Automated geo-fence boundary configuration and activation
A geo-fence is defined and established automatically based on a current location of an asset along with some range or distance, avoiding the need for a user to manually specify a location by drawing a perimeter, specifying a point location, or by any other means. Once established, the geo-fence can be activated so as to notify the owner of the asset and/or some other entity of movement of the asset beyond the boundary specified by the geo-fence. In one embodiment, the geo-fence can be automatically activated upon certain conditions, or can be manually activated, or any combination thereof.
1. An onboard device comprising:
a processor mechanically coupled to an asset;
a global positioning system (GPS) module communicatively coupled to the processor, the GPS module configured to receive position data from GPS satellites;
a computer-readable storage medium communicatively coupled to the processor, the storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to:
responsive to a trigger event, activate a geo-fence boundary for the asset, wherein activating the geo-fence boundary comprises:
reading data indicative of a current location of the asset from the GPS module;
defining a geo-fence boundary surrounding the asset based on the current location of the asset; and
activating the geo-fence boundary; and
subsequent to activating the geo-fence boundary, monitor asset location with respect to the geo-fence boundary, wherein monitoring asset location with respect to the geo-fence boundary comprises reading data indicative of successive positions of the asset from the GPS module.
2. The onboard device of claim 1 wherein the trigger event is selected from the group consisting of:
detection that the asset has not moved in a preselected period of time;
when the asset comprises a vehicle:
detection that a key has been removed from an ignition; and
detection that an engine has been turned off;
detection that the asset is in a particular location; and
determination that a preset time has been reached.
3. The onboard device of claim 2 wherein the instructions further cause the processor to:
detect movement of the asset beyond the defined geo-fence boundary; and
responsive to detecting movement of the asset beyond the defined geo-fence boundary, issue an alert.
4. The onboard device of claim 3 wherein the instructions causing the processor to issue an alert comprise instructions causing the processor to issue the alert based on a notification rule set for the asset.
5. The onboard device of claim 1 wherein the trigger event comprises a user-specified condition in which a geo-fence should be activated.
6. The onboard device of claim 1 wherein an administrator configuration comprises the trigger event.