Selectively sending notifications when an object tracking device is outside a range of an anchor beacon
First Claim
1. System for tracking objects comprising:
- at least one anchor beacon configured to broadcast a signal over a designated range;
at least one object tracking device comprising a beacon sensor configured to detect the signal broadcast by the beacon, the tracking device also comprising a location detector and a wireless transceiver; and
a tracking server configured to automatically receive a message via the wireless transceiver that is automatically sent from the object tracking device when the beacon sensor is unable to detect the signal broadcast by the beacon, wherein the message includes a location of the object tracking device, and wherein messages providing updated location information concerning the object tracking device are repetitively received by the tracking server while the beacon sensor is unable to detect the signal broadcast.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method of tracking objects uses an anchor beacon that can emit a broadcast over a range that is detectable by an object tracking device. The object tracking device can automatically detect a presence or absence of the broadcast. When the broadcast is present, the object tracking device can take no action. When the broadcast is absent, the object tracking device can determine a current location for the object tracking device and can convey an OTA communication to a tracking server. The OTA communication can indicate the absence of the broadcast and can also including the current location. The tracking server can selectively send a notification to a previously designated communication device to notify a user that the object tracking device is outside the range.
73 Citations
13 Claims
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1. System for tracking objects comprising:
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at least one anchor beacon configured to broadcast a signal over a designated range; at least one object tracking device comprising a beacon sensor configured to detect the signal broadcast by the beacon, the tracking device also comprising a location detector and a wireless transceiver; and a tracking server configured to automatically receive a message via the wireless transceiver that is automatically sent from the object tracking device when the beacon sensor is unable to detect the signal broadcast by the beacon, wherein the message includes a location of the object tracking device, and wherein messages providing updated location information concerning the object tracking device are repetitively received by the tracking server while the beacon sensor is unable to detect the signal broadcast. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for associating beacons with location tracking devices comprising:
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broadcasting a signal from at least one anchor beacon over a range; an object tracking device attached to a movable object selectively detecting the signal; when no signal is detected during the selectively detecting step, determining a location of the object tracking device; conveying the determined location to a remotely located tracking server; the tracking server selectively conveying a notification to at least one previously designated communication device to notify a user that the object tracking device is outside the range; and repeating the determining step, and the conveying steps until a safe state is determined, wherein the determination of said safe state results from an occurrence of an event selected from a group of events consisting of an event where the object tracking device detects the signal, an event where the object tracking device detects a different signal broadcast from a different authorized anchor beacon, an event where the tracking server conveys an over the air command to the object tracking device that indicates a safe state, an event where the object tracking device detects a presence of a proximately located safe device, and an event where the object tracking device receives an approved signal from a proximately located safe device. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification