United States Patent 19
`Welles, II et al.
`
`||||IIIHIIII
`USOO5491486A
`5,491,486
`(11)
`Patent Number:
`Feb. 13, 1996
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`(54) MOBILE TRACKING UNITS EMPLOYING
`MOTION SENSORS FOR REDUCING
`POWER CONSUMPTION THEREN
`
`75 Inventors: Kenneth B. Welles, II, Scotia; Jerome
`J. Tiemann, Schenectady; Harold W.
`Tomlinson, Jr., Scotia, all of N.Y.
`(73) Assignee: General Electric Company,
`Schenectady, N.Y.
`
`Appl. No.: 233,091
`(21
`22 Filed:
`Apr. 25, 1994
`I51) Int. Cl. ........................... GO1S 3/02
`52 U.S. Cl. ........................... 342/357; 342/457; 364/445
`(58) Field of Search ..................................... 342/357, 457;
`364,445
`
`56
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,908,629 3/1990 Apsell et al. ........................... 342.f457
`5,003,317 3/1991 Gray et al. .............................. 342/457
`5,129,605 7/1992 Burns et al. ................................ 246.5
`5,218,367 6/1993 sheffer et al. ........................... 342.f457
`5,223,844 6/1993 Mansell et al. ......................... 342/.357
`5,225,842 7/1993 Brown et al. ........................... 342/357
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`"Swords into Plowshares' A Smart Approach to Freight
`Damage Prevention, GPS System, Communications Satel
`lites, & New Accelerometer Technology, Help Railroads
`
`Improve Service, Tim Slifkin, Elexor Assoc. Inc. pp. 1-5.
`
`Primary Examiner Thomas H. Tarcza
`Assistant Examiner-Dao L. Phan
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Marvin Snyder
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A mobile tracking unit capable of operating in a power
`starved environment for a vehicle tracking system includes
`a navigation set for generating data corresponding to a
`respective vehicle position. The navigation set is periodi
`cally energized at a selected activation rate F, while the
`vehicle is moving to generate the vehicle position data. The
`tracking unit includes an electromagnetic emitter which is
`capable of transmitting the vehicle position data and which
`is periodically energized at a selected activation rate F.
`while the vehicle is moving to transmit at least the vehicle
`position data. A motion sensor is employed for generating
`data indicative of vehicle motion. A tracking unit controller
`receives the vehicle motion data and controls the navigation
`set and the emitter based upon the vehicle motion data so
`that when the vehicle is stationary each of activation rates F.
`and F can be respectively decreased by a predetermined
`factor, thus reducing the overall power consumption of the
`tracking unit. The tracking unit controller is further designed
`to return to activation rates F and F. upon the motion
`sensor sensing renewed vehicle motion, thus avoiding loss
`of vehicle position data during times of renewed vehicle
`motion.
`
`28 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`
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`NAVGATION
`SET
`
`ELECTROMAGNETIC
`EMTER
`|
`
`CLOCK
`MODULE
`
`TRACKING
`UNIT
`CONTROLLER
`
`CHARGING
`CIRCU
`
`
`
`------
`
`68A
`
`
`
`TEMPERATURE SENSENGELEMENT
`PRESSURE SENSINGELEMENT
`SRANGAUGE
`LIMIT SWITCH
`
`
`
`MOTION
`SENSOR
`
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`U.S. Patent
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`Feb. 13, 1996
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`5,491,486
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`IPR2020-01192
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`5,491.486
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`1.
`MOBILE TRACKING UNITS EMPLOYING
`MOTON SENSORS FOR REDUCING
`POWER CONSUMPTION THEREN
`
`2
`F and F. upon an indication from the motion sensor of
`renewed vehicle motion, thereby avoiding any substantial
`loss of vehicle position data during times of renewed vehicle
`motion.
