WO1999000998A1

WO1999000998A1 - A fleet management system and method

Info

Publication number: WO1999000998A1
Application number: PCT/IL1998/000301
Authority: WO
Inventors: Israel Kalman; Raphael Horesh; Hanan Raviv; Sammy Datika; Rachamim Eliyahu
Original assignee: Tadiran Telematics Ltd.
Priority date: 1997-06-29
Filing date: 1998-06-25
Publication date: 1999-01-07
Also published as: IL121187A0; AU7929098A

Abstract

A system and method is provided for management of a fleet having a plurality of vehicles. The system (10) includes a mobile unit (12) installed in at least one of the plurality of vehicles (14) for collecting and storing at least time and location data of the vehicle, an interrogation unit (16) for downloading the stored at least time and location data from the mobile unit when the vehicle passes by the interrogation unit, and a control and management unit (20) connectable to the interrogation unit so as to provide a traveling record of the vehicle.

Description

A FLEET MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to fleet management systems that provide

the fleet owner with data regarding the vehicle and their location.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In order to efficiently manage a fleet of vehicles, whether for haulage or

for public transport vehicles, it is essential that the travel patterns of the vehicles

are optimized. In the case of haulage trucks, for example, the cost of haulage

depends on several factors including fuel costs and highway tolls. Successful

public transportation depends on an efficient timetable which is itself dependent

on varying traffic conditions.

It is therefore useful for the fleet manager to be able to obtain

operational and performance data pertaining to the vehicle and continually record

the location of the vehicle.

It is known to record vehicle and location data utilizing units which are

installed on board the vehicle. It is also known to use Global Positioning System

(GPS) to determine a vehicle's location and speed in real time.

A disadvantage of existing systems, is the need for costly

communication equipment and a communication network between the fleet

vehicle and a central control. In addition to high initial purchasing costs, the

operation of the system is expensive. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a fleet management system that provides the fleet owner with the essential data and GPS location information without the need for costly communication equipment or manual

downloading.

There is thus provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a system for the management of a fleet having a plurality of vehicles. The system includes a mobile unit installed in at least one of the plurality of vehicles for collecting and storing at least time and location data of the vehicle, an interrogation unit for downloading the stored at least time and location data from the mobile unit when the vehicle passes by the interrogation unit, and a control and management unit connectable to the interrogation unit for processing

the downloaded data from the interrogation unit so as to provide a traveling record

of the vehicle. Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the

invention, the mobile unit includes a tag unit coupled to a receiver. The receiver may be a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. The tag unit includes a transponder coupled to a built-in processor and a non-volatile memory unit coupled to the built-in processor. The tag unit furthermore includes a backup

battery unit.

Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tag unit further includes a communications link coupled to the

processor. Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the memory unit includes at least one of a group consisting of: erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory and random access memory (RAM). In addition, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vehicle includes a plurality of sensors for collecting and storing operational

performance data of the vehicle.

Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the interrogation unit also downloads the stored operational

performance data. The interrogation unit includes a local processing unit, a communication unit coupled to the local processing unit for communicating with the control and management unit, and a transceiver coupled to the local

processing unit.

Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transceiver constantly transmits a modulated signal trigger pulse at

fixed duty cycles. The transceiver includes one of a group including: an antenna coupled to a Radio Frequency (RF) unit, an infra-red transceiver or a short range

radio transceiver.

Additionally, there is provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a method for the management of a plurality of vehicles. The method including the steps of: a) collecting and storing at least time and location data of the vehicle

within a mobile unit installed in at least one of the plurality of

vehicles;

b) downloading the stored data to an interrogation unit; and

c) processing the downloaded data to obtain information on the

movement of the vehicles.

Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the

invention, the method further includes the step of collecting and storing

operational performance data of the vehicle.

Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the

invention, the step of collecting and storing includes the steps of:

a) receiving signals from the receiver;

b) determining the time at which the signals are received and the

location and velocity of the vehicle; and

c) storing the collected data in the non-volatile memory unit.

Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the

invention, the step of downloading includes the steps of:

a) constantly transmitting a modulated signal trigger pulse at fixed duty

cycles;

b) awaiting a response to the signal within the interrogation zone of the

interrogation unit; and

c) the tag unit responding to the signal by activating its main circuit. In addition, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of processing includes the steps of producing performance reports and/or overlaying displays on geographical maps. The step of processing can further include the step of displaying the downloaded operational performance data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the appended

drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a fleet management system, in

accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustration of the components of the fleet

management system of Fig. 1 ; and

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of the operational functions of the

fleet management system of Fig. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Reference is made to Fig. 1 , which is a schematic representation of a fleet management system, generally designated 10, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. The fleet management system 10 is a short range vehicle to roadside communication system which comprises a mobile unit 12 installed in each vehicle

14, at least one interrogation unit 16 for communicating with the mobile unit 12,

and a control and management center 20 connectable to each interrogation unit 16. The mobile unit 12 collects and stores data while traveling and when it passes by an interrogation unit 16, communicates with the interrogation unit 16 to download the data stored in the mobile unit 12. The interrogation unit 16 may

also write data into the mobile unit 12.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustration of the components of the mobile unit

12 and interrogation unit 16, to which reference is now made.

Each mobile unit 12 comprises a tag unit 22 coupled to a Global

Positioning System (GPS) receiver 24.

Each interrogation unit 16 comprises a local processing unit 18 and a communication unit 21 by which the interrogation unit 16 communicates with the control and management center 20.

Each tag 22 unit comprises a transponder 25 coupled to a built-in processor 26 and a non-volatile memory unit 28. Preferably, each tag unit 22 also comprises a communications link 30 coupled to processor 26. The tag unit 22, installed on the vehicle 14, is connected to the vehicle's battery.

Each tag 22 is configured to a suitable protocol. Non-limiting examples of protocols are the CALTRANS (California Department of Transportation) compliant protocol or alternatively, a protocol comprising an extended command mode including specific ReadWVrite access and TDMA (Time Division Multiple

Access). The latter protocol allows the interrogation unit 16 to communicate with

multiple tags at a time.

The tag 22 is coupled to GPS receiver 24 and is mounted on the vehicle

14, in a suitable location such as the roof of the vehicle 14, so that it may be clearly read by the interrogation unit 16. Each tag 22 contains user data relevant to the application, for example, waybill data, customs authorization, and data recording rates, which is stored in non-volatile memory unit 28. Tag 22 can be pre-loaded with data from the interrogation unit 16 by means of the tag

communications link 30.

The GPS receiver 24 is any known in the art GPS receiver and comprises an antenna 32 for continuously receiving signals from the plurality of satellites forming part of a GPS (or Satellite Positioning System (SATPS)) system.

The GPS receiver 24 continuously receives signals which identify the satellite source for each signal, and determines the time at which the signals are picked up

by antenna 32 to determine the location and velocity of the vehicle 14.

Tag communications link 30 is any suitable communications means such as a standard RS-232 interface or other similar device, which enables communication with peripheral equipment such as a personal computer (PC), or a radio wireless data link.

The local processor 26 coupled to transponder 25 collects data from the GPS system via antenna 32 and GPS receiver 24 and stores this information in the memory unit 28 at pre-defined time intervals, one every few kilometers or whenever the vehicle travels over a certain distance, for example. The recording rate may be varied to suit specific criteria. For example, data can be recorded once per minute to provide the vehicle location tracking (along with an accurate

time tag) for a four month period of operation, which is storable in the memory unit 28. Alternatively, the tag unit 22 can be configured to record other data such as the speed of the vehicle 14 whenever it exceeds a pre-determined level.

In addition, a plurality of sensors (not shown) can be connected to the

vehicle 14 to record operational performance data, such as temperature and fuel level. The specific sensors can be defined according to the nature of the operation and type of vehicle being monitored. Thus, operational performance

data can be recorded simultaneously with the vehicle location tracking data.

Memory unit 28 preferably comprises both erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM) and electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) or flash memory for the non-volatile storage of data, in addition, the

memory unit can also comprise random access memory (RAM).

