English:
[0001] With the pervasive use of portable computing devices, commonly referred to as notebooks or laptops, there is also an increasing trend of loss of such portable computing devices. Such loss have been attributed to both user carelessness as well as theft.
[0002] As part of measures to prevent the loss of such notebook computers, technological measures have been built into these notebook computers to ensure ease of tracking to facilitate retrieval. The first step in attempting to retrieve such a notebook computer is to determine its current location.
[0004] Notebook computers with built in GPS modules are able to ascertain their location as long as they are able to communicate with orbiting satellites of the GPS systems.
[0005] Using GPS to track such notebook computers invariably consumes large amounts of power from the notebook computer batteries when the GPS modules are in continual communication with the satellites. Continual tracking and location determining using GPS can easily deplete the batteries. Continued unsuccessful attempts to determine location via GPS can similarly deplete the power in the batteries and reduces the possibilities of further attempts to track the notebook with other forms of technologies.
[0006] For a detailed description of embodiments of the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the system for locating a notebook computer in accordance with an embodiment;
[0008] FIG. 2 shows a notebook computer of FIG. 1 ;
[0009] FIG. 3 shows a timing chart of the notebook computer not being able to obtain a GPS location fix
[0010] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a method for locating a notebook computer;
[0011] FIG. 5 shows a timing chart of the notebook computer in accordance to an embodiment; and
[0012] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a method in accordance with an embodiment.
[0013] Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) provides wireless connectivity to the internet achieved through the use of telecommunication cellular technology. A computer adapted with a wireless network hardware would be able to wirelessly connect to a network or to the internet using cellular technology.
[0014] Wake on WWAN (WoW) is now fast becoming an effective way to wirelessly establish contact with a remote computer and to remotely instruct the computer to perform certain actions. Current accepted protocols of initiating a command signal to such WoW enabled computers are by way of Short Messaging Services (SMS). A specific SMS command containing a predetermined sequence of signals is sent to the WoW enabled computer. The WoW enabled computer receiving such an SMS command would in accordance with predetermined instructions, perform such instructions notably that of waking up or switching On the WoW enabled computer. The SMS command may be sent by a user desiring to locate the computer or by a system as part of its standard procedures to ensure all assets are being tracked.
[0015] Once the computer is switched ON, other instructions may be sent via SMS to instruct the computer to perform other actions an example of which is to instruct the computer to send a reply back to the user informing the user of a list of last known GPS locations of the computer. In accordance with a current embodiment, an SMS command may be sent to remotely switch ON the computer, following which another SMS command may be sent to instruct the computer to activate its built in GPS module and determine its own location via the GPS module. Alternatively, the SMS command may further be a combined command providing multiple instructions in addition to the WAKE command.
[0016] However, a built in GPS module 15 of a notebook computer works well when the notebook computer is in the "open" position. Referring to FIG.1 and FIG 2, this "open" position is best characterized by the ready to use position of the notebook computer 20, i.e. when the lid 23 of the notebook computer 20 is lifted away from the body 21 of the notebook computer 20 in a position whereby the screen or monitor 24 in the lid 23 is in an easy to read position by a user. Typically in such a position, the lid 23 would be pointed substantially vertically upwards.
[0017] When the lid 24 of the notebook computer 20 is closed, i.e. when the lid 23 and the body 21 are in close proximity and both substantially parallel to each other, the built in GPS module 15 of the notebook computer 20 is often unable to obtain a GPS fix. This may be caused by the proximity of metal components and circuitry in the notebook computer 20 interfering with an antenna of the GPS module.
[0019] As such, the present embodiment provides for a way to ensure that a GPS fix is attempted when the notebook computer 20 and its lid 23 are in the best position.
[0020] Referring to FIG. 1 , a system 10 in accordance with the present embodiment is shown. The system 10 may be built into the notebook computer 20 and comprises a motion detector 18, a GPS module 15, a wireless network module 17, and a lid detector 19.
[0021] The motion detector 18 built into the notebook computer 20 would serve to detect movement of the notebook computer 20 and be able to ascertain if the notebook computer 20 had substantially moved from one location to another. It may be implemented in several known ways and examples of which are: accelerometers, gyroscopes and triangulation using radio or telecommunication signals.
