System and method for automatically starting and / or stopping a monitoring device

Abstract

Aspects of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for automatically starting and / or stopping a monitoring device. One or more embodiments of the present invention describe a method that includes the step of detecting a stop of a vehicle using a first sensor and a second sensor. The method also describes the step of, after detecting the stop, communicating with a server to determine a trip assignment status of a monitoring device placed inside the vehicle. The method also describes the step of determining whether the vehicle is within a geo-fence of a trip start location based on the trip assignment status of the monitoring device. The method also describes the step of, after the vehicle is within the geo-fence of the trip start location, determining a speed of the vehicle. Accordingly, the monitoring device is automatically started when the speed of the vehicle reaches above a predetermined speed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to monitoring devices used in transportation systems. More particularly, this invention relates to systems and methods for automatically starting and / or stopping monitoring devices. Background Technology

[0002] Perishable goods or cargo (such as pharmaceutical products, food items, or other sensitive goods) need to be stored in a favorable environment to prevent them from deteriorating during transport. To ensure that a favorable environment is maintained during transport, monitoring devices are placed inside the vehicle used to transport such goods. These monitoring devices monitor external conditions such as temperature and pressure inside the vehicle and use cellular channels to report the monitored conditions to a server. Based on the monitored conditions, end users (such as manufacturers, retailers, or customers) can determine the health condition of the goods. Based on this determination, end users can decide whether a particular good is actually being stored in a favorable environment and / or whether a particular good is safe for consumption.

[0003] Therefore, monitoring the condition of perishable goods preserved during transport is a crucial step in determining their health status upon arrival at their destination, and monitoring devices are essential for making this determination. Currently, monitoring devices require manual activation and deactivation by personnel to monitor external conditions during the journey of transported goods from their origin to their destination. It is possible that personnel may forget to activate and deactivate the monitoring devices, thereby disabling or providing erroneous monitoring during the journey.

[0004] In view of the aforementioned problems, there is a need for effective and efficient systems and methods for automatically starting and / or stopping monitoring devices. There is also a requirement to eliminate the need for manual starting and / or stopping of monitoring devices. To address the problems in existing solutions, a system and a method are disclosed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Various embodiments of the present invention describe methods for automatically starting and / or stopping a monitoring device. The method includes the step of detecting a vehicle's stationary position using a first sensor and a second sensor. The method further includes, after detecting a stationary position, communicating with a server to determine the trip assignment status of the monitoring device placed inside the vehicle. The method also includes: determining whether the vehicle is within a geofence at the trip's starting location based on the trip assignment status; and determining the speed of the vehicle within the geofence at the trip's starting location. Therefore, when the vehicle's speed reaches a speed higher than a predetermined speed, the monitoring device is automatically activated.

[0006] In embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes the steps of: activating the cellular network to communicate with the server; and disconnecting the cellular network after determining the trip assignment status of the monitoring device from the server. Furthermore, the method further includes the steps of: activating the Global Positioning System (GPS) when the cellular network is disconnected to determine whether the vehicle is within a geofence of the trip's starting location; and deactivating GPS after determining whether the vehicle is within the geofence of the trip's starting location.

[0007] In different embodiments of the invention, the cellular network is turned on and off, and the GPS is activated and deactivated for power optimization to automatically start and stop the monitoring device.

[0008] In embodiments of the present invention, the trip assignment state of the monitoring device includes an active state when a trip is assigned to the monitoring device and a passive state when a trip is not assigned to the monitoring device.

[0009] In another embodiment of the invention, the determination of the vehicle within the geofence at the trip start position is performed only when the trip assignment state of the monitoring device corresponds to the active state.

[0010] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the first sensor is an accelerometer, and the second sensor is a gyroscope.

[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, the accelerometer and the gyroscope are used to determine the speed of the vehicle.

[0012] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the monitoring device automatically initiates real-time monitoring of one or more parameters within a temperature-controlled unit located inside the vehicle. Furthermore, the monitoring device is located inside the temperature-controlled unit.

[0013] In different embodiments of the invention, the method further includes the step of: when a stoppage is detected, communicating with a server to determine the trip arrival status of the monitoring device. The method also includes the step of determining whether the vehicle is within a geofence of the trip destination location based on the trip arrival status of the monitoring device. Therefore, when the vehicle is within the geofence of the trip destination location, the monitoring device automatically stops.

[0014] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the monitoring device automatically stops disabling the monitoring of one or more parameters inside a temperature-controlled unit placed inside the vehicle.

