[1] Transport of cargo packet in most of the BRIG countries (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) is done using rail or road routes. Typically, the cargo packet is loaded in a truck or a train that transports the cargo packet from one city to another. This system of transport is cheap and easily available way for sending cargo packet to anyplace within a country. The cargo packet may travel through various means and modes of transport such as road, rail, sea or river, animal before reaching the final destination.
[2] Tracking of vehicles or trucks that are used to carry cargo packet from one location to another is an important consideration for transport companies as well as senders and receivers. The tracking of cargo packet can help end users to calculate the estimate of time required for delivery of their cargo packet. This also helps the sender and receiver to keep a track on activities of transport companies and further develop better logistic solutions.
[3] In case of long transport routes, at times it is difficult to track the position of the cargo packet along the route. Additionally, in case of some natural calamity, traffic congestions or accidents, the vehicle might become untraceable and the consignment may get delayed. In this case, it becomes important for the sender and receiver to know the expected delay and position of the cargo packet and accordingly intimate the same to the concerned parties, for future action.
[4] Various electronic means of tracking cargo packet are being practiced and experimented in different parts of the world. The existing wireless and telecommunication infrastructure is being extensively used to aid remote and electronic tracking of cargo packet. Further, most of the cities in the BRIC countries have developed extensive infrastructure for wireless telecommunications such as mobile connectivity. [5] A commonly used method for remote cargo packet tracking is the Global Positioning System (GPS). GPS is a satellite based radio navigation system used to track the exact location of any object on the earth. Generally, GPS systems can be used for the tracking of cargo packet that is carried in vehicles or trucks.
[6] However, GPS receivers require high power battery and GPS receivers are costly. Further, the tracking of cargo packets using the GPS based technology makes it financially unfeasible for common use. Moreover, GPS signals may be affected by weather conditions, tall buildings as well as terrain. Hence, although GPS signals provide an accurate positioning method, it is costly and does not provide complete coverage. Moreover, the GPS based tracking systems will not work in thick foliage areas, underground tunnels, heavy steel shielded containers and the like. Typically, the GPS based systems are effective as roof top solutions.

[7] Further, in case of cargo packet, exact location, as provided by GPS is not as important as information about regular movement of the cargo packet, which is more relevant to the sending and receiving parties. Moreover, implementation of GPS based tracking devices is very costly.
[8] In a conventional cargo packet tracking methods, a plurality of transport providers are responsible for providing the location of cargo packet. However, such tracking techniques are dependent upon transport providers. Further, during transport of the cargo packet, some of the transport providers may not be providing tracking options. [9] Hence, there exists a need for a method and system that would provide a cost effective solution that can provide location information of a cargo packet using existing communication infrastructure and is independent of the transport providers or vehicles. It should also provide tracking of cargo packet when the mode of transportation changes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a network environment according to various embodiments of the invention.
Fig. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an Automatic Tracking (AT) card.
Fig. 3 illustrates details pertaining to an Automatic Tracking (AT) card application module.
Fig. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a network environment according to another embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 5a, 5b and 5c illustrates a flowchart depicting the requisite steps taken for tracking a cargo packet using a wireless cellular network.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[10] Fig. 1 illustrates the block diagram of network environment 100 wherein an exemplary embodiment of the invention can be practiced. In FIG 1. is shown a cargo packet 101 which has an attached Automatic Tracking (AT) card 102. Cargo packet 101 can be transported from various means of transport such as road, railways and river. According to various embodiments of the invention, AT card 102 enables automated tracking of cargo packet 101 using wireless cellular network 108. For example, cargo packet 101 is tracked using the present invention during the road transport of cargo packet 101 that is loaded in a vehicle such as a truck. The cargo packet 101 is also tracked during the transport of the cargo packet 101 on a train that runs on railway lines between two stations. Further, cargo packet 101 is also tracked during river transport of cargo packet 101. For example, the tracking of cargo packet 101 when cargo packet 101 is loaded on a boat.
[11] According to various embodiments of the invention, AT card 102 comprises a remote cellular chipset that acts as one end of wireless cellular network 108. For example, AT card 102 comprises a remote cellular chipset such as a mobile SIM card that enables sending and receiving of wireless communication signals such as SMS messages using wireless cellular network 108. According to various embodiments of the invention, wireless cellular network 108 can be a GSM, GPRS, CDMA, WCDMA, CDMA2000, 3G communications and other like wireless cellular network 108s.
