AUTOMATED VEHICLE REGULATION COMPLIANCE ENFORCING SYSTEM

SYSTEME AUTOMATISE DE CONTROLE DU RESPECT DE LA REGLEMENTATION APPLICABLE AUX VEHICULES

English Abstract

The present automated vehicle regulation compliance enforcing system is comprised of an on-board monitoring system for being installed on a heavy truck, and an interrogation system for being installed in enforcement vehicles and inspection stations. The monitoring system is comprised of a processor connected to speed and weigh sensors installed in the truck and trailers. The processor is arranged to monitor various operating parameters of the truck, such as loading, load distribution, speed, driver maintenance information, driving time, and mileage. The processor is also connected to an interface which enables the truck operator to input driver and vehicle information, and a transceiver for communicating with the interrogation system. The interrogation system is comprised of a processor connected to a transceiver, and arranged to interrogate the monitoring system to download data. The interrogation system may be mounted in an enforcement vehicle as a standalone system with a built-in interface attached to the processor, or it may be a PC-based system with a communication port for connecting to a personal computer. In either embodiment, the processor in the interrogation system is arranged to automatically alert enforcement personnel when any the operating parameters of a monitored truck is outside a preset limit.

French Abstract

La présente concerne un système automatisé d'application de la conformité à la réglementation des véhicules, qui est composé d'un système de surveillance à bord installable sur un poids lourd et d'un système d'interrogation installable dans les véhicules de la sécurité routière et les postes d'inspection. Le système de surveillance est composé d'un processeur relié à des capteurs de vitesse et de poids installés dans le camion et les remorques. Le processeur est agencé pour surveiller les différents paramètres de fonctionnement du camion, comme la charge, la répartition des charges, la vitesse, les informations de maintenance par le conducteur, le temps de conduite et le kilométrage. Le processeur est également relié à une interface qui permet au chauffeur du camion d'entrer de l'information au sujet du chauffeur et du véhicule, et un émetteur-récepteur pour communiquer avec le système d'interrogation. Le système d'interrogation est composé d'un processeur relié à un émetteur-récepteur, et agencé pour interroger le système de surveillance afin de télécharger des données. Le système d'interrogation peut être installé dans un véhicule de la sécurité routière sous forme de système autonome avec une interface intégrée attaché au processeur, ou il peut s'agir d'un système basé sur PC avec un port de communication pour la connexion à un ordinateur personnel. Dans les deux modes de réalisation, le processeur dans le système d'interrogation est agencé pour alerter automatiquement le personnel de la sécurité routière lorsque les paramètres de fonctionnement d'un camion contrôlé sont en dehors de limites prédéfinies.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An automated vehicle regulation compliance enforcing
system, comprising:
an on-board vehicle monitoring system adapted to be
installed in a monitored vehicle, wherein said on-board
monitoring system is comprised of:
a first processor;
a first interface connected to said first processor;
a sensor connected to said first processor and
adapted to be attached to said monitored vehicle
for monitoring an operating parameter of said
monitored vehicle, wherein said sensor is comprised
of a speed sensor, said operating parameter is
comprised of vehicle speed, said first processor is
arranged to produce an alert when said operating
parameter exceeds a predetermined limit; and
a first transceiver connected to said first
processor for transmitting data on said operating
parameter; wherein said first processor is arranged
to receive driver and vehicle information through
said first interface and transmit said driver and
vehicle information with said transceiver; and
an interrogation system for use by an enforcement agency,
wherein said interrogation system is comprised of:
a second processor;
a second interface connected to said second
processor for enabling a user to operate said
interrogation system; and
12

a second transceiver connected to said second
processor for remotely receiving said data from
said monitoring system to enable said enforcement
agency to monitor said operating parameter of said
monitored vehicle; wherein
said second processor of said interrogation system is
arranged to produce an alert when said vehicle speed
exceeds a predetermined limit.
2. The automated vehicle regulation compliance enforcing
system of claim 1, wherein said interrogation system is
comprised of a standalone interrogation system adapted to be
operated without an externally attached personal computer, so
that said standalone interrogation system is usable in an
enforcement vehicle.
3. The automated vehicle regulation compliance enforcing
system of claim 1, wherein said interrogation system is
comprised of a PC-based interrogation system wherein said
second processor is comprised of a PC processor, and said
interface is comprised of an input device and a display.
4. The automated vehicle regulation compliance enforcing
system of claim 1, wherein said sensor is comprised of a
weight sensor, said operating parameter is comprised of
loading of said monitored vehicle, and second processor of
said interrogation system is arranged to produce an alert when
said loading exceeds a predetermined limit.
5. The automated vehicle regulation compliance enforcing
system of claim 1, wherein said first processor is arranged to
13