[0015] Various embodiments of the present invention describe a system for automatically starting and / or stopping a monitoring device. The system includes a first sensor, a second sensor, a communication unit, a determination unit, and a switch. The first and second sensors are configured to detect the parking of a vehicle. Upon detecting parking, the communication unit is configured to communicate with a server to determine the trip assignment status of the monitoring device placed inside the vehicle. The determination unit is configured to determine whether the vehicle is within a geofence at the trip start location based on the trip assignment status of the monitoring device. Furthermore, the first and second sensors are configured to determine the speed of the vehicle after it is within the geofence at the trip start location. The switch is configured to automatically start the monitoring device when the vehicle's speed reaches a speed higher than a predetermined speed.

[0016] In different embodiments of the present invention, communication with the server is achieved by activating the cellular network, and the cellular network is disconnected after the trip assignment status of the monitoring device is determined from the server.

[0017] In yet another embodiment of the invention, when the cellular network is disconnected, the Global Positioning System (GPS) is activated to determine whether the vehicle is within the geofence at the start of the trip, and the GPS is deactivated after determining whether the vehicle is within the geofence at the start of the trip.

[0018] In an embodiment of the invention, the cellular network is turned on and off, and the GPS is activated and deactivated for power optimization to automatically start and stop the monitoring device.

[0019] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the trip assignment state of the monitoring device includes an active state when a trip is assigned to the monitoring device and a passive state when a trip is not assigned to the monitoring device.

[0020] In another embodiment of the invention, the determination of the vehicle within the geofence at the trip start position is performed only when the trip assignment state of the monitoring device corresponds to the active state.

[0021] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the first sensor is an accelerometer, and the second sensor is a gyroscope.

[0022] In an embodiment of the invention, the monitoring device automatically starts real-time monitoring of one or more parameters inside a temperature-controlled unit placed inside the vehicle, wherein the monitoring device is placed inside the temperature-controlled unit.

[0023] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the communication unit is configured to communicate with the server when the stoppage is detected to determine the trip arrival status of the monitoring device. Furthermore, the determining unit is configured to determine whether the vehicle is within a geofence of the trip destination location based on the trip arrival status of the monitoring device. The switch is configured to automatically stop the monitoring device when the vehicle is within the geofence of the trip destination location.

[0024] In another embodiment of the invention, a computer-readable medium is disclosed for automatically starting and / or stopping a monitoring device. The computer-readable medium includes one or more processors, and a memory coupled to the one or more processors stores instructions executable by the one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to use a first sensor and a second sensor to detect the parking of a vehicle. The one or more processors are also configured, upon detecting parking, to communicate with a server to determine the trip assignment status of a monitoring device placed inside the vehicle, and to determine, based on the trip assignment status of the monitoring device, whether the vehicle is within a geofence at the trip start location. The one or more processors are further configured, after the vehicle is within the geofence at the trip start location, to determine the speed of the vehicle, and to automatically start the monitoring device when the vehicle's speed reaches a speed higher than a predetermined speed.

[0025] The present invention is provided as an option to introduce concepts in a simplified form as further described below in the detailed description. The present invention is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0026] Other aspects, advantages, and distinctive features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which disclose exemplary embodiments of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 An exemplary system architecture according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0028] Figure 2 A block diagram depicting different components of an exemplary monitoring device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 An exemplary flowchart illustrating an automatic start-up monitoring device for performing the invention, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, is shown.

[0030] Figure 4An exemplary flowchart illustrating a method for automatically stopping a monitoring device to perform the invention, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0031] The corresponding reference numerals are used throughout the attached figures to indicate the corresponding parts. Detailed Implementation

[0032] This document describes techniques for using systems and methods to automatically start and / or stop monitoring devices. The monitoring device may be placed inside a temperature-controlled unit, and one or more goods (such as pharmaceutical products, food items, or other sensitive goods) may also be placed inside the temperature-controlled unit along with the monitoring device. Furthermore, the temperature-controlled unit, containing the monitoring device and the goods, is placed inside a vehicle. The monitoring device may be in an 'on / wake-up' mode, but is not currently activated to monitor one or more parameters during the journey while the goods are being transported.

[0033] A vehicle can be located at a trip start point (which could be a packaging facility) from which its journey begins. The vehicle can move and stop at different stoppages within the facility for various safety checks and other procedures before finally proceeding to its final destination. Sensors detect stopping when the vehicle slows down and comes to a stop within the facility. Upon detection of stopping, communication with a server is established via a network to determine the trip assignment status. The monitoring device can determine whether the vehicle is within the geofence of the trip start point when the trip assignment status corresponds to an active status. The vehicle can then begin moving from its stoppage. If the vehicle is within the geofence, the monitoring device can determine its speed. When the vehicle's speed exceeds a predetermined speed, the monitoring device automatically activates to monitor one or more parameters during the trip. Similarly, the monitoring device automatically deactivates when the vehicle is within the geofence of the trip destination.