[12] Further, according to various embodiments of the invention, AT card 102 provides location determination applications and has the capability to be programmed to store location data periodically according to a fixed period or based on user defined parameters. The location data contains the information indicating location information of Base Transceiver Station (BTS 106) (BTS 106 (a), BTS 106 (b), BTS 106 (c)) that are providing the wireless communication network. The location information is provided by the BTS 106 as a broadcast message as per wireless cellular network 108 standard. For example, the location data can be location information of base transceiver stations such as GSM towers in wireless cellular network 108 such as the GSM network. AT card 102 can send this location data to control center 104 for remote and automated tracking of cargo packet 101 using existing GSM network. The location information of the BTS 106 is helpful enough in indicating the approximate location of cargo packet 101.
[13] According to various embodiments of the invention, a user at control center 104 can monitor the movement of cargo packet 101 using wireless cellular network 108. Control center 104 comprises a cellular communication device that acts as one end of wireless cellular network 108. The cellular communication device is message enabled wireless end
of data communication. The other end of wireless cellular network 108 being AT card 102. For example, according to one embodiment of the invention, control center 104 is a wireless mobile device that can communicate with AT card 102 using wireless cellular network 108 such as a GSM network.
[14] According to various embodiments of the invention, control center 104 is a computer unit that is connected to the cellular communication device, which includes a cellular subscriber chip such as a mobile SIM card that enables receiving and sending of data messages such as SMS messages using wireless cellular network 108. Control center 104 can be integrated with a software application for displaying the location data in a geographical map. The geographical map is updated based on the last location information received from AT card 102. Control center 104 receives the location data either directly from AT card 102 in response to a status request message sent to AT card 102 or periodically and automatically according to a predetermined and pre-programmed period. Further, the user can change settings for receiving the location data by sending SMS messages to the mobile SIM card from control center 104. [15] According to one embodiment of the invention, multiple control center 104s can be used for tracking of cargo packet 101. These multiple control center 104s can have different access rights for tracking of cargo packet 101. For example, the multiple control center 104s can have hierarchical in terms of the access rights for tracking of cargo packet 101.
[16] Further, a user at control center 104 can track the movement of cargo packet 101 based on exchange of data messages between a cellular chipset at control center 104 and a cellular chipset that is attached to AT card 102. For example, control center 104 sends a status request message such as SMS message to AT card 102. In response to the status request message, AT card 102 sends the location data to control center 104. Control center 104 is programmed to read the location data. A user at control center 104 can display the location data on a computer screen to monitor the movement of cargo packet 101. According to various embodiments of the invention, the user can install a software application to display the location data in form of a geographical map. The geographical map indicates the location information of the base transceiver station to which AT card 102 is registered, which in turn indicates the approximate location of cargo packet 101. Further, control center 104 can be connected to the Internet to provide the location data using a web page. For example, users with authorization can keep a track of cargo packet 101 by logging in on a website, which provides the location information using control center 104.
[17] According to various embodiments of the invention, control center 104 can use GSM triangulation methods to increase accuracy in location determination of cargo packet 101. The triangulation methods combine the location information received from three or more base transceiver stations and triangulation algorithms. Moreover, multiple control center 104s can be added anytime by configuring programming settings at control center 104 or in AT card 102. Further, the programming settings in AT card 102 can be configured remotely from control center 104. This further eliminates the need to bring AT card 102 at control center 104 for making changes in the programming settings of AT card 102. [18] Fig. 2 illustrates a block diagram of AT card 102 which comprises AT microcontroller 202, AT card transceiver 218, remote cellular chip, flash memory 214, battery 204, Real Time Clock (RTC) and user interface 212. According to various embodiments of the invention, AT microcontroller 202 has an embedded a software module, which is programmed with a tracking application at control center 104 to monitor cargo packet 101 using wireless cellular network 108. Further, the software module processes data messages received by AT card 102. According to various embodiments of the invention, the remote cellular chip in AT card 102 is remote cellular chip 216, which can communicate via wireless cellular network 108 for tracking cargo packet 101. [19] AT microcontroller 202 processes data messages received via wireless communication between AT card 102 and control center 104. AT microcontroller 202 can be programmed to collect the location data periodically according to a predefined period or as and when required.
