Patent Publication Number: US-2011054731-A1

Title: System and method for bi-directional wireless information transfer

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the invention relate generally to a system and method for bi-directional wireless information transfer and, more particularly, to a system and method for self-powered bi-directional wireless information transfer and information sharing within a global network of discrete objects for optimizing and tracking movement of objects. 
     Maintaining an accurate system for tracking the movement of objects has long been an area of focus for streamlining and optimizing various processes. For example, the study of traffic patterns of vehicles and people have been used to minimize traffic jams and long lines. Likewise, the location of inventories and/or assets at each step of a supply chain process have been monitored to stream and optimize these processes. One technique for enhancing efficiency of the supply chain process involves placement of unique computer-readable identification codes, e.g., bar codes on the inventories. By scanning these at various checkpoints during delivery, a record of the inventories may be maintained. Unfortunately, this process requires the affirmative step of locating and scanning each identification code in a timely manner. Further, these techniques lead to unnecessary delay in the supply chain process and provide no information transfer between checkpoints. 
     Current tracking systems employing global positioning systems (GPS), radio frequency identification (RFID) and/or other similar technologies have greatly helped in streamlining and optimizing the supply chain processes. Typically, RFID readers are installed at the entrances and exits of supply chain entities, allowing one to track in real-time where the inventories are in the supply chain, in the manufacturing facility, or in the distribution center or in the retail store. Similarly, GPS based tracking system may be employed to track the assets such as trailer, rail cars, shipping or cargo containers, and the like during transit. Thus, these systems enable monitoring and management of various inventories and/or the assets. 
     However, existing monitoring techniques fail to provide bi-directional information transfer during transit. For example, once an inventory tagged with RFID leaves the manufacturing facility and is loaded into the trailer, the tagged inventory cannot be tracked. This is particularly important as more and more companies are relying on trailers or mobile assets to act as a mobile warehouse for them. Thus, there is a need to get real-time information of where the inventories and/or assets are at any point in time. Likewise, current on-vehicle GPS systems and PDA devices are not integrated into a global network for bi-directional location-specific data sharing. 
     Further, existing data transfer techniques rely on external power sources to move information over large distances. As such, these data transfer systems incorporating known techniques may experience downtime during power outages, leading to loss of global communication and networking capability when information transfer is most needed (e.g., during an attack on homeland security, tornado, hurricane, etc.). Thus, a need exists for a system and method capable of self-powered bi-directional wireless information transfer. 
     It is therefore desirable to provide a wireless communication system for data transfer and information sharing within a global network of discrete objects for optimizing movement of objects in an efficient fashion. Additionally, it is desirable to provide a robust information transfer system for relaying both location-specific and object-specific data without relying on external power sources. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the invention provide a system and method for bi-directional wireless information transfer. 
     Therefore, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, a bi-directional wireless information system includes a plurality of sensor nodes spaced along a path of travel of an object, each of the sensor nodes corresponding to a specified location along the path of travel. The system also includes a transceiver associated with the object, the transceiver configured to communicate with the plurality of sensor nodes, such that a location of the object is determinable based on wireless communication between the transceiver and the plurality of sensor nodes. A central database included in the system is configured to receive the location of the object from at least one of the transceiver and the plurality of sensor nodes, receive object-specific data from at least one of the transceiver and the plurality of sensor nodes, and transmit location-specific data to the transceiver. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method for bi-directional wireless transmission of information between an object and a central data system includes the steps of arranging a network of wireless sensors along a pathway and associating each sensor of the network of wireless sensors with a respective position along the pathway. The method also includes the steps of wirelessly transmitting an object location to a central data system when the object moves along the pathway, the object location corresponding to the respective positions of the wireless sensors, accessing location-specific data from the central data system, the location-specific data corresponding to the object location, and wirelessly transmitting the location-specific data from the central data system to the object. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a wireless roadway information system includes a network of sensors positioned along a roadway, each of the sensors corresponding to a specified location. The system also includes a processing unit disposed within a vehicle and comprising a transceiver configured to wirelessly communicate with the network of sensors, such that a location of the vehicle is determinable based on wireless communication between the transceiver and one of the network of sensors and a plurality of vehicle data sensors configured to acquire vehicle-specific information. The system also includes a central database located remotely from the network of sensors and the transceiver. The central database is configured to receive a wireless signal from one of the transceiver and a sensor in the network of sensors, the wireless signal including a location of the vehicle and vehicle-specific information, determine location-specific information based on the location of the vehicle, determine vehicle control commands based on the vehicle-specific information, and transmit the location-specific information and vehicle control commands to the transceiver. 