[0034] As used herein, a means of transport can be a road vehicle (such as a two-wheeled trailer, a three-wheeled trailer, or a four-wheeled trailer), an air vehicle, or a water vehicle (such as a ship) or any means of transport well known in the art.

[0035] As used herein, a monitoring device can be a device capable of monitoring one or more parameters within a temperature-controlled unit. The monitoring device may include, but is not limited to, sensors (such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, temperature sensors, Global Positioning System (GPS), etc.), communication units, determination units, processors, and memory. The functions and operations performed by the monitoring device are described in detail below.

[0036] As used herein, one or more parameters monitored by the monitoring device may be temperature, light, humidity, carbon dioxide, pressure, carbon monoxide, or any such parameter well known in the art.

[0037] As used herein, a temperature-controlled unit may be a refrigerated container or refrigerator placed inside a vehicle. The temperature-controlled unit may include cargo and monitoring devices.

[0038] As used herein, a server can be a remote storage device, a database, a cloud, or any such remote storage known in the art.

[0039] As used herein, a network can be any cellular network (such as a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network), a Wi-Fi network, a Bluetooth network, a ZigBee network, a Near Field Communication (NFC) network, or any such network that is clear to those skilled in the art.

[0040] Figure 1 An exemplary system architecture 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted. For example... Figure 1 As depicted herein, the vehicle 102 may have a temperature-controlled unit 104, and the temperature-controlled unit 104 may include a monitoring device 106. The temperature-controlled unit 104 may also include cargo (not shown) (such as perishable goods and pharmaceutical products) along with the monitoring device 106. The vehicle 102 is currently at a packaging facility 108A, which can be considered as the starting point of the journey for the vehicle 102. Such a packaging facility 108A may have a location within which the vehicle 102 can move and stop at different stops for various security checks and other procedures. Although reference numeral 108A is discussed herein as a packaging facility, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that reference numeral 108A can be a manufacturing facility or any such facility provided by a cargo manufacturer from which cargo can be transported.

[0041] Furthermore, the monitoring device 106 can monitor one or more parameters within the temperature-controlled unit 104. At this stage, the monitoring device 106 is in wake-up or ON mode, but has not yet begun monitoring one or more parameters within the temperature-controlled unit 104. As used herein, the wake-up mode of the monitoring device 106 refers to the state when the monitoring device is operating but has not yet begun monitoring one or more parameters. Although in Figure 1The diagram shows only one monitoring device 106 placed inside the temperature-controlled unit 104, but those skilled in the art will understand that any number of monitoring devices can be placed inside the temperature-controlled unit 104. It is also noted that the monitoring device can be in an OFF mode and can be activated into a wake-up mode when determining the trip assignment status.

[0042] When vehicle 102 begins to move within the packaging facility 108A and comes to a stop / stop anywhere, monitoring device 106 uses a first sensor and a second sensor to detect such a stop / stop by vehicle 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the first sensor is an accelerometer, and the second sensor is a gyroscope attached to the vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, monitoring device 106 can use its accelerometer and gyroscope to detect the stop of vehicle 102. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, monitoring device 106 can receive stop detection from the accelerometer and gyroscope of vehicle 102. Moreover, vehicle 102 is considered to be stopped or stopped only when vehicle 102 is not accelerating or not moving and is at zero speed. Furthermore, using both an accelerometer and a gyroscope to detect stop improves the accuracy of stop detection.

[0043] If no parking is detected, monitoring device 106 takes no action and may enter sleep mode. When parking is detected, monitoring device 106 may activate its cellular network to communicate with server 114 via network 112. Communication between monitoring device 106 and server 114 is used to determine the trip assignment status of monitoring device 106 located inside vehicle 102. For this purpose, monitoring device 106 may transmit a unique identifier associated with it to server 114 via network 112. Furthermore, server 114 may have all information and updates regarding the trip assignment status of each monitoring device used by the manufacturer in a particular facility. Information and updates at server 114 may be updated regularly by personnel or the manufacturer. Upon receiving the unique identifier associated with monitoring device 106, server 114 can retrieve the latest trip assignment status of monitoring device 106 by consulting the information stored in server 114. Then, server 114 can transmit the latest trip assignment status of monitoring device 106 to monitoring device 106 via network 112. Once monitoring device 106 receives the latest trip assignment status from server 114, monitoring device 106 can disconnect the cellular network. The trip assignment status of monitoring device 106 can include an active state, a passive state, and a trip start position. In an exemplary embodiment, the active state of monitoring device 106 can refer to the state when a trip is assigned to monitoring device 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the passive state of monitoring device 106 can refer to the state when no trip is assigned to monitoring device 106.

