Keeping Track, The GPS Way

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Innovation Headlines

Innovation

Written by Annanya Nath

Thursday, 01 March 2007 00:00

Losing your way or worrying where your children are might just become a thing of the past, thanks to GPS Tracker, a new device launched by BioEnable Technologies.

Global Positioning System (GPS) is a technology that is rapidly becoming a part of our vocabulary. It provides continuous three-dimensional positioning round-the-clock, throughout the world, using 27 satellites orbiting the earth (24 in operation, and three extras in case any of these fails). Initially developed and implemented by the US military, GPS has subsequently been opened up for the public.

GPS was initially used for navigation, map-making and high-risk situations. Using it as a part of your daily life seemed improbable, not only in terms of utility but also because the installation process was complex and difficult. However, Pune-based BioEnable Technologies is not daunted by the possible hurdles in implementing this technology. This six-year-old company wants to extend the advantages of GPS to the common man. It has launched GPS Tracker, a Web-based GPS tracking service that allows the tracking of mobile vehicles, assets, people, and even animals.

How GPS Tracker works

The tracking device is a compact handy gadget, like a mobile phone, with integrated GPS and GPRS technology. The service package includes activation and quarterly charges for GPRS, a SIM card, a Web-based account and maps.

The device is a combination of a GSM-GPRS module, a micro-controller and a GPS receiver and antenna. The GSM-GPRS module has a dual band 900/1800 MHz with GPRS class 10 connectivity, the same as used in cell phones these days. Once the chip card is inserted and the device is powered, it is ready for use and automatically connects to the Internet. The micro-controller, which manages the functionality of the device, has been programmed to work exclusively for GPS tracking functions and as a security device. The device also has an integrated GPS receiver and antenna.

This receiver gathers GPS data signals from multiple GPS satellites circling around the earth and calculates its own location on the earth accurately. The location is defined by the coordinates of latitude and longitude, and by the velocity the device is travelling at. It then provides this data to the micro-controller or the computer chip. The computer chip then dials the GPRS connection using the GSM-GPRS module and sends this data to the Web server at GPSintegrated.com (doesn’t the relation between GPSintegrated.com and BioEnable need to be made clear?). This process is repeated every 2-3 minutes.

GPSintegrated.com has integrated its service with Google Earth and Google Maps. The data, when run on Google Earth or Google Maps, offers satellite imagery routes of all major cities and towns, including locations of roads, offices and homes, where the device is or has passed. It also generates various reports that help one track the movements of the device.

If the GPRS network is down, the tracker stores the records in its memory and sends them to the server once the connection is restored. Hence, on the website, you do not even come to know about the disconnection. The device also has a facility to receive an SMS when the GPRS network is down. The unit can store up to 100,000 GPS records in its in-built memory.

“Along with this module, the tracker also has a sensitive microphone, a headphone jack for the speaker, and an SOS/emergency button. It comes with a 3-in-1 charger that allows you to charge the unit at home, in a car or from a laptop/computer’s USB port. Therefore, in case of an emergency, the person using the tracker can be contacted at a click of a button,” says Pradeep Bhatia, founder of BioEnable Technologies.

Simplifying GPS

So far, GPS technologies were integrated into units. These were complex pieces of hardware and very difficult to install and manage. They had a number of external antennas and open wires to be connected to various parts of a vehicle. Installing and using them was beyond the means of an individual. GPS Tracker simplifies matters considerably -- both GPS and GSM antennas have been integrated inside a compact plastic housing, which is the size of most mobile phones, and there are no open wires at all. It has an integrated, replaceable Li-On battery like in a mobile phone, which can run for eight hours without recharging. You can charge and carry the unit in your pocket, or keep it on constant charge using the car charger. Unlike previous devices that could be used only for vehicle tracking, this one can be used for tracking just about anything -- children, patients or animals. All service support is directly managed by GPSintegrated.com.

That said, the GPS Tracker’s accuracy can be affected by its subject’s location and the time. It is also fully dependent on GPRS, and if there is a problem at the operator’s end, the system may go down for some time.

Tracking commercial success

Given its potential, it’s hardly surprising that a number of organisations have started using the GPS Tracker. A US company plans to use it for its customers, which include many government organisations and large corporate houses.

“We provide the complete GPS Tracking infrastructure management, and any company can purchase it or hire our system for their country. We have also sold our system to a company in Saudi Arabia,” says Bhatia.

In India, GPS Integrated (or GPSintegrated.com?) has partnered with IT and systems integration companies to offer its services to their corporate customers. For consumers, the innovative, Web-based tracking system at GPSintegrated.com is expected to be available in more than 10 countries this year.

BioEnable, meanwhile, is working on high-end technologies and solutions that have specialised applications. “Over time, we expect these to become important and recognised industries. As the market size for these products in India grows, we expect MNCs in similar areas to consider merging with us. We are open to such opportunities but we communicate only with companies who have been in a similar business and understand the technology and the industry. We do not entertain requests from companies who approach us for purely investment purposes and evaluate us on the basis of financials only,” signs off Bhatia.

With such an approach, BioEnable seems, appropriately, on the right ‘track.’