[20] According to various embodiments of the invention, AT microcontroller 202 receives the location data using remote cellular chip 216 from BTS. AT microcontroller 202 is attached with AT card transceiver 218, which has capability of sending and receiving wireless signals through wireless cellular network 108. For example, remote cellular chip 216 can be a mobile SIM card inserted in AT card 102. AT card transceiver 218 uses the mobile SIM card to send and receive SMS messages via using standard wireless cellular protocols such as GSM, GPRS, CDMA, WCDMA, CDMA2000 and other like. According to various embodiments of the invention, remote cellular chip 216 can be a mobile SIM card as in case of GSM networks or a programmed SIM information in CDMA networks. Further, this mobile SIM card can be provided by an existing GSM service provider. This mobile SIM card has a unique ten digit mobile number assigned to it. A user at control center 104 uses a cellular communication device with messaging capability such as a wireless cellular device to exchange SMS messages with cellular chip inserted in AT card 102.
[21] Further, AT microcontroller 202 manages power consumption from battery 204 associated with AT card 102. According to various embodiments of the invention, battery 204 provides power to AT card 102 for sending and receiving wireless electronic signals. Examples of types of battery 204 include but are not limited to, Lithium ion based battery 204, Nickel metal hydride based, Nickel cadmium based and the like. Typically, such batteries have high energy density and can last for 12-15 days without needing a recharge. Further, such batteries are small in size and light in weight thereby, reducing size and weight characteristics of AT card 102.
[22] According to one embodiment of the invention, AT microcontroller 202 have speeds of varying range, which can be selected based on power consumption needs. For example, AT microcontroller 202 can have speeds ranging from 32KHz to 6 MHz. Further, based on power consumption needs for AT card 102, AT microcontroller 202 can run of low speeds.
[23] Further, AT microcontroller 202 communicates with control center 104 using AT card transceiver 218. According to various embodiments of the invention, AT card transceiver 218 comprises RF antenna 226, RF receiver 220, RF transmitter 222, and base band processor 224. AT card transceiver 218 uses RF antenna 226 to exchange wireless communication signals from BTS 106. According to one embodiment of the invention, RF antenna 226 can be a microstrip antenna, which can help is reducing size and weight characteristics of AT card 102.
[24] According to various embodiments of the invention, RF receiver 220 is used to receive data messages using wireless cellular network 108. Further, RF transmitter 222 is used to send data messages using wireless cellular network 108. According to various embodiments of the invention, RF receiver 220 and RF transmitter 222 includes a filter device, a low noise amplifier device and a power amplifier device that are used for processing wireless signals that are exchanged using wireless cellular network 108. [25] Further, AT card transceiver 218 includes base band processor 224. Base band processor 224 handles digitally modulated signals. Base band processor 224 comprises wireless cellular communication stack, which uses standard wireless communication protocols for sending and receiving data messages via wireless cellular network 108. For example, base band processor 224 comprises GSM stack to send and receive SMS messages using a GSM network.
[26] Base band processor 224 implements Media Access Control (MAC) sub layer, which provides protocol and control mechanisms that are required for wireless communication via cellular wireless network.
[27] According to various embodiments of the invention, AT microcontroller 202 includes AT card application module 210 and Power management module 208. AT card application module 210 is a software module, which is programmed to manage exchange of the location information and other information between AT card 102 and control center 104 using wireless cellular network 108. For example, AT card application module 210 collects location information of GSM towers that are providing GSM signals to remote cellular chip 216 in AT card 102. AT card application module 210 processes these location information and sends SMS message to control center 104. Details pertaining to AT card application module 210 are explained below in the description of FIG. 3. Further, AT card application module 210 can collect the other information such as battery 204 status, signal strength of wireless cellular service providers that are available, a list of available wireless cellular network providers. This other information is then sent to control center 104. [28] Moreover, AT card application module 210 interacts with user interface device 212 of AT card 102. According to various embodiments of the invention, user interface device 212.