     Various other features and advantages will be made apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a wireless information system according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of a wireless information system according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of a wireless information system according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of a wireless information system according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram of a vehicle for use with a wireless information system according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of a fleet vehicle for use with a wireless information system according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a schematic diagram of an exemplary wireless information system  10  is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The information system  10  includes a central network or central database  12  for monitoring and/or information sharing via a network  14  of readers  16 ,  18 ,  20  associated with objects  22 ,  24 ,  26 . According to aspects of the present invention, objects  22 - 26  may include transit vehicles (e.g., cars, trucks, and planes), human beings, and handheld wireless devices (e.g., PDAs and cellular phones). System  10  is configured to relay location-specific information and object-specific information between central network  12  and objects  22 - 26 . As used herein, location-specific information includes information and data related to a specific location, such as, for example, weather information, traffic information, emergency alerts, road conditions, geographic data, nearby services, and the like. Object-specific information, as used herein, includes information and data related to a specific object, such as, for example, engine conditions and diagnostics, driver information, inventory data, and the like. 
     Wireless information system  10  also includes a sensor network  28  of wireless sensors  30 ,  32 , such as, for example, IR sensors, RFID tags, eSensors, i-Bean® devices, or wireless access points. Sensor network  28  and reader network  14  are configured to communicate with central network  12  over a wireless communication network (e.g., Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, Synaps Wireless®, G2, and the like). Sensor network  28  may be powered via solar sensors or a battery power source. Alternatively, sensor network  28  may be hardwired to a dedicated power supply. 
     Sensor network  28  may comprise a multi-hop wireless network configured to minimize energy costs using a connectionless scheduling protocol, such as the wireless sensor network disclosed in  Energy Minimization in Wireless Sensor Networks through a Connectionless Scheduling Protocol,  IEEE MILCOM 2005, Oct. 17-20, 2005, ISBN 0-7803-9393-7. In such a sensor network, only intended wireless sensors (i.e., receivers) are powered up when an intended transmission is sent, as opposed to an inherently broadcast wireless network. A pre-defined global schedule may be configured for both scheduled sensor on-times (targeted for one-to-one transmissions from any sensor within range to intended receivers) and scheduled transmissions (designed for one-to-many transmission of messages of interest to multiple sensors). These schedules are determined by each sensor using an algorithm based on global time and a distinguishing factor, such as, for example, GPS position or a unique sensor identifier. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, network  14  may be configured along a pathway or throughout a site  36 , such as an amusement park, airport, parking lot, or other high-traffic site. Sensors  30 ,  32  may be configured to relay location information a respective reader  16 - 20  when objects  22 - 26  come into range, allowing wireless information system  10  to establish the presence and location of objects  22 - 26  within the site. Based on the location of objects  22 - 26 , central network  12  may transmit location information to respective reader  16 - 20  regarding nearby site resources, for example, nearby restaurants or other points of interest. Location information of objects  22 - 26  may also be used for queue optimization by monitoring the number of people in a line and directing people to a different line via messages sent to respective reader  16 - 20  to optimize traffic flow. Also, location information of objects  22 - 26  may be analyzed by central network  12  to monitor traffic and use patterns for marketing purposes and for scheduling equipment maintenance. 
     Additionally, sensors  30 ,  32  may be configured to relay parking location information of a vehicle within a parking lot to a handheld PDA or cellular phone. Alternatively, sensors  30 ,  32  may be configured to monitor the number of vehicles entering and exiting a parking lot and relay the number of empty parking spots in a parking lot to a driver en route to the parking lot via a handheld PDA or cellular phone. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the wireless information system described with respect to  FIG. 1 , may be configured as a continuous coverage wireless road system  38 , according to one embodiment. System  38  includes individual wireless access points  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46  of a wireless network  48 , which may be positioned along a roadway  50 . Access points  40 - 46  interact with a wireless bridge  52  located on a vehicle  54 , allowing system  38  to establish and monitor a location of vehicle  54  along roadway  50 . Location information of vehicle  54  is transmitted via a router  56  to a satellite or hard line  58 , which relays the information to a central network  60 . 
     Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 3 , a wireless road system  62  may include a number of RFID identifiers or tags  64 ,  66 ,  68 ,  70  positioned along a roadway  72  to form a wireless multi-hop network  74 . An RFID reader  76  may be located in a vehicle  78  to pick up the tag number of a RFID tag  64 - 70  as vehicle  78  passes tag  64 - 70  on roadway  72 . Reader  76  sends the tag number via network  74  to a central system  80 , which looks up the location of tag  64 - 70  and sends back pertinent information about that location to vehicle  78 . Alternatively, optional cellular towers  82  may be used to relay signals between RFID tags  64 - 70  and central system  80 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a wireless road system  84  is illustrated according to another aspect of the present invention. System  84  utilizes existing cellular towers  86  to form a wireless network. A cellular transmitter  88  located in a vehicle  90  relays information between vehicle  90  and a central network  92  via cellular towers  86  using existing cellular protocols. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a schematic of a vehicle  94  configured for use with embodiments of the present invention. Vehicle  94  includes a processing unit  96  or ‘black box’ that monitors diagnostics of vehicle  94  via a number of sensors  98 ,  100  located throughout vehicle  94 . Monitored diagnostics may include general car status, odometer readings, fluid levels, battery level, tire pressure, and the like. Processing unit  96  communicates with a wireless bridge or reader  102  associated with a computer interface  104  to send object or vehicle information regarding the monitored diagnostics to a central network  106 . Processing unit  96  may be configured to transmit information to an optional PDA or laptop computer  108  (shown in phantom) located within vehicle  94 . 
     Reader  102  also receives location information from position sensing devices  110 ,  112 , such as RFID tags or wireless connection points located along a roadway  114  as described with respect to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . Reader  102  transmits the location information from position sensing devices  110 ,  112  and object or vehicle information from processing unit  96  to central network  106 . Alternatively, reader  102  may be configured as a cellular transmitter to communicate with central network  106  via a network of cellular towers, as described with respect to  FIG. 4 . Central network  106  analyzes the location and object information and transmits a response to vehicle  94 . The response may include location-related information specific to the determined location of vehicle  94 , such as weather conditions, traffic conditions, traffic detours (i.e., alternate travel routes), upcoming road construction, and news, sports and stock updates, for example. 
     Central network  106  may also receive signals from a roadway sensor  116  configured to monitor road conditions. For example, roadway sensor  116  may be a black ice sensor embedded in roadway  114  and constructed to detect a surface temperature of roadway  114 . Sensor  116  may transmit a temperature signal to central network  106  via reader  102  or an auxiliary station or access point  118  located along roadway  114 . Based on the received temperature signal and the location of vehicle  94 , central network  106  may carry out an algorithm to determine if a potential black ice or dangerous road condition exists for vehicle  94 . If so, central network  106  may transmit a signal to processing unit  96  to automatically cause vehicle  94  to enter a preventative anti-skid mode, for example. Alternatively, central network  106  may transmit a warning signal to vehicle  94  to alert a driver of the upcoming potentially dangerous road conditions. It should be noted that, in certain embodiments, auxiliary station  118  may include a processor for processing or analyzing the response received from position sensing devices  110 ,  112  and/or sensor  116  and perform data processing functions so not all of the acquired data need be sent to central network  106  over the wireless communication network. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a schematic of a wireless communication system  120  for use with a fleet vehicle  122  for exchange of location and object information relevant to fleet vehicle  122 , in accordance with aspects of the present invention. System  120  includes a central monitoring station or central network  124  in communication with a network of wireless readers, such as RFID reader  126 . Central station  124  may request (activate/initiate) RFID reader  126  to locate vehicle  122  along a roadway  128  or to determine object information regarding an inventory  130  within a trailer  132  of vehicle  122 . Upon receiving the request, RFID reader  126  activates for a specified period of time (e.g., for 1 second or for 1.3 seconds) via an activation signal and emits radio frequency (rf) signals  134 . An RFID tag  136  located on inventory  130  receives rf signal  134  and responds back with rf signal  138  comprising its unique identification code. Additionally, a RFID tag  140  of a network of RFID tags  142  located along roadway  128  within range of RFID reader  126  may receive rf signal  134  and respond back with rf signal  144  comprising its unique identification code. 
