluding procedure  400 .  
         [0083]     In yet another tracking scenario depicted as procedure  420  (see  FIG. 4F ), a location identifier  218  is implemented as a receiving location identifier that receives signals and determines a location based upon received signals. As described above, the location identifier  218  may be activated by a controller in a step  422 , which employs a countdown or delay timer that postpones activation of portions of the circuitry that traditionally require an appreciable amount of power in their operation. In a step  424 , the controller  210  activates the receiving location identifier  218  whereupon in a step  426  the location identifier  218  receives the signals  222  (see  FIG. 3 ) and makes a determination or an assembly of location data for forwarding in step  428  back to the controller  210 . The location data is further forwarded in steps  430  to the wireless transceiver  204 , and further in steps  432  and  434  over the communication network  108  to the user transceiver  110 , computing device  116 , or computer system  252 . In a step  436 , the location data is presented to a user for interpretation, thus concluding tracking scenario  420 . Alternatively, in a step  438 , the location data is presented to the computer system  252  for interpretation by a security service, thus concluding tracking scenario  420 .  
         [0084]     In yet another tracking scenario depicted as procedure  440  (see  FIG. 4G ), a user (or the security service) activates the receiving location identifier  218  through a keypad sequence or activation request sent by means of the computing system  252 . In a step  442 , a user (or the security service) enters a keypad sequence or activation request of the location identifier  218 . In steps  444  and  446 , the activation request is communicated over a communication network  108  to the wireless transceiver  204 . The wireless transceiver  204  forwards in step  448  the activation request to the controller  210 , that, in step  450 , decodes the activation request and determines that activation is requested. In step  452 , the controller  210  activates the receiving location identifier  218  whereupon the location identifier  218  determines location data in a step  454 . In a step  456 , the location identifier  218  forwards location data to the controller  210 , which further relays the location data in a step  458  to the wireless transceiver  204 . Over the communication network  108 , the location data is forwarded in steps  460  and  462  to the computing system  252  and, if desired, to the user transceiver  110  or computing device  116 . In a step  464 , the user or the security service managing the computing system  252  is presented with the location data for evaluation and determination of the location of the security device  106 , thus concluding the tracking scenario  440 .  
         [0085]     As described above, when notified of an alarm condition, a user or the security service may determine that such alarm condition is in fact benign and was generated either as the result of inadvertent sensor activation or as a result of overly sensitive sensors or transient alarm conditions acceptable to the user. Procedure  500  (see  FIG. 4H ) depicts the steps associated with the evaluation following determination of a false alarm condition. In a step  502 , in response to the determination of a false alarm condition, the user (or the security service, working through the computing system  252 ) enters a keypad sequence or reset request to reset the tripped or triggered sensors. The reset request is relayed over the communication network  108  in steps  504  and  506  to the wireless transceiver  204 . In a step  508 , the wireless transceiver  204  forwards the keypad tones to the controller  210 , whereupon in a step  510  the controller decodes the reset request and determines that the user has requested that the sensors be reset. The controller  210 , in a step  512 , initiates reset of the sensors  212  whereupon the sensors, alternatively in conjunction with the controller  210 , continues monitoring in a step  514 .  
         [0086]      FIG. 5  illustrates a user-initiated interrogation of the device surroundings, in accordance with the present invention. The present invention contemplates a scenario where a user or a security service may initiate a contact with a security device  106  to evaluate the status of the security device  106  including any surrounding conditions perceivable to the security device  106 . In such a scenario, the controller and sensors are undergoing monitoring in a step  600  representative of an activated sensor state described above. In a procedure  620 , a user initiates the establishment of a communication link over the communication network  108  for one of various reasons, such as (i) the desire by the user to evaluate the security device or its surroundings or (ii) to reestablish a dropped call that may have been initiated by the security device in response to detection sensor activation.  
         [0087]     In a step  622 , a user or the security service enters a keypad sequence or initiates a communication link to the security device  106 . A communication link is established over the communication network  108  in steps  624  and  626 . Once a communication link has been established between the user transceiver  110  or computing device  116  and the wireless transceiver  204 , a sensor such as the microphone  206  detects sounds, in a step  628 , and forwards those sounds/data, in steps  630  and  632 , to the user transceiver  110  or computing device  116  for perception and evaluation by the user  102 . Should the user desire enhanced interrogation, the user may proceed to query the interrogation sensors  236  according to the procedure  240  described above. When a user or the security service concludes audible interrogation and any optional enhanced interrogation, the user terminates the call in a step  634  and the system resumes its monitoring state. Alternatively, when a communication link is established, the user or security service deactivates the sensors  212  or performs other controlling functions relating to the security device through the use of a keypad sequence or communications link, such as placing security device into a standby or inactive state.  
         [0088]     Another scenario may include automation by the security device  106 . The security device  106  could be used to activate or deactivate, depending on conditions detected in the vicinity of the security device  106 , one or more other devices such as lights, strobe lights, heaters, sounding devices, sirens, alarms systems, relays, switches, detectors or other electromechanical devices. Those of skill in the art will appreciate numerous other scenarios will be likely, particularly as additional RFID devices are included into the mesh network of the security system, because of the interaction between the RF sensors  178  and the controllers  210 .  FIG. 6  illustrates a mechanical arrangement of an integrated transceiver  200  being received within a housing  700  that includes a security module  202  and the associated mechanical coupling of the integrated transceiver  200 . The integrated transceiver  200  assumes a generally integrated handset form-factor providing transceiver functionality as described above in relation to the wireless transceiver  204  and further includes the microphone  206  and speaker  208  with the general interfaces  214  and  234  (see  FIG. 3 ).  
         [0089]     Also illustrated in  FIG. 6  is a housing  700  that generally attaches or receives the integrated transceiver  200 , which in one embodiment receives the integrated transceiver  200  and electrically mates with exposed electrical contacts (e.g., hands-free or modem-coupling interfaces) for coupling with a security module  200  integrated within the housing  700 . The housing  700  may mate with the integrated transceiver in either a “holster-like” receiving arrangement or snap or otherwise couple to the back either over, or place of, the battery portion of the integrated handset. Other mounting and interfacing techniques may be used to couple the security module to the integrated transceiver. Such additional coupling alternatives are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. Other couplings may include additional sensors not originally contained in the security device  106 , but that are provided as “add-ons” such as smoke, chemical, or radiation sensors, or other sensors such as cameras.  
         [0090]     While the present illustration contemplates an integrated transceiver, it is also contemplated that general transceiver functionality may be provided in a “raw” circuit board configuration to be further packaged in another form-factor exhibiting similar functionality. Also contemplated is an embodiment that integrates the transceiver functionality and the security module functionality into a single integrated device. Further contemplated is an embodiment that is integrated within a larger assembly, such as a vehicle or other device, wherein the control functionality such as an on-board computer may be utilized to provide controller functionality and share yet other sensors, transceivers and the like.  
         [0091]     Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been described, those of skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its structures, methods, or other essential characteristics as broadly described herein and claimed hereinafter. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive.