Rocky Mountain Tracking » GPS device

Motorola Pulls E911 Patent from Suit

Khristen Foss — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:00:32 +0000

In December 2011, Motorola filed a complaint with the International Trade Commission (ITC) against Apple over six patents. One of the patents in question was removed from the complaint a few weeks prior to this hearing, and on January 5^th, Motorola removed yet another, US Patent No. 7,751,826. The patent would help users more easily make the important decision of whether they should leave the location feature that relies on the GPS device built into their smartphones on, or turn it off.

A significant portion of the population chooses to turn this feature off, not wanting to broadcast their location for a host of privacy-related reasons. For some of them, it is an easy decision. There are those, however, that are torn between the two. If the user turns off the location feature which uses your GPS coordinates to pinpoint your exact location, the E911 system wouldn’t be able to do the same in the case of an emergency. This information is crucial to first responders, especially if you are incoherent and unable to tell them where you are, or if you are lost and really don’t know the name of the intersection or highway you are traveling on.

This patent describes many different ways phones could temporarily allow GPS tracking, sending their location to first responders without having to go through a host of menus in attempts to reactivate the feature manually. Let’s face it, in most emergency situations, you normally don’t have the time to go through that process. One of the ways covered in the patent: the number sequence “9-1-1” triggers the GPS device to automatically turn itself on. Another method covered is a special button. When pressed, it activates the GPS device to begin tracking your location.

Dropping this patent from the lawsuit seems to make sense. Would the ITC even allow Motorola to exclusively offer the option to turn off location tracking without compromising the ability for emergency responders to find you when calling 911? Probably not. Florian Mueller of Foss Patents agrees. “If Motorola won an ITC import ban over devices implementing that feature, it’s quite possible that the ITC would deny or delay such a ban for public interest considerations.”

While the E911 patent was removed from this complaint filed with the ITC, it interestingly remains in another lawsuit filed in Wisconsin by Motorola, also against Apple. Motorola is claiming the iPhone infringes upon Motorola-held patents, while Apple has its own lawsuit in motion, scheduled to go to trial November 25, 2012, against Motorola. Apple feels this is a FRAND issue (Fair, Reasonable And Non-Discriminatory terms) and as such, they should be granted access to these patents. Stay tuned, we’ll keep you updated here at the RMT blog as new details emerge and hearings are scheduled.

GPS Device: Commuter Stress Reducer

Khristen Foss — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:00:02 +0000

According to the US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, 35 percent of Americans are traveling on average 30 minutes or more to their place of work, logging over 100 hours per year spent commuting. Anyone who commutes, whether long or short distances, knows that it can be a very stressful time. You have a limited time to get to work, and sometimes (usually the day of your big presentation or important meeting with the CEO) it feels like any obstacle imaginable is thrown your way, pushing this deadline to its very limits (and likely the engine of your car as you accelerate in an effort to make up for this lost time.)

The GPS device can save you time and make you feel like the superhero of the commute. Defeat the mortal enemy of commuters everywhere; the traffic jam. There are many causes, like a tractor trailer rollover at exit 9, or a fender bender by exit 13. No matter what the cause, there is nothing more stressful than coming to a standstill on the freeway for any length of time. Armed with a GPS device, you can escape the situation completely by changing up your route. Even if you aren’t familiar with the part of town your newly mapped route takes you through, you’ll be able to make it to work on time without fear of getting lost.

Some GPS devices come equipped with the option to subscribe to traffic reports. Imagine not having to worry about running into a traffic jam at all, flexing your GPS superhero muscles to all who carpool with you. This function uses your GPS location data to give you instant updates to the traffic conditions around the area you are traveling.

What will you do with this extra time you are sure to save yourself by commuting with a GPS device? Use your device one last time in that strange part of town and seek out a pastry shop to purchase tasty treats to share at the office. Most GPS devices will show you restaurants, coffee shops, ATMs, and gas stations that are in the vicinity using your GPS coordinates. Now you’ll arrive early or on time, and not only will you be the superhero commuter, you will be the superhero coworker. Who doesn’t love the person who brings treats to share with everyone at work?

GPS Devices Used to Protect Electoral Integrity in India

Khristen Foss — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:00:18 +0000

Transparency International, a corruption watchdog operating out of Berlin, conducted a study in 2005 which showed 55% of Indians have either paid bribes or done favors to make things happen politically. In fact, back in 2008, there were a whopping 120 members out of India’s 522 person parliament were facing some form of criminal charges. It doesn’t just begin when one is elected to office, but can be traced back to election day as well. There are often bribes handed out at polling places to get a voter to cast a vote in your favor, bribes of things such as liquor or money.