In addition to downloading data from the mobile unit 12, the interrogation unit 16 may also write data into the tag 22 to update data stored within the tag memory 28. For example, a tag 22 installed on a bus can be configured to contain timetable details. Each time the bus communicates with an interrogation unit 16, it could receive updated timetable data. In an alternative embodiment, a display screen can be coupled to the tag 22 for displaying the timetable data together with additional pertinent data, such as progress of the bus (running

ahead or behind schedule). The screen may be used for the display of other

informative messages to the vehicle driver.

Depending on the amount of data to be transferred, the read/write process is performed automatically "on-the-fly", while the vehicle 14 is moving past the interrogation unit 16. The transfer of data normally takes place without

the operator's intervention.

Referring shortly to Figs. 1 and 2, each interrogation unit 16 comprises at least one roadside transceiver (reader) 33 mounted on any suitable convenient structures (such as the main gate of a bus depot), proximate to the processing unit 18 of interrogation unit 16. The interrogation unit 16 activates the tag unit 22

of the mobile unit 12 to download the information stored in the memory unit 28.

A non-limiting example of a transceiver 33 comprising a fixed antenna

34 coupled to a Radio Frequency (RF) unit 36. Any suitable type of transceiver may be used, such as an infra-red transceiver or a short range radio transceiver.

The information from each vehicle is stored in a separate file and sent to the control and management center 20 via communication unit 21. Each file contains the vehicle identification unit and the time and date of the data download.

The interrogation unit 16 can communicate with the control and management center 20 via any suitable communications link, such as a serial (RS232), SCSI-2 Bus, RS-422, Ethernet link or modem and telephone line. Preferably, interrogation unit 16 is configured to operate in a stand alone mode with the ability to store more than twenty four hours of transactions.

The control and management center 20 controls and processes data from each of the interrogation units 16. Management center 20 accommodates multiple readers and provides dynamic graphical display, as well as dynamic data

bases of the fleet location and status.

Reference is now made to Fig. 3, which is a schematic representation of the operational functions of the fleet management system 10. In operation, as vehicle 14 travels along its route, mobile unit 12 records and stores time and location data and any other data, such as vehicle speed, for which the tag unit 22 has been configured, at pre-determined intervals (referenced a.). Concurrently,

the interrogation unit 16 constantly transmits a modulated signal trigger pulse at fixed duty cycles, awaiting a signal response within the interrogation zone of the

unit, from the tag 22 of a vehicle 14 (referenced b.).

When vehicle 14 enters the interrogation zone, the monitoring circuitry of

tag 22 responds to the signal by activating its main circuit. Generally, tag 22 is fully activated and ready to decode the polling message from the interrogation unit 16 within a very short time (approximately 100μsec) of receipt and detection of a

modulated trigger pulse.

For example, if the communication CALTRANS protocol is used, data is encoded on the received carrier and the signal is reflected back to the interrogation unit 16 for decoding using a modulated backscatter technique. The CALTRANS communication protocol enables the tag 22 to download all recorded

data into the interrogation unit 16 (referenced c). The downlink modulation (from

the interrogation unit 16) is unipolar ASK (amplitude shift keying) of the RF carrier

using Manchester (or phase) encoding. The uplink modulation scheme is

amplitude modulation of an RF carrier backscattered. The transponder base

band message signal modulates the subcarrier using FSK (frequency shift keying)

modulation.

The tag 22 is read several times during a single vehicle pass. This

multiple reading, combined with error detection protocols and high noise immunity

techniques results in the achievement of highly-reliable transactions in terms of

both data integrity and ability to read.

The downloaded data is transmitted (referenced d.) to the control and

management center 20 for processing (referenced e.). Performance reports can

be produced and overlays displayed on geographical maps, for instance, to

illustrate the travel statistics of the vehicle. The actual vehicle schedule can be

compared to the planned schedule of the vehicle.

The operational performance data gathered from other sensors in the

vehicle (described hereinabove), which has been downloaded can also be

displayed.

Unlike prior art systems, the present invention does not require an

expensive communication network between the fleet vehicles and the control

center in order to manage the fleet. Anti fraud tag authentication techniques and encryption capability, combined with read/write passwords, for example, can be incorporated within the system to ensure secure transactions and to ensure that the data contained in the tag may not be duplicated or changed by unauthorized personnel. The interrogation unit 16 is can utilize existing infrastructures for installation. It will be appreciated by person knowledgeable in the art that the since the fleet management system 10 is not restricted to receiving signals from a GPS system but is a general purpose vehicle to roadside communication device

which can be used for other applications, such as toll collection, weigh in motion

and electronic bill of lading, for example.

