| Entries |
| Document | Title | Date |
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| 20080224896 | RADIOS, SYSTEMS, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING REAL-TIME INFORMATION ABOUT USER-DEFINED GEOGRAPHIC LOCATIONS - Radios, systems, and methods for providing real-time information about user-defined geographic locations are disclosed. One radio includes memory configured to store a data file representing a geographic location(s) defined by a user, and a receiver configured to receive signals including real-time information about a plurality of geographic locations. A processor is included to compare each of the plurality of geographic locations to the user-defined geographic location(s), and the information about the user-defined geographic locations is provided to the user. A system includes a computing device to create a data file of user-defined geographic locations, and transmit the data file to the radio. One method includes storing user-defined geographic location(s) in memory and receiving signals including information about a plurality of geographic locations. Each of the plurality of geographic locations is compared with the user-defined geographic location(s), and the user is presented with the information about the user-defined geographic location(s). | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080258939 | Method, system and device for monitoring vehicle usage - A vehicle tracking device ( | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080297376 | Vehicle Location Device and Method - An electronic device configured to be carried on a user's person is provided for directing the user to a parked vehicle. The electronic device utilizes node location data provided by at least one local wireless node and vehicle location information provided by the vehicle. The electronic device includes a network receiver and a controller coupled thereto. The network receiver is configured to receive the node location data from the at least one local wireless node. The controller is configured to store the vehicle location information, to estimate the location of the electronic device from the received node location data, and to determine the position of the vehicle relative to the electronic device. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20090002197 | AUTOMOBILE BEACON, SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - Devices, systems, and methods are provided for alerting a pedestrian, such as a visually impaired pedestrian, of a vehicle in the vicinity. In general, signals are transmitted from a vehicle to a device carried by a pedestrian, such as a mobile terminal. In response, the pedestrian's device may generate an alarm, such as a vibration or an audible alarm, informing the pedestrian that a vehicle is nearby. In some cases, the pedestrian's device may transmit activation signals to the vehicle after receiving the signals from the vehicle. The activation signals may cause speakers on the vehicle to emit an audible alarm, alerting the pedestrian of the presence of the vehicle. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090058683 | System and method for providing location-based entertainment - There is disclosed a system and method for providing location-based entertainment. In one embodiment, a device capable of providing location-based entertainment comprises a navigational interface module configured to receive navigational data, an entertainment selection module configured to utilize the navigational data to generate location-based entertainment content for a user, and a presentation module configured to present the location-based content to the user. The system may also include a position finding module and a routing module. In one embodiment, a method for providing location-based entertainment comprises identifying a present location of a mobile user, identifying a destination of the mobile user, determining a travel route of the mobile user based on the present location and the destination of the mobile user, providing navigational data according to the travel route, generating a location-based entertainment content for a user utilizing the navigational data, and presenting the location-based content to the user. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090115639 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INDICATING A LOCATION OF A VEHICLE - Methods and systems for indicating the location of a vehicle to a user are provided. An alert is generated with a device onboard the vehicle when a distance between an electronic device and the vehicle is less than a predetermined distance. A property of the alert is varied to indicate the location of the vehicle to the user. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090184847 | VEHICLE LANE DISCRIMINATION IN AN ELECTRONIC TOLL COLLECTION SYSTEM - A vehicle position determination system for determining the position of a moving vehicle in a multi-lane roadway. Two or more roadway antennas each periodically transmit an identifier that is associated with and unique to the antenna to a transponder located in the moving vehicle. As the moving vehicle passes through the coverage zone of the antennas, the transponder counts the number of times that it receives each unique identifier and reports this information to a roadside controller. Based on this information, the roadside controller can determine a probable location of the moving vehicle. The vehicle location information can be provided to an imaging system to discriminate between transponder and non-transponder equipped vehicles. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090189788 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SENSING CARGO LOADS AND TRAILER MOVEMENT - The specification and drawing figures describe and illustrate a system for sensing cargo loads and trailer movement that includes a mobile wireless communications system. A mobile computing platform is mounted on a remote vehicle and operatively connectable across the mobile wireless communications system. Sensor data are collected and stored in the mobile wireless communications system and the mobile computing platform, and may be transmitted across the mobile wireless communications system. At least one program is stored either in the mobile wireless communications system or the mobile computing platform, or both, for using the sensor data to determine equipment use, placement, and positioning in relation to a vehicle and sending one or more sensitivity reports to the asset manager. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090212978 | SYSTEM FOR MANAGING A FLEET OF AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES - A system for managing a fleet of automotive vehicles having a program control circuit. A radio receiver receives radio signals from a remote station and that receiver has an output connected as an input signal to the digital circuit. A key fob having a mechanical button transmits the radio signal to unlock the vehicle associated with the fob. An electromechanical actuator is connected to an output from the control circuit and, upon activation, actuates the fob button to unlock the vehicle. This allows the central station to selectively unlock vehicles at remote locations. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090267802 | VEHICLE THEFT PREVENTION - There is described a method for preventing vehicle theft, the method comprising embedding multiple signal emitting devices in a vehicle, each one of the signal emitting devices being camouflaged among a part of the vehicle and hidden from view, each one of the signal emitting devices being independent of a power source for the vehicle and adapted to emit a signal actively without prompt at a given tuned frequency, at a given time, and at a given signal strength. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090273489 | System and method for transportation vehicle tracking - A system and method for transportation vehicle tracking. A method for tracking a vehicle includes receiving information for the vehicle as the vehicle departs a starting location, creating a data record for the vehicle, receiving updated information for the vehicle, updating the data record for the vehicle, and finalizing the data record for the vehicle as the vehicle reaches a final location. The data record is located at a centralized data center and the update information is provided from an intermediate location. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20100013674 | WIRELESS LOCATING SYSTEM - An apparatus is provided for a remote device locating system. The system comprises a first portable wireless device comprising a first manual interface device, the first portable wireless device adapted to transmit a wireless locator signal in response to manipulation of the first manual interface device and a wireless device locator system adapted to receive the wireless locator signal, to adjust the wireless locator signal to create a once-adjusted wireless locator signal, and to transmit the once-adjusted wireless locator signal in response to receiving the wireless locator signal. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100085215 | SYSTEM FOR PAIRING VEHICLE COMPONENTS - The specification and drawing figures describe and show a system for pairing and decoupling vehicle components. The vehicle components may be disparate and distantly located from one another. The system includes a network management center having one or more data processing systems that may communicate with the vehicle components. An integrated wireless equipment management system is included whose components are mountable on the vehicle components, and operatively connectable to the network management center. Asset tracking units are located on each vehicle component, and are operatively connectable to the network management center. At least one executable program is included that is capable of processing data received across the integrated wireless equipment management system to establish a compatible communications connection between the asset tracking units to correctly pair the vehicle components. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100117868 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STORING LOCATION INFORMATION ABOUT A VEHICLE ON A WIRELESS DEVICE - A system and method for transmitting a location signal indicative of the location of the vehicle to a first wireless device is provided. The system comprises a navigation module and a controller. The navigation module is positioned within the vehicle and is configured to transmit a location signal indicative of the physical location of the vehicle. The controller is configured to transmit the location signal as a radio frequency (RF) based signal to the at least one wireless device in response to detecting the occurrence of at least one predetermined vehicle event. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100117869 | TRANSMISSION OF AN EMERGENCY CALL COMPRISING ADDRESS DATA - An automatic emergency call is transmitted in the form of voice data which contain address information for the vehicle. The address information has been ascertained inside the vehicle by the emergency call device on the basis of a GPS position. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100141483 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING A POSITION OF A VEHICLE - Radio frequency identification tags are spaced apart from one another in or around a work area for the vehicle. Each of the tags has a corresponding unique identifier. A path planning module establishes a path comprising a path segment between at least two of the radio frequency identification tags. The path segment comprises at least one of a distance between the tags, an angular heading between the tags, and unique identifiers corresponding to the tags. A data processor determines an estimated position of the vehicle based on at least one of odometer data and accelerometer data. A vehicle controller navigates between at least two of the radio frequency identification tags based on the estimated position, the distance and the angular heading. A reader reads the tag identifiers of each tag to track the progress of the vehicle to facilitate execution of or retrieval of any next path segment of the vehicle along the established path. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100253548 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATICALLY LOCATING END OF TRAIN DEVICES - An end of train unit includes a positioning system such as a GPS receiver and is configured to transmit a message including the EOT unit's location when the EOT unit detects a loss of air pipe pressure and/or it is tipped over and/or a low battery condition is detected. In highly preferred embodiments, the EOT unit periodically re-transmits the message until an acknowledgment message is received. In some embodiments, information from the positioning system is used to create a signal as a substitute for a motion sensor. In other embodiments, information from the positioning system is used to determine the speed of the end of the train. End of train unit tracking is also performed. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20100321213 | ARRANGEMENT FOR COMMUNICATION AND TRAVEL FOLLOW-UP - The object of the invention is an arrangement for communication and location tracking, which comprises at least one or more server apparatuses and a plurality of remote terminals, the position of which is arranged to be located by satellites and which comprises at least means for sending information to the server apparatus. The means in the remote terminals are equipped to send information concerning the position of the remote terminal and other information collected by the remote terminal wirelessly to the server apparatus, and the server apparatus is provided with at least connection means for receiving information coming from the remote terminal, with a database for recording information coming from the remote terminal, with processing means for processing information sent by the remote terminal, and also with a control system for coordinating and controlling the different functions of the arrangement for communication and location tracking. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20110057817 | METHOD OF DETERMINING VEHICLE LOCATION FROM KEY FOB - A method of indicating a proximity value representative of the distance between a key fob ( | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110115650 | WHEEL GUIDE RAIL, CAR WASH SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CENTRALLY POSITIONING A VEHICLE - The invention relates to a wheel guide rail ( | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110133962 | COMPASS BASED CAR LOCATOR - A remote keyless entry system is provided comprising a handheld remote keyless entry transmitter in selectable wireless communication with a car based entry system. The handheld remote keyless entry transmitter comprises an integrated electronic compass element and logic adapted to store a first compass direction when activated and directed towards a destination. The logic further is adapted to display a return compass direction and a return distance from the car based entry system when activated leaving the destination. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110140926 | VEHICLE KEY - A vehicle key for radio communication with a vehicle. The vehicle key has a radio transmitter for transmitting radio signals to the vehicle. The vehicle key has a radio receiver and/or audio receiver to be able to locate the vehicle within close range. A bidirectional communication with a transceiver of the vehicle is set up by the radio receiver and/or the audio receiver and the radio transmitter. Furthermore, a corresponding method for locating the vehicle by using the vehicle key is described. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110199238 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INDICATING A LOCATION OF A VEHICLE - Methods and systems for indicating the location of a vehicle to a user are provided. An alert is generated with a device onboard the vehicle when a distance between an electronic device and the vehicle is less than a predetermined distance. A property of the alert is varied to indicate the location of the vehicle to the user. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110215948 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING COMMODITY FLOW INFORMATION - This invention provides a global strategic picture of commodity movements generated by tracking ships from satellite and other sources and then combining ship location and movement information with at least one other data set, such as vessel, port, cargo, weather, or market data. Ship positions are integrated with other data, such as vessel, port, cargo, weather, and market information, to create a global strategic picture of commodity flows. A global strategic picture may then be generated by combining (i) ship movements gathered by satellite and other sources, with (ii) vessel, port, cargo, weather, market, and other data from existing sources, and (iii) a time history of these data sets. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110215949 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING LOCATION INFORMATION OF A VEHICLE TO A USER DEVICE - A user device application transmits the device's location and unique identifier with a message requesting location information that corresponds to a vehicle associated with the user device's unique identifier. The application sends the request message over a communication network to a central computer. The central computer obtains location information corresponding to the vehicle from a device proximate the vehicle. The central computer compares the locations of the user device and telematics device and generates a location differential value corresponding to the distance between them. If the differential value meets predetermined criteria, the central computer causes an action, for example forwarding the location information corresponding to the vehicle to the requesting user device. Or, the central computer sends the requesting device a request denied message. The central computer may also deny the request when the vehicle is moving, or if the user device has requested the vehicle's location too frequently. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110241904 | Communication Method for Monitoring Location of Construction Equipment - The present disclosure relates to a communication method for monitoring the position of a construction machine. The communication method according to the present disclosure includes: generating positional information of the construction machine and at least one piece of state information and at least one piece of operation information associated with the construction machine in the construction machine; and transmitting the generated information to a remote management unit which is positioned in a remote area from the construction machine by using a communication means, wherein the remote management unit partitions an area where the construction machine is movable and previously determines the amount and transmission cycle of information to be transmitted from the construction machine in accordance with the partitioned area, and the amount of information to be transmitted other than the positional information from the construction machine is reduced as the construction machine is distant out of a boundary line of the movable area, on the basis of the positional information received from the construction machine. According to the present disclosure, by controlling the amount and communication cycle of information to be transmitted according to a distance between the boundary line of the movable area and the construction machine, the more accurate positional information can be provided in a theft danger state or a theft state while keeping power consumption. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110304481 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION - A vehicle identification system includes a vehicle identification information extraction unit to extract vehicle identification information of a vehicle, a network unit, a vehicle identification information checking unit, a locating unit, and a matching unit. The vehicle identification information checking unit communicates with a missing vehicle database through the network unit, and compares the extracted vehicle identification information of the vehicle against the missing vehicle database. The locating unit detects a location signal, when the extracted vehicle identification information and the missing vehicle database achieve a match. The matching unit combines the image of the vehicle with the location signal and records the combined vehicle information, subsequently transmits the combined vehicle information to an inquiry of missing vehicle database through the network unit. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20120126998 | AUTOMATED GEO-FENCE BOUNDARY CONFIGURATION AND ACTIVATION - A geo-fence is defined and established automatically based on a current location of an asset along with some range or distance, avoiding the need for a user to manually specify a location by drawing a perimeter, specifying a point location, or by any other means. Once established, the geo-fence can be activated so as to notify the owner of the asset and/or some other entity of movement of the asset beyond the boundary specified by the geo-fence. In one embodiment, the geo-fence can be automatically activated upon certain conditions, or can be manually activated, or any combination thereof. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120133530 | AUTOMATED GEO-FENCE BOUNDARY CONFIGURATION AND ACTIVATION - A geo-fence is defined and established automatically based on a current location of an asset along with some range or distance, avoiding the need for a user to manually specify a location by drawing a perimeter, specifying a point location, or by any other means. Once established, the geo-fence can be activated so as to notify the owner of the asset and/or some other entity of movement of the asset beyond the boundary specified by the geo-fence. In one embodiment, the geo-fence can be automatically activated upon certain conditions, or can be manually activated, or any combination thereof. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120139760 | VEHICLE SECURITY AND MONITORING SYSTEM - A vehicle monitoring system includes a communication subsystem configured to provide two-way wireless communication, and a controller mounted in a vehicle and configured to receive data indicative of a location of the vehicle and to control the communication subsystem to transmit the data indicative of the vehicle location toward a remote communication center and receive operational information transmitted from the remote communication center. The controller receives a mode change command included in the operational information and in response changes operating mode between an authorization mode, in which the controller transmits an alert signal to the remote communication center, and a tracking mode, in which the controller transmits the data indicative of vehicle location continuously at predetermined intervals regardless of the authorization signal. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120139761 | METHOD FOR POSITIONING AND VEHICLE COMMUNICATION UNIT - Methods and an appropriately setup communication unit for positioning in vehicle-to-surroundings communication are described, wherein the method involves a first sensor (S | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120176255 | MOBILE DEVICE-BASED AUTOMATIC PARKING LOCATION RECORDER AND REMINDER USING ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS - A method for assisting a vehicle user in locating a vehicle when parked includes detecting via a mobile device that the vehicle has been placed in a parked state and, in response to detecting that the vehicle has been placed in a parked state, automatically retrieving the vehicle location to the mobile device and recording the vehicle location on the mobile device. The method further entails providing, in response to a request from the user to locate the parked vehicle, instructions to the user to guide the user to the parked vehicle. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120188104 | SYSTEM FOR TRACKING CONTAINERS AND LOGISTICS USING A BIOMETRIC IDENTITY CARD AND A CSD - Disclosed is a system for tracking containers and logistics using a biometric identity card and a CSD (Container Security Device). The system comprises: a container security device control unit which receives, in accordance with the result of an authentication, container biometric authentication card information from the container biometric identity card, and generates container status information including lock information obtained, and an open message obtained when the container is opened; a container tracking communication terminal unit, periodically generates current location information, and transmits the container status information and the current location information through a wireless communication system; and a container tracking server and the current location information, stores the received information, receives selected container identity information, extracts the container status information and the current location information corresponding to the container identity information, and displays the extracted information at container tracking center. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120188105 | SYSTEM FOR MONITORING THE POSITION OF VEHICLE COMPONENTS - In various embodiments, a vehicle ( | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120218128 | VEHICLE LOCATOR KEY FOB WITH RANGE AND BEARING MEASUREMENT - An apparatus and method of determining bearing and distance measurements between a mobile device and an object using Rf based measurements. The mobile device communicates with a control in the object to determine the relative bearing between the mobile device and the object with respect to magnetic north and, optionally, the distance between the mobile device and the object. An indicator on the mobile device aid in directing s the user of the mobile device toward the object as the mobile device is moved relative to the object. The mobile device can be a key fob and the object can be a vehicle. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120218129 | Alert and Warning System and Method - The present inventions provide a system and method for providing a warning using at least one wireless communication link between an approaching object and the location where a warning is to be given based in part on the location of the object and its proximity to the warning location. One aspect of the inventions includes receiving a communication from an object, for example a vehicle, which includes location information, at an alert node, wirelessly communicating alert information to a warning node, and causing a warning device to generate a warning. Preferably the alert node communicates with a plurality of vehicles and a plurality of warning nodes and determines to which of the plurality of warning nodes to communicate alert information based in part on the location information received from at least one of the vehicles and the location of the warning device. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120235835 | Musical Key Fob Vehicle Locator - A musical key fob vehicle locator is disclosed that provides the ability to locate one's vehicle audibly. The musical key fob vehicle locator provides a radiofrequency linked controller to a vehicle and contains a digital audio file system to play music, a song, a riff or other recorded music composed and performed by musicians using actual musical instruments to facilitate the recording. This approach provides a pleasant, personalized, and uniquely recognizable audio locator that reflects the taste, personality, and likes of the vehicle owner. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120242511 | Methods and Systems Related to Establishing Geo-Fence Boundaries - Establishing geo-fence Boundaries. At least some embodiments involve detecting a vehicle has been in a collision, establishing a geo-fence boundary for the vehicle responsive to the detecting, monitoring a movement of the vehicle with respect to the geo-fence boundary, and issuing an alert if movement of the vehicle outside the geo-fence boundary is indicative of improperly departing a scene of the collision. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120256769 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REAL-TIME DETECTION OF AN EMERGENCY SITUATION OCCURING IN A VEHICLE - A system for real-time detection of an emergency situation occurring in a vehicle includes, but is not limited to, a first sensor that is configured to detect an occupant-related condition and to generate a first signal that includes information relating to the occupant-related condition. The system further includes a transmitter that is configured for wireless transmissions. The system further includes a processor that is communicatively coupled to the first sensor and operatively coupled to the transmitter. The processor is configured to obtain the first signal from the first sensor and to determine when an emergency situation is occurring based, at least in part, on the information included in the first signal. The processor further configured to instruct the transmitter to transmit a distress signal without any involvement by an occupant of the vehicle when the processor determines that an emergency situation is occurring. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120256770 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING VEHICLE AND FLEET PROFILES AND PRESENTATIONS OF TRENDS - A computer system and products and methods therefor including at least one computer processor and computer readable storage medium or media including computer code and at least one storage device in which is stored GPS data for a plurality of vehicles the system comprising: a memory including GPS event database including GPS event data transmitted from a plurality of GPS devices, each GPS device associated with a vehicle, and stored over a period of time; and the one or more processors programmed at least to: receive GPS event data transmitted from a plurality of GPS devices, each GPS device associated with a vehicle; for each vehicle, store in GPS event database operatively coupled to at least one of the processors, the GPS event data; analyze the GPS event data to derive a plurality of operational metrics for each of a plurality of vehicles; identify, from the analysis, at least one trend for a GPS event history using the GPS event data; and provide, for a graphic user interface, a representation including a representation of the at least one trend. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120313795 | DEVICE FOR AUTOMOBILE SAFETY - The present invention discloses a device for automobile safety in the field of automobile safety, which addresses the problems existing in the prior art that the conventional automobiles tend to be stolen and have a low safety. The device for automobile safety includes an RF antenna (JP | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120313796 | CAR CONTROL SYSTEM - A car control system is disclosed. The car control system for controlling a car by being linked with a car control device (electronic control unit, ECU) that is installed inside the car for electronic control of the car can include: an authentication server configured to perform access authentication for a user terminal and configured to generate an authentication result based on least one of terminal information of the user terminal and vehicle identification information; and a car access device configured to be directly connected with the car control device through an internal network of the car and configured to determine whether a car control request for control of the car by the user terminal is to be relayed to the car control device according to the authentication result of the user terminal. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120326896 | PROVIDING LOCATION-BASED TRAFFIC INFORMATION SERVICE - A method, apparatus, and service station for providing a location-based transportation information service. The method for providing a location-based traffic information service includes receiving a traffic message indicating a traffic condition, determining a traffic information service station matching the traffic message in terms of location, and dispatching the traffic message to the matched traffic information service station such that the traffic message is broadcasted within the service range of the matched traffic information service station. Corresponding apparatus and traffic information service station are also disclosed. According to embodiments of the present invention, a location-specific real-time traffic information service can be provided. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20130002455 | FLEET TRACKING METHOD USING UNICAST AND MULTICAST COMMUNICATION - A method of tracking a fleet of machines operating at a common worksite is disclosed. The method may include receiving at a central controller an unacknowledged message from communicating devices onboard the fleet of machines, the unacknowledged message including a current location of each of the fleet of machines determined by locating devices onboard the fleet of machines. The method may also include updating a location listing of the fleet of machines with the current location, and repetitively multicasting the location listing to the communicating devices. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130021174 | FACILITIES MANAGEMENT - A system for facilities management can include a tag device having a transceiver and a facilities management process. The facilities management process can include an application service for receiving the location of the tag device from the transceiver, at least one geographical work zone, and a tracking module configured for recording a time period the tag device is within each geographical work zone. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130044008 | ENHANCED EMERGENCY SYSTEM USING A HAZARD LIGHT DEVICE - The present invention relates to an emergency response system, method and apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system, method and apparatus for integrating emergency response functionality with a vehicle factory-installed emergency or hazard light device. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130069802 | CAR ACCIDENT AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY SERVICE ALERTING SYSTEM - A system for detecting a car accident and alerting emergency forces to an accident, including a smart mobile device having an accelerometer, a GPS unit, a processor connected thereto. The processor receives real time readings of measurement values received from the accelerometer and the GPS unit, runs a dedicated application to detect the occurrence of a car accident according to the readings received within a period of time, and generates an alert signal when an accident is detected. The system also includes a memory connected to the accelerometer, the GPS unit and the processor, to store the measurement values and information for a predetermined period of time, and a transmitter connected to the processor and the memory to send the alert signal and the measurement values and information stored within the memory. The system also includes a base station including a receiver, and a unit for alerting emergency forces. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130069803 | VEHICLE FLEET WORK ORDER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - Vehicle management systems and associated processes can monitor the progress of assets, such as vehicle, along predetermined routes and report the progress to user. The system can compare the actual status of the vehicle to the expected status of the vehicle and to report any difference between the actual status and expected status to a user. Further, the system can receive a predetermined threshold value of the difference from a user and report to the user if the predetermined threshold has been exceeded. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130113637 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING POSITION INFORMATION, AND USER TERMINAL AND METHOD FOR OUTPUTTING POSITION INFORMATION - Provided are an apparatus and method for providing position information, and a user terminal and method for outputting position information. The apparatus for providing position information includes a first position information calculator configured to calculate first position information of mobile object using at least three signals received from at least three signal transmission devices, a second position information calculator configured to calculate second position information of the mobile object by mapping the calculated first position information of the mobile object to information on the mobile object's surroundings, and a position information transmitter configured to transmit the calculated second position information of the mobile object to a terminal. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130127643 | REAL-TIME VEHICLE POSITION DETERMINATION USING COMMUNICATIONS WITH VARIABLE LATENCY - A system and method for predicting the location of a vehicle in an electronic toll collection system employing a wide area communication protocol. The vehicle includes a transponder that sends reports regarding the position of the vehicle and the time at which the position was determined. The system includes a vehicle position predictor for estimating the future position of the vehicle within a roadway based on two or more reports of past positions and the times at which they were recorded. Speed data or other data impacting likely future position may also be reported and factored into the estimate. The estimate of future position may be used in connection with triggering enforcement measures, timing a toll transaction, integrating wide area toll communications into a legacy toll transaction system, or for other applications. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130187795 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NOTIFICATION OF PARKING-RELATED INFORMATION - Devices, systems and methods for notifying vehicle owners of parking-related conditions are described. Particularly, devices, systems, and methods for identifying and presenting at the appropriate time relevant parking information to an owner are disclosed. Present embodiments can accomplish this presentation using a common handheld device, providing an easy and accessible means for identifying relevant parking information. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130201038 | Control Devices and Methods for a Road Toll System - Control devices and methods for a road toll system that is based on on-board units carried by vehicles, using at least one recording vehicle and at least one control vehicle, which communicate with a central violation server, wherein the recording vehicle reads out a toll parameter from the on-board unit of a passing vehicle via a DSRC radio interface, compares it to a shape parameter of the vehicle detected by a sensor, and based thereon, in case of inconsistency, generates a violation data record and transmits it to the violation server, wherein the control vehicle registers the position or surroundings thereof in the violation server, and the violation server makes available to this control vehicle those violation data records, the locations of the violations of which are within the surroundings of a position of a control vehicle, and wherein the control vehicle issues an alert message when it detects a violating vehicle in the surroundings thereof. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130201039 | Control Method for a Road Toll System - Control devices and methods for a road toll system that is based on vehicle-based on-board units, using recording vehicles, control vehicles and a violation server, wherein the recording vehicle reads out a toll parameter from the on-board unit of a passing vehicle via a DSRC radio interface, compares it to a shape parameter of the vehicle detected by a sensor, and based thereon, in case of inconsistency, generates a violation data record and transmits it to the violation server, wherein the control vehicle registers the position or surroundings thereof in the violation server, and the violation server makes available to a control vehicle such violation data records, the locations of the violations of which are within the surroundings of a position of the control vehicle, wherein the control vehicle issues an alert message when it detects a violating vehicle in the surroundings, and wherein, during the transmission of a violation data record from the recording vehicle to the violation server and/or from the violation server to the control vehicle, the violation data record is divided into a TCP part and a UDP part. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130249713 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR MONITORING LOCATION OF FREIGHT CARRED BY A VEHICLE - A system for providing location information of a vehicle includes a communications interface and a correlation logic that correlates location information of a communications device to location of the vehicle. The communications interface communicates electronic signals including: a first signal including data representing a request for the location of the vehicle, a second signal transmitted to a location information provider corresponding to a party or device other than the communications device including data representing a request for location information of the communications device, a third signal received from the location information provider corresponding to the party or device other than the communications device including data representing the location information of the communications device, and a fourth signal including data representing the location of the vehicle. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130265178 | VEHICLE-RELATED MESSAGING METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Vehicle-related messaging methods and systems are disclosed herein. In one of the methods, a telematics unit disposed in a vehicle detects that the vehicle is no longer in operation. Upon making the detection, the telematics unit automatically transmits a message to a device, where the message includes a suggestion, a recommendation, an indication, or a notification pertaining to a vehicle utility. An application resident on the device, or on a cloud computing system in communication with the device, presents the message on the device by displaying i) the suggestion, the recommendation, the indication, or the notification and ii) a plurality of actionable items associated with the suggestion, the recommendation, the indication, or the notification. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130278446 | VEHICULAR OBSERVATION SYSTEM, APPARATUS, AND SERVER FOR THE VEHICULAR OBSERVATION SYSTEM - An observation system for a vehicle is provided. The observation system includes an observation apparatus and a server. The observation apparatus includes a location identification unit producing a location information and a movement identification unit producing a movement information. The observation apparatus transmits a first movement warning message including the location information to the server when the movement information matches a burglar model, and transmits a second movement warning message to the server when the movement information matches a suspicious burglar model. The server compares a vehicle information with an advanced burglar model in response to the second movement warning message. The disclosure further provides an observation apparatus and a server for the observation system. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130293397 | METHOD AND DEVICES FOR IDENTIFYING A VEHICLE USING A LOCATION - Methods for identifying a vehicle using a predetermined location, and a radio beacon and an onboard unit are provided. One method comprises: carrying, on the vehicle, an onboard unit that broadcasts status messages that each indicate a current relative distance of the onboard unit from the predetermined location and a radio identifier that changes after each or several status messages; receiving at least one status message in a radio beacon; detecting a location usage of the vehicle by evaluating the status message(s) based on the indicated relative distance; transmitting an identification request from the radio beacon to the onboard unit addressed according to the radio identifier from the status message(s); receiving and conducting a legitimacy check of the identification request in the onboard unit; and if the request is legitimate, transmitting an identification of the onboard unit to the radio beacon that remains the same over changes of radio identifier. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130321178 | SHARED VEHICLE RENTAL SYSTEM INCLUDING TRANSMISSION OF RESERVATION INFORMATION AND TARGETED ADVERTISING - Techniques and structures are disclosed relating to rental of vehicles, which may be owned by different owners. Each owner may have his or her own set of rental criteria associated with a particular vehicle, which prospective renters may have to meet to be able to rent the particular vehicle. Vehicles may be determined to be for rent based on a distance to a renter, price, and other factors. Messages and alerts may be exchanged between a server and an owner, renter, and/or vehicle computing device. Location information about vehicles is collected, and may be associated with particular drivers. Historical information and other data may be used to predict driver destinations. Targeted advertisements may be sent to renters based on predicted destinations, demographic information, or other information. In some embodiments, targeted advertisements are based on social networking website data. Vehicles may also be remotely located through the use of a horn and/or lights. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130328703 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING MOVABLE OBJECTS - Systems and methods for managing a plurality of movable objects are disclosed. The systems and methods include determining a proposed pairing of a first movable object and a second movable object and confirming a coupling of the proposed pairing based on, at least in part, detecting that the first movable object and the second movable object are moving in unison. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20140062730 | Method and system for implementing a geofence boundary for a tracked asset - An asset's TCU, or a mobile device coupled thereto, receives and stores geographical boundary definitions to a memory. A processor uses the boundary definition to determine an initial-location boundary based on the definition and the current location of the TCU at the time it received the boundary request message. As the TCU's GPS unit generates location information, the processor retrieves the initial-location boundary definition from the memory and compares the current location from the GPS receiver to it according to an algorithm. If the processor determines that the current location of the vehicle has crossed the boundary, the processor generates an alert message, which may be an e-mail, SMS, telephonic, internet, IM, or other electronic message indicating that an asset crossed the boundary, and sends it wirelessly using a transceiver to a central computer for further processing, or directly to another device, according to a notification destination identifier. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140104081 | Mass Transit Safety Notification System and Device - A system and device that will notify roadway maintenance workers of an approaching mass transit vehicle and, conversely, will notify the operators and administrators of mass transit vehicles of roadway maintenance workers within the vicinity of an approaching section of track. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140125500 | SWITCH AND ACTUATOR COUPLING IN A CHASSIS OF A CONTAINER ASSOCIATED WITH AN INTERMODAL FREIGHT TRANSPORT SYSTEM - A method and system of switch and actuator coupling in a chassis of a container associated with an intermodal freight transport system is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method of a tracking system involves coupling a first switch of a chassis to a second actuator of a container and coupling a first actuator of the chassis to a second switch of the container when the container is placed on the chassis, and signaling a wake event to a container tracking device when the first switch and the first actuator of the chassis is coupled with the second actuator and the second switch of the container. The method may also include communicating at least one of a location data and a container identification number of the container through at least one of the container tracking device and a chassis tracking device, through a network, to an administrative server. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140125501 | CONTAINER VERIFICATION THROUGH AN ELECTRICAL RECEPTACLE AND PLUG ASSOCIATED WITH A CONTAINER AND A TRANSPORT VEHICLE OF AN INTERMODAL FREIGHT TRANSPORT SYSTEM - A method and system related to container identification through an electrical receptacle and plug associated with the container of an intermodal freight transport system is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method includes coupling an electrical power plug of a container and an electrical power receptacle of a transport vehicle. Also, the method includes activating a tracking device of the container through a switch and actuator coupling. Further, the method includes verifying an identity of the container upon coupling the electrical power plug to the electrical power receptacle through an identification tag of the container and an electronic reader. Furthermore, the method may include conserving battery power through deactivating the tracking device of the container when the electrical power plug is de-coupled to the electrical power receptacle. The method may also include delivering an alert message to a driver when an incorrect container is identified. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140125502 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRACKING VEHICLE OCCUPANTS - The present disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for tracking vehicle riders, such as students riding in a school bus, for example. In one embodiment, the disclosed system has a biometric device, such as a palm vein reader, configured to identify users who are expected to ride a school bus. When a student rider either gets on or off the bus, the biometric device is used to identify the rider. An automated controller on the bus maintains a list of expected passengers on the bus, and based on the biometric device, the controller maintains data, referred to hereafter as “rider data,” indicating whether each expected passenger is currently on the bus. The rider data is updated, in real time, as riders get on and off the bus at various stops. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140191886 | VEHICLE LOCATION AND ACTIVITY SHARING - Vehicle location sharing systems and methods are described. In an embodiment, a system for sharing a location of a vehicle may include a location-determining device and a network-connected device. The location-determining device may be configured to track a location of a vehicle and to determine a location of the vehicle in response to a voice command from an occupant of the vehicle. The network-connected device may be configured to transmit a location description in response to the voice command. The location description may be configured to identify the determined location of the vehicle. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140210649 | Method and Apparatus for Customized Vehicle Sound-Based Location - A system includes a vehicle-based processor configured to receive a wireless vehicle-locate request from a remote device. The processor is also configured to receive an instruction from the remote device relating to selection of an outputtable tone and output, through use of one or more external vehicle sound systems, a selected tone in accordance with the instruction. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140218218 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR SECURING CARGO - Enhanced methods and systems for securing and monitoring cargo are described. Some examples provide a cargo monitoring system (“CMS”) that is configured to track, identify, and report about anomalous conditions or events related to cargo shipments. The CMS may include a software system that receives conditions information from electromechanical locks that secure cargo. The locks include data terminals that facilitate near real time monitoring of cargo. The electromechanical locks are installed on the bars or other mechanism (e.g., door rings) that lock the doors of a cargo container, train car, van door, or the like. The data terminals include logic that is configured to transmit to the CMS information about current conditions, such as location, temperature, lock status (e.g., open, closed), tamper attempts, and the like. The cargo monitoring system interprets the received information and performs various actions based thereon, such as to transmit alerts if anomalous conditions are detected. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140232569 | AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION OF VEHICLE LOCATION - A mobile computing device can be used to locate a vehicle parking location. In particular, the mobile device can automatically identify when a vehicle in which the mobile device is located has entered into a parked state. The mobile device can determine that the vehicle is in a parked state by analyzing one or more parameters that indicate a parked state or a transit state. The location of the mobile device at a time corresponding to when the vehicle is identified as being parked can be associated with an identifier for the current parking location. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140232570 | VEHICLE LOCATION IN WEAK LOCATION SIGNAL SCENARIOS - A mobile computing device can be used to locate a vehicle parking location in weak location signal scenarios (e.g., weak, unreliable, or unavailable GPS or other location technology). In particular, the mobile device can determine when a vehicle in which the mobile device is located has entered into a parked state. GPS or other primary location technology may be unavailable at the time the mobile device entered into a parked state (e.g., inside a parking structure). The location of the mobile device at a time corresponding to when the vehicle is identified as being parked can be determined using the first location technology as supplemented with sensor data of the mobile device. After the location of the mobile device at a time corresponding to when the vehicle is identified as being parked is determined, the determined location can be associated with an identifier for the current parking location. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140232571 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF A VEHICLE FOR SENDING AN EMERGENCY CALL SIGNAL - Techniques for automatically sending an emergency signal by means of a system of a vehicle are provided. According to one technique, an emergency situation is detected by evaluating signals of a number of sensors. A current position of the vehicle then determined, and a plurality of entries of emergency response services are received. A minimum cost is determined from the costs associated with respective entries of the plurality of entries to the current position of the vehicle, and a first-priority entry is determined from the minimum cost. An address for sending the emergency call signal is received, where the address is included in the first-priority entry. The retrieved address is used to start a setup of a connection to a device of the emergency response service. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140266810 | Method and Apparatus for Extra-Vehicular Emergency Updates Following an Accident - A system includes a processor configured to receive instructions from a vehicle computing system (VCS) to being reporting a mobile device location. The processor is also configured to access a list of emergency contacts. Further, the processor is configured to determine that a mobile device has left a predetermined perimeter around a last known vehicle location. The processor is additionally configured to periodically report mobile device GPS coordinates to members of the emergency contacts list, until the mobile device reaches a destination | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140368360 | ELECTRONIC SYSTEM FOR TRACKING AND MONITORING MOTORCYCLE RACE - A travelling data recorder includes an input unit for generating a first input instruction to issue a challenge to a race, a recognition unit for recognizing the generated first instruction, a location-detection unit for obtaining real-time location of a participating motor vehicle during running of the race. Also included are a motion-data collection unit for obtaining real-time motion data of the motor vehicle during running of the race, an identification unit for identifying identity the motor vehicle, and a microprocessor for controlling the transmissions of the recognized instruction, the obtained real-time location and the real-time motion data, and the identification of the motor vehicle to a server and the travelling data recorder receiving the result of the race from the server. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20150015423 | VEHICLE KEY - A vehicle key includes a light emitting body and a controller that locates a vehicle corresponding to the vehicle key. The controller indicates the location of the vehicle by controlling illumination of the light emitting body in a first illumination mode, which corresponds to a distance from the vehicle key to the vehicle, and a second illumination mode, which indicates whether or not the vehicle key is oriented in a direction that conforms to a direction to the vehicle. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150015424 | RECOVERY SYSTEM WITH REPEATING COMMUNICATION CAPABILITIES - A recovery system and method with repeating communication functionality includes a station configured to send a first message and at least a first remote transmitting unit responsive to the central station and configured to transmit a second message to a locating unit. At least a second remote transmitting unit includes a receiver which receives the second message, a controller configured to process the second message, and a transmitter for transmitting a third message to the locating unit. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150123822 | Method and Apparatus for Extra-Vehicular Emergency Updates Following an Accident - A system includes a processor configured to receive instructions from a vehicle computing system (VCS) to being reporting a mobile device location. The processor is also configured to access a list of emergency contacts. Further, the processor is configured to determine that a mobile device has left a predetermined perimeter around a last known vehicle location. The processor is additionally configured to periodically report mobile device GPS coordinates to members of the emergency contacts list, until the mobile device reaches a destination | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150323326 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE LOCATION UPDATES - A system includes a processor configured to receive destination input. The processor is also configured to request contact input to which notification is to be made when a destination is reached. Further, the processor is configured to recognize when a vehicle has reached a destination specified by the destination input and automatically notify a contact associated with the contact input when the vehicle reaches the destination. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150332592 | VEHICLE MONITORING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - An embodiment includes a lot management system. The lot management system includes a transmitter comprising a location determination module having a GPS data pathway to an RF transmission module and a receiver including an RF antenna and a receiver processor. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20160012728 | Wireless Locating and Monitoring System | 01-14-2016 |
| 20160019787 | Method for Locating a Vehicle - A portable computing device can be used to locate a vehicle in a parking structure. In particular, the portable computing device can communicate with a parking system that manages the parking structure and/or with a vehicle in order to locate the vehicle. Communications between the portable computing device, parking system and vehicle can be based on one or more wireless connections, such as Bluetooth and/or Bluetooth LE connections. | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160075296 | Mobile Alert System - An alert system has a processing and communication unit located in a vehicle with a processor executing software and a coupled data repository, sensor interfaces to the processor from sensors located in the vehicle, a communication module enabled to send communications to an Internet network, and a global positioning system (GPS) coupled to the processor, determining geographic location of the vehicle. The processor monitors data from the plurality of sensors, consults preprogrammed status information based on one or both of one or more sensor readings or combinations of sensor readings, and selects and sends according to the one or more sensor readings or combinations of sensor readings, by the communications module, a preprogrammed communication addressed to a particular Internet destination. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160111001 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOTELY CONTROLLING OPERATIONS OF VEHICLE - A system for remotely controlling operation of a vehicle comprises a handheld electronic device, a key, and a base station mounted in the vehicle. The handheld electronic device is bi-directionally and wirelessly communicable with the key, while the key is bi-directionally and wirelessly communicable with the base station. An instruction which can be a vehicle searching instruction is sent to the base station from the handheld electronic device via the key. The base station sends position information of the vehicle to the handheld electronic device via the key upon receiving the instruction for searching the vehicle. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160140843 | VEHICLE TRAVELING SUPPORT COMMUNICATION APPARATUS AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - The start and end of the transmission of information is controlled by, depending on the situation, determining whether to stop transmitting position information on a vehicle-mounted terminal device transmitted by a vehicle-to-vehicle communication between a vehicle of interest and a surround vehicle and position information on a portable terminal device transmitted by a pedestrian-to-vehicle communication between the portable terminal device carried by a person who got off its own vehicle and a surround vehicle. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160140844 | Device and Method for Monitoring Vehicles - In various embodiments, the invention relates to the electronic device arts. In an aspect, there is provided a tag device for storing vehicle insurance information and tracking the location of the vehicle comprising: a backing member configured to be affixed to a surface of the vehicle; a visual code disposed on the backing member, wherein the visual code is machine readable and is associated with a unique tag identification (ID) code; a locator device disposed on the backing member, wherein the locator device is configured to determine a location and communicate the determined location; a power source disposed on the backing member and configured to provide power to the locator device; and a reserve power source disposed on the backing member and configured to receive power from the power source and further configured to provide power to the locator device and/or to the power source. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160148512 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRAFFIC INCIDENT REPORTING - Disclosed is a system for traffic incident reporting comprising the present invention provides a system for traffic incident reporting comprising: a plurality of vehicles and infrastructure units employing a vehicle to vehicle and vehicle to infrastructure communication technology capable of sharing real time and historical information of one or more vehicles involved in the traffic incident and other vehicles in a predefined area of the traffic incident. | 05-26-2016 |