[0022] The GPS module 15 may be a separate card or a circuitry board incorporated into the notebook computer 20. The GPS module 15 would further comprise at least an antenna coupled to the GPS module 15 for communicating with satellites of an external GPS system. The GPS module 15 would by way of the GPS system be able to obtain a fix on its own location and provide this information to the system 10 of the present embodiment.
[0023] The wireless network module 17 also comprises at least an antenna coupled to the wireless network module 17. The wireless network module 17 may conform to certain established network protocols examples of which are the UMTS, HSPA, EvDO, LTE or the 802.1 1 series of wireless communications protocols.
[0024] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 shows the using of WoW in attempting to determine the location of the notebook computer 20. Referring to FIG. 3, when the lid 23 of the notebook computer 20 is closed, the performance of the GPS module 15 is severely reduced and a GPS fix is not usually possible. A WoW command is sent 410 by the user to remotely power up or switched ON the notebook computer 20, the notebook computer 20 would be powered up or switched ON. Following which an inquiry 420 is made as to the location of the notebook computer 20. If the location is available and known to the notebook computer 20, that location is transmitted 440 to the user. If the location is not known, the GPS module is activated to attempt to determine 450 the location via a GPS fix. However, in the scenario of FIG. 3, the WoW command is sent 410 when the notebook computer is in a physically closed position. Having the notebook computer 20 in a closed position would likely result in the GPS module 15 not being able to obtain a GPS fix and consequently unable to obtain a GPS determined location of the notebook computer 20.
[0026] Alternatively, after failure to obtain a GPS fix, instructions could be issued to the notebook computer 20 to automatically wake up or switch ON at regular intervals to attempt a GPS fix. However, this would be a similarly random attempt to wake the notebook computer hoping to coincide with the lid 23 being opened and effectively obtaining a GPS fix. Another way may be to remotely switch ON the notebook computer 20 using the WoW command and keep it ON until the lid 23 is opened to facilitate the GPS fix. However, this would surely be a method which would deplete the batteries in a short span of time.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the method 60 in accordance with the present embodiment for locating a notebook computer starts with the sending 610 of a WoW command to remotely switch ON the notebook computer 20 by the user. An inquiry 620 is then sent to ascertain the location of the notebook computer 20. If available, the method 60 proceeds to transmit 660 the location to the user and then following which the notebook computer is switched OFF 680.
[0028] If however the location of the notebook computer 20 is not available, a check is performed to ascertain if the lid 23 of the notebook computer 20 is open. If the lid 23 is open, the GPS module 15 of the notebook computer 20 is activated to obtain a GPS fix and consequently determine 650 the location of the notebook computer 20. The method 60 then proceeds to transmitting 660 the GPS determined location back to the user.
[0029] If however, the lid 23 of the notebook computer 20 is not open, i.e. closed, instructions are then given to the notebook computer to power up or switch ON itself when the lid 23 is opened and to obtain its own location. The instructions would further comprise activating the GPS module and obtaining a GPS fix and a GPS determined location of the notebook computer. After these instructions had been sent to the notebook computer 20, the notebook computer would shut down or switch OFF automatically to prevent loss of battery power.
[0030] In order for the notebook computer to detect that the opening or closing of the lid 23, some form of detection means would be required. The lid detector 19 of the notebook computer 20 would serve to ascertain whether the lid 23 is opened or closed.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 2, the lid detector 19 may comprise of a mechanical switch 29 which is depressed when the lid is closed and is released when the lid is open.
[0032] The lid detector may further comprise of mechanical switches built into latches 27, 28 of the notebook computer 20 for securing the lid 23 in a closed position. Such mechanical switches would be activated when the lid 23 is closed and provide a signal via the lid detector 23 to the notebook computer that the lid 23 is closed. Other forms of detection such as optical or electromechanical switches may further be used for lid detection.
[0033] In another embodiment, the lid detector 19 may further comprise an accelerometer. The accelerometer would be able to detect the positions of the lid 23 and provide an open or close signal depending on the position of the lid relative to the body 21 of the notebook computer 20.
[0034] In yet another embodiment, the motion detector 18 built into the notebook computer 20 may be used in conjunction with the method described earlier. The motion detector 18 may be used to determine if the notebook computer 20 has been moved since its last GPS fix. If no further movement is detected by the motion detector 18, there would not be any need to obtain another GPS fix and consequently wasting any battery life. If however, the motion detector 18 detects that the notebook has been moved since the earlier GPS fix, then the location of the notebook computer 20 has changed and an additional GPS fix would be required to obtain the correct location of the notebook computer.