[0044] When the latest trip assignment status of monitoring device 106 includes a negative state (i.e., no trip has been assigned to monitoring device 106), monitoring device 106 may enter sleep mode without performing any further actions. When the latest trip assignment status of monitoring device 106 includes an active state (i.e., a trip has been assigned to monitoring device 106), monitoring device 106 can determine whether vehicle 102 is within the geofence 110A of the trip's starting location (i.e., packaging facility 108A). To determine whether vehicle 102 is within the geofence 110A of the trip's starting location 108A, monitoring device 106 can activate its Global Positioning System (GPS). Based on the current location of vehicle 102, monitoring device 106 can determine whether vehicle 102 is as described above. Figure 1As shown, the geofence 110A of the trip start location 108A is within the geofence 110A. As used herein, the geofence 110A of the packaging facility / trip start location 108A is a virtual boundary defined or set by staff or cargo manufacturers. Information about the geofence 110A of the trip start location is also updated on the monitoring device 106 over a period of time by the server 114 or by staff or cargo manufacturers manually supplying such information at the monitoring device 106. If the vehicle 102 is within the geofence 110A of the trip start location 108A, the monitoring device 106 deactivates its GPS. Here, it will be noted that the monitoring device 106 activates its GPS when the cellular network is disconnected by the monitoring device 106. By iteratively turning the cellular network on and off and activating and deactivating GPS by the monitoring device 106, the power optimization of the monitoring device 106's battery is achieved to automatically start and stop the monitoring device 106.

[0045] When vehicle 102 is not determined to be within the geofence 110A of the trip start position 108A, monitoring device 106 does not perform any further actions and can enter sleep mode. When vehicle 102 is determined to be within the geofence 110A of the trip start position 108A, monitoring device 106 can determine the speed of vehicle 102. Moreover, the speed of vehicle 102 is determined using the first sensor and the second sensor as explained above. By using both the accelerometer and the gyroscope for determining the speed of vehicle 102, the accuracy of speed detection is improved.

[0046] Monitoring device 106 can compare the determined speed of vehicle 102 with a predetermined speed. Information regarding the predetermined speed can be stored in the memory of monitoring device 106 or stored at server 114, and can be provided to monitoring device 106 from server 114. If monitoring device 106 determines that the speed of vehicle 102 has not reached a speed higher than the predetermined speed, monitoring device 106 does not perform any further action and can enter sleep mode. If monitoring device 106 determines that the speed of vehicle 102 has reached a speed higher than the predetermined speed, monitoring device 106 can be automatically activated. In an exemplary embodiment, the predetermined speed (i.e., speed limit) is 20 miles per hour (mph). Maintaining the predetermined speed of vehicle 102 at 20 mph helps determine that when the speed limit for moving vehicle 102 within the location or geofence 110A at the trip start position 108A is below 20 mph, vehicle 102 has begun to move away from the geofence 110A at the trip start position 108A. Such a predetermined speed or speed limit can be defined by the worker or cargo manufacturer. In addition, the automatic start of the monitoring device 106 can initiate or enable real-time monitoring of one or more parameters inside the temperature control unit 104 placed inside the vehicle 102.

[0047] After vehicle 102 moves outside the geofence 110A at the starting position 108A of the journey, as Figure 1As shown, vehicle 102 can be considered "in transit" or "on the way." Vehicle 102 can be expected to reach its destination location, i.e., distribution facility or retail facility 108B. Outside geofence 110A, whenever vehicle 102 stops, monitoring device 106 can use sensors to detect such stopping, and when stopping is detected, monitoring device 106 can reactivate the cellular network to communicate with server 114 via network 112 to determine the latest arrival status. Server 114 can then transmit the latest arrival status to monitoring device 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the latest arrival status may include the destination location. After receiving the latest arrival status from server 114, monitoring device 106 can deactivate the cellular network again. Moreover, monitoring device 106 can determine whether vehicle 102 is within the geofence 110B of the destination location or distribution facility 108B. Therefore, as explained above, monitoring device 106 can determine whether vehicle 102 is within the geofence 110B of destination location 108B by activating and then deactivating GPS. If monitoring device 106 determines that vehicle 102 is not within or outside the geofence 110B, it takes no action. If monitoring device 106 determines that vehicle 102 is within the geofence 110B, it can automatically stop monitoring. Consequently, the automatic stopping of monitoring device 106 disables the monitoring of one or more parameters inside the temperature control unit 104 located inside vehicle 102.