[29] Power management module 208 is a software module that is programmed to manage efficient and intelligent use of power supplied by battery 204 to AT card 102. Power management module 208 undertakes intelligent algorithms to program power drawn from battery 204 for optimization of power supply. The optimization of power supply helps in longevity of battery 204 life of AT card 102. For example, Power management module 208 includes instructions for providing power supply to AT card transceiver 218 for verifying wireless communication signal strength. Only, RF receiver 220 gets activated thereby optimizing power consumption of battery 204. Further, based on the strength of wireless communication signal, Power management module 208 instructs battery 204 to supply power at AT microcontroller 202 for remote cellular chip 216 registration. [30] According to various embodiments of the invention, Power management module 208 includes timing and control options for remotely managing battery 204 in AT card 102. According to various embodiments of the invention, Power management module 208 is programmed for remotely controlling the power to AT card 102. For example, a user at control center 104 can send data messages to AT card 102 that instructs Power management module 208 to switch on the power supply to AT card 102. Further, Power management module 208 can be remotely programmed to power down AT card 102 for certain periods of time and to power up for certain pre-programmed intervals. The programmed settings can be user defined settings that can be changed or preprogrammed settings in AT microcontroller 202. For example, AT microcontroller 202 is pre-programmed to send the location data after every four hours. AT card application
module 210 will communicate this information to Power management module 208. Thereafter, Power management module 208 will bring battery 204 in a sleep mode after every four hours. During the sleep mode, AT card 102 does not track the location information of BTS 106. This helps in saving power consumption of battery 204 in AT card 102.
[31] Moreover, a user at control center 104 can send data messages using wireless cellular network 108 to program Power management module 208. For example, a user at control center 104 can send a SMS message using the GSM network to instruct Power management module 208 to power down for seven hours. In particular, AT card 102 may be programmed to power down automatically when communication is not suitable such as during natural calamities.
[32] According to various embodiments of the invention, Power management module 208 is able to selectively control the power supply to all parts of AT card 102. For example, when communication with BTS 106 is not required, Power management module 208 restricts the power supply only for RF receiver 220 in AT card transceiver 218 for detecting the wireless cellular signal strength, while bringing power down for user interface device 212 such as a LED and RF transmitter 222.
[33] According to one embodiment of the invention, Power management module 208 can have connections with an external solar cell to recharge battery 204. [34] Power management module 208 can receive data messages, which instruct the module to power down to a very low level during the low cellular connectivity, thereby conserving power. This is particularly advantageous in areas where wireless cellular network 108 is substantially weak to enable exchange of the location data with control center 104, as weak signals requires extra power to transmit data messages. [35] Further, AT card 102 comprises RTC 206, which is a battery-powered clock that is attached to AT microcontroller 202. RTC 206 is used for stamping time values for the year, month, date, hours, minutes, and seconds. Typically, RTC 206 runs on power supplied battery 204 and require very less power for its operation.
[36] Further, according to various embodiments of the invention, flash memory 214 is a non-volatile type of memory that can store data, and also allows programming of the data. The data on flash memory 214 can be erased from multiple times, thus allowing a multitude of applications. According to various embodiments of the invention, flash memory 214 in AT card 102 is used for remote programming of AT microcontroller 202. Further, flash memory 214 can be utilized for loading software debugging modules. These software debugging modules can be loaded according to required testing operations of software running on AT microcontroller 202. This minimizes the need for bringing every AT
card 102 to a centralized location for software upgrade or software debugging. Moreover, according to various embodiments of the invention, the remote programming of AT card 102 saves time and cost when a plurality of AT card 102s are widely distributed across the country.
[37] Fig. 3 illustrates a block diagram of AT card application module 210 which comprises chip module 302, authentication module 304, crypto module 310, maintenance module 306 and Built In Self Test (BIST) module 308. According to various embodiments of the invention, AT card application module 210 is a software module installed on AT microcontroller 202. AT card application module 210 is programmed with a tracking application at control center 104 to monitor cargo packet 101 using wireless cellular network 108. Further, AT card application module 210 processes data messages received using remote cellular chip 216 for setting the timing and control parameters of AT card 102.
[38] According to various embodiments of the invention, AT card application module 210 provides the capability to transform AT card 102 from being an end point of data communication into being a programmable gateway. This programmable gateway can communicate with external devices such as control center 104 via wireless cellular network 108 or functional elements connected to AT card 102. Example of functional elements can be wireless sensors modules such as MOTE. Details pertaining to functional elements connected to AT card 102 have been explained in FIG.4 of the invention. [39] Further, AT card application module 210 provides communication with the external devices (cellular connectivity) to AT card 102 using existing GSM networks. Moreover, AT card application module 210 provides communication with the functional elements through wired or wireless connections. For example, AT card application module 210 provides communication with LED's using wired connections on AT card 102. An example of wireless connection can include but are not limited to Zigbee, UWB, WiFi, CWUSB and the like.