[0035] In a further embodiment, the motion detector 18 could be used to further ascertain a current location of the notebook computer 20 after an initial GPS fix has been performed. The initial GPS fix would have obtained the initial location of the notebook computer 20. However, the lid 23 of the notebook computer 20 may be closed thereafter and the notebook computer 20 moved to another location. With the lid 23 closed, the GPS module 15 is prevented from obtaining another GPS fix even though the location of the notebook computer 20 has changed. The motion detector 18 would have detected the movement and be able to ascertain that the location of the notebook computer 20 had changed. The motion detector 18 could then be able to determine the current location of the notebook computer 20 while the lid 23 is closed by detecting and calculating the distance and direction moved from the location of the initial GPS fix. The motion detector 18 may be instructed to at predetermined regular intervals determine the updated locations and store them for future reference.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 5, the motion detector 18 determined location of the notebook computer may be transmitted 660 when an inquiry 620 on the location of the notebook computer is made if the initial location has changed or if its not available.
[0037] The motion detector 18 may further be instructed to continually track the movement of the notebook computer 20 and continually update and calculate its location in conjunction with any earlier GPS fixes obtained. The motion detector 18 determined locations may be stored in the notebook computer 20 for reference and may be provided in situations when the GPS module 15 is unable to obtain a GPS fix. Alternatively, the motion detector 18 may operate specifically to only detect movement of the notebook computer 20 or be activated only when a request via the WoW method had been initiated.
[0038] The motion detector 18 may be implemented in a variety of ways such as using accelerometers, gyroscopes and triangulation using cellular networks, or wireless access points.
[0039] In another embodiment, the motion detector 18 and the lid detector 19 may be implemented using a singular module and may make also be implemented using accelerometers, gyroscopes and triangulation using cellular networks, or wireless access points.
