IP Library Granted Patent US 7,313,476
Granted Patent B2
US 7,313,476 · App. 10/952,607 · Granted Dec 25, 2007

Method and system for controlling a valuable movable item

Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,313,476
App. No.
10/952,607
Granted
Dec 25, 2007
Kind
B2
Abstract

One embodiment in accordance with the invention can include a controller that can be coupled with a position determining component, and a motion detecting component. In one embodiment, the motion detecting component detects motion of a valuable movable item and generates a signal to the controller indicating the motion. The controller, in response to the signal, causes the position determining component to determine the geographic location of the valuable movable item. A determination is made as to whether the geographic location is within a pre-defined zone. In response to the determination, a command can be generated for controlling the valuable movable item.

Claims (16)

1. A method for controlling a valuable movable item comprising:

detecting motion of said valuable movable item using an initiating device coupled with said valuable movable item, said initiating device comprising:

a controller;

a position determining component coupled with said controller; and

a motion detecting component coupled with said controller;

ascertaining a geographic location of said valuable movable item in response to said detecting motion;

determining if said geographic location is within a pre-defined zone; and

generating a command for controlling said valuable movable item in response to said determining.

2. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein said ascertaining said geographic location comprises using a satellite-based position determining system to determine said geographic location.

3. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein said ascertaining said geographic location comprises using a terrestrial-base position determining system to determine said geographic location.

4. The method as recited in claim 1 , further comprising sending a message using a wireless communications component coupled with said controller.

5. The method as recited in claim 4 , wherein said controller automatically causes said wireless communications component to transmit said message when said geographic location is determined to be outside said pre-defined zone.

6. The method as recited in claim 4 , wherein said message comprises information about a malfunction associated with said valuable movable item.

7. The method as recited in claim 4 , further comprising utilizing a lookup table to detect an event associated with said valuable movable item and induce said sending said message.

8. The method as recited in claim 4 , wherein said sending the message comprises conveying said geographic location using said wireless communications component.

9. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein said valuable movable item is selected from the group consisting of a vehicle, a cargo, a tractor, a backhoe, an off-highway tractor, an off-highway truck, a paving equipment device, an electronic device, a tractor scraper, a computer, a tool, an appliance, a cellar telephone, a portable computer device, a laptop computer, and an automotive electrical system.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Feb 7, 2005
From: NICHOLAS, MARK; JANKY, GREGORY T.; WORKMAN, DENNIS
To: TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LIMITED
Reel/Frame 016230/0196 →
Continuity (3)
Continuation In Part 1039299500 · Mar 19, 2003
Continuation In Part 1022253200 · Aug 15, 2002
Related Publication 20050192741A1 · Sep 1, 2005