[40] According to various embodiments of the invention, settings of AT card application module 210 that define timing and controlling characteristics for exchanging data messages with control center 104 are controlled by individual software modules in AT card application module 210.
[41] AT card application module 210 comprises Chip module 302 for managing registration of remote cellular chip 216 with wireless cellular network provider. According to various embodiments of the invention, Chip module 302 is a software module that provides capability of registering remote cellular chip 216 with a wireless cellular network provider using a registration code embedded in remote cellular chip 216. After the
registration of remote cellular chip 216, data messages can be exchanged with control center 104 using messaging protocols such as for example GSM GPRS, CDMA 2000 and WCDMA.
[42] AT card application module 210 also comprises authentication module 304 for authenticating a subscriber number associated with the subscriber cellular chip at control center 104. According to various embodiments of the invention, authentication module 304 is a software module that provides instructions for verifying a subscriber number of source of data messages. For example, authentication module 304 can verify mobile number of a source such a ten digit unique mobile number, which is sending data messages to AT card 102. Authentication module 304 has functional capability to create a list of authenticated subscriber numbers that can be used to send and receive data messages from AT card 102. The list of authenticated subscriber numbers is reprogrammable and can be modified from control center 104. According to one embodiment, control center 104 can program the list of authenticated subscriber numbers by sending data messages to AT card 102. Further, according to various embodiments of the invention, only encrypted data messages can be received by AT card 102. This increases the security of communication between AT card 102 and control center 104.
[43] Further, authentication module 304 provide a reprogrammable data message access feature wherein received data messages are processed to verify access authorization for location data stored in AT card 102. For example, authentication module 304 can verify if source of a data message is authorized to inquire current location data or to any archived collection of location data such as the stored location information of all GSM towers. [44] AT card application module 210 also comprises crypto module 310 to undertake encryption/decryption of data messages transmitted through wireless cellular network 108. For example, crypto module 310 can decrypt SMS messages that are received by AT card 102 from control center 104. Moreover, crypto module 310 can decrypt data messages that are sent to control center 104 from AT card 102. The encryption and decryption of data messages enhances the security of communication between AT card 102 and control center 104. According to various embodiments of the invention, crypto module 310 can use crypto techniques such as AES, DES, TDES, SHA - 1/1224/256/384/512, DH, RSA and the like. According to one embodiment of the invention, crypto module 310 can be integrated in a dedicated hardware chip such a low power FPGA that is connected to microcontroller.
[45] AT card application module 210 also comprises maintenance module 306 to undertake remote programming of AT card application module 210. According to various embodiments of the invention, control center 104 can enhance operational functionality of
AT card 102 by remotely programming AT card application module 210. AT card application module 210 can be pre-programmed to store provision for one or more types of additional operational functionalities such as back-up battery 204 supply, critical parameters for disabling specific functionality of AT card 102, activating or deactivating LED's on AT card 102, electronic invoicing and the like. A user at control center 104 can remotely activate any of stored program applications by sending data messages to AT card 102. These data messages will be processed by maintenance module 306 that instructs AT microcontroller 202 for corresponding activation of the additional operational functionalities as specified by the user at control center 104. For example, a user at control center 104 sends SMS message to AT card 102 via GSM network to activate electronic invoicing. Thereafter, once AT card 102 receives an SMS message from destination using GSM network, AT card 102 sends an electronic invoicing report using an SMS to the user at control center 104. Since electronic invoicing is demand based service, the user at control center 104 can activate or deactivate it by remotely programming AT card application module 210.
[46] According to various embodiments of the invention, maintenance module 306 can undertake uploading of new software programs on AT card 102. The new program can provide new operational functionality to AT card 102. According to various embodiments of the invention, a user at control center 104 first uploads a new software program on flash memory 214. Thereafter, the new software program is tested by AT card application module 210. Once the program is tested, maintenance module 306 uploads the program on internal memory of AT microcontroller 202. Further, AT card application module 210 uses the new software program for installing new operational functionalities, as specified in the new software program.
[47] According to various emboidiments of the invention, AT card application module 210 includes BIST 308. BIST 308 is a software module to monitor electronic parameters of AT card 102. Further, BIST 308 can transmit errors in electronic parameters to control center 104.
