Satellite based tracking and data device with multi-function radio frequency interface
A remote monitoring device is described that includes a microprocessor, a location determination unit connected to the microprocessor and operable to determine a location of the remote monitoring device. One or more interfaces connect the microprocessor to one or more sensors, wherein the one or more interfaces includes a multi-function radio frequency interface to communicate with wireless sensors. A radio frequency identification (RFID) interface interacts with RFID readers using the multi-function radio frequency interface, and a configuration interface to allow a user to configure the monitoring device also uses the multi-function radio frequency interface. The monitoring device uses a transmitter to transmit the location, status and collected information.
1. A remote monitoring device comprising:
a microprocessor;
a location determination unit connected to the microprocessor and determines a location, of the remote monitoring device;
one or more interfaces connecting the microprocessor to one or more sensors collecting information, wherein the one or more interfaces includes a multi-function radio frequency interface to communicate with wireless sensors;
a radio frequency identification (RFID) interface to interact with RFID readers using the multi-function radio frequency interface;
a configuration interface m allow a user to configure the monitoring device using the multi-function radio frequency interface, and
a transmitter to transmit the location status and collected information;
wherein the microprocessor of remote monitoring device individually selectively enables the location determination trait, the one or more interfaces, the RFID interface, and the transmitter when an action is required independent of the state of the battery power, and thereafter disables the enabled one of the location determination unit, the one or more interfaces, the RFID interface, and the transmitter when not in use in order to conserve battery power.
2. The remote monitoring device of claim 1 wherein the one or more interfaces includes a wireless interface.
3. The remote monitoring device of claim 1 wherein the one or more interfaces includes a wired interface.
4. The remote monitoring device of claim 1 wherein the location determination unit is a GPS unit.
5. The remote monitoring device of claim 1 further comprising one or more internal sensors monitoring the condition of the remote monitoring device.
6. The remote monitoring device of claim 5 wherein one internal sensor is a motion sensor.
7. The remote monitoring device of claim 1 wherein the transmitter is a satellite transmitter.
8. The remote monitoring device of claim 1 wherein the transmitter is a cellular transmitter.
9. A system for monitoring conditions at remote locations comprising:
a plurality of remote monitoring devices, each remote monitoring device comprising:
a microprocessor;
a location determination unit connected to the microprocessor and determines a location of the remote monitoring device:
one or more interfaces connecting the microprocessor to one or more sensors collecting information, wherein the one or more interfaces includes a multi-function radio frequency interface to communicate with wireless sensors; and
a transmitter to transmit the location, status and collected information;
wherein the microprocessor of remote monitoring device individually selectively enables the location determination unit, the one or more interfaces, and the transmitter when an action is required independent of the state of the battery power, and thereafter disables the enabled one of the location determination unit, the one or more interfaces, the RFID interface, and the transmitter when not in use in order to conserve battery power; and
a central monitoring station sending configuration and control signals to each of the remote monitoring devices, and receiving data collected by each of the remote monitoring devices.
10. The system of claim 9 wherein one or more remote monitoring devices further comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) interface to interact with RFID readers using the multi-function radio frequency interface.
11. The system of claim 9 wherein one or more remote monitoring devices further comprises a configuration interface to allow a user to configure the monitoring device using the multi-function radio frequency interface.
12. The system of claim 9 wherein the one or more interfaces connecting the microprocessor to one or more sensors includes both a wired interface and a wireless interface.
13. The system of claim 9 further comprising an internal motion sensor.