Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTHORIZING A PERSON TO DRIVE A
VEHICLE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of the freight transportation
industry and
more particularly to ground transportation by tractor-trailer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
io As the truck industry expands, transportation companies own more and more
equipment, such as tractor-trailers. This equipment carries heavier loads of
merchandises. Supervising these equipment and merchandises has become more
complex. As a result, it is harder to prevent financial losses due to thefts
and trailer
hitching errors. New national and international rules, in relation with
terrorism and
its follow ups, have also created several needs in terms of security
management.
In terms of management, the available systems provide transporters with
information such as the geographical position of their vehicles, covered
mileage,
and time-left until delivery of merchandises or how long a tractor has been
parked.
2o These systems are generally very expensive, because they use satellite
waves or
cellular telephones to send information. This information allows transporters
to
offer customers a better service while minimizing time loss. This information
also
allows transporters to keep customers aware of possible delivery delays.
However,
this information does not bring any concrete outcome to the transporters and
does
not prevent from hitching errors, thefts and terrorism either.
The available antitheft systems for tractors are similar to the ones available
for
cars, but they comprise more mechanical components such as gearshift locks. In
theft prevention, a few systems exist as well for merchandises. They mainly
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consist of lock bars on back doors of vehicles or tracing systems hidden in
merchandises. These latter systems are restricted to cellular-covered areas,
and
require specifically positioned antennae, which is hard to obtain considering
the
diversity of merchandises. Finally, while sending information, these systems
are
subjected to communication jamming.
In the prior art, WO 2004/029774 (GOUNDER) discloses a system for monitoring
vehicles, but the system does not process authorizations. More generally, the
prior
art proposes several security systems for individual vehicles, but there is
still a
io demand for security systems for handling a group of vehicles. Patents Nos.
US
6317668, WO 2004/015637, WO 2004/014706 and WO 2004/014705, all owned
by QUALCOMM INCORPORATED, are also pertinent to the present invention. For
example, US 6108591 proposes a system allowing to move one vehicle of a group
and WO 2004/014705 teaches a system wherein a vehicle is started up and
stopped if a user is unauthorized. However, there is still a need for security
systems involving a complementary system also placed on the tractors and not
only on the trailers.
Concerning trailers protection, the systems tend to be mechanical and consist
of a
steel piece attached to the stowage plug of the trailer to prevent the trailer
from
being displaced. However, these systems are not efficient, because thieves do
not
even try to remove that steel piece. Without hitching the trailer completely,
they
just