`A method of operating a mobile tracking unit for a vehicle
`location system in accordance with the present invention can
`include the following steps: providing a navigation set
`capable of generating data substantially indicative of a
`respective vehicle position; periodically energizing the navi
`gation set at a selected activation rate F, while the vehicle
`is moving to generate vehicle position data; providing an
`electromagnetic emitter (if optionally needed) capable of
`transmitting the vehicle position data; periodically energiz
`ing the electromagnetic emitter at a selected rate F, while
`the vehicle is moving, to transmit at least the vehicle
`position data; generating data indicative of vehicle motion
`using a motion sensor; controlling the navigation set and the
`emitter based upon the vehicle motion data so that during
`times when the vehicle is substantially stationary, each of the
`activation rates F and F is respectively decreased by a
`predetermined factor, thereby substantially reducing overall
`power consumption of tracking unit, and controlling the
`navigation set and the emitter to revert to activation rates F.
`and F. upon an indication from the motion sensor of
`renewed vehicle motion, thereby avoiding any substantial
`loss of vehicle position data during times of renewed vehicle
`motion.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The features of the invention believed to be novel are set
`forth with particularity in the appended claims. The inven
`tion itself, however, both as to organization and method of
`operation, together with further objects and advantages
`thereof, may best be understood by reference to the follow
`ing description in conjunction with the accompanying draw
`ings in which like numbers represent like pans throughout
`the drawings, and in which:
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary vehicle
`tracking system which can employ a mobile tracking unit in
`accordance with the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating further details of the
`mobile tracking unit shown in FIG. 1; and
`FIG. 3 is a graph showing respective exemplary activation
`rates for components of the mobile tracking unit wherein the
`activation rates are selected to reduce the overall power
`consumption of the mobile tracking unit in accordance with
`the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`The present invention provides mobile tracking units
`capable of operating in a power-starved environment. The
`mobile tracking units can be conveniently employed for a
`vehicle tracking or monitoring system which at least pro
`vides vehicle location information using navigation data
`derived from an existing navigation system, such as the
`Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite constellation,
`thereby providing highly accurate, real-time, vehicle track
`ing capability. It will be appreciated that the present inven
`tion is not limited to GPS navigation, being that vehicle
`tracking systems that use other navigation systems such as
`Loran, Omega, Transit and the like, or even satellite range
`measurement techniques (as respectively described in U.S.
`Pat. Nos. 4,161,730 and 4,161,734, both by R. E. Anderson,
`issued Jul. 17, 1979, both assigned to the present assignee,
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention relates to mobile tracking units for
`a vehicle tracking system and, more particularly, to mobile
`tracking units employing motion sensors for reducing power
`consumption therein under predetermined conditions.
`A significant requirement for mobile tracking units used
`in vehicles which generally lack a power source, such as
`freight railcars, shipping containers and the like, is to have
`relatively low electrical power consumption characteristics.
`Mobile tracking units used in a power-starved environment
`must be substantially power efficient in order to provide
`reliable and economical operation. Typically, the mobile
`tracking unit includes a navigation set, such as a Global
`Positioning System (GPS) receiver or other suitable navi
`gation set, responsive to navigation signals transmitted by a
`set of navigation stations which can be either space- or
`earth-based. In each case, the navigation set is capable of
`providing data indicative of the vehicle location based on the
`navigation signals. In addition, the mobile tracking unit can
`include a suitable electromagnetic emitterfor transmitting to
`a remote location the vehicle position data and other data
`acquired with sensing elements in the vehicle. Since both the
`navigation set and the emitter are devices which, when
`energized, generally consume a large portion of the overall
`electrical power consumed by the mobile tracking unit, it is
`desirable to control the respective rates at which such
`devices are respectively activated so as to reduce the overall
`power consumption of the mobile tracking unit. For pres
`ently available mobile tracking units, use of a motion sensor,
`Such as an accelerometer, has been suggested to detect shock
`or impact events which the vehicle encounters during rou
`tine use. However, no suggestion has been made of using the
`motion sensor for controlling the respective rates at which
`the aforementioned devices are activated so as to substan
`tially reduce the overall power consumption of the mobile
`tracking unit.
