Method and apparatus for tracking a transported item while accommodating communication gaps

摘要

A method and apparatus is provided for minimizing potential security problems and battery power usage in a tracking device used in tracking an associated product while being transported along a route wherein wireless communication may be nonexistent or intermittent. This is accomplished in part by having an accessible database of signal quality and strength at a large plurality of locations along given transportation routes whereby adjustments can be made as to the times for the tracking device to obtain GPS location information as well as for times to report any location and or product status data to a remotely located central station. The ability to predict when, along a transportation route communication problems may occur provides the opportunity to notify appropriate authorities in advance of arriving at the communication gap zones whereby arrangements can be made to alleviate potential problems during transportation through wireless communication “gap or dead” zones.

主权项

1. Condition monitoring apparatus comprising:
a wireless communication device including programmable circuitry capability and data storage, said wireless communication device having access to wireless network communication reliability data along a given route, said communication reliability data including at least one location previously determined to have intermittent or nonexistent wireless network communication capability; a sensor operable to supply sensed data values to said device; alert circuitry operable to transmit an alert to an authorized entity when the sensed data supplied by said sensor reaches an established limit value; and diagnostic circuitry operable to transmit an advisory alert to said authorized entity when a trend toward said established limit value is detected wherein said established limit value is likely to be attained during an upcoming time wherein network communication problems are likely.