The District Election Office (DEO) of Ramabai Nagar has taken a step to eradicate incidents such as this by affixing GPS devices in polling officers’ vehicles. The Chief Electoral Office would like to see this program in place all over, but they don’t believe it will happen in other districts until after the next election.

Officials feel GPS devices will be most useful on election day itself, protecting against a host of problems that can arise. As soon as a disturbance at a polling booth is reported to the DEO, officials will be able to alert the appropriate authorities.

Not only will the GPS devices help direct police to problem areas, it will also alert DEO officials of problems with the voting machines themselves. District Election Officer Mayur Maheshwari says, “GPS-installed vehicles will enable us to control any situation in the shortest possible time. The sector officers and police officials will be rushed immediately to the problem area.”

The vehicles receiving the devices include the vehicles of every sector officer, returning officer, and district magistrates, as well as any other vehicle that relates to the department. They only hope these devices aid in controlling polling problems, such as defective equipment or corrupt candidates and their representatives, to restore credibility to the election process in India.

Top Uses for GPS Tracking Devices

Admin — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 16:00:31 +0000

These days we hear a lot about GPS tracking. It’s in the news, online, and on everyone’s minds. However, the practical applications of GPS technology are more far-reaching than most people realize. These are just a few of the possibilities when it comes to the uses for this incredible modern gadget.

Emergency Tracking – We all wonder about worst-case scenarios. The what ifs of life keep us up at night pondering what we would do in an emergency. GPS technology gives everyday Americans the ability to rest easy, knowing that in an emergency situation they could be found using the coordinates provided by their GPS.

Fleet Tracking – Whether you operate a delivery service or own a convoy of ships, fleet tracking can save your business both time and money. By keeping track of each vehicle your organization will have the ability to keep a tighter schedule and prevent problems before they start.

Athletics Tracking – For runners and cyclists, sports are frequently a solitary event. Alone on a mountain path or a lonely road, athletes are provided with a measure of security when they carry a GPS tracker. In the event that he does not come home at the designated time, the athlete’s family can locate his whereabouts and assist him as needed.

Teen Tracking – Looking after America’s teens is becoming an increasingly difficult task. For diligent parents teen tracking often seems like a practical solution. By keeping track of your teenager’s whereabouts you can more easily protect her from negative influences.

Spouse Tracking – Tracking your spouse may seem like an extreme measure; however, for a concerned wife, wondering about her husband’s whereabouts can lead to emotional trauma and long-term hurt. Spouse tracking is one of the easiest ways to prove infidelity or simply to set your mind at ease concerning a faithful husband.

Military Tracking – The mass populous is most likely unaware of the true value of GPS to the military. One thing is for certain, however: the ability to track troops, weapons, and supplies could mean the difference between life and death for members of the armed forces.

Employee Tracking – There are many occasions when workers are sent to remote locations for field work. Whether pursuing humanitarian aid or simply on a business trip employees working in the bush can utilize GPS tracking as a preventative measure.

Article Written by Janice Grover

GPS Fleet Tracking–Providing the Answers You Need

Admin — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 16:00:01 +0000

GPS Fleet Tracking provides the answer to a question that hundreds of business owners are asking: “How do I keep my fleet of vehicles running without going broke or losing my mind?” Consider, for a moment, the amount of brainpower that is used daily to manage vehicle fleets across the globe. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of vehicles in each individual delivery business travel out everyday, sometimes across the country. A fleet manager or business owner must keep track of the locations and movements of these vehicles, and work towards efficiency on the job.

Imagine a harried pet owner walking his or her hyper dogs, constantly yelling or scolding to keep them in line. That picture resembles a fleet manager minus a GPS system: constantly calling drivers, asking for locations, and looking at maps. A fleet manager with a GPS tracking system, on the other hand, resembles that same owner but with a large leash for every animal–no harried yelling or scolding. The pets are exactly where their owner guides them.

GPS tracking allows fleet managers to keep a constant eye on their employees without persistent calls, radio chatter, or map consultation. Each vehicle is outfitted with a device which communicates with satellites. A central operating system records the information given by each device, and fleet managers can use these devices to either keep an up to the minute eye on their drivers or simply make logs for review when necessary.

A fleet of vehicles without one of these systems is likely a fleet of vehicles wasting company time, gas money, and payroll. A GPS tracking system allows companies to cut down on these expenses, drastically reducing vehicle idling, side trips, and lack of productivity. Of course, GPS tracking systems aren’t just for those big delivery companies. Smaller delivery companies, businesses with traveling employees, and even school systems should consider this technology. Deliveries can be efficiently and accurately tracked, employees kept productive and safe, and school buses directed throughout their routes.