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`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`Generally speaking, the present invention fulfills the
`foregoing needs by providing a mobile tracking unit capable
`of operating in a power-starved environment and suitable for
`a vehicle tracking system. The tracking unit includes a
`navigation set for generating data substantially correspond
`ing to a respective vehicle position. The navigation set is
`periodically energized at a selected activation rate F, while
`the vehicle is moving to generate the vehicle position data.
`An electromagnetic emitter can be employed in the tracking
`unit for transmitting the vehicle position data, in which case
`such emitter is periodically energized at a selected activation
`rate F, while the vehicle is moving, to transmit at least the
`vehicle position data. A motion sensor, such as an acceler
`ometer or vibration sensor, is employed for generating data
`indicative of vehicle motion. A tracking unit controller is
`coupled to the motion sensor to receive the vehicle motion
`data and is designed to control the navigation set and the
`emitter based upon the vehicle motion data so that during
`times when the vehicle is substantially stationary, each of
`activation rates F and F can be respectively decreased by
`a predetermined factor, thereby substantially reducing the
`overall power consumption of the tracking unit. The tracking
`unit controller is further designed to revert to activation rates
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`and herein incorporated by reference) can advantageously
`benefit from the use of a mobile tracking unit that employs
`a motion sensor in order to reduce the power consumption
`of the tracking unit. The tracking system is particularly
`useful in fleet vehicle management, railcar tracking, cargo
`location and the like. As used herein the term "vehicle'
`includes shipping containers and other such means of car
`rying or transporting goods on board a motorized vehicle or
`platform such as ships, aircrafts, land vehicles, or other
`vehicles.
`FIG. 1 shows, by way of example and not of limitation,
`mobile tracking units which employ navigation signals from
`a GPS satellite constellation, although, as suggested above,
`other navigation systems can be used in lieu of GPS. FIG. 1
`shows a set of mobile tracking units 10A-10D which are
`installed in respective vehicles 12A-12D which are to be
`tracked or monitored. A multiple communication link 14,
`such as a satellite communication link using a communica
`tion satellite 16, can be provided between each mobile
`tracking unit (hereinafter collectively designated as 10) and
`aremote control station 18 manned by one or more operators
`and having suitable display devices and the like for display
`ing location and status information for each vehicle
`equipped with a respective mobile tracking unit. A constel
`lation of GPS satellites, such as GPS satellites 20A and 20B,
`provides highly accurate navigation signals which can be
`used to determine vehicle position and velocity when
`acquired by a suitable GPS receiver. Briefly, the GPS was
`developed by the U.S. Department of Defense and gradually
`placed into service throughout the 1980's. The GPS satel
`lites constantly transmit radio signals in L-Band frequency
`using spread spectrum frequency techniques. The transmit
`ted radio signals carry pseudo-random sequences which
`allow users to determine location relative to the surface of
`the earth (within approximately 100 ft), velocity (within
`about 0.1 MPH), and precise time information. GPS is a
`particularly attractive navigation system to employ, being
`that the respective orbits of the GPS satellites are chosen so
`as to provide substantially world-wide coverage and being
`that such highly-accurate radio signals are provided free of
`charge to users by the U.S. federal government. Communi
`cation link 14 can be conveniently used for transmitting
`vehicle conditions or events measured with suitable sensing
`elements, as will be explained shortly hereafter.
