SE519676C2 - Interactive positioning and monitoring system - Google Patents

Abstract

System for surveillance of parameters, including a surveillance device (1) arranged with sensor (3, 5, 6, 7) for measuring/metering of surveillance parameters of collection of parameter data, for instance GPS-receiver or a web-camera. Further, the surveillance device includes a data processing device (9) for control of the device (1), and a first communication device (2) for communication via a first communication network (8) with a server (10), arranged with a second communication device (12) for communication with said device (1). The server further includes a database (11) for storing of parameter values and parameter data (PDS), user data and user controlled parameter settings. A web module (13) is also included in the server for generation of a user interface (17). The user interface, preferably a home page (17), is accessible to a user (15) and arranged to, for each of said surveillance parameters, include a data input device (19-24) and a data output device (19-24) for presentation/showing of said parameter values and parameter data, as well as control of said device (1).

Description

30 DJ lJl 51.9 676 2 Systemteknik, Teletech etc. PilotFish, backed by Volvo, is mostly focused on the boat market but could expand its system to also apply to land-based objects. Cellpoint deals with positioning of mobile phones within the GSM network. Satsafe works with positioning focusing on mobile devices on land and at sea as well as personal alarms for professionals. B&M Systemteknik and Teletech work primarily with dispatch systems. Telematics services for the intelligent home are currently marketed by eHem and Hejhuset, among others. eHem delivers services for the intelligent home where Dotcom installs broadband and Hejhuset is Vattenfall's equivalent. Both of these are based on desktop PCs. GPS positioning as part of a service system for vehicles and people is being developed all over the world and there are many portal building companies.

An overall purpose of the present invention is to combine the need for security-related services and products with the new technology in wireless communication, GPS positioning, image and data transfer and storage and processing of these, in order to reach a large number of users. This in turn enables revenue via subscriptions, sales of hardware and charged network time. Being able to actively look after and follow one's belongings and property is becoming increasingly desirable. Thus, it is an aim to offer a system that can contribute to or facilitate alarms in the event of theft or movement outside a specified area, to find lost property and to monitor houses and homes.

One aspect of this purpose is to be able to read and collect reported data, and to be able to view and store images, positions and data from any location via fixed or wireless Internet connection.

One aspect of this purpose is to offer users access to a user-friendly and easily accessible portal that supports collected image, sound and data sampling (PSD), enables storage and interactive processing of these. The portals shall be accessible from desktop PCs as well as from mobile wireless Internet.

Another aspect is to offer hardware, here called L-box, a unit arranged for collection and communication of PSD via a communication network.

Furthermore, it is an object to provide a system where PSD obtained from different units are storable on a common means in the system.

SOLUTION The system according to the present invention consists of an L-box, an L-server, and a user-adapted website. The L-server collects user-adapted data - PDS, (Picture Data and Sound) which is stored in a database arranged in or connected to the L-server. This data comes to the database via the Internet, the GSM network, the Mobitex network and also possibly via the terrestrial telephone network. Among other things, the server retrieves PDS from an L-box, an encapsulated device containing certain sensors, interfaces, 10 15 20 25 30 35 519 676 3 CPL1/RAM and a communication module. The system user can interact with the L-box via the Internet and via various message forms (SMS, fax, e-mail etc.) be informed about current events detected by the L-box. For example, if the car has moved out of a locked GPS position, or if the temperature has fallen below 11 degrees.

The database contains stored user profiles, predetermined settings, product data, etc. After logging in, which secures unauthorized use, it is possible to make changes to settings, add more collection addresses, etc.

The invention is combined with a website with a system-adapted structure. The inventive concept includes collecting PDS according to personal wishes to a website stored on an L-server, and presenting said PDS on the website via a terminal connected to the network in which the server is arranged, preferably the Internet. Collected data/PDS can be a temperature indication from an L-box as well as a linked Web camera, but also an image or sound file sent from mobile terminals to the server. It can also be GPS positions from selected transmitters. For each PDS you want to display, a window opens with the possibility of processing the incoming PDS.