calibrate said vehicle monitoring system when said monitored
vehicle is at rest for accurately reading said sensor.
6. The automated vehicle regulation compliance enforcing
system of claim 1, further including a card reader connected
to said first processor, wherein said first processor is
adapted to read a driver's license through said card reader
for driver information, and said first processor is arranged
to transmit said driver information with said transceiver.
7. The automated vehicle regulation compliance enforcing
system of claim 1, further including a remote display
connected to said first processor and adapted to be attached
to an exterior of said monitored vehicle, wherein said first
processor is arranged to display on said remote display a
selected portion of said data for public viewing.
8. The automated vehicle regulation compliance enforcing
system of claim 1, further including a printer connected to
said first processor for printing out a selected portion said
data.
9. An automated vehicle regulation compliance enforcing
system, comprising:
an on-board vehicle monitoring system adapted to be
installed in a monitored vehicle, wherein said on-board
monitoring system is comprised of:
a first processor for monitoring one or more
operating parameters of said monitored vehicle,
wherein said operating parameters are at least
comprised of loading of said monitored vehicle;
14

a weight sensor connected to said first processor
and adapted to be attached to said monitored
vehicle for sensing said loading;
a first transceiver connected to said first
processor for transmitting data on said operating
parameters;
a speed sensor connected to said first processor
and adapted to be attached to said monitored
vehicle for sensing vehicle speed, wherein said
operating parameters include said vehicle speed;
and
a first interface connected to said first
processor, wherein said first processor is arranged
to receive driver and vehicle information through
said first interface, and said first processor is
arranged to transmit said driver and vehicle
information with said transceiver;
wherein said first processor is arranged to produce
an alert when any selected operating parameter, but
at least including said loading, of said monitored
vehicle exceeds a predetermined limit;
an interrogation system for use by an enforcement agency,
wherein said interrogation system is comprised of:
a second processor;
an interface connected to said second processor for
enabling a user to operator said interrogation
system; and
a second transceiver connected to said second
processor for remotely receiving said data from
said monitoring system to enable said enforcement
15

agency to monitor said operating parameters of said
monitored vehicle; wherein
said second processor of said interrogation
system is arranged to produce an alert when
said vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined
limit.
10. The automated vehicle regulation compliance enforcing
system of claim 9, wherein said interrogation system is
comprised of a standalone interrogation system adapted to be
operated without an externally attached personal computer, so
that said standalone interrogation system is usable in an
enforcement vehicle.
11. The automated vehicle regulation compliance enforcing
system of claim 9, wherein said interrogation system is
comprised of a PC-based interrogation system wherein said
second processor is comprised of a PC processor, and said
interface is comprised of an input device and a display.
12. The automated vehicle regulation compliance enforcing
system of claim 9, further including additional weight sensors
connected to said first processor and adapted to be attached
to said monitored vehicle, wherein said first processor is
arranged to monitor weight distribution of said vehicle.
13. The automated vehicle regulation compliance enforcing
system of claim 9, further including a card reader connected
to said first processor, wherein said first processor is
adapted to read a driver's license through said card reader
16

for driver information, and said first processor is arranged
to transmit said driver information with said transceiver.
14. The automated vehicle regulation compliance enforcing
system of claim 9, further including a remote display
connected to said first processor and adapted to be attached
to an exterior of said monitored vehicle, wherein said first
processor is arranged to display on said remote display a
selected portion of said data for public viewing.
15. The automated vehicle regulation compliance enforcing
system of claim 9, further including a printer connected to
said first processor for printing out a selected portion said
data.
16. An automated vehicle regulation compliance enforcing
system, comprising:
an on-board vehicle monitoring system adapted to be
installed in a monitored vehicle, wherein said on-board
monitoring system is comprised of:
a first processor for monitoring one or more
operating parameters of said monitored vehicle,
wherein said operating parameters are at least
comprised of loading of said monitored vehicle;
a first interface connected to said first processor
for entering driver information and vehicle
information;
a speed sensor connected to said first processor
and adapted to be attached to said monitored
vehicle for sensing vehicle speed, wherein said
operating parameters include said vehicle speed;
17