`FIG. 2 shows that mobile tracking unit 10 includes a
`navigation set 50 capable of generating data substantially
`corresponding to the vehicle position. The navigation set is
`chosen depending on the particular navigation system used
`for supplying navigation signals to a given mobile tracking
`unit. Preferably, the navigation set is a GPS receiver such as
`a multichannel receiver. However, it should be apparent that
`other receivers designed for acquiring signals from a corre
`sponding navigation system can also be employed. For
`example, the navigation set, depending on the vehicle posi
`tion accuracy requirements, can be chosen as a Loran-C
`receiver or other such less highly-accurate navigation
`receiver than a GPS receiver. Further, as described in the
`foregoing incorporated by reference U.S. patents, the navi
`gation set can conveniently comprise a transceiver that
`inherently provides two-way communication with the con
`trol station and avoids the need for separately operating an
`additional component to implement such two-way commu
`nication. Briefly, such transceiver would allow for imple
`mentation of the previously mentioned satellite range mea
`surement techniques being that the position of the vehicle is
`65
`simply determined at the control station by range measure
`ments to the vehicle and the control station from two
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`satellites whose position in space is known. In each case, it
`will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the power
`consumed by the navigation set imposes a severe constraint
`for reliable and economical operation of the mobile tracking
`unit in vehicles which do not have power supplies like
`shipping containers, railcars used for carrying cargo and the
`like. For example, typical GPS receivers currently available
`generally consume as much as 2 watts of electrical power. In
`order for the GPS receiver to provide a position fix, the GPS
`receiver must be energized for a certain minimum period of
`time in order for the receiver to acquire sufficient signal
`information from a given set of GPS satellites so as to
`generate a navigation solution. A key advantage of the
`present invention is the ability to substantially reduce the
`overall power consumption of the mobile tracking unit by
`selectively reducing the activation or usage rate for the
`navigation set and other components of the mobile tracking
`unit. In particular, if, during times when the vehicle is
`stationary, the activation rate for the navigation set is
`reduced, then the overall power consumption of the mobile
`tracking unit can be substantially reduced, for example, by
`a factor of at least about 100. Mobile tracking unit 10 may
`include a suitable electromagnetic emitter 52 functionally
`independent from the navigation set. Emitter 52 is shown in
`dashed lines to indicate that such functionally independent
`component is only optional depending on the particular
`design implementation for the tracking unit. As suggested
`above, if the navigation set comprises a transceiver, then
`emitter 52 would be a redundant component. Emitter 52 is
`capable of transmitting the vehicle position data by way of
`communication link 14 (FIG. 1) to the control station. By
`way of example and not of limitation, if a GPS receiver is
`used, the GPS receiver and the emitter can be conveniently
`integrated as a single integrated unit for maximizing effi
`ciency of installation and operation. An example of one such
`integrated unit is the commercially available Galaxy Inmar
`sat-C/GPS integrated unit available from Trimble Naviga
`tion, Sunnyvale, Calif. which is conveniently designed for
`data communication and position reporting between the
`control station and the mobile tracking unit. A single, low
`profile antenna 54 can be conveniently used for both GPS
`signal acquisition and satellite communication.