According to the invention, the user can open a window for any PDS. On his own website, accessible only through the L-server, such windows can be kept open and active. In each of the windows, the user can make several different settings for the current window. This can be to set frequencies for how often images or data should be collected or to set a certain event that should occur if a certain level is reached in a temperature curve. It is further possible for a user to link data from an L-box with several cameras and GPS as well as a number of external sensors of temperature, humidity, barometer, anemometer, a stock exchange rate, direct connection to VISA, a number of free Webcams on the Internet, a window that is an e-mail address, etc. In each of the opened windows, a certain amount of data can be downloaded.

When the amount of stored data reaches a certain level, the user is notified. If the user chooses not to subscribe to more space, old data is deleted as new data is added.

Each of the windows has a function that, if the user wants, PDS can be collected in a diary-like log, here called L-diary. L-diary is also a window that opens in a similar way to all the other windows, but with slightly different content. L-diary can be customized in shape and color as desired. L-diary is also available as a shadow program that the user can download to their PC. In L-diary it is possible to browse back and forth among the collected data and write personal comments. It is Still images can be transferred to film sequences. Data can be combined to get statistics on the data that has been collected.

To become a customer, you must first purchase an L-box with an associated subscription. As a free customer, you have the option to store data up to, for example, 10 10 15 20 25 30 MB on the L-server, but it is also possible to subscribe to space for storing data over 10 MB.

A distinctive feature of the system is that users can open a window for any data-providing unit via one and the same website.

Such data-providing units can be, for example, the Swedish Road Administration's cameras, the L-box, a special stock exchange index, my pictures from my camera phone, etc. Furthermore, the user is given the opportunity to interactively act and control the connected sensors to an L-box or other device via the website. The user can also choose which data should be saved, deleted or transferred, by presetting the L-server.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to fulfill the above-described objects, the present invention thus relates to a system for parameter monitoring, comprising a monitoring apparatus arranged with sensors for measuring monitoring parameters or collecting parameter data, e.g. GPS receiver or a webcam. Furthermore, the monitoring apparatus comprises a data processing means for controlling the apparatus, and a first communication means for communicating via a first communication network with a server, arranged with a second communication means for communicating with said apparatus. The server further comprises a database for storing parameter values and parameter data PDS, user data and user-controlled parameter settings. A web module is also included in the server for generating a user interface. The user interface, preferably a homepage, is accessible to a user and arranged to comprise for each of said monitoring parameters a data input means and a data output means for presenting said parameter values and parameter data, and controlling said apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A detailed description of the invention follows below, with reference to the single drawing, in which Fig. 1 schematically shows elements of a preferred embodiment of the system according to the present invention.

DEFINITIONS Picture Sound and Data, includes various desired parameter values or parameter data, e.g. GPS position, temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed, voltage, and signals from motion detector, magnetic contact, camera, etc., which are obtained for storage PSD in the system. 10 m -_à so o\ w o» UI A device in the form of an encapsulated transmitter that receives PSD, stores and sends PSD to SPn's server, e.g. via the GSM network. It is possible to replace the GSM part in favor of a Mobitex modem or a modem for landline telephony. The L-box positions itself with GPS. The L-box can receive and change settings, and can also detect movement and alarm according to values preset for the user.

L-box SPn's website, a portal-like space. Here you can register as a new customer, purchase products, upgrade for larger storage space, encrypted service, etc.

L-hotel The customer's own page that the customer receives upon registration and which enables storage of PSDs up to 10 MB.

L-home A function in L-home where the customer personally designs and talks about how his PSD should be stored and how it should be displayed.

L-diary L-software The software that supports the storage and display of collected data on the customer's own PC. Preferably, L-software is provided free of charge after registration and can be downloaded to the PC and is also accessible directly on SPn's website.

Service Provider, provides Telecom services, develops, operates and secures systems in the area.

SP DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The concept of the present invention is an interactive positioning and monitoring system, connected to a map via the Internet with a number of additional functions. As can be seen from Figure 1, the system includes a number of different elements, which are described in more detail below.