[0048] Additionally, the present invention covers the monitoring device 106 continuing to detect stops outside geofences 110A and 110B. When a stop outside geofences 110A and 110B is detected, the monitoring device 106 can communicate with the server 114 again and iteratively determine whether the vehicle is inside geofences 110A and 110B. This will help to start and / or stop the monitoring device 106 more precisely and accurately at the desired locations (i.e., trip start location 108A and trip destination location 108B). This will also help the monitoring device distinguish traffic outside the geofence during transport.

[0049] By automatically enabling and disabling the monitoring device 106 to start and stop monitoring one or more parameters within the temperature-controlled unit 104, the monitoring device 106 does not require manual start-up and / or stop for monitoring one or more parameters within the temperature-controlled unit 104. Furthermore, by employing this invention, data related to the monitoring of one or more parameters of the temperature-controlled unit 104 is always available and will not be missed due to any human error. Moreover, there is no need for any operator to manually start and / or stop the monitoring device 106 for monitoring one or more parameters within the temperature-controlled unit 104.

[0050] Figure 2 A block diagram depicting different components of an exemplary monitoring device 106 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provided. The monitoring device 106 may consist of, but is not limited to, a communication unit 202, a first sensor 204, a second sensor 206, a determination unit 208, a switch 210, a battery 212, a memory 214, and / or a processor 216. The first sensor 204 and the second sensor 206 may be configured to detect the parking of the vehicle 102. When parking is detected, the first sensor 204 and the second sensor 206 may transmit the parking status to the communication unit 202. The communication unit 202 may be configured to communicate with a server 114 via a network 112 after parking is detected to determine the trip assignment status of the monitoring device 106 placed inside the vehicle 102. The communication unit 202 may also transmit the trip assignment status to the determination unit 208 in an active state. The determination unit 208 may be configured to determine whether the vehicle 102 is within a geofence 110A at the trip start location 108A based on the trip assignment status of the monitoring device 106. For this purpose, determining unit 208 may use a Global Positioning System (GPS) to determine whether vehicle 102 is within geofence 110A. Determining unit 208 may also communicate with first sensor 204 and second sensor 206 if vehicle 102 is found to be within geofence 110A. First sensor 204 and second sensor 206 may be configured to determine the speed of vehicle 102 after the vehicle is within geofence 110A at the start of the journey 108A. First sensor 204 and second sensor 206 may communicate with processor 216, which compares the determined speed of vehicle 102 with a predetermined speed. Processor 216 may communicate with switch 210 when the speed of vehicle 102 exceeds the predetermined speed. Switch 210 may be configured to automatically activate monitoring device 106 when the speed of vehicle 102 exceeds the predetermined speed. In an exemplary embodiment, switch 210 may be an electromechanical switch, mechanical switch, hardware switch, software switch, a combination of hardware and software switches, or any such switch well known in the art.

[0051] Furthermore, as explained above, communication unit 202 can be configured to communicate with server 114 when a stop is detected to determine the arrival status of monitoring device 106. As explained above, determining unit 208 can be configured to determine whether vehicle 102 is within the geofence 110B of destination location 108B based on the arrival status of monitoring device 106. Moreover, switch 210 can be configured to automatically stop monitoring device 106 when vehicle 102 is within the geofence 110B of destination location 108B.

[0052] Battery 212 can be configured to provide power to monitoring device 106 to keep monitoring device 106 operational. Memory 214 can be configured to store trip assignment status, trip arrival status, trip start position 108A, trip destination position 108B, information related to geofences 110A and 110B, monitored parameters, predetermined speeds, and any such information. Processor 216 can be configured to perform the operations and functions described herein.

[0053] Furthermore, the communication unit 202, the first sensor 204, the second sensor 206, the determination unit 208, the switch 210, the battery 212, and / or the memory 214 may be communicatively coupled to the processor 216. The different units described herein are exemplary. The invention can be performed using one or more units. For example, a task performed by the communication unit 202, the first sensor 204, the second sensor 206, the determination unit 208, the switch 210, the battery 212, the memory 214, and / or the processor 216 may be performed by a single unit. Alternatively, the invention may be performed using a greater number of units as described herein.

[0054] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the invention outlines the features of the invention. Method flowchart 300 describes a method for an automatic start-up monitoring device 106. Method flowchart 300 begins at step 302.