[48] Fig 4. illustrates a block diagram of network environment 400 wherein an exemplary embodiment of the invention can be practiced. In FIG 4. is shown AT card 102 integrated with a plurality wireless sensors. According to various embodiments of the invention, the wireless sensors are generally referred as MOTEs, which are highly power efficient electronic transducers. The MOTEs have capability to convert various physical quantities like temperature, pressure, humidity, light intensity, motion of object, acceleration, wind direction, wind speed etc. into electrical signals. These electrical signals are then processed by signal conditioner and converted to digital signals within each MOTE.
Moreover, analog signals are also converted to the digital signals using on board Analog to Digital converter (ADC). Data associated with digital signals is then transmitted directly or through any other MOTE to AT card 102 using short range network. Examples of short range network are but not limited to a Certified Wireless USB (CWUSB) or other Ultra Wide Band communication or Zigbee or the like.
[49] In another embodiment, this short range network can be replaced by comparatively longer range WiFi communication. In this manner AT card 102 acts as master to a plurality of MOTE, which in turn become slaves. Further, AT card 102 can control and manage the plurality of MOTE. The data acquired by AT card 102 is send from the plurality of MOTE is send to control centre along with location and time stamp through wireless cellular network 108. Control center 104 can also remotely program the plurality of MOTE by sending SMS message to AT card 102.
[50] Further, to make this embodiment realizable an add-on circuitry along with firmware needs to be incorporated with in AT card 102 as shown in FIG. 4. This add-on circuitry includes a RF transceiver, which communicates with MOTES using the networks such as CWUSB, UWB or WiFi etc. This RF transceiver implements physical layers of these communication standards. Further, a baseband processing of these signals is performed in single base band processor which implements MAC layer for all above mentioned communication with the plurality of MOTE. Multi MACs are implemented into single chip called as integrated base band processor. This base band processor is interface between a digital data processing unit and the RF section of the RF transceiver. [51] Fig. 5a, 5b and 5c illustrates a flowchart depicting the requisite steps taken for tracking cargo packet 101 using wireless cellular network 108. At step 502, AT card 102 is activated. According to various embodiments of the invention, AT card 102 is manually activated by switching on power for AT card 102. Further, user interface device 212 can indicate activation status of AT card 102. For example, a LED may light up indicating that AT card 102 is receiving power from battery 204.
[52] At step 504, remote cellular chip 216 in AT card 102 starts locating wireless cellular signals from BTS 106. For example, remote cellular chip 216 is a mobile SIM card of a GSM service provider that starts searching for mobile connectivity signals from GSM towers of a GSM service provider. Further, AT card 102 checks for wireless signal strength. According to one embodiment of the invention, AT card transceiver 218 checks the wireless signal strength for AT card 102. The wireless signal strength determines condition for registration of remote cellular chip 216 with wireless cellular network 108. According to various embodiments of the invention, AT card transceiver 218 can also receive wireless cellular signals from different wireless cellular network providers, who are
providing cellular infrastructure at location of AT card 102. For example, remote cellular chip 216 is a mobile SIM card of a GSM service provider such as Airtel. The SIM card may start catching mobile connectivity signals of GSM towers of another GSM service provider such as Hutch. Moreover, according to various embodiments of the invention, AT card 102 has capability of selecting a wireless cellular network provider, which is providing remote cellular chip 216 with maximum wireless signal strength.
[53] At step 506, AT card 102 registers remote cellular chip 216 with wireless cellular network 108 based on the wireless signal strength. According to various embodiment of the invention, Power management module 208 in AT card 102 instructs AT card 102 for registration of remote cellular chip 216. Details pertaining to Power management module 208 have been explained in FIG 2. of the present invention. According to various embodiment of the invention, power management module 208 in AT card 102 can register with a wireless cellular service provider with maximum wireless signal strength among multiple wireless service providers that are providing wireless cellular communication signals to remote cellular chip 216.
[54] At step 508, AT card 102 receives an initialization data message from control center 104. According to various embodiments of the invention, AT card transceiver 218 in AT card 102 receives the initialization data message. Details pertaining to AT card transceiver 218 have been explained in FIG 2. of the present invention. A user at control center 104 sends the initialization message using a cellular communication device of control center 104. Details pertaining to control center 104 have been explained in FIG 1. of the present invention. The initialization message can be used to activate program application loaded on AT card 102 for tracking of cargo packet 101. Moreover, according to various embodiments of the invention, the initialization message can be used for programming of AT card 102 based on preferences defined by the user at control center 104. Example of the initialization message can be SMS message that is received using existing GSM network. Further, AT card transceiver 218 processes the initialization message to communicate instructions to AT microcontroller 202. These instructions can be programming or request for location data instructions.