[0040] Numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated.

中文:
[0001]随着通常称为笔记本或膝上型电脑的便携式计算设备的普遍使用,也存在增加的这样的便携式计算设备的丢失的趋势。这样的丢失已经被归因于用户疏忽以及被盗这二者。
[0002]作为防止这样的笔记本计算机丢失的措施的一部分,已经把技术措施内置到这些笔记本计算机中,以确保容易进行跟踪,从而方便寻回。尝试寻回这样的笔记本计算机的第一步骤是确定其当前位置。
[0004]只要具有内置GPS模块的笔记本计算机能够与GPS系统的轨道人造卫星进行通信,其就能够查实它们的位置。
[0005]当GPS模块与卫星进行连续通信时,使用GPS跟踪这样的笔记本计算机总是消耗来自笔记本计算机电池的大量功率。使用GPS进行连续跟踪和位置确定可能容易使电池耗尽。经由GPS的连续不成功的确定位置尝试可能类似地使电池中的功率耗尽,并且减少了使用其它形式的技术来跟踪笔记本的进一步尝试的可能性。
[0006]为了对本发明的实施例进行详细说明,现在将对附图进行参考,在附图中:
[0007]图1是示出根据实施例的用于定位笔记本计算机的系统的框图;
[0008]图2示出了图1的笔记本计算机;
[0009]图3示出了笔记本计算机不能获得GPS位置方位的时序图;
[0010]图4是示出用于定位笔记本计算机的方法的流程图;
[0011]图5示出了根据实施例的笔记本计算机的时序图;以及
[0012]图6是示出根据实施例的方法的流程图。
[0013]无线广域网(Wireless Wide Area Network, WWAN)提供了通过使用远程通信蜂窝式技术达到的到因特网的无线连接。适配有无线网络硬件的计算机将能够使用蜂窝式技术无线地连接到网络或到因特网。
[0014]现在,WWAN唤醒(Wake on WWAN,WoW)正在快速地成为与远程计算机无线地建立联系并且远程地指示该计算机执行某些动作的有效方式。当前公认的向这样的WoW使能计算机发起命令信号的协议是通过短信服务(Short Message Service, SMS)的方式。向该WoW使能计算机发送包含预定序列的信号的特定SMS命令。接收到这样的SMS命令的WoW使能计算机将根据预定指令执行这样的指令,尤其是唤醒或接通该WoW使能计算机的指令。可以由希望对该计算机进行定位的用户或者由系统作为其标准过程的一部分发送SMS命令,以确保正在跟踪所有资产。
[0015]一旦该计算机接通,则可以经由SMS发送其它指令,以指示该计算机执行其它动作,其的一示例是指示该计算机向回发送回复给用户,告知用户该计算机的最近已知GPS位置的列表。根据当前实施例,可以发送SMS命令以远程地接通该计算机,在其之后可以发送另一SMS命令,以指示该计算机激活其内置GPS模块,并且经由该GPS模块确定其自己的位置。可替换地,该SMS命令还可以是除了WAKE(唤醒)命令之外提供多个指令的组合命令。
[0016]然而,当笔记本计算机处于“打开”位置时,该笔记本计算机的内置GPS模块15工作良好。参考图1和图2,此“打开”位置的最佳特征在于该笔记本计算机20的就绪使用位置,即当该笔记本计算机20的盖23从笔记本计算机20的主体21抬起,处于如下位置时:由此该盖23中的屏幕或监视器24处于用户容易读取位置。一般在这样的位置,该盖23会基本垂直向上指向。
[0017]当该笔记本计算机20的盖24闭合时,即当盖23和主体21极接近并且两者基本彼此平行时,该笔记本计算机20的内置GPS模块15经常不能获得GPS方位。这可能是由该笔记本计算机20中的金属部件和电路的接近干扰该GPS模块的天线引起的。
[0019]这样,本实施例提供一种方式,来确保当笔记本计算机20和其盖23处于最佳位置时,尝试获得GPS方位。
[0020]参考图1,示出了根据本实施例的系统10。可以将该系统10内置到笔记本计算机20中,并且该系统10包括运动检测器18、GPS模块15、无线网络模块17和盖检测器19。
[0021]内置到该笔记本计算机20中的运动检测器18将用来检测该笔记本计算机20的移动,并且能够查实该笔记本计算机20是否实质上已经从一个位置移动到了另一位置。它可以用若干已知方式来实现,并且其的示例是:加速计、陀螺仪和使用无线电或远程通信信号的三角测量。
[0022]该GPS模块15可以是被结合到该笔记本计算机20中的分离卡或者电路板。该GPS模块15还将至少包括耦合到该GPS模块15的用于与外部GPS系统的卫星进行通信的天线。通过该GPS系统,该GPS模块15将能够获得关于其自己位置的方位,并且将此信息提供给本实施例的系统10。
[0023]无线网络模块17还至少包括耦合到该无线网络模块17的天线。该无线网络模块17可以符合某些建立的网络协议,其的示例是UMTS、HSPA、EvDO、LTE或者无线通信协议中的802.11系列。