The L-box 1 is a device in the form of an encapsulated transmitter/receiver 2, which transmits position data and other data via a suitable communication system, e.g. GSM, Mobitex or via telephone modem. The L-box is a preferably small unit, e.g. in the size of 2 liters, adapted for mounting outdoors for collecting surveillance data. The L-box should thus withstand large temperature variations and high humidity. The L-box is preferably powered via a 12 VDC battery or via a power supply and a suitable transformer. Furthermore, the L-box includes an internal battery for the internal memory in the data processing means 9. The L-box also has a 10 15 20 25 30 35 519 676 6 built-in clock with a maximum error of 1 min/month. In the device 1, one or more means 3 for collecting or measuring data can be arranged. An example of such a device is a GPS receiver 3, which can thus also serve as a source for acquiring a clock pulse and thereby constitute the built-in clock.

Furthermore, the device 1 is provided with an interface 4 for external connection of one or a plurality of units in the form of sensors or meters. These units may include a still or video camera 5, a GPS receiver 6, if such is not built into the device 1, and a thermometer 7. Other possible external units are a motion detector or hygrometer, barometer, anemometer for measuring atmospheric parameters, etc. Control of the device 1 and its input and externally connected units, as well as communication over the communication network 8, is handled by the device's built-in data processing unit 9. This data processing unit includes a processor CPU and a memory RAM, as well as necessary software.

The L-box 1 works in different states. There are two parallel state models.

The first model defines normal mode/active mode, and the second model defines alarm trigger mode/alarm off mode/alarm on mode. The external units 5, 6, 7 connected to the L-box 1 are preferably arranged to collect data either at predetermined time intervals or randomly. Collected data is saved in a memory means in the data processing unit 9 in the L-box 1. Preferably, the stored data is transferred to the L-server 10 at predetermined or event-initiated times, for example at night. If a user 15 wishes to activate the collection of data at more frequent intervals, or to have them reported immediately, the user can use active mode. In active mode, the user determines settings for start time, stop time and time interval between each collection, where each collection of data is immediately followed by a transmission from the L-box 1 to the L-server 10. The user can also define which of the connected devices 5, 6, 7 are to be used for collecting data in active mode. The L-box is returned to normal mode when the stop time has passed, or if the user has actively set the L-box back to normal mode.

To handle the alarm function, there are three states. The user 15 can put the L-box in alarm trigger mode, whereby the user's order is downloaded from the L-server 10 to the L-box 1. In this state, the L-box 1 is arranged to perform certain calculations to compare the collected data with user-defined settings. If the current collected data falls outside the limits defined by the user-defined settings, the L-box is arranged to automatically enter the alarm on mode. In alarm on mode, the L-box 1 immediately transmits the last collected data, which caused the entry into the alarm on mode, to the L-server 10. The user also has the option of choosing in advance whether the L-box, when it has entered the alarm on mode, shall begin continued reporting. In that case, a new alarm report will be sent with an alarm transmission interval defined by the user. Otherwise, the L-box remains in alarm mode and awaits a new command. When the user has noticed the alarm, he can choose to send an alarm off command, for example from the web interface or from the alarm receiver.

When this command is downloaded to the L-box, the L-box shall enter alarm off mode, which means that the data reporting that was started in alarm on mode shall be stopped. The L-box is not allowed to enter alarm on mode from this state, i.e. in alarm off mode it is not arranged to compare the currently collected data with the defined settings used. However, the user can then activate the alarm function and the L-server will then send a command to the L-box to enter alarm trigger mode again.

A number of different parameters can of course be used to trigger the alarm function.

An example is position alarm. For this purpose, it is possible for the user to define a predetermined area, for example a rectangular or circular area, with which the current position of the L-box's GPS receiver 6 is to be compared.

The user defines this area on a map on the web interface, and the geocoordinates of the area are downloaded to the L-box. If the current position of the GPS receiver 6 exceeds the defined limits for said area, the L-box shall immediately enter the alarm on mode. In an embodiment of the invention, it is also possible to compare the current value for temperature 7, humidity, air pressure and wind with predetermined maximum and minimum values. The user defines the maximum and minimum values on the web interface and the selected levels are downloaded to the L-box. If the current value exceeds a maximum value or falls below a minimum value, the L-box immediately enters the alarm on mode.

Preferably, the data processing and storage unit 9 of the L-box 1 is arranged to store at least: one image from each connected camera 5; a GPS position; a data sample from each other meter 7; and user-defined parameter settings.