`Regardless of the type of navigation set employed, and
`consistent with a key advantage of the present invention, a
`motion sensor 56, such as a low power accelerometer,
`vibration sensor, acoustical sensor or combination thereof, is
`coupled to a tracking unit controller 58 so as to supply to
`controller 58 data indicative of vehicle motion, preferably
`along three mutually orthogonal axes, i.e., the motion sensor
`is preferably a triaxial accelerometer. A set of three accel
`erometers individually integrated with suitable signal con
`ditioning circuitry in a respective single monolithic inte
`grated circuit, such as accelerometer model ADXL50
`available from Analog Devices, Norwood, Mass. or similar
`accelerometers, can be conveniently mounted in the vehicle
`or in the tracking unit to provide such triaxial sensing. The
`tracking unit controller may comprise a multi-bit single chip
`digital microcontroller suitably programmed, as will be
`explained shortly hereafter, to control operation of naviga
`tion set 50 and emitter 52. A real-time clock module 60 can
`be connected to tracking unit controller 58 so as to periodi
`cally enable the controller to resume operation after the
`controller is in a "sleep-mode' associated with a low power
`mode of operation. Preferably, tracking unit controller 58
`includes sufficient memory and throughput capability to
`process data acquired from a suite of respective sensing
`elements 68. A power source such as battery 62 is used to
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`enable operation of mobile tracking unit 10. As shown in
`FIG. 2, battery 62 can be a rechargeable battery, such as a
`nickel-cadmium battery or a similar rechargeable battery,
`coupled to a suitable charging circuit 64 which receives
`electrical power from an array of solar cells 66 or other such
`electrical power transducer. The charging circuitry typically
`includes suitable charging regulators and voltage and current
`sensors (not shown) monitored by the controller for deter
`mining the condition of the battery. A backup battery (not
`shown) can be conveniently provided to enhance reliable
`operation of the mobile tracking unit. Alternatively, battery
`62 can be a nonrechargeable battery replaced at preestab
`lished time intervals. In each case, it will be appreciated that
`it is advantageous to reduce the overall power consumption
`of mobile tracking unit 10 so that, for example, in the case
`of a rechargeable battery, the size and cost requirements for
`charging circuit 64 and array of solar cells 66 can be
`conveniently reduced. Similarly, in the case of a nonre
`chargeable battery, reducing the power consumption of
`mobile tracking unit 10 advantageously allows for extending
`the useful life of the battery and to reduce maintenance costs
`associated with the mobile tracking unit.
`As suggested above, the navigation set in order to provide
`the navigation solution required for determining vehicle
`location and velocity must be energized for a sufficient
`period of time to acquire the navigation signals which in the
`case of GPS are transmitted from any available set of GPS
`satellites. For example, depending on various initial condi
`tions, such as availability of satellite ephemeris and almanac
`data, the GPS receiver may require to be energized for at
`least about 1 or 2 minutes in order to generate data for
`establishing a position fix. Similarly, the emitter must be
`energized for a respective period of time needed to transmit
`data associated with the vehicle. In each case, it will be
`apparent that it is advantageous to be able to selectively
`reduce the activation rate for the navigation set and (if a
`functionally independent emitter is used) the activation rate
`for the emitter depending on vehicle motion data generated
`with the motion sensor. As used herein the expression
`"activation rate' refers to the rate or frequency of use for a
`particular component in the mobile tracking unit. FIG. 2
`illustrates in block diagram from respective exemplary sens
`ing elements 68A-68D coupled to tracking unit controller
`58 and used for measuring predetermined respective condi
`tions associated with a given vehicle. Temperature sensing
`element 68A provides an economical way of measuring
`temperature in the vehicle. Pressure sensing element 68B
`can be used in tanker vehicles to measure the weight of the
`cargo. Strain gauge 68C can be used for measuring tensile or
`compressive forces in the vehicle which can provide par
`ticularly useful data in an accident postmortem investiga
`tion. Limit switch 68D can be used for actuation in response
`to a suitable mechanical input such as can be obtained from
`closing or opening doors. In each case, the data acquired
`with such sensing elements (collectively designated as suite
`of sensing elements 68 in FIG. 2) can be stored in tracking
`unit controller 58 and transmitted via communication link 14
`together with the vehicle location data. Thus, it should be
`appreciated that the mobile tracking unit in accordance with
`the present invention conveniently provides enhanced useful
`data to users.
`In FIG. 3, each rectangular block represents a period of
`time during which navigation set 50 (FIG. 2) is energized to
`generate vehicle position data. Similarly, each vertical arrow
`corresponds to respective times when emitter 52 (FIG. 2) is
`energized to transmit vehicle position data and other data
`associated with the vehicle if desired. It will be appreciated
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`that during times while the vehicle is moving, activation
`rates F and F can be respectively selected by tracking
`unit controller 58 (FIG. 2) in order to periodically energize
`the navigation set and the emitter, respectively. By way of
`example and not of limitation, in the case of a railcar vehicle
`using a GPS receiver, four GPS receiver activations per hour
`sufficient to generate four respective position fixes per hour
`may be adequate to substantially track the location of the
`railcar vehicle. Again, in the case of a railcar vehicle, one
`emitter activation per hour may be sufficient to transmit data
`acquired by the mobile tracking unit within the last hour so
`as to adequately report the vehicle position data (i.e., the last
`four position fixes) and other data acquired with suite of
`sensing elements 68. FIG.3 further illustrates, in accordance
`with a key advantage of the present invention, that when the
`vehicle motion data from the motion sensor indicates that
`the vehicle is substantially stationary, the tracking unit
`controller can advantageously decrease each of the respec
`tive activation rates (F. and F) for the GPS receiver and
`the emitter by a predetermined respective factor whose value
`can be conveniently chosen depending on the specific appli
`cation. Various schemes are possible, for example, the
`activation rates may be gradually decreased so as to provide
`a gradual transition from activation rates F and F to the
`decreased activation rates. In each case, such decreased
`activation rates individually contribute to substantially
`reducing the overall power consumption of the mobile
`tracking unit being that, in the case of railroad transportation
`for example, the average railcar in North America is sta
`tionary for approximately at least 90% of the time. Prefer
`ably, the navigation set and emitter are not completely
`deactivated even when the vehicle is stationary for a long
`period of time so as to provide increased reliability of
`operation. For example, this would prevent an erroneous
`determination that the vehicle is stationary when in fact the
`vehicle is moving, in case of a failure associated with the
`motion sensor. FIG. 3 also illustrates that upon the motion
`sensor indicating renewed vehicle motion, the tracking con
`troller can be programmed to control respective operation of
`the navigation set and emitter so as to revert to activation
`rates F and F, thus avoiding any substantial loss of
`vehicle position data during times of renewed vehicle
`motion.
`A method of operating a mobile tracking unit in accor
`dance with the present invention can include the steps of
`providing a navigation set 50 (FIG. 2) capable of generating
`data substantially corresponding to a respective vehicle
`position; periodically energizing the navigation set at a
`selected activation rate F, while the vehicle is moving to
`generate the vehicle position data, providing, if needed, an
`electromagnetic emitter 52 (FIG. 2) capable of transmitting
`the vehicle position data, periodically energizing the elec
`tromagnetic emitter at a selected rate F, while the vehicle
`is moving, to transmit at least the vehicle position data;
`generating data indicative of vehicle motion using a motion
`sensor such as a triaxial accelerometer or vibration sensor,
`controlling the navigation set and the emitter based upon the
`vehicle motion data so that during times when the vehicle is
`substantially stationary each of the activation rates F and
`F can be respectively decreased by a predetermined
`factor, thereby substantially reducing overall power con
`sumption of the tracking unit; and controlling the navigation
`set and the emitter to revert to activation rates F and F.
`upon the vehicle motion data from the motion sensor indi
`cating renewed vehicle motion, thereby avoiding any sub
`stantial loss of vehicle position data during times of renewed
`vehicle motion,
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`While only certain features of the invention have been
`illustrated and described herein, many modifications, sub
`stitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those
`skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the
`appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications
`and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.
`What is claimed is:
`1. A mobile tracking unit for a vehicle location system,
`said tracking unit comprising:
`a navigation set for generating data substantially indica
`tive of a respective vehicle position, said navigation set
`being adapted to be periodically energized at a selected
`activation rate F, while the vehicle is moving to
`generate vehicle position data;
`a motion sensor for generating data indicative of vehicle
`motion; and
`a tracking unit controller coupled to said motion sensor to
`receive the vehicle motion data, said tracking unit
`controller being adapted to control said navigation set
`based upon the vehicle motion data so that when the
`vehicle is substantially stationary the activation rate F.