In this tight economy, it’s easy to think of reasons not to invest in more “gadgets.” However, this economy also requires on up-to-date technology for an entity’s success. The businesses that don’t keep up get left behind. Investing in good, efficient technology can actually save money and boost productivity. Look into in one of these reliable pieces of technology today!

Article Written by Greg Bartlett

Bring a Little Fleet Tracking Into Your Christmas

Admin — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 16:00:17 +0000

Does Santa Claus have anything to do with GPS Tracking? Thankfully, no. Santa Claus has Santa-magic and doesn’t need a tracking device. Plus, he has one sleigh, not a fleet of sleighs delivering his presents. He accomplishes the task of delivering the world’s presents in one night through special Santa magic. All faithful Santa followers are grateful for his ability to manage an impossible delivery schedule while flying through the sky behind a fleet of majestic yet adorable reindeer. We all can picture Santa up on our housetop climbing down the chimney while we have visions of sugarplums in our heads.

Of course, as we all realized when we neared adulthood, Santa Claus isn’t real. Presents don’t come from him on Christmas morning but from stores. In fact, during this time of year, the roads become clogged with fleets of delivery vehicles bringing packages to our homes for Christmas.
How do all these presents actually make it to our homes without getting lost in the hustle and bustle? How can UPS, FedEx, and the other delivery systems of the world get the job done when they don’t have Santa-magic at their fingertips? The answer? GPS tracking systems. These systems allow fleet managers to keep an eye on delivery vehicles without the hassle of constant calls or handwritten logs. With these devices, companies manage to reduce their expenses, providing customers with better deals, and make deliveries on time. They help cut down on idling time, unnecessary stops, extra use of gas, side trips, and help you get our Christmas presents quickly and safely.

Of course, these devices aren’t just for the major, big name delivery companies. Any company, small or large, with a fleet of regularly traveling vehicles should have a tracking system set-up. If you own a delivery company and aren’t making use of GPS trackers, consider looking into your options. No business today should be without one. A delivery fleet with no GPS system can’t be a match for Santa’s abilities. However, purchasing a a system might be just the thing your delivery fleet needs to give Santa a run for his money.

Article Written by Greg Bartlett

GPS Protects Trick-or-Treaters

Admin — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 13:23:21 +0000

With Halloween just behind us, and costumes are being packed away, many parents may be already looking forward to next year and are concerned about the future safety of their children. While statistics seem to show that sex offenders and predators are not any more active on Halloween than any other night, parents should still be cautious of their children’s safety. Parents should of course use common sense, but may also wish to use the aid of a GPS tracking device.

Many parents may wish to make trick-or-treating a family outing, and may have been out this year with their children in order to keep an eye on them. Having at least one adult around to supervise a group of kids is one good safety idea. Older kids, however, may wish to trick-or-treat on their own without mom and dad. In these cases, parents should make sure they know where their kids are going to be, and also set a curfew for them. It is also a good idea to make sure the children are carrying cell phones so that they can call for help in an emergency. Having cell phones will also allow worried parents to check up on their kids.

If these safety precautions are not enough, or if parents want to enhance their safety precautions next year, parents may want to check into getting GPS apps enabled on the phones the kids are carrying. Some carriers have created GPS tracking apps precisely for Halloween night. One app, available for Android phones, allows the parent to regularly check their child’s location. This app also has a distress button that allows the child to ask for help or signal that he is ready to come home.

Another GPS tracking application allows parents to see the locations of all sex offenders in the area. Although this capability may sound reassuring initially, parents should realize that the app has a listing of sex offender’s addresses. The GPS app does not show the exact location of the people themselves, simply their last registered address. While this app can certainly help children avoid potentially dangerous residences, it may not prevent an abduction or assault.

Other family GPS tracking apps with various features are available. Families concerned about the safety of their children should consider using GPS tracking devices to keep their children safe.

Article Written by Greg Bartlett

Law Enforcement Responds Well to GPS System Failure

Admin — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 16:00:21 +0000

Many criminal offenders are monitored via GPS tracking. Most of the time, these offenders are monitored carefully on a daily basis. GPS devices prevent cities and towns from dealing with overcrowded jails, and these devices also provide an excellent way to keep track of non-violent criminals. But, what happens when one of the largest GPS tracking systems suddenly stops working? As 16,000 offenders found out recently, a GPS system failure means that all tracked criminals are suddenly rounded up and sent back to jail.

During the week of October 4, 2010, one of the nation’s largest GPS tracking systems crashed. While nerve-wracking, most law enforcement agencies across the nation responded well to this unexpected incident. Once authorities were informed of the system failure, patrol vehicles throughout the nation were sent to collect those criminals who could no longer be tracked. After rounding up various offenders, police throughout the nation placed the offenders in temporary holding cells.

