US Patent:
20080018496, Jan 24, 2008
Inventors:
Ronnie Tanner - Covington LA, US
Scott Quillin - Mandeville LA, US
Stephen Schamber - Baton Rouge LA, US
Gary Naden - Bozeman MT, US
International Classification:
G08G 1/123
Abstract:
A device, method, and computer program product for monitoring and transmitting a location and a local status of a remote device using a satellite transmitter is provided. The monitoring device includes a position location unit, a satellite transmitter, a power source, a controller, and a short-range radio transceiver. The position location unit is configured to determine a location of the remote device. The satellite transmitter is configured to transmit the location to one or more satellites in low earth orbit. The controller includes a power management unit configured to control a power state of the position location unit and the satellite transmitter, and to periodically enable and disable power from the power source to the position location unit and the satellite transmitter. The short-range radio transceiver is used to configure and remotely manage the monitoring device and is used by the monitoring device to monitor local sensors wirelessly.