The user-defined parameter settings preferably include: collection time for normal mode, i.e. at what time measurement or photography should be performed; two pairs of coordinates for defining the alarm range; ten levels for defining maximum and minimum levels for temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind, etc.; flag for determining whether continued transmission should occur in alarm on mode; transmission interval in land on mode, expressed in minutes; start time and stop time in active mode; transmission interval in active mode; and information about which units should transmit in active mode. 10 15 20 25 30 35 519 676 8 The position data can either be stored as a NMEA (National Marine Electronic Association) string or in a compressed format. The map projection should be WGS84 (World Geodetic System 1984). Temperature, humidity and air pressure data can be stored in plain text or in a compressed form.

It is normally the L-server 10 that controls the collection of the data obtained by the L-box. The L-server 10 also controls the downloading to the L-box of new parameter values set by the user. In the alarm on mode, however, the L-box immediately sends a report to the L-server. If the user wishes to take part in data from the L-box 1, the L-server 10 sends a request for a data report to the L-box 1. The request can define whether the L-box 1 should respond with stored data or whether it should collect new data.

The request may also contain a determination of whether data from one or from several, or even all, units connected to the L-box should be reported to the L-server 10. The request is preferably sent from the L-server 10 via a circuit-switched connection 8 to the L-box 1, for example via GSM.

If the L-box uses GSM as a carrier service, it must be equipped with an internal or external GSM modem 2 with capacity for both SMS and circuit-switched data. The L-box can also use Mobitex as a carrier service, and must then be provided with an external Mobitex modem 2. In another embodiment, the L-box is arranged to communicate via PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) as a carrier service, and is then provided with an internal or external PSTN modem 2.

The L-server 10 is a central part of the system. All reported customer data and user-defined parameter settings are stored in a database 11 arranged in or connected to the server 10. The server 10 also has a communication module 12, arranged to handle all the different carrier services 8 that the L-boxes 1 connected to the server 10 utilize. The user can be given access to the server via a web interface 13, but can also make certain settings from his personal GSM terminal, GPS terminal or the like. The map functionality is solved with an external Web service via a map module 14 in the server 10.

In the database 11, the server 10 is arranged to store the following data for each user: name, address etc.; username and password for an account; an identity code for the user's L-box and the conversion from this to the used GSM number, Mobitex number or equivalent; configuration of the L-box, i.e. which units 5, 6, 7 are connected to it; two alarm receiver numbers, e.g. GSM numbers; alarm messages; list of selected services; current user settings for all parameters in the L-box; 10 15 20 25 30 35 m ...à \o o\ ~<| m 9 current mode of the L box, i.e. normal/active alarm etc.; reported data for the most recent time, for example a period of 35 days; current invoice balance; personalization of the layout on the user's homepage; and a traffic log for all transactions for billing purposes and error investigation.

In addition to the user data, the database 11 preferably also includes information about all of the system's available services and products, and flags for communication between the server's 10 web module 13 and communication module 12.

Images reported from the L-boxes are stored in a file structure with links from the database 11.

The map module 14 is preferably used for communication with an external map database, for example provided by Metria. Reported coordinates from the L-boxes are stored in the database 11. When a user then opens his home page via his browser, a request is sent together with said coordinates to said external map server. The server responds by sending a map with the position marked for the reported coordinates. The map module 14 also includes tools for zooming, etc.

Communication between the L-box 1 and the L-server 10 is carried out using the L-server's communication module 12. For reporting position, temperature, etc., GSM-SMS is sufficient, or Mobitex. For reporting images, however, circuit-switched or packet-oriented data for example GPRS (General Packet Radio Services) is necessary. Circuit-switched or packet-oriented GSM data is preferably used only for images, and only in the direction from the L-box to the L-server.