The GPS blackout lasted for eleven hours, and nobody was injured during this time. At the time of this writing, no criminals have been reported missing. This is largely due to the fact that most offenders who are tracked via GPS had no idea that the system failed. Further, law enforcement agents throughout the nation are well-prepared for a technological failure. In fact, police throughout the nation are aware of the fact that technology can fail, and most police units responded to the blackout with ease.

Thanks to GPS tracking technology, police across the nation knew where offenders were at the time of the blackout. By simply taking a look at the latest tracking information, police were able to pinpoint the exact location of each offender. The GPS system glitch has been repaired, and those offenders who were temporarily sent to jail have now been released once more. This recent GPS system failure was great practice for law enforcement personnel throughout the nation. Even when a GPS system fails, GPS tracking technology can lead law enforcement to the precise location every time.

Written by Harriette Halepis

Running Dogs Found with GPS Devices

RMT GPS News — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:09:33 +0000

By Greg Bartlett

Your two German Shepherds are just like big kids sometimes. They play with your children, chase each other constantly, and fiercely defend their family from intruders. But they have one small vice. They absolutely love to chase squirrels. Sometimes you’re convinced the neighborhood squirrels are planning a strategic attack to lure your dogs away from your home.

Just this last week, for instance, your German Shepherds were playing tug-of-war in your yard when they spotted a squirrel on the fence. Instantly the dogs were alert, and when the squirrel hopped onto the other side of the fence, your dogs took off. They might not be interested in escaping most of the time, but when they have the opportunity to chase a squirrel, no fence will stop them.

So off they go, tearing down the street and barking eagerly as the squirrel escapes up a tree and taunts them. Of course your German Shepherds keep following. Last week you found them three miles from home, still barking at a tree where a squirrel watched them. And sometimes your dogs wander further than that, and occasionally they’ve been missing for days.

But how can you make sure that you’ll be able to get your dogs back? You might not be able to stop their interest in squirrels nor to completely escape-proof your yard, but you can make sure that you know where your dogs are. If you attach a GPS device to your dogs’ collars, you will be able to find out where your dogs are at all times. So if your German Shepherds race off again after a squirrel, you can find out where they are by following the signal from the GPS device and going straight to the dogs’ location rather than searching the neighborhood and hoping they haven’t been stolen.

Furthermore, a GPS device will alert you once your German Shepherds cross over your geo-fence, predetermined boundaries which would probably be just your yard and property. You won’t have to find out two hours after the squirrel teases your dogs that the dogs are gone – you’ll know the moment they escape.

You no longer have to wander around looking for your dogs, trying to find the place where they’re still chasing the squirrel or where they’ve fallen to sleep in exhaustion. With a GPS device on your German Shepherds’ collars, you can know precisely where they are – and ensure their safe return after their squirrel chase is over.

Finding Your Four-Legged Friend

RMT GPS News — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 15:40:00 +0000

By Greg Bartlett

Your children have been excited about this for months, and if you’re honest with yourself, you have been, too. Today you’re bringing home your new Samoyed puppy. She’s fluffy, white, cute, and excited about being a member of your family. Now that you’ve finally got her in your arms, you know this is going to be the perfect dog for you.

After hours of playing with her and showing your puppy her new yard and toys, you finally go inside to eat your supper. Your kids are eager to go back outside to play with her some more, and when you finally let them, they come running back inside moments later, crying that the puppy isn’t there.

Your Samoyed puppy was expensive, so you definitely don’t want to lose her. Besides, you’ve already fallen in love. Thankfully, there is an easy way to find her. When you brought her home, you took the precaution of putting her collar on – and on the collar, there’s a GPS device.

The GPS device will allow you to pinpoint your puppy’s exact location. You didn’t have time to set it up today, but you’ll be able to create a geo-fence, and if your puppy wanders outside that boundary again, you’ll be instantly alerted with a phone call or text message. Right now, though, all you have to do is go to the computer and check to see where your puppy went. The GPS device is informing you that she’s in the area of the nearby creek, and since you can also monitor her speed, you can tell it looks like she’s there on her own – not stolen.

If someone does come along and spots your expensive puppy and doesn’t want to give her back, well, you’ll at least be informed. The collar is lockable and if it’s removed without using the key, you’ll receive an alert. You can then call police immediately with your puppy’s last location. Right now, though, that’s not necessary. All you have to do is head out to the creek and retrieve your exploring Samoyed.

Your GPS device will help you keep track of your puppy while she grows. Even if she never loses her curiosity and desire to explore, you’ll always be able to find out where she is. Your lovable new family member can continue to play and enjoy your family instead of getting lost and then stolen, injured, or even killed.