[0055] In step 304, using the first sensor 204 and the second sensor 206, the monitoring device 106 can detect the vehicle 102 being parked. If the monitoring device 106 detects parking, method 300 proceeds to step 306. And if parking is not detected, method 300 ends at step 318. This has already been stated above... Figure 1 This will be discussed in more detail in China.

[0056] In step 306, after detecting a stop, the monitoring device 106 may communicate with the server 114 to determine the trip assignment status of the monitoring device 106 placed inside the vehicle 102. The trip assignment status may include an active status and / or a passive status. This has already been stated above... Figure 1 This will be discussed in more detail in China.

[0057] In step 308, if monitoring device 106 determines that the trip assignment status received from server 114 includes a positive status, then method 300 proceeds to step 310. And if monitoring device 106 determines that the trip assignment status includes a negative status, then method 300 ends at step 318. This has already been stated above... Figure 1 This will be discussed in more detail in China.

[0058] In step 310, if the monitoring device 106 determines that the trip assignment status includes an active state, the monitoring device 106 can determine whether the vehicle 102 is within the geofence 110A of the trip start location 108A. If the vehicle 102 is determined to be within the geofence 110A of the trip start location 108A, then method 300 proceeds to step 312. If the vehicle 102 is not determined to be within the geofence 110A of the trip start location 108A, then method 300 ends at step 318. (As already stated above...) Figure 1 This will be discussed in more detail in China.

[0059] In step 312, if the monitoring device 106 determines that the vehicle 102 is within the geofence 110A of the trip start position 108A, the monitoring device 106 can determine the speed of the vehicle 102. (This has already been stated above...) Figure 1 This will be discussed in more detail in China.

[0060] In step 314, the monitoring device 106 can compare the determined speed of the vehicle 102 to determine whether the speed of the vehicle 102 has reached a speed higher than a predetermined speed. If the speed of the vehicle 102 has reached a speed higher than the predetermined speed, method 300 proceeds to step 316. And if the speed of the vehicle 102 has not reached a speed higher than the predetermined speed, method 300 ends at step 318. (This has already been stated above...) Figure 1 This will be discussed in more detail in China.

[0061] In step 316, if the speed of the vehicle 102 has reached a speed higher than a predetermined speed, the monitoring device 106 can automatically activate to initiate or enable real-time monitoring of one or more parameters located inside the temperature control unit 104 placed inside the vehicle 102. This has already been stated above... Figure 1This will be discussed in more detail below. Then, method 300 can end at step 318.

[0062] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the features of the invention in exemplary embodiments thereof is provided. Method flowchart 400 describes a method for automatically stopping the monitoring device 106. Method flowchart 400 begins at step 402.

[0063] In step 404, using the first sensor 204 and the second sensor 206, the monitoring device 106 can detect the vehicle 102 being parked. If the monitoring device 106 detects parking, method 400 proceeds to step 406. And if parking is not detected, method 400 ends at step 412. This has already been stated above... Figure 1 This will be discussed in more detail in China.

[0064] In step 406, after detecting a stop, the monitoring device 106 can communicate with the server 114 to determine the arrival status of the monitoring device 106 placed inside the vehicle 102. As explained above, the arrival status may include the location of the destination. Figure 1 This will be discussed in more detail in China.

[0065] In step 408, based on the trip arrival status, monitoring device 106 can determine whether vehicle 102 is within the geofence 110B of the trip destination location 108B. If vehicle 102 is determined to be within the geofence 110B of the trip destination location 108B, method 400 proceeds to step 410. If vehicle 102 is not determined to be within the geofence 110B of the trip destination location 108B, method 400 ends at step 412. (As already stated above...) Figure 1 This will be discussed in more detail in China.

[0066] In step 410, if the vehicle 102 is determined to be within the geofence 110B of the destination location 108B, the monitoring device 106 can automatically stop monitoring to disable real-time monitoring of one or more parameters placed inside the temperature control unit 104 inside the vehicle 102. This has already been stated above... Figure 1 This will be discussed in more detail below. Then, method 400 can end at step 412.

[0067] In one embodiment of the invention, the invention can be operated using one or more computer-readable devices. The one or more computer-readable devices can be associated with monitoring device 106. The computer-readable medium includes one or more processors and memory coupled to the one or more processors, the memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to use a first sensor 204 and a second sensor 206 to detect the parking of vehicle 102. The one or more processors are also configured to communicate with server 114 after parking is detected to determine the trip assignment status of monitoring device 106 placed inside vehicle 102. The one or more processors are also configured to determine whether vehicle 102 is within a geofence 110A at trip start position 108A based on the trip assignment status of monitoring device 106. The one or more processors are also configured to determine the speed of vehicle 102 after vehicle 102 is within the geofence 110A at trip start position 108A. The one or more processors are also configured to automatically activate monitoring device 106 when the speed of vehicle 102 reaches a speed higher than a predetermined speed.

