Asset tracking device configured to selectively retain information during loss of communication
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of tracking assets comprising:
- a. associating a tracking device with an asset in need of tracking, wherein the tracking device comprises;
i. computer memory configured to store a plurality of data messages, each message embodying message information, wherein the memory has a storage capacity;
ii. a global positioning system (GPS) receiver configured to receive GPS information from a GPS satellite network;
iii. a cellular signal transmitter configured to transmit data messages to a cellular signal receiver;
iv. a motion sensor configured to generate one or more of speed and acceleration data associated with tracking device movement information; and
v. a microprocessor in communication with the GPS receiver, the motion sensor and the cellular signal transmitter;
b. commencing a tracking event upon activation of the tracking device;
c. transmitting data messages comprising at least the GPS information and tracking device movement information to the cellular signal receiver when the device is substantially in communication with the receiver;
d. storing information generated by the tracking device as data messages during a period when the tracking device is substantially not in communication with the cellular signal receiver, wherein storage of each data message reduces an available portion of the storage capacity in the computer memory;
e. comparing a plurality of the stored data messages to at least one of a plurality of retention criteria for determining disposability or non-disposability of the plurality of stored data messages;
f. designating at least a first one of the plurality of the stored data messages as “
non-disposable”
in response to the comparison indicating that the message information of the first stored data message meets at least one of the plurality of retention criteria, thereby identifying the stored data message as a message of interest;
g. designating at least a second one of the plurality of the stored data messages as “
disposable”
in response to the comparison indicating that the message information of the second stored data message does not meet any of the plurality of retention criteria; and
h. if the available portion of the storage capacity of the computer memory has reached a predefined threshold, deleting one or more of the stored disposable data messages.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Devices and methods for generating locational and other pertinent information from a tracking device associated with an asset in need of tracking during a tracking event and for selectively retaining and deleting information stored during a loss of communication between the tracking device and a communication network, to increase probability of retaining information suitable for use as evidence in court or other proceedings in which accurate information is desired regarding the tracking event.
128 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method of tracking assets comprising:
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a. associating a tracking device with an asset in need of tracking, wherein the tracking device comprises; i. computer memory configured to store a plurality of data messages, each message embodying message information, wherein the memory has a storage capacity; ii. a global positioning system (GPS) receiver configured to receive GPS information from a GPS satellite network; iii. a cellular signal transmitter configured to transmit data messages to a cellular signal receiver; iv. a motion sensor configured to generate one or more of speed and acceleration data associated with tracking device movement information; and v. a microprocessor in communication with the GPS receiver, the motion sensor and the cellular signal transmitter; b. commencing a tracking event upon activation of the tracking device; c. transmitting data messages comprising at least the GPS information and tracking device movement information to the cellular signal receiver when the device is substantially in communication with the receiver; d. storing information generated by the tracking device as data messages during a period when the tracking device is substantially not in communication with the cellular signal receiver, wherein storage of each data message reduces an available portion of the storage capacity in the computer memory; e. comparing a plurality of the stored data messages to at least one of a plurality of retention criteria for determining disposability or non-disposability of the plurality of stored data messages; f. designating at least a first one of the plurality of the stored data messages as “
non-disposable”
in response to the comparison indicating that the message information of the first stored data message meets at least one of the plurality of retention criteria, thereby identifying the stored data message as a message of interest;g. designating at least a second one of the plurality of the stored data messages as “
disposable”
in response to the comparison indicating that the message information of the second stored data message does not meet any of the plurality of retention criteria; andh. if the available portion of the storage capacity of the computer memory has reached a predefined threshold, deleting one or more of the stored disposable data messages. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A tracking device configured to track assets in need of tracking, wherein the tracking device comprises:
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a. a computer memory configured to store a plurality of data messages, each message embodying message information, wherein the memory has a storage capacity; b. a global positioning system (GPS) receiver configured to receive GPS information from a GPS satellite network; c. a cellular signal transmitter configured to transmit data messages to a cellular signal receiver; d. a motion sensor configured to generate one or more of speed and acceleration data associated with tracking device movement information; and e. a microprocessor in communication with the GPS receiver, the motion sensor and the cellular signal transmitter; wherein the tracking device is configured to; i. identify commencement of a tracking event; ii. transmit during the tracking event data messages comprising at least the GPS information and tracking device movement information to the cellular signal receiver when the device is substantially in communication with the receiver; iii. store information generated by the tracking device during the tracking event as data messages during a period when the tracking device is substantially not in communication with the cellular signal receiver, wherein storage of each data message reduces an available portion of the available storage capacity in the computer memory, iv. compare a plurality of the stored data messages to at least one of a plurality of retention criteria for determining “
disposability”
or “
non-disposability”
of the plurality of stored data messages;v. designate at least a first one of the plurality of the stored data messages as “
non-disposable”
in response to the comparison indicating that the message information of the first stored data message meets at least one of the plurality of retention criteria, thereby identifying the stored data message as a message of interest;vi. designate at least a second one of the plurality of the stored data messages as “
disposable”
in response to the comparison indicating that the message information of the second stored data message does not meet any of the plurality of retention criteria;vii. delete at least one or more of the stored disposable messages if the available portion of the storage capacity of the computer memory has reached a predefined threshold; and viii. transmit to the cellular signal receiver during the tracking event at least the stored non-disposable data messages when the tracking device substantially regains communication with the receiver. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method of tracking stolen assets comprising:
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a. associating a concealed tracking device with an asset in need of tracking, wherein the tracking device comprises; i. computer memory configured to store a plurality of data messages, each message embodying message information, wherein the memory has a storage capacity; ii. a global positioning system (GPS) receiver configured to receive GPS information from a GPS satellite network; iii. a cellular signal transmitter configured to transmit data messages to a cellular signal receiver; iv. a motion sensor configured to generate one or more of speed and acceleration data associated with tracking device movement information; and v. a microprocessor in communication with the GPS receiver, the motion sensor and the cellular signal transmitter; b. commencing a tracking event upon activation of the tracking device, wherein the tracking event comprises theft of the asset; c. transmitting data messages comprising at least the GPS information and tracking device movement information to the cellular signal receiver when the device is substantially in communication with the receiver; and d. storing information generated by the tracking device as data messages during a period when the tracking device is substantially not in communication with the cellular signal receiver, wherein storage of each data message reduces an available portion of the storage capacity in the computer memory; e. comparing a plurality of the stored data messages to at least one of a plurality of retention criteria for determining whether each compared stored data message is “
disposable or “
non-disposable,”
the plurality of retention criteria predetermined to identify as “
non-disposable”
any messages of interest embodying message information with a relatively greater evidentiary value than stored data messages designated as “
disposable;
”f. designating at least a first one of the plurality of the stored data messages as “
non-disposable”
in response to the comparison indicating that the message information of first stored data message meets at least one of the plurality of retention criteria;g. designating at least a second one of the plurality of the data messages as “
disposable”
in response to the comparison indicating that the message information of the second stored data message does not meet any of the plurality of retention criteria; andh. transmitting to the cellular signal receiver at least the stored non-disposable data messages when the tracking device substantially regains communication with the receiver, wherein the “
non-disposable”
data messages comprise message information comprising one or more of;i. information associated with command and control functionality of the tracking device; ii. GPS information generated when the tracking device is substantially in motion; iii. information related to the presence or absence of a GPS fix in the tracking device; iv. GPS information generated substantially immediately after the tracking device begins moving after being stationary; and v. GPS information generated substantially immediately after the device becomes stationary after being in motion. - View Dependent Claims (21)
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Specification