a weight sensor connected to said first processor
and adapted to be attached to said monitored
vehicle for sensing said loading;
a card reader connected to said first processor,
wherein said first processor is adapted to read a
driver's license through said card reader for said
driver information; and
a first transceiver connected to said first
processor for transmitting data on said operating
parameters, said driver information, and said
vehicle information;
wherein said first processor is arranged to produce
an alert when any selected operating parameter, but
at least including said loading, of said monitored
vehicle exceeds a predetermined limit;
an interrogation system for use by an enforcement agency,
wherein said interrogation system is comprised of:
a second processor;
an interface connected to said second processor for
enabling a user to operator said interrogation
system; and
a second transceiver connected to said second
processor for remotely receiving said data from
said monitoring system to enable said enforcement
agency to monitor said operating parameters of said
monitored vehicle, and identify said monitored
vehicle and a driver thereof by said vehicle
information and said driver information;
wherein said second processor is arranged to
produce an alert when any single selected operating
18

parameter, but at least including said loading and
said vehicle speed, of said monitored vehicle
exceeds a predetermined limit, said enforcement
agency is thus able to enforce loading regulations
and reduce crashes caused by overloaded vehicles.
17. The automated vehicle regulation compliance enforcing
system of claim 16, wherein said interrogation system is
comprised of a standalone interrogation system adapted to be
operated without an externally attached personal computer, so
that said standalone interrogation system is usable in an
enforcement vehicle.
18. The automated vehicle regulation compliance enforcing
system of claim 16, wherein said interrogation system is
comprised of a PC-based interrogation system wherein said
second processor is comprised of a PC processor, and said
interface is comprised of an input device and a display.
19. The automated vehicle regulation compliance enforcing
system of claim 16, further including additional weight
sensors connected to said first processor and adapted to be
attached to said monitored vehicle, wherein said first
processor is arranged to monitor weight distribution of said
vehicle.
20. The automated vehicle regulation compliance enforcing
system of claim 16, further including a remote display
connected to said first processor and adapted to be attached
to an exterior of said monitored vehicle, wherein said first
19

processor is arranged to display on said remote display a
selected portion of said data for public viewing.
21. The automated vehicle regulation compliance enforcing
system of claim 16, further including a printer connected to
said first processor for printing out a selected portion said
data.
20

Description

CA 02411395 2002-11-07
TITLE: AUTOMATED VEHICLE REGULATION COMPLIANCE
ENFORCING SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to systems for
reporting the compliance of heavy trucks with vehicle
regulations.
PRIOR ART
Commercial cargo truck operators are generally paid
according to the weight of the cargo carried in their trucks.
Therefore, they tend to carry as much in the trucks as
possible to maximize profits. However, trucks are required by
government regulations to be operated within specific weight
or load limits for safety. An overloaded truck is dangerous to
itself and other vehicles on the road because its safe
operation and general controllability are greatly reduced.
Despite the regulations, the pressure of profits cause many
truck operators to overload their trucks at the expense of
safety. Over 5,300 deaths and 100's of thousands of injuries
each year are attributed to overloaded trucks.
The only prior art method for monitoring loading
compliance of trucks is to require them to stop at weigh
stations along major highways to check their weight. The
problem is that there are over 8 million commercial trucks
being operated by over 500,000 trucking companies in the
United States, but there are less than 26,000 weigh stations
in limited operation. Further, the operation of the weigh
stations is limited to spurious hours and days. Many
overloaded trucks drive past the stations during off hours, or
circumvent them by taking alternate routes. The current
loading enforcement method is thus inadequate for improving