[0068] This invention is applicable to various industries / fields, such as the pharmaceutical industry, transportation industry, delivery management industry, manufacturing, distribution and packaging industry, and any such industry / field known in the art and in which the monitoring device 106 is used.

[0069] The embodiments of the invention discussed herein are exemplary, and various modifications and alterations by those skilled in the art are within the scope of the invention.

[0070] Exemplary computer-readable media include flash memory drives, digital universal discs (DVDs), compact discs (CDs), floppy disks, and magnetic tape cassettes. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Computer storage media are tangible and mutually exclusive with communication media. Computer storage media are implemented in hardware and exclude carrier waves and transmitted signals. For the purposes of this invention, computer storage media are not signals themselves. Exemplary computer storage media include hard disks, flash drives, and other solid-state memories. In contrast, communication media typically embody other data in computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or modulated data signals, such as carrier waves or other transport mechanisms, and include any information delivery media.

[0071] Although described in conjunction with exemplary computing system environments, examples of the present invention can be implemented using many other general-purpose or special-purpose computing system environments, configurations, or devices.

[0072] Examples of the present invention can be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions (such as program modules) that are executed by one or more computers or other devices in software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof. Computer-executable instructions can be organized into one or more computer-executable components or modules. Generally, program modules include, but are not limited to, routines, programs, objects, components, and data structures that perform a particular task or implement a particular abstract data type. Aspects of the present invention can be implemented using any number and organization of such components or modules. For example, aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific computer-executable instructions or specific components or modules illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described herein. Other examples of the invention may include different computer-executable instructions or components having more or fewer functionalities than those illustrated and described herein. When configured to execute the instructions described herein, aspects of the present invention transform a general-purpose computer into a special-purpose computing device.

[0073] Unless otherwise specified, the execution or order of the operations in the examples of the invention illustrated and described herein is not important. That is, unless otherwise specified, operations may be performed in any order, and examples of the invention may include additional operations or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that performing or executing a particular operation before, simultaneously with, or after another operation is within the scope of this invention.

[0074] As used in this subject matter specification, the term "processor" can refer to virtually any processor or computing unit or device, including but not limited to: direct digital control of HVAC systems; area controllers for HVAC systems; single-core processors; single-processors with software multithreading capabilities; multi-core processors; multi-core processors with software multithreading capabilities; multi-core processors utilizing hardware multithreading technology; parallel platforms; and parallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, a processor can refer to an integrated circuit, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), programmable logic controller (PLC), complex programmable logic device (CPLD), discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, designed to perform the functions described herein. Processors can fully utilize nanoscale architectures, such as, but not limited to, molecular and quantum dot-based transistors, switches, and gates, to optimize space utilization or enhance the performance of user equipment. Processors can also be implemented as combinations of computing units.

[0075] When introducing elements of aspects of the invention or examples thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” are intended to indicate the presence of one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and indicate that additional elements may be present in addition to those listed. The term “exemplary” is intended to mean “an example of…”. The phrase “one or more of the following: A, B, and C” means “at least one of A and / or at least one of B and / or at least one of C.”

[0076] Having described aspects of the invention in detail, it will be clear that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Since various changes can be made to the constructions, products, and methods described above without departing from the scope of the invention, all substances intended to be included in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[0077] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or actions, it will be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims, and other equivalent features and actions are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for automatically starting and / or stopping a monitoring device, comprising: - Use the first and second sensors to detect the parking of vehicles; - After detecting the stop, communicate with the server to determine the trip assignment status of the monitoring device placed inside the vehicle; - Determine whether the vehicle is within the geofence of the trip's starting location based on the trip assignment status of the monitoring device; - Determine the speed of the vehicle after it has entered the geofence at the starting position of the journey; and - When the speed of the vehicle reaches a speed higher than a predetermined speed, the monitoring device is automatically activated; The monitoring device can be enabled or disabled to start and stop monitoring of one or more parameters inside the temperature-controlled unit; such that when the monitoring device is automatically started, monitoring of one or more parameters inside the temperature-controlled unit of the vehicle will begin. The method further includes: Enable cellular network to communicate with the server; After determining the trip assignment status of the monitoring device from the server, the cellular network is disconnected; When the cellular network is disconnected, the Global Positioning System (GPS) is activated to determine whether the vehicle is within the geofence of the trip's starting location; and The GPS is deactivated after determining whether the vehicle is within the geofence at the start of the trip.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The cellular network is turned on and off, and the GPS is activated and deactivated for power optimization to automatically start and stop the monitoring device.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The trip assignment status of the monitoring device includes an active state when a trip is assigned to the monitoring device and a passive state when a trip is not assigned to the monitoring device.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The determination of the vehicle within the geofence at the start of the trip is performed only when the trip assignment state of the monitoring device corresponds to the active state.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first sensor is an accelerometer, and the second sensor is a gyroscope.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The accelerometer and the gyroscope are used to determine the speed of the vehicle.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The monitoring device automatically starts to monitor one or more parameters in real time within a temperature-controlled unit placed inside the vehicle, wherein the monitoring device is placed inside the temperature-controlled unit.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: When the stoppage is detected, communication is made with the server to determine the travel arrival status of the monitoring device; The arrival status of the journey is used by the monitoring device to determine whether the vehicle is within the geofence of the destination location; as well as The monitoring device automatically stops when the vehicle is within the geofence of the destination location.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The monitoring device automatically stops or disables the monitoring of one or more parameters inside the temperature control unit placed inside the vehicle.

