Abstract:
A remote monitoring device is described that includes a microprocessor, a location determination unit connected to the microprocessor and operable to determine a location of the remote monitoring device. One or more interfaces connect the microprocessor to one or more sensors, wherein the one or more interfaces includes a multi-function radio frequency interface to communicate with wireless sensors. A radio frequency identification (RFID) interface interacts with RFID readers using the multi-function radio frequency interface, and a configuration interface to allow a user to configure the monitoring device also uses the multi-function radio frequency interface. The monitoring device uses a transmitter to transmit the location, status and collected information.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED DATA 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Pat. No. 9,119,013, issued Aug. 25, 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/322,503, filed Apr. 9, 2010, titled “Satellite Based Tracking and Data Device With Multi-Function Radio Frequency Interface”, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure is directed to satellite based monitoring, and more particularly tracking and data gathering devices with multi-function radio frequency interfaces. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The use of satellites is well known as a mechanism for both providing relatively accurate positioning information and collecting data from remote locations by means of small monitoring devices for tracking and data collection. Tracking and data collection device useful for tracking or monitoring fixed objects such as pipelines, oil wells, storage tanks, etc. and mobile objects such as vehicles or packages, use satellite, cellular or radio frequency (RF) transmissions to transmit location, status, measurements and other data to a central site where a record of the object&#39;s status, location and other data can be maintained. The monitoring devices are normally connected to one or more sensors, which collect data of interest, by wires that run between the monitoring device and the sensor. The use of wires to connect remote sensors to the monitoring device limits the number and type of sensors that can be used with the monitoring device. 
         [0004]    Further, many remote monitoring devices are used in circumstances where a permanent power source is not available. In such cases the monitoring device must be powered by batteries. Keeping all of the monitoring devices sensors, receivers and transmitter operating at all times causes a serious drain on battery power and significantly shortens the useful operating time of the tracking device. Remote monitoring devices would benefit from schemes to minimize the drain on batter resources to maximize the useful operating time of the device. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Embodiments of the present invention describe a remote monitoring device that includes a microprocessor, a location determination unit connected to the microprocessor and operable to determine a location of the remote monitoring device. One or more interfaces connect the microprocessor to one or more sensors, wherein the one or more interfaces includes a multi-function radio frequency interface to communicate with wireless sensors. A radio frequency identification (RFID) interface interacts with RFID readers using the multi-function radio frequency interface, and a configuration interface to allow a user to configure the monitoring device also uses the multi-function radio frequency interface. The monitoring device uses either transmitter to transmit the location, status and collected data. The multi-function radio can be used when it is determined that an RF link can be established via a relay receiver. 
         [0006]    The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a diagram of a monitoring system incorporating a remote monitoring device according to the concepts described herein; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a remote monitoring device according to the concepts described herein; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing a power management scheme for the remote monitoring device of  FIG. 2 ; and 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a process and communications flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a process and communications flow for a remote monitoring device according to the concepts described herein. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a system for monitoring objects using a remote device according to the concepts described herein is shown. The system  100  can use the global positioning system (GPS)  112  to provide location information to remote monitoring devices  114 ,  116 , and  118 . While GPS location determination is well known and preferred, other location determination systems can be used in place of or in conjunction with the global positioning system (GPS) to provide location information to the remote monitoring devices. Such other location determination systems can include fixed beacons, cellular signals, or other terrestrial or space based systems. 
         [0013]    Monitoring devices  114 ,  116 , and  118  are located on, in, or attached to, fixed or mobile objects so that an interested party can monitor the objects in real time. Such objects can include, but are not limited to, vehicles, such as trucks  120 , cars  122 , packages or containers. Fixed devices can include pipelines  124 , storage facilities, wells, or other fixed location. Monitoring devices can also be deployed to monitor and report environmental conditions. 
         [0014]    Embodiments of the monitoring devices use satellite transmitters to send data back to a data collection point  128  over a satellite communications network  126 . 
         [0015]    Referring now to  FIG. 2  an embodiment of a monitoring device according to the concepts described herein is shown. Monitoring device  200  includes a programmable microprocessor  210  which can have internal and external memory to hold programming and data. Microprocessor  210  is programmed to communicate with and gather data from a variety of sensors operably connected by various mechanisms to monitoring device  200 . Microprocessor  210  is also programmed to communicate with a satellite communications network, as shown in  FIG. 1 , to send location, status and collected data to a central repository or other designated recipient. 