     RFID reader  126  receives signals  138 ,  144  and relays the response data (RFID data) to central station  124  over a wireless or satellite communication network. Central station  124  may then analyze the response to determine the presence and location of RFID tags  136 ,  140 . Additionally, monitoring station  124  may provide a visual display of inventory location and identification within trailer  132 . Thus, end users can check in real time the location of their inventories that are tagged with RFID tags. 
     Wireless communication system  120  also includes a processing unit  146  mounted within a cab  148  of fleet vehicle  122 . Similar to processing unit  96  of  FIG. 5 , processing unit  146  may be configured to monitor object information associated with fleet vehicle  122  and communicate with RFID reader  126  via a wireless signal  150 . Processing unit  146  receives object information or data from a network of wired or wireless sensors  152  located on or within cab  148 . Sensors  152  may be configured to monitor vehicle diagnostic information, including engine status, odometer readings, fluid levels, battery level, tire pressure, and the like. 
     Sensors  152  may also be configured to monitor an open/closed status of a door  154  of cab  148 . A signal from sensors  152  related to the open/closed status may be transmitted to monitoring station  124  along with location information from RFID tag  140  so that monitoring station  124  may determine the location where door  154  was opened. Sensors  152  may also be used for security purposes to determine who opened or closed door  154  by analyzing fingerprint data using a biometric sensor or reading a badge on a driver&#39;s uniform using an RFID or optical sensor, for example. Sensors  152  also may be configured to send an alert to monitoring station  124  if no badge is sensed or if an unknown fingerprint is read. 
     Also, sensors  152  located within cab  148  may be biometric sensors configured to monitor various physical conditions of a driver and acquire biometric object data. For example, biometric sensors may be configured to monitor a driver&#39;s eyes after a lengthy period of driving (to determine how focused they are, for example), sweat glands on a driver&#39;s hands or a driver&#39;s heart rate or blood pressure (to determine if a driver is driving too aggressively, for example). Monitoring station  124  analyzes and the biometric object data received from sensors  152  in combination with the location information received from RFID tag  140  to determine if a warning signal should be sent to the driver. For example, if monitoring station  124  determines that the driver&#39;s eyes are not focusing very well or that the driver is getting tired, monitoring station  124  may suggest that the driver pull of the road at a nearby rest stop. Alternatively, monitoring station  124  may send a signal to a GPS (not shown) located in cab  148  to check for nearby company-sponsored hotels or nearby restaurants that the driver prefers. 
     Sensors  152  positioned on an external surface of fleet vehicle  122  may be configured to monitor for traffic congestion or traffic accidents using a camera or motion sensor, for example. When traffic problems are sensed, information regarding the traffic conditions together with location information received from RFID tag  140  is relayed to monitoring station  124 . Monitoring station  124  transmits information regarding the traffic conditions to other vehicles approaching the current location of fleet vehicle  122 , or, alternatively, to a local radio or television station for broadcasting. 
     As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the capabilities described above with respect to sensors  152  also may be implemented in vehicle  94  of  FIG. 5 . 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, the wireless communication system(s) described herein may be implemented in emergency vehicles (e.g., fire trucks, ambulances, police cars) and utility vehicles (e.g., snow plows, garbage trucks). For example, a central network may determine the closest emergency vehicles to a reported accident or determine how to most efficiently dispatch snow plows during a snow storm. Sensors located along roadways may determine the amount of snowfall at any given location and relay the location information to central network, allowing central network to dispatch snow plows where they are most needed. The central network may also be configured to optimize timing of traffic lights to direct the emergency vehicles to their destinations quickly. 