CA 02411395 2002-11-07
trucking safety.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the objectives of the present vehicle
regulation compliance enforcing system are:
to provide an on-board monitoring system for mounting on
each truck and continuously monitoring various operating
parameters of the vehicle;
to provide an interrogation system for enforcement
agencies to remotely monitor the operating parameters of
each vehicle;
to enable enforcement agencies to download vehicle and
driver information from each vehicle;
to automatically alert the vehicle driver and enforcement
agencies of violations when a vehicle is operated outside
safety limits;
to easily identify vehicles which are not being operated
safely, even when the vehicle is in transit, and without
diverting them to weigh stations;
to increase trucking safety by deterring vehicle owners
and operators from operating their vehicles outside
safety limits; and
to increase trucking safety without adding to the
existing infrastructure and without interrupting the flow
of traffic.
Further objectives of the present invention will
become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and
ensuing description.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present automated vehicle regulation compliance
enforcing system is comprised of an on-board monitoring system

CA 02411395 2002-11-07
for being installed on a heavy truck, and an interrogation
system for being installed in enforcement vehicles and
inspection stations.
The monitoring system is comprised of a processor
connected to speed and weigh sensors installed in the truck
and trailers.
The processor is arranged to monitor various
operating parameters of the truck, such as loading, load
distribution, speed, driving time, and mileage. The processor
is also connected to an interface which enables the operator
to input driver and vehicle information, and a transceiver for
communicating with the interrogation systems. The
interrogation systems are each comprised of a processor
connected to a transceiver, and arranged to interrogate the
monitoring system to download data. The interrogation system
may be a standalone system with a built-in interface attached
to the processor, or it may be a PC-based system with a
communication port for connecting to a personal computer. In
either embodiment, the processor in the interrogation system
is arranged to automatically alert enforcement personnel when
any of the operating parameters of a monitored vehicle is
outside a preset limit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEV~IS OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is a side view of the present automated
vehicle regulation compliance enforcing system installed in a
cargo truck, an enforcement vehicle, and an inspection
station.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an on-board monitoring
system thereof for mounting in the truck.
3

CA 02411395 2002-11-07
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a standalone
interrogation system thereof.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a PC-based
interrogation system thereof.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the software in the
on-board monitoring system.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the software in each
interrogation system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. l:
A preferred embodiment of t=he present automated vehicle
regulation compliance enforcing system is shown in a side view
in FIG. 1. It is comprised of an on-board vehicle monitoring
system 10 adapted to be installed in a monitored vehicle 11,
such as a cargo truck, a tractor-trailer, municipal vehicle,
parcel carrier, etc . The monitoring system may be installed in
any other type of vehicle that requires monitoring. It is also
comprised of a standalone interrogation system 12 adapted to
be installed in an enforcement vehicle 13, such as a police
car, highway patrol car, municipal vehicle, etc . It is further
comprised of a PC-based interrogation system 14 adapted to be
installed in an inspection or weigh station 15. Interrogation
systems 12 and 14 are arranged to remotely communicate with
vehicle monitoring system 10 through a communication link,
such as a radio frequency link.
FIG. 2:
As shown in FIG. 2, vehicle monitoring system 10 is comprised
of a processor 20 connected to a speed sensor 21 and a
plurality of weight sensors 22, preferably through a signal
conditioner 23. Processor 20 is arranged to monitor various
4

CA 02411395 2002-11-07
vehicle operating parameters, such as loading or weight,
speed, start/stop times and dates, travel time, mileage, etc.
Processor 20 also incorporates a timer (not shown) for keeping
time, and to volatile and non-volatile memory or mass storage
(not shown) for retention of data on operating parameters.
Speed sensor 21 is preferably attached to a suitable part of
the monitored vehicle, such as the drive shaft or speedometer,
for monitoring its speed. Weight sensors 22 are preferably
distributed around the monitored vehicle, such as on the front
and rear wheel axles or suspensions, trailer axles, for
monitoring its loading and load distribution. Speed sensor 21
may be any suitable type o.f sensor, such as an optical
encoder, hall effect sensor, etc. Weight sensors 22 may be any
suitable type of sensor, such as load cells, pressure
transducers, etc. An interface 24 attached to processor 20
enables a truck operator to input driver information and
vehicle information, and for controlling various functions of
the system. Vehicle information may include manufacturer,
model number, class or type, vehicle identification number,
number of wheel axles, vehicle license number, inspection
dates, insurance information, compliance status, etc.
Interface 24 is preferably comprised of an input device and a
display, and is mounted in the cabin or cab of the monitored
vehicle. A card reader 25 is connected to processor 20 for
reading a driver's license to identify the driver, and is
preferably located adjacent interface 24. A radio frequency or
RF transceiver 26 is connected to processor 20 for remotely
communicating with the interrogation systems. A printer 27 is
connected to processor 20 for printing out a selected portion
of the stored data, such as the monitored operating
parameters, driver information, and vehicle information. A
5

CA 02411395 2002-11-07
remotely mounted display 28 is connected to processor 20 and
may be attached to the exterior of the monitored vehicle for
displaying monitored parameters, such as loading and speed,
for all to see.
FIG. 3:
As shown in FIG. 3, standalone interrogation system 12 is
comprised of a processor 30 connected to an interface 31 for
being controlled by enforcement agency personnel, such as
police officers. Standalone interrogation system 12 is
preferably mounted in an enforcement vehicle, such as a police
or highway patrol car, but it. may be hand-portable if made
small enough. Interface 31 is preferably comprised of an input
device and a display. Processor 30 is connected to a RF
transceiver 32 for remotely interrogating the on-board
monitoring system of the monitored vehicle and downloading
stored data therefrom, such as vehicle operating parameters,
driver information, vehicle information, etc. Interrogation
can be done when either the monitored vehicle or the
enforcement vehicle is at rest or in transit, and without
diverting the monitored vehicle into a weigh station. The
collected data may be saved to a built-in storage device, such
as non-volatile memory or hard disk. A printer 33 is also
connected to processor 30 for printing out the data.
FIG. 4:
As shown in FIG. 4, PC-based interrogation system 14 is
comprised of a processor 40 connected to input/output or I/O
ports 41 for connecting to a host or personal computer, such
as at an inspection or weigh station which is operated by
enforcement agency personnel. The interface is thus provided
by the host computer. Alternatively, the interface may be
provided by a remotely :located computer linked to
6

CA 02411395 2002-11-07
interrogation system 14 through a RF transceiver 42 connected
to processor 40. Various peripherals, such as traffic lamps
for directing the flow of vehicles into and out of the
inspection station, may be connected to I/0 ports 41.
Processor 40 is connected to transceiver 42 for interrogating
the on-board monitoring system of the monitored vehicle and
downloading data therefrom. A remote display 43 may be
connected to processor 40 for displaying the data outside the
inspection station for the truck drivers to see.
Alternatively, processor 40 may be comprised of a conventional
personal computer. Transceiver 42 and remote display 43 may be
connected to proprietary expansion cards installed inside the
personal computer, or they may be connected to conventional
I/O ports on the computer. Interrogation can be done whether
the monitored vehicle is at rest or in transit, and without
diverting the monitored vehicle into the inspection station.
Interrogation can even be done automatically when the
interrogation system is unattended. The collected data may be
saved to a storage device in the host computer for later
study, which is especially useful when the system is
unattended.
FIG. 5:
The operation of the on-board vehicle monitoring system is
shown in FIG. 5. The processor of the system is programmed to
perform the steps shown. After the system is started at block
50, the display of the interface is updated, the keys in the
interface are read for any input, and the transceiver is
checked for interrogation signals from the interrogation
systems at block 51. The monitoring system may be calibrated
at block 52 through the interface when the vehicle is at rest
for accurately reading the speed sensor and weight sensors.
7

CA 02411395 2002-11-07
For example, the system may be calibrated to read the cargo
weight only, and is zeroed when the vehicle is empty of cargo.
The system may be calibrated t=o read the total weight of the
vehicle, which may be done by manually entering a known
weight, such as the weight measured at a conventional weight
station. The system may also be arranged to provide GROSS,
TARE, and NET weights upon request. Loading and weight are
interchangeable terms since the enforcement agency might be
interested in either the weight of the cargo load or the total
weight of the vehicle . The load distribution may be determined
by measuring the difference in weight between the front and
rear of the monitored vehicle as well as the trailer axles.
The monitoring system is in normal mode when it is not in any
other mode . All the sensors are checked and the timers are
updated at block 53 for keeping track of driving time and
mileage. The signals from the sensors are processed at block
54 for checking all the operating parameters of the vehicle,
such as loading, load distribution, speed, mileage, etc. If
the operating parameters are within predetermined limits at
block 55, the process is returned to block 51 to continue
monitoring. If any limit is exceeded at block 55, such as
overloading, unsafe weight distribution, speeding, driving too
long, etc., an alert is indicated to the driver at block 56,
such as through the interface or a separate audible and/or
visual alarm. When an interrogation signal is received by the
monitoring system at block 51, it is put into transaction
mode, and communication with the interrogation system is
established at block 56. If any communication error is
encountered at block 57, the process is returned to block 56
until communication is properly established. Data, including
monitored parameters and other stored information, are
F3