[55] At step 510, AT microcontroller 202 authenticates a subscriber number from a source of the initialization message. According to various embodiments of the invention, AT microcontroller 202 comprises, AT card application module 210 that authenticates the subscriber number. Details pertaining to a method of authentication by AT card application module 210 have been explained in FIG 3. of the present invention. According to one embodiment of the invention, authentication module 304 in AT card application module 210 compares the subscriber number of the control center 104 with a list of permitted
numbers stored in AT card 102. According to another embodiment of the invention, authentication module 304 in AT card application module 210 verifies an authentication code stored in the initialization message. Details pertaining to authentication module 304, in AT card application module 210 have been explained in FIG 3. of the present invention. [56] At step 512, AT card application module 210 decrypts the authenticated initialization data message. According to various embodiments of the invention, AT card application module 210 comprises crypto module 310 that decrypts the initialization message. Details pertaining to a method of authentication by AT card application module 210 have been explained in FIG 3. of the present invention.
[57] At step 514, AT card application module 210 is programmed according to the decrypted initialization data message. According to various embodiments of the invention, AT card application module 210 is programmed for collecting location data of cargo packet
101 using location information of BTS 106. Details pertaining to the location data have
been explained in FIG 1. of the present invention. AT card application module 210 can be
programmed for periodically collecting the location data and storing this location data
according to a programmable period such that control center 104 can even request for the
stored location data and times when the location data was stored. This provides
automation to tracking of cargo packet 101 using AT card 102. Further, periodic storing of
the location data by AT card application module 210 also saves power consumption
needed for collecting the location data using wireless cellular network 108. Details
pertaining to the programming of AT card application module 210 have been explained in
FIG 3. of the present invention.
[58] At step 516, AT card 102 collects the location data for AT card 102. According to various embodiments of the invention, AT card transceiver 218 collects the location data from BTS 106. Details pertaining to the collection data using base transceiver station have been explained in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 of the invention. Further, AT card 102 can be programmed for timing and control characteristics for collecting the location data. For example, a user at control center 104 can specify period during which no location data should be recorded. Moreover, according to one embodiment of the invention, AT card
102 can keep a log of all the location data collected during transport of cargo packet 101.
[59] At step 518, AT card application module 210 encrypts the location data in an
outbound data message. The outbound data message is a data message such as an SMS
message that is sent to control center 104. According to various embodiments of the
invention, AT card application module 210 comprises crypto module 310 that encrypts the
location data. Details pertaining to crypto module 310 have been explained in FIG 3. of the
invention.
[60] At step 520, AT card 102 sends the outbound data message to control center 104.
According to various embodiments of the invention, AT card transceiver 218 in AT card
102 sends the outbound data message via wireless cellular network 108. Detail pertaining
to AT card transceiver 218 have been explained in FIG 2. of the present invention. A user
at control center 104 receives the outbound data message using a cellular communication
device at control center 104. Detail pertaining to control center 104 have been explained
in FIG 1. of the present invention.
[61] At step 522, AT microcontroller 202 sets an alarm for a wakeup message. According
to various embodiment of the invention, the wakeup message instructs Power
management module 208 to supply power to AT card transceiver 218. Once, AT card
transceiver 218 gets power, it can exchange data messages with control center 104.
According to various embodiment of the invention, the alarm is indication for receiving the
wakeup message. RTC 206 generates the wakeup message.
[62] At step 524, Power management module 208 in AT card 102 activates a sleep mode
for AT card 102. Details pertaining to the sleep mode have been explained in FIG 2. of the
present invention.
[63] At step 526, the alarm is checked by Power management module 208 in AT card
102.
[64] At step 528, AT card 102 registers remote cellular chip 216 with wireless cellular
network 108 based on the wireless signal strength. Details pertaining to step 528 have
been explained in step 504 of FIG 5. of the present invention.
[65] At step 530, AT card 102 registers remote cellular chip 216 with wireless cellular
network 108 based on the wireless signal strength. Details pertaining to step 530 have
been explained in step 506 of FIG 5. of the present invention.