If an event occurs in the local function of the L-box, e.g. that the position is detected to be outside the alarm area, an alarm is generated if the L-box is set to do so. A user-defined alarm message in the database 11 is then sent to the two recipient addresses stored in the database 11. Such an alarm address preferably originates from a terminal 16 belonging to the user 15, for example a GSM telephone, a PDA or the like. The user 15 can also arrange the alarm function in alarm off mode or alarm trigger mode with his terminal 16. This can be used to turn off the alarm after an alarm message has been received, or to prevent an alarm, for example when the user moves the L-box 1. However, this is only possible through the alarm recipient addresses defined in the database 11, i.e. the L-server checks the calling GSM number, IP address or similar upon incoming command from the user.

The L-server 10 further comprises a web module 13, which is arranged to read and write in the database 11 and to implement interfaces and functions for web use. 10 15 20 25 30 u.) (Jl 51.9 676 10 All communication with other parts of the L-server 10 takes place via the database l 1. It is possible for a user to change all its parameter settings, but not to register or cancel subscriptions. Examples of data that it is possible for a user to register are: username; password; customer number; L-box identity; organization or personal identification number; company; and contact person.

For each contact person, the following information should preferably be registered in the database 11: last name; first name; address; postal code; postal address; e-mail address; telephone number; fax number; and GSM number.

Of course, other examples of communication addresses, such as IP addresses, may also be registered in the database 11.

The user 15 is preferably arranged to communicate with the L-server 10 by means of a home page 17, which is distributed over a communication network 18, for example the Internet. The user has the possibility to change the layout of the home page 17 by means of predetermined layouts that cover all typical configurations of L-box devices 1. The home page 17 includes means for a user to enter comments to the collected data for each day. It is also possible for a user to browse through stored data for the last 35 days, for which data and user comments belong together as in a diary. The user also has the possibility to see the current mode of the L-box, retrieved from the database 11.

Normally, the most recent images are presented on the homepage 19. However, it is also possible for the user to choose the four most recent images to be presented simultaneously, whereby these four images share the area otherwise occupied by one image 19.

The images are preferably presented as thumb nails, and when the user clicks on a thumb nail, a new window opens with the image in normal size, according to known technology. The time at which the image 19 was taken is simultaneously presented to the user. 10 15 20 25 30 DJ lJI o\ w c\ 519 ll Position data is presented on a map 20, 21, 22, drawn from the external server via the map module 14. Temperature, air pressure and humidity 23, 24 are presented as diagrams on the homepage 17. The latest value is also preferably presented in plain text.

It is also possible for the user to configure his L-box 1 via his homepage 17, for example which external units 5, 6, 7 are to be used. Via the homepage 17, the user can further define times, intervals and interval type, i.e. randomly or regularly, at which data is to be collected from units connected to the L-box 1. The value must be given in hh:mm. Furthermore, the user defines which of the units 5, 6, 7 are to send in active mode, i.e. the units that are to collect and send data more often than in normal mode, when all connected units report. It is possible to set the sending interval for active mode, which is at least 15 minutes for images and 1 minute for other data. Start and stop times can also be given in hh:mm, whereby one data collection is made at the start time and one at the stop time.

It is also possible for the user to activate a single data collection. This is done using buttons arranged on the website next to the current data presentation 19 - 24.

Regarding the alarm function itself, the user 15 can, as previously mentioned, define which addresses/GSM numbers are to be used as alarm receivers 16.

Furthermore, the user 15 defines which alarm message is to be given, either as a selection of existing alarm messages or as a custom-created message.

The user 15 also has the option of specifying all levels for the alarms, separately for each device except for the camera. The alarm zone around the current L-box position is drawn, preferably with the help of a mouse, directly on the map 20, 21, 22 on the website 17, whereby the coordinates for the drawn area are returned to the external map server via the map module 14. The user 15 further has the option of setting the L-box 1 in alarm off mode or alarm trigger mode via the website 17 when the L-box 1 has entered alarm on mode. The website 17 visually indicates which unit(s) 5, 6, 7 are giving an alarm.

Furthermore, it should preferably be possible for the user to check his balance via the website 17, for example if he has used more services than he has paid for in his subscription. The user 15 also has the possibility to check from the website 17 how much memory has been used in the database 11 on the server 10, which should be arranged to provide at least 10 Mbytes of storage space for each user.