It will be further appreciated by person knowledgeable in the art that the above description is not restricted to the interrogation unit 16 communicating with a one tag at a time but can be simultaneously communicate with several tags,

provided each tag is located within the beam of antenna 34. It will be further appreciated that the present invention is not limited by

what has been described hereinabove and that numerous modifications, all of which fall within the scope of the present invention, exist. Rather the scope of the invention is defined by the claims which follow:

Claims

1. A system for the management of a fleet comprising a plurality of

vehicles comprising:

a. a mobile unit installed in at least one of said plurality of

vehicles for collecting and storing at least time and location

data of said vehicle;

b. an interrogation unit for downloading stored said at least

time and location data from said mobile unit when said

vehicle passes by said interrogation unit; and

c. a control and management unit connectable to said

interrogation unit for processing downloaded data from said

interrogation unit so as to provide a traveling record of said

vehicle.

2. A system according to claim 1 wherein said mobile unit comprises

a tag unit coupled to a receiver.

3. A system according to claim 2 wherein said receiver is a Global

Positioning System (GPS) receiver.

4. A system according to any of claims 2 - 3 wherein said tag unit

comprises:

a. a transponder coupled to a built-in processor; and

b. a non-volatile memory unit coupled to said built-in

processor.

5. A system according to claim 4 wherein said tag unit further

comprises a communications link coupled to said processor.

6. A system according to claim 4 wherein said memory unit

comprises at least one of a group consisting of: erasable

programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable

programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory and

random access memory (RAM).

7. A system according to any of the claims 1 - 6 and wherein said vehicle further comprises a plurality of sensors for collecting and

storing operational performance data of the vehicle.

8. A system according to claim 7 wherein said interrogation unit also

downloads said stored operational performance data.

9. A system according to any of the claims 1 - 8 and wherein each of

said interrogation unit comprises:

a. a local processing unit;

b. a communication unit coupled to said local processing unit

for communicating with said control and management unit;

and

c. a transceiver coupled to said local processing unit.

10. A system according to claim 9 wherein said transceiver constantly

transmits a modulated signal trigger pulse at fixed duty cycles.

11. A system according to any of claims 9 - 10 wherein said

transceiver comprises one of a group comprising: an antenna coupled to a Radio Frequency (RF) unit, an infra-red transceiver or

a short range radio transceiver.

12. A system according to any of the claims 1 - 11 and wherein said

tag unit further comprises a backup battery unit.

13. A method for the management of a plurality of vehicles, said

method comprising the steps of:

a. collecting and storing at least time and location data of the

vehicle within a mobile unit installed in at least one of said

plurality of vehicles;

b. downloading said stored data to an interrogation unit; and

c. processing said downloaded data to obtain information on

the movement of said vehicles.

14. A method according to claim 13 and further comprising the step of

collecting and storing operational performance data of the vehicle.

15. A method according to any of claims 13 - 14 and wherein said

mobile unit comprises a tag unit and a receiver, wherein said tag

unit comprises a transponder coupled to a built-in processor and a

non-volatile memory unit coupled to said built-in processor, and

wherein said step of collecting and storing comprises the steps of:

a. receiving signals from said receiver;

b. determining the time at which the signals are received and

the location and velocity of the vehicle; and

c. storing the collected data in said non-volatile memory unit.

6. A method according to any of claims 13 - 15 and wherein said step of downloading comprises the steps of: a. constantly transmitting a modulated signal trigger pulse at

fixed duty cycles; b. awaiting a response to said signal within the interrogation zone of said interrogation unit; and c. said tag unit responding to said signal by activating its main

circuit.

17. A method according to any of claims 13 - 16 and wherein said step of processing comprises the steps of producing performance reports and/or overlaying displays on geographical maps.

18. A method according to any of claims 15 - 17 and wherein said step of processing further comprises the step of displaying the

downloaded operational performance data.