Portable computing device and method for asset management in a logistics system

• US 8,239,169 B2
• Filed: 09/25/2009
• Issued: 08/07/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 09/25/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Fedex Corporate Services Incorporated (FedEx Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Fedex Corporate Services Incorporated (FedEx Corporation)
• Inventors: Gregory, Timothy L., Lemmon, Andy N., Jacobs, James Randy, Ainsworth, Miley E., Veitenheimer, James Marshall
• Primary Examiner(s): Bui, Bryan
• Application Number:
  US12/566,876
• Publication Number:
  US 20110077909A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,047 Days
• Field of Search: 702/187, 702/188, 340/584, 340/572.1, 235/454
• US Class Current: 702/187
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 9/005 Solid-state data loggers
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 9/007 Data loggers attached to transport containers for perishable products, e.g. food or medicines
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/00 Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light G01N3/00 - G01N19/00 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/3206 Monitoring of events, devices or parameters that trigger a change in power modality
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/3287 by switching off individual functional units in the computer system
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/0833 Tracking

Abstract

Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for tracking one or more items. In one exemplary embodiment, there is provided a device for tracking one or more items. The device may include a plurality of sensors for detecting light, temperature, humidity, pressure, and acceleration. The device may also include a memory for storing information received from the plurality of sensors.

Claims

1. A package tracking device, comprising:

a device housing;

a first light sensor configured to detect light external to the device;

a second light sensor configured to detect light external to the device;

a lens configured to be optically associated with the at least one of the first light sensor and the second light sensor; and

a memory for storing information received from the first light sensor and the second light sensor,

wherein, each of the first light sensor and the second light sensor is positioned within the device housing with an associated aperture in the device housing to permit detection of light external to the device housing, and wherein the second light sensor is positioned at a location within the device housing substantially different from a location of the first light sensor such that the device can detect external light regardless of where the device is oriented within a package.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a third sensor, for detecting at least one of temperature, pressure, and humidity associated with the package.

3. The device of claim 2, further comprising,

a nose portion that extends from the device.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein, at least the third sensor is located in the nose portion.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein, the device is substantial rectangular in shape and the first light sensor is located at one corner and the second light sensor is located at a corner different from the first light sensor.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a first processor; and

a second processor.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein, the first processor has a higher power performance or power consumption than the second processor.

8. The device of claim 6, further comprising:

a barrier located within the device that physically separates the third sensor from the first processor and the second processor.

9. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a GPS module.

10. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

an indicator that indicates the status of the device.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein, the indicator is a light emitting diode.