10. A system for automatically starting and / or stopping a monitoring device, comprising: - A first sensor and a second sensor, configured to detect the parking of a vehicle; - A communication unit configured to communicate with a server after detecting the parking to determine the trip assignment status of a monitoring device placed inside the vehicle; - A determining unit configured to determine whether the vehicle is within a geofence at the trip start location based on the trip assignment status of the monitoring device; - The first and second sensors are configured to determine the speed of the vehicle after the vehicle is within the geofence at the start of the trip; and - A switch configured to automatically activate the monitoring device when the speed of the vehicle reaches a speed higher than a predetermined speed; The monitoring device can be enabled or disabled to start and stop monitoring of one or more parameters inside the temperature-controlled unit; such that when the monitoring device is automatically started, monitoring of one or more parameters inside the temperature-controlled unit of the vehicle will begin. The monitoring device is also configured to perform the following operations: Enable cellular network to communicate with the server; After determining the trip assignment status of the monitoring device from the server, the cellular network is disconnected; When the cellular network is disconnected, the Global Positioning System (GPS) is activated to determine whether the vehicle is within the geofence of the trip's starting location; as well as The GPS is deactivated after determining whether the vehicle is within the geofence at the start of the trip.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The cellular network is turned on and off, and the GPS is activated and deactivated for power optimization to automatically start and stop the monitoring device.

12. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The trip assignment status of the monitoring device includes an active state when a trip is assigned to the monitoring device and a passive state when a trip is not assigned to the monitoring device.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein, The determination of the vehicle within the geofence at the start of the trip is performed only when the trip assignment state of the monitoring device corresponds to the active state.

14. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The first sensor is an accelerometer, and the second sensor is a gyroscope.

15. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The monitoring device automatically starts real-time monitoring of one or more parameters placed inside the temperature-controlled unit inside the vehicle, wherein the monitoring device is placed inside the temperature-controlled unit.

16. The system according to claim 10, wherein: The communication unit is configured to communicate with the server when the pause is detected, in order to determine the travel arrival status of the monitoring device; The determining unit is configured to determine whether the vehicle is within the geofence of the destination location based on the trip arrival status of the monitoring device; as well as The switch is configured to automatically stop the monitoring device when the vehicle is within the geofence of the destination location.

17. A computer-readable medium comprising one or more processors and a memory coupled to the one or more processors, the memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors, the one or more processors configured to: The first and second sensors are used to detect the parking of vehicles; After the parking is detected, communication is made with the server to determine the trip assignment status of the monitoring device placed inside the vehicle; The monitoring device determines whether the vehicle is within the geofence of the trip's starting location based on the trip assignment status. After the vehicle is within the geofence at the starting position of the trip, the speed of the vehicle is determined; and When the speed of the vehicle reaches a speed higher than a predetermined speed, the monitoring device is automatically activated; The monitoring device can be enabled or disabled to start and stop monitoring of one or more parameters inside the temperature-controlled unit; such that when the monitoring device is automatically started, monitoring of one or more parameters inside the temperature-controlled unit of the vehicle will begin. The monitoring device is also configured to perform the following operations: Enable cellular network to communicate with the server; After determining the trip assignment status of the monitoring device from the server, the cellular network is disconnected; When the cellular network is disconnected, the Global Positioning System (GPS) is activated to determine whether the vehicle is within the geofence of the trip's starting location; as well as The GPS is deactivated after determining whether the vehicle is within the geofence at the start of the trip.

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