CA 02411395 2002-11-07
transmitted to the interrogation system at block 58. A hard
copy of selected or all stored data may be printed at block 59
by selecting print/send data. Printing can be initiated
through the interface, at programmed times, or under
predetermined system conditions.
FIG. 6:
The operation of each interrogation system is shown in FIG. 6.
The processor of the system is programmed to perform the steps
shown. In the standalone interrogation system, the control
software is loaded in non-volatile memory or mass storage. In
the PC-based interrogation system, the control software is
preferably loaded into the host computer, but it may be stored
in non-volatile memory directly connected to the processor of
the system. The interrogation system is started at block 60.
At block 61, the display in the interface is updated, the
input devices are checked for input, and the transceiver is
checked for proper operation. The interrogation system may be
setup at block 62 through the interface, such as setting the
permissible limits of the monitored parameters. Normal mode
is in effect when the system is not in any other mode. The
operating conditions are checked at block 63, that is, a
self-diagnostic is performed. If no errors are detected at
block 64, the system record in the interrogation system is
updated with the results of the self-diagnostic at block 65,
and the process is returned to block 61. If any error is
detected, an alerted is produced at block 66 through the
interface, or an additional audible and/or visual indicator.
An interrogation or transaction can be initiated with the
interface by the enforcement agency personnel when in
proximity of a monitored vehicle. Alternatively, the
monitoring system may be arranged to continuously broadcast an
9

CA 02411395 2002-11-07
interrogation signal, and the transaction may be automatically
initiated by the interrogation system whenever it is answered
by a monitored vehicle which is within communication range.
Whenever the transaction is initiated, communication with the
monitored vehicle is established at block 67. If any
communication error is detected at block 68, the process is
returned to block 67. If no error is detected at block 68,
data from the monitored vehicle is received at block 69. The
received data is processed and displayed at block 70. The
data is compared to the permissible limits previously set at
block 62. If none of the monitored parameters is outside its
permissible limit at block '.71, the system record in the
interrogation system is updated with the newly received data
at block 65, that is, the new data is saved. If any of the
monitored parameters is outside its permissible limit at block
71, an alert is produced at block 66, and the system record in
the interrogation system is updated with the newly received
data at block 65. Alternatively, newly received data may be
selectively saved by the operator. Whenever a violation is
indicated, the enforcement agency personnel can take
appropriate action, such as directing the monitored vehicle
into an inspection station for further inspections, stopping
the monitored vehicle until the violation is corrected,
issuing a citation, print a hard copy of data, etc.
SUMMARY AND SCOPE
Accordingly, the present vehicle regulation
compliance enforcing system provides an on-board monitoring
system for mounting on each vehicle and continuously
monitoring various operating parameters of the vehicle. It
provides an interrogation system for enforcement agencies to

CA 02411395 2002-11-07
remotely monitor the operating parameters of each. It enables
enforcement agencies to download vehicle and driver
information from each truck. It automatically alerts the
vehicle operator and enforcement agencies of violations when
a vehicle is operated outside safety limits. It easily
identifies trucks which are not being operated safely, even
when the vehicle is in transit, and without diverting them to
weigh stations. It increases trucking safety by deterring
truck drivers from operating their vehicles outside safety
limits, while greatly increasing the number of vehicles that
are checked for compliance.
Although the above description is specific, it
should not be considered as a limitation on the scope of the
invention, but only as an example of the preferred embodiment.
Many variations are possible within the teachings of the
invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be
determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents,
not by the examples given.
11

Representative Drawing