         [0016]    In order to communicate with various inputs and outputs to the monitoring device, microprocessor  210  is connected to a transceiver, which operates on the industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radio bands. In addition to ISM transceiver  212 , monitoring device  200  includes GPS unit  214  and satellite transmitter  216 . GPS unit  214  is used to receive signals using satellite antenna  238  from the GPS satellite network and to either determine the location of the device from those signals or to pass the raw GPS data to microprocessor  210  where it is processed or passed as raw data to the data collection center  128  from  FIG. 1 . Satellite transmitter  216  is used with satellite antenna  238  to transmit data from monitoring device  200  using satellite communications network  126 . Power for ISM transmitter  212 , antenna  232 , GPS unit  214 , satellite transmitter  216 , and satellite antenna  238  are provided by RF power module  218 . RF power module  218  is controlled by microprocessor  210 , allowing microprocessor to enable and disable RF power module  218  to conserve battery power when monitoring device  200  is not transmitting or receiving. 
         [0017]    Monitoring device  200  can collect data from sensors using a variety of interfaces. Sensors may be embedded in monitoring device  200 , such as motion sensor  220  or other types of internal sensors  222  that can be located within monitoring device  200 . In addition to embedded sensors, monitoring device  200  can communicate with a plurality of external sensors. External sensors may be connected by wires such as sensors  228  and  230  using, if required, a sensor I/O bus  224  to intermediate between the sensors and the microprocessor  210 . Additionally, sensors, such as sensors  234  and  236 , may be connected wirelessly using the ISM transceiver to communicate with the monitoring device  200 . 
         [0018]    Sensors can be of any type or functionality, including temperature sensors, motion detectors, pressure sensors, volume sensors that can measure either liquid volume or cargo volume, level sensors, door open/close sensors, RF activity sensors, chemical sensors such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, or chemical of interest, flow rate sensors, light sensors, tire sensors, or any other sensor present or future whose data might be relevant in a remote monitoring situation. While individual designs of a monitoring device may be limited to a particular number of connected sensors over any particular interface, any number and type of sensors may be connected to a monitoring device in accordance with the concepts described herein. 
         [0019]    As will be discussed in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 3 , microprocessor  210  is programmed to enable and disable individual components of monitoring device  200  to conserve battery power and extend the functional capabilities of the device. Reed switch  226  allows monitoring device to be turned on and off through use of a magnetic field. 
         [0020]    In addition to the sensors and communications elements described above, embodiments of monitoring device  200  can have radio frequency identification (RFID) capabilities. Embodiments of monitoring device  200  will be able to broadcast RFID signals, either in response to an electromagnetic field from RFID reader or on various intervals, identifying the particular monitoring device by means of an electronic serial number (ESN). 
         [0021]    Monitoring device  200  is capable of being configured and programmed by a connection to an appropriately programmed computer or other device. The connection can be either hard wired, such as by using a USB, or other connection, or could preferably be wireless using the ISM transceiver and an appropriate protocol, such as Bluetooth or the like. This interface allows a technician to view the current configuration of the monitoring device, to reconfigure or alter the configuration and to modify the current programming of the device or load new programming into the device. 
         [0022]    Pairing a monitoring device with a sensor, either wireless or wired, can be done by a technician or can be done automatically by the device. Each monitoring device can be placed into pairing mode by physical switch or software command. A preferred process and communications flow is shown and described with reference to  FIG. 4 . In an alternative embodiment, sensors in pairing mode broadcast a handshake request every 500 ms until a pairing packet is received. Once desired sensors are identified a command, wireless or wired as appropriate, is sent containing information that “pairs” the devices. Information from monitoring device, or base, can contain: Message type; ESN of the monitoring device to be paired with; Current Time; Time of next scheduled packet; sensor sample/transmit interval; checksum, and/or any other useful information. The acknowledgement, or ACK, from sensor device can contain: Message Type; ESN of Sensor; ACK of next sync time; checksum, and/or any other useful information. The monitoring device can also be programmed to acknowledge to a host computer the information of any or all paired sensors. While examples of process and communications flows are described herein, one skilled in the art will understand that other flow, processes, or communications protocols can be used while remaining within the scope of the concepts described herein. 
         [0023]    In one embodiment the monitoring device can be programmed to interact with a sensor in sensor information transfer mode as follows: N seconds (which is configurable, but can have a default to a particular value such as 10 seconds) before a scheduled data transfer (as synchronized in the pairing mode or previous data transfer) the sensor broadcasts information at intervals, such as every 250 ms, while listening for an ACK from the monitoring device. The information can include: i) Message Type; ii) ESN; iii) Sensor data information; iv) failed packet count; v) Battery information or other status information, etc; and vi) checksum. The sensor continues to broadcast for M seconds (configurable with a default). Once the monitoring device receives the information it transmits an ACK to the sensor unit. The ACK can contain the following information: i) Message type; ii) time of next sync; and iii) checksum. If the sensor does not receive an ACK, it can be assumed the packet was lost. The next sample/transmission will take place at the time of the currently processing message plus the interval time. As described above, the monitoring device can be programmed to transmit the sensor information via satellite interface. 