[66] Further, at step 510, if the subscriber's number of control center 104 is not
authenticated, then step 532 is performed. At step 532, AT card 102 rejects the
initialization data message.
[67] According to various embodiments of the invention, electronic invoice systems can
be built using the present invention. The electronic invoice is generated by exchanging
data messages between destination of cargo packet 101 and AT card 102. Further, AT
card 102 can send confirmation data message to control center 104, which enables the
electronic invoicing.

CLAIMS
1. A method for automated tracking of a cargo packet using wireless cellular network, wherein an Automatic Tracking (AT) card is attached with the cargo packet, wherein the AT card comprises a remote cellular chip, wherein the remote cellular chip is one end of data communication for the wireless cellular network, wherein the remote cellular chip exchanges data messages with a subscriber cellular chip via the wireless cellular network, wherein the subscriber cellular chip is other end of the wireless cellular network, wherein the subscriber cellular chip is located at a control center, wherein the control center is used to monitor the movement of the cargo packet, the method comprising:
activating the AT card manually, wherein the AT card draws power from a battery, wherein the battery provides power for functioning of the AT card;
registering the AT card with the wireless cellular network, wherein the remote cellular chip communicates base transceiver station of the wireless cellular network, wherein the base transceiver stations are providing wireless signals for the data communication;
receiving an initialization data message from the control center, wherein the initialization message is transmitted using the wireless cellular network, wherein the initialization message comprises initialization instructions for programming of the AT card;
authenticating a subscriber number associated with the subscriber cellular chip;
programming the AT card based on the initialization instructions, wherein the instructions define timing and control characteristics for the AT card, wherein the programming of the AT card comprises;
decrypting the initialization message for the initialization instructions; and configuring the AT card using the initialization instructions;
collecting location data using the remote cellular chip; wherein the location data is collected based on the timing and the control characteristics for the AT card, wherein the location data comprises geographical location information of the base transceiver station connected to the remote cellular chip, wherein the collecting the location data comprising: storing the location data on a memory of AT card; and transmitting the location data to the control center, wherein the transmitting comprises:
encrypting the location data in an outbound data message; and
sending the outbound message to control center using the wireless cellular network, wherein the outbound message is sent from the remote cellular chip to the subscriber cellular chip using the wireless cellular network.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the wireless cellular network being either GSM (global
system for mobile telecommunication) or GPRS (general packet radio service) or CDMA
(Code division multiple access) or WCDMA (wide band CDMA) or CDMA2000.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the battery is a lithium ion based battery inserted in the
AT card.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the remote cellular chip is a mobile SIM card.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the subscriber cellular chip is a mobile SIM card.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of registering further comprises the steps of:
sending wireless signals to the base transceiver station, wherein the wireless signals are
sent from the remote cellular chip; and
receiving wireless signals from the base transceiver station, wherein the wireless signals are received by the remote cellular chip.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the initialization message is an SMS message.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the base transceiver station being a GSM tower.
9. A system for automated tracking a cargo packet using wireless cellular network from a
control center, the system comprising:
an Automatic Tracking (AT) card for tracking the cargo packet, wherein the AT card is attached to the cargo, wherein the AT card comprising:
a remote cellular chip for collecting location data using the wireless cellular network; an AT card transceiver for sending and receiving data messages using the wireless cellular network;
a battery for supplying power to the AT card;
a flash memory for storing remote programming instructions for the AT card; an user interface for interacting with a use; a Real Time Clock (RTC) for stamping time values in the AT card; an AT microcontroller for processing the data messages, wherein the AT microcontroller comprising:
a power management module for managing power supply to AT card from the battery;
an AT card application module for processing the data messages received by the AT card, wherein the AT card application module comprises
a chip module for managing registration of the remote cellular chip;
an authentication module for authenticating a subscriber number associated with a subscriber cellular chip;
a crypto module for encrypting or decrypting data messages;
a maintenance module for remote programming of AT card;
a Built In Self Test module for monitoring electronic parameters of AT card a wireless cellular network for providing wireless communication infrastructure between the AT card and the control center;
base transceiver station for providing wireless communication signals to the remote cellular chip in the AT card; and
a control center for monitoring the track of the AT card, wherein the control center comprising:
a subscriber cellular chip for exchanging the data messages with the remote cellular chip.