[0024]图3和图4示出了使用WoW来尝试确定该笔记本计算机20的位置。参考图3,当该笔记本计算机20的盖23闭合时,该GPS模块15的性能严重降低,并且通常不能获得GPS方位。用户发送410 WoW命令,以远程地使该笔记本计算机20上电或接通,该笔记本计算机20会被上电或者接通。在其之后,进行关于该笔记本计算机20的位置的询问420。如果该位置可获得并且对于该笔记本计算机20是已知的,则把该位置传送440给用户。如果该位置是未知的,则激活该GPS模块,以尝试经由GPS方位确定450该位置。然而,在图3的情景中,当该笔记本计算机处于物理闭合位置时,发送410 WoW命令。使该笔记本计算机20处于闭合位置将很可能导致该GPS模块15不能获得GPS方位,并且因此不能获得该笔记本计算机20的GPS确定位置。
[0026]可替换地,在获得GPS方位失败之后,可以向该笔记本计算机20发出指令,以便以规则间隔自动唤醒或者接通来尝试获得GPS方位。然而,这会是用来唤醒该笔记本计算机的类似随机的尝试,其希望与正打开的盖23一致并且有效地获得GPS方位。另一种方式可以是使用WoW命令远程地接通该笔记本计算机20并且保持其ON(开),直到该盖23打开为止,以方便获得GPS方位。然而,这想必会是会在短时间跨度内耗尽电池的方法。
[0027]参考图5和图6,在用户发送610 WoW命令,以远程地接通该笔记本计算机20的情况下,根据本实施例的用于定位笔记本计算机的方法60开始。然后,发送询问620,以查实该笔记本计算机20的位置。如果可获得,则该方法60进行到向用户传送660该位置,然后,在其之后关断680该笔记本计算机。
[0028]然而,如果不可获得该笔记本计算机20的位置,则执行检查,以查实该笔记本计算机20的盖23是否打开。如果该盖23是打开的,则激活该笔记本计算机20的GPS模块15以获得GPS方位,并因此确定650该笔记本计算机20的位置。然后,该方法60进行到向回把该GPS确定位置传送660给用户。
[0029]然而,如果该笔记本计算机20的盖23没有打开,即闭合,则向该笔记本计算机给出指令,以在盖23打开时使它本身上电或接通,并且获得其自己的位置。所述指令将还包括激活该GPS模块并且获得该笔记本计算机的GPS方位和GPS确定位置。在已经向该笔记本计算机20发送这些指令之后,该笔记本计算机会自动关机或关断,以防止电池功率损失。
[0030]为了使该笔记本计算机检测该盖23的打开或闭合,会需要一些形式的检测手段。该笔记本计算机20的盖检测器19将用来查实该盖23是打开还是闭合。
[0031]参考图2,该盖检测器19可以包括在盖闭合时被按下而在盖打开时被释放的机械开关29。
[0032]该盖检测器还可以包括内置到该笔记本计算机20的用于把盖23固定在闭合位置的闩锁27、28中的机械开关。当盖23闭合时,将激活这样的机械开关,并且这些机械开关经由盖检测器23向该笔记本计算机提供盖23闭合的信号。还可以使用诸如光学或电磁开关之类的其它检测形式以进行盖检测。
[0033]在另一实施例中,该盖检测器19还可以包括加速计。该加速计将能够检测盖23的位置,并且依据该盖相对于该笔记本计算机20的主体21的位置提供打开或闭合信号。
[0034]在又一实施例中,可以与早前描述的方法结合使用内置到该笔记本计算机20中的运动检测器18。可以使用该运动检测器18来确定该笔记本计算机20自其最近的GPS方位是否已经移动了。如果该运动检测器18没有检测到进一步的移动,则将不存在获得另一GPS方位并因此浪费任何电池寿命的任何需要。然而,如果该运动检测器18检测到该笔记本自该早前的GPS方位已经移动了,则该笔记本计算机20的位置已经改变,并且将需要另外的GPS方位,以获得该笔记本计算机的正确位置。
[0035]在再一实施例中,可以使用运动检测器18,在已经执行最初GPS方位获得之后,进一步查实该笔记本计算机20的当前位置。该最初GPS方位会已经获得了该笔记本计算机20的最初位置。然而,该笔记本计算机20的盖23可能在此后闭合,并且该笔记本计算机20移动到了另一位置。在盖23闭合的情况下,即使该笔记本计算机20的位置已经改变,也防止该GPS模块15获得另一GPS方位。该运动检测器18会已经检测到了该移动,并且能够查实该笔记本计算机20的位置已经改变。然后,该运动检测器18在盖23闭合时,通过检测和计算从最初GPS方位的位置移动的距离和方向,可能能够确定该笔记本计算机20的当前位置。可以指示该运动检测器18,以预定规则间隔确定更新的位置,并且存储它们以供未来参考。
[0036]参考图5,如果最初位置已经改变或者如果其不可获得,则当进行了关于该笔记本计算机的位置的询问620时,可以传送660运动检测器18确定的该笔记本计算机的位置。
[0037]还可以指示该运动检测器18连续跟踪该笔记本计算机20的移动,并且结合所获得的任何早前GPS方位连续更新和计算其位置。可以将该运动检测器18确定的位置存储在该笔记本计算机20中以供参考,并且可以在GPS模块15不能获得GPS方位时的情形下,提供该运动检测器18确定的位置。可替换地,该运动检测器18可以具体地工作,以仅检测该笔记本计算机20的移动,或者仅当已经发起了经由WoW方法的请求时被激活。
[0038]可以以多种方式来实现运动检测器18,诸如使用加速计、陀螺仪和使用蜂窝式网络或无线接入点的三角测量。
[0039]在另一实施例中,该运动检测器18和盖检测器19可以使用单个模块来实现,并且也可以使运动检测器18和盖检测器19使用加速计、陀螺仪以及使用蜂窝式网络或无线接入点的三角测量来实现。
[0040]一旦完全理解了上述公开内容,众多变体和修改对于本领域技术人员将变得明显。