Inexpensive position sensing device

• US 8,620,343 B1
• Filed: 05/04/2007
• Issued: 12/31/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 04/24/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: IpVenture, Inc.
• Original Assignee: IpVenture, Inc.
• Inventors: Lau, Chung, Tong, Peter P., Thomas, C. Douglass
• Primary Examiner(s): Hu, Jinsong
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hong, Dung
• Application Number:
  US11/800,126
• Time in Patent Office: 2,433 Days
• Field of Search: 455/456.1, 455/456.2, 455/456.3, 455/456.6, 455/457, 455/414, 702/188, 702/62, 702/99, 340/539.22, 340/568.1, 340/572.1
• US Class Current: 455/456.1
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/09 providing processing capability normally carried out by the receiver
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals

Abstract

Inexpensive position sensing devices that allow widespread use and availability of position information are disclosed. One embodiment of the position-sensing device acquires, down converts and extracts raw position data from position signals. Then, the position-sensing device wirelessly transmits the raw position data to a position-computing device, which converts the raw position data into the position of the device. The position-computing device can also receive auxiliary information from auxiliary sensors, and perform analyzes based on the position and the auxiliary information. The position-computing device can re-transmit the position and auxiliary information to a remote site for further analysis and/or central storage. The remote site can also download information to the position-computing device. The position-computing device can also control an actuator to perform an operation.

Claims

1. A mobile apparatus being able to acquire information of a package, the apparatus comprising:

a wireless communication module with an antenna for receiving and transmitting signals at least via a cellular link;

a GPS module for acquiring position data;

an auxiliary sensor for acquiring auxiliary data by directly measuring at least an attribute of at least one of the package or an environment of the package;

an actuator; and

a controller operatively connected to the wireless communication module, the GPS module, the actuator, and the auxiliary sensor,

wherein to acquire information of the package, the mobile apparatus is configured to be removably positioned inside or removably attached to the package,

wherein the controller is configured (i) to control acquisition of position data and auxiliary data, (ii) to cause the wireless communication module to wirelessly transmit information related to the position data and information related to the auxiliary data to a device, and (iii) to control the actuator to change at least the attribute of at least one of the package or an environment of the package,

wherein the mobile apparatus is a portable, handheld apparatus,

wherein the auxiliary data pertains to the package or an environment of the package,

wherein the package is configured to be provided in a container to transport the package,

wherein the auxiliary data pertains to a temperature around the package within the container, and

wherein the temperature around the package within the container can be changed by the actuator in view of the auxiliary data.

2. A mobile apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein based on the information related to the position data, a notification regarding a location is provided to a user.

3. A mobile apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the information received by the device modifies an operation regarding an object other than the package.

4. A mobile apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the apparatus is in the shape of a patch.

5. A mobile apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the wireless communication module is configured to send SMS messages.

6. A mobile apparatus as recited in claim 1,

wherein a notification based on information in the auxiliary data is wirelessly provided to a user, and

wherein the actuator is configured to change an attribute of the environment around the package within the container in view of a request remotely submitted by the user.

7. A mobile apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the actuator includes a mechanical device that can exert mechanical forces.

8. A mobile apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the actuator is fabricated by techniques including micromachining.

9. A mobile apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the auxiliary sensor and the actuator are configured to work together to reach substantially a pre-set point.

10. A computer implemented method comprising:

receiving, at least via a cellular link, information related to position data and auxiliary data from a portable, handheld mobile apparatus regarding a package,

the apparatus including a GPS module for acquiring the position data, a wireless communication module with an antenna for receiving and transmitting signals at least via the cellular link, an actuator, a controller, and an auxiliary sensor for acquiring the auxiliary data by directly measuring at least an attribute of at least one of the package or an environment of the package, wherein the controller is operatively connected to the wireless communication module, the GPS module, the actuator, and the auxiliary sensor;

the apparatus being configured to be removably positioned inside or removably attached to the package to acquire information regarding the package, and

the auxiliary data pertaining to the package or an environment of the package; and

controlling, via the controller, (a) the actuator to change at least the attribute of at least one of the package or an environment of the package, (b) acquisition of position data and auxiliary data, and (c) the wireless communication module to wirelessly transmit information related to the position data and information related to the auxiliary data to a device,

wherein the package is configured to be provided in a container to transport the package, and

wherein the method further comprises;

determining an action at least based on the information related to the auxiliary data; and

sending a signal, via a wireless network, to a device, based on the action determined, and receiving a response therefrom, which causes the attribute of the environment around the package in the container to change via the actuator.

11. A computer implemented method as recited in claim 10,

wherein the auxiliary data pertains to a temperature around the package within the container.

12. A computer implemented method as recited in claim 10, wherein based on the information related to the position data, a notification regarding a location is provided to a user.

13. A computer implemented method as recited in claim 10 wherein the apparatus is configured to send SMS messages.

14. A computer implemented method as recited in claim 10, wherein the apparatus is in the shape of a patch.

15. A computer implemented method as recited in claim 10, wherein the attribute to be changed depends at least on a mechanical force using the actuator that includes a mechanical device that can exert mechanical forces.

16. A computer implemented method as recited in claim 10, wherein the method further includes operating the auxiliary sensor and the actuator together in closed-loop to reach substantially a pre-set point.

17. A computer implemented method as recited in claim 10 further comprising modifying an operation regarding an object other than the package based on the information received.