`can be respectively decreased by a predetermined fac
`tor, thereby reducing overall power consumption of
`said tracking unit, said tracking unit controller being
`further adapted to revert to activation rate F, when said
`motion sensor indicates renewed vehicle motion,
`thereby avoiding any substantial loss of vehicle posi
`tion data during renewed vehicle motion.
`2. The mobile tracking unit of claim 1 wherein said
`navigation set comprises a navigation receiver and wherein
`the mobile tracking unit further includes an electromagnetic
`emitter adapted to be periodically energized at a selected
`activation rate F, while the vehicle is moving for trans
`mitting at least the vehicle position data, said tracking unit
`controller being adapted to control said emitter based upon
`the vehicle motion data so that when the vehicle is substan
`tially stationary the activation rate F can be respectively
`decreased by a predetermined factor, thereby contributing to
`reducing the overall power consumption of said tracking
`unit, said tracking unit controller being further adapted to
`revert to activation rate F
`when said motion sensor
`indicates renewed vehicle motion, thereby allowing for
`transmitting at least the vehicle position data at rate F
`during renewed vehicle motion.
`3. The mobile tracking unit of claim 2 wherein said
`navigation set comprises a GPS receiver.
`4. The mobile tracking unit of claim 1 wherein said
`navigation set comprises a transceiver.
`5. The mobile tracking unit of claim 1 wherein said
`motion sensor comprises an accelerometer.
`6. The mobile tracking unit of claim 5 wherein said
`accelerometer comprises a triaxial accelerometer.
`7. The mobile tracking unit of claim 1 wherein said
`motion sensor comprises a vibration sensor.
`8. The mobile tracking unit of claim 1 wherein said
`motion sensor comprises an acoustical sensor.
`9. The mobile tracking unit of claim 2 further including a
`suite of respective sensing elements coupled to said digital
`controller for measuring predetermined respective condi
`tions associated with the vehicle.
`10. The mobile tracking unit of claim 9 wherein said suite
`of sensing elements comprises at least one from the group
`consisting of a temperature sensing element, a pressure
`sensing element, a limit switch and a strain gauge.
`11. The mobile tracking unit of claim 1 further comprising
`a power supply for electrically powering respective compo
`nents of said mobile tracking unit.
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`5,491,486
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`8
`12. The mobile tracking unit of claim 11 wherein said
`power supply comprises a battery operatively coupled to a
`charging unit for electrically charging said battery.
`13. The mobile tracking unit of claim 12 wherein said
`charging unit includes an array of solar cells.
`14. A mobile tracking unit for a vehicle location system,
`comprising:
`a navigation set for generating data substantially corre
`sponding to a respective vehicle position, said naviga
`tion set being adapted to be periodically energized at a
`selected activation rate F while the vehicle is moving
`to generate vehicle position data;
`an electromagnetic emitter adapted to be periodically
`energized at a selected activation rate F,
`while the
`vehicle is moving, for transmitting at least the vehicle
`position data;
`a motion sensor for generating data indicative of vehicle
`motion, and
`a tracking unit controller coupled to said motion sensor to
`receive the vehicle motion data, said tracking unit
`controller being adapted to control said navigation set
`and said emitter based upon the vehicle motion data so
`that during times when the vehicle is substantially
`stationary each of said activation rates F and F can
`be respectively decreased by a predetermined factor,
`thereby reducing overall power consumption of said
`tracking unit, said tracking unit controller being further
`adapted to revert to activation rates F and F when
`said motion sensor indicates renewed vehicle motion,
`thereby avoiding substantial loss of vehicle position
`data during renewed vehicle motion.
`15. The mobile tracking unit of claim 14 wherein said
`navigation set comprises a GPS receiver.
`16. The mobile tracking unit of claim 14 wherein said
`motion sensor comprises an accelerometer.
`17. The mobile tracking unit of claim 16 wherein said
`accelerometer comprises a triaxial acceleromete