Asset tracking system

Abstract

An asset tracking system for tracking assets, for example, a vehicle, with an integrated topology that is configured minimize the complexity of the system by eliminating hardware duplication and sensing the ignition state while obviating the need to access the ignition switch circuit; the asset tracking system optionally including a loan obligation management system that is integrated with the asset recovery system which provides in-vehicle notifications of loan obligations for the asset upon which the loan obligation is based from a remote location directly to the asset.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by a Letters Patent of the United States is: 
     
         1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method for managing a loan obligation of an asset which includes: a communication system for enabling communications between said asset and a remote device; a system for detecting the state of said asset and communicating the state of said asset to said remote device by way of said communications system; a system for providing an indication of a payment due; and a system for enabling said asset to be disabled based upon a command from said remote device, the method comprising:
 (a) sending a payment reminder over said communication system to said asset providing an indication of a loan obligation;   (b) disabling said payment reminder as a function of said state of said asset by way of said communication system when a payment is made; and   (c) disabling said asset as a function of said state of said asset by way of said communication system when a payment is not made.   
     
     
         22 . A system for managing a loan obligation of a vehicle, the system comprising:
 a communication system for enabling communication between a vehicle and a remote device;   a system configured to monitor the ignition state of the vehicle; and   a system responsive to commands from said remote device received from said communication system and configured to disable the vehicle in response to receiving a disable command or provide a signal that a payment is due as a function of the ignition state of the vehicle.