Preferred embodiments of the invention have been described by way of example, but it is obvious to the skilled person that a number of minor changes and modifications of the proposed solution are conceivable within the inventive concept. For example, the skilled person realizes that the proposed solution is applicable with communication over other communication networks than those specified in this application but which are equivalent to the invention, which are thus also included in the scope of protection of the invention. The scope of protection is limited only by the appended patent claims.

Claims (20)

10 15 20 25 30 35 (f: - .. år \ O O \ ~ <| O \ 1 3 PATENTKRAV A parameter monitoring system, comprising: - a monitoring apparatus (1) arranged with sensors (3,5, 6,7) for measuring monitoring parameters or collecting parameter data, a data processing means (9) for controlling the apparatus (1), and a first communication means (2) for communication via a first communication network (8) with; - a server (10), provided with a second communication means (12) for communication with said apparatus (1), a database (11) for storing parameter values and parameter data (PDS), user data and user-controlled parameter settings, and a web module (13) for generating; a user interface (17), accessible to a user (15) and arranged to include for each of said monitoring parameters a data input means (19-24) and a data output means (19-24) for presenting said parameter values and parameter data, and controlling said apparatus (1), that parameter values and parameter data are allowed to be compiled in sequences, the sequence of events being reconstructed. The system of claim 1, wherein said user interface is a website (17) belonging to said user (15), which website is stored in said database (11) and accessible to the user (15) with a first communication terminal via a second communication network (18). ). The system according to claim 1, wherein said monitoring apparatus (1) comprises or is connectable via an interface means (4) to a GPS receiver (3) for measuring parameter values in the form of position data. The system according to claim 1, wherein said monitoring apparatus (1) comprises or is connectable via an interface means (4) to a camera (5) for collecting parameter data in the form of still images or moving images. The system according to claim 1, wherein said monitoring apparatus (1) comprises or is connectable via an interface means (4) to a meter (7) for collecting atmospheric parameter values. The system of claim 1, wherein said data processing means (9) comprises a processor and a memory, arranged for storing and processing measured parameter values (PDS). 10 15 20 25 30 35 519 676 14 The system of claim 1, wherein said database (11) comprises stored user-defined information for activating said sensor (3,5,6,7), which information is transferable for storage in said data processing means (9). The system of claim 1, wherein said database (11) comprises stored user defined alarm level information for said transducers (3,5,6,7), which information is transferable for storage in said data processing means (9), said data processing means comprising means for comparing parameter values obtained from the sensors with said alarm levels, and means for giving alarms to said server (10) in dependence on said parameter values obtained from the sensors and said alarm levels. The system of claim 8, wherein said alarm comprises a parameter value obtained from a sensor that has exceeded one of said alarm levels. The system of claim 8 or 9, wherein said server (10) comprises means for transmitting an alarm message to a communication address of said user (15), defined by the user in said database (11), depending on an alarm received from the monitoring device. . The system according to claims 3 and 10, wherein said server (10) comprises a map module (14), arranged for communication with a map server, which map module comprises means for sending position data obtained from the monitoring apparatus (1) to said map server, means for from the map server to receive map data in dependence on said position data, and means for presenting a map (20-22) to the user (15) on said user interface (17) in dependence on said map data. The system of claim 11, wherein said user interface (17) comprises means for marking on said map (20-22) said alarm level in the form of a geographical area, means for transmitting said geographical area to said server (10). for storage in said database (11) as an alarm level for said position data. The system of claim 11 or 12, wherein said map module comprises means for zooming the map presented on the user interface (17). The system of claim 1, wherein said first communication network (8) is GSM. The system of claim 14, wherein said first (2) and second (12) cell communication means are arranged for communication via SMS. The system according to claim 10 and claim 14 or 15, wherein a second communication terminal (16) belonging to said user (15) comprises means for communicating directly with said monitoring device (1), and means for transmitting alarm deactivation data in dependence on an received alarm. to said data processing means (9) for the alarming sensor. The system of claim 1, wherein said first communication network (8) is Mobitex. The system of claim 1, wherein said first communication network (8) is PSTN. The system of claim 1, wherein said second communication network (18) is the Internet. The system of claim 1, wherein said data input means (19-24) comprises means for inputting and linking text to data presented on data output means (19-24) for a given monitoring parameter.