         [0024]    In a configuration/query mode, the monitoring device can be programmed to act as follows. Every X seconds (configurable with a default) the monitoring device will broadcast its ESN and listen for 50 ms for a configuration or query packet from a host computer or other configuration device. If a handshake packet is received by monitoring device from a configuration device or host computer it will then enter a listening mode for up to 30 seconds for a configuration message. The monitoring device will then ACK a handshake packet and keep alive packets can be sent from the host computer or configuration device if it detects user interaction. This allows programming or querying without delay. The configuration message will be sent by the host computer or configuration device and acknowledged by the monitoring device. The host computer or configuration device can, optionally terminate the reprogramming or configuration session with a terminate packet. 
         [0025]    With respect to operation of aspects of the RFID functionality of the monitoring device, embodiments of the monitoring device can be programmed as follows. Every X seconds (configurable with a default) the monitoring device can transmit it&#39;s ESN Y times with a pause, such as 50 milliseconds, between transmissions. RFID readers will receive the beacon and store/re-transmit the data accordingly. Upon motion (configurable), the monitoring device can transmit every 5 seconds for 5 minutes. This enhances the acquisition of a signal from an asset moving out of a known area. Stationary RFID readers can be pre-programmed with a GPS location and the reader can re-forward the location of the monitoring device via a network connection, such as for use in location based services (LBS) applications. Mobile RFID readers can be paired with a GPS receiver and can re-forward the location of the monitoring device via network such as for use in LBS applications. 
         [0026]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a power saving scheme for a monitoring device is shown in greater detail. Monitoring device  200 , as described with respect to  FIG. 2 , in many applications is required to operate using power from a battery or batteries. To extend the operating time of the monitoring device, the monitoring device can be programmed to enable and disable, or turn on and off, certain peripherals, such as the ISM transceiver  212 , the GPS unit  214 , the satellite transmitter  216 , the RF power module  218 , the embedded sensors  220  and  222 , and/or the sensor I/O interface  224 . 
         [0027]    In one embodiment, a power scheme  300  operates as follows. The monitoring unit begins in a low power state with one, more, or all of the peripherals powered down, as shown by state  310 . In state  312  the microprocessor determines if it is time for an event. If not, the monitoring device remains in a low power state as shown by state  310 . If it is time for an event, the microprocessor enables one or more selected peripherals that are required to operate for the event as shown by state  314 . Microprocessor  210  then executes the actions required as shown by state  316 , and then disables the one or more peripherals when the action is complete as shown by state  318 . When the action is complete, as shown by state  320 , the monitoring device returns to its low power state shown by state  310 . 
         [0028]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , an embodiment of a process and communications flow usable by a mobile device according to the concepts described herein. Flow  400  includes an idle state  401 . From idle state  401  a timeout counter is set to T 1  in process  402 . After the timeout counter is set, the flow enters carrier sense mode  403  to determine if a carrier signal is sensed indicating an incoming message. If no signal is sensed, the flow passes to process  404  when a timeout of the counter occurs, after which the flow returns to idle state  401 . 
         [0029]    If a signal is sensed in carrier sense mode  403 , the flow passes to process  405  which sets a timeout counter to time T 2 . From process  405 , the flow enters into listen mode  406  where it waits to see if a valid packet is received in process  407 . If timeout counter T 2  expires, as represented by process  404 , while the flow is in listen mode  406 , the flow returns to idle state  401 . If a packet is received, the flow moves to process  408  which determines if the destination address is the address of this mobile device. If it is not, the flow returns to listen mode  406 ; if it is, the flow passes to process  409  which determines if the packet is a wake up packet or if the packet contains a valid command as well as determining if an ACK has been requested. If no ACK is requested, the flow passes directly to either wake up packet process  413  or valid command process  411 , as appropriate. If an ACK is requested, the flow first sends the appropriate ACK in process  410  before passing to wake up packet process  413  or valid command process  411 , as appropriate. 
         [0030]    If a packet is received, the flow moves to process  408  which determines if the destination address is the address of this mobile device. If it is not, the flow returns to listen mode  406 ; if it is, the flow passes to process  409  which determines if the packet is a wake up packet or other packet as well as determining if an ACK has been requested. If no ACK is requested, the flow passes directly to either wake up packet process  413  for wake up packets or valid command determination  411 , for other packets. If an ACK is requested, the flow first sends the appropriate ACK in process  410  before passing to wake up packet process  413  or valid command determination  411 , as appropriate. From wake up packet process  413 , the flow sends a wake up response  414  before returning to counter T 2  reset  405  and listen mode  406 . From valid command determination  411 , if the packet contained a valid command, that command is processed and a response is sent in process  412  before returning to counter T 2  reset  405  and listen mode  406 . If the packet did not contain a valid command, the process again returns to counter T 2  reset  405  and listen mode  406 . 
         [0031]    Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.