     Embodiments of the wireless communication system described herein may also be implemented by repair services to speed response time when responding to a repair request. Upon receipt of a repair request, a central network may compare the request location to the locations of a network of repair vehicles to determine the closest vehicle to the request location and optimize deployment of the repair fleet. Also, central network may review the inventories of each repair vehicle to determine which vehicle is carrying the necessary parts to complete the repair request. 
     Alternatively, embodiments of the wireless communication system may be used by corporations to maintain a record of the location of assets (e.g., spare parts, engines, locomotives, etc.) and optimize the delivery of assets. The system may be used to improve customer relations by providing real-time tracking information for deliveries, as opposed to updating tracking information only when a delivery item passes through a pre-defined checkpoint. Also, the wireless system may be implemented in an airport to maintain records of the location of assets, such as tugs, scissor lifts for loading and unloading of baggage, and wheelchairs, for example, and optimize dispatch of an asset upon request. 
     Additionally, embodiments of the wireless communication system may be used to improve traffic flow. For example, wireless communication system may receive information regarding the progress of road work at different locations from the Department of Transportation. Also, wireless communication system may collect location data regarding road conditions and traffic conditions via sensors mounted on vehicles traveling through high-traffic areas, sensors located on on/off ramps, and cameras or motion sensors located along roadways. Wireless communication system may transmit road work information or traffic information to vehicles approaching the roadway and provide suggestions for alternate driving routes. Wireless communication system may also be used to eliminate toll roads by monitoring a vehicle&#39;s use of a given roadway and automatically charging a fee to the owner of the vehicle corresponding to that use. Optionally, the fee for use of the roadway may be time dependent in order to promote driving during lower-traffic time periods. 
     Additionally, location information and object information received by a central network of the wireless communication system may be used for comprehensive analysis of traffic patterns, driving patterns, and traffic accidents. Further, a driver or employer may request information about the driver&#39;s history, including a calculated driver safety index, driver performance index, and other driver profiling. 
     A technical contribution for the disclosed method and apparatus is that is provides for a computer implemented method for self-powered bi-directional wireless information transfer and information sharing within a global network of discrete objects for optimizing and tracking movement of objects. 
     Therefore, in accordance with one embodiment, a bi-directional wireless information system includes a plurality of sensor nodes spaced along a path of travel of an object, each of the sensor nodes corresponding to a specified location along the path of travel. The system also includes a transceiver associated with the object, the transceiver configured to communicate with the plurality of sensor nodes, such that a location of the object is determinable based on wireless communication between the transceiver and the plurality of sensor nodes. A central database included in the system is configured to receive the location of the object from at least one of the transceiver and the plurality of sensor nodes, receive object-specific data from at least one of the transceiver and the plurality of sensor nodes, and transmit location-specific data to the transceiver. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, a method for bi-directional wireless transmission of information between an object and a central data system includes the steps of arranging a network of wireless sensors along a pathway and associating each sensor of the network of wireless sensors with a respective position along the pathway. The method also includes the steps of wirelessly transmitting an object location to a central data system when the object moves along the pathway, the object location corresponding to the respective positions of the wireless sensors, accessing location-specific data from the central data system, the location-specific data corresponding to the object location, and wirelessly transmitting the location-specific data from the central data system to the object. 
     In accordance with yet another embodiment, a wireless roadway information system includes a network of sensors positioned along a roadway, each of the sensors corresponding to a specified location. The system also includes a processing unit disposed within a vehicle and comprising a transceiver configured to wirelessly communicate with the network of sensors, such that a location of the vehicle is determinable based on wireless communication between the transceiver and one of the network of sensors and a plurality of vehicle data sensors configured to acquire vehicle-specific information. The system also includes a central database located remotely from the network of sensors and the transceiver. The central database is configured to receive a wireless signal from one of the transceiver and a sensor in the network of sensors, the wireless signal including a location of the vehicle and vehicle-specific information, determine location-specific information based on the location of the vehicle, determine vehicle control commands based on the vehicle-specific information, and transmit the location-specific information and vehicle control commands to the transceiver. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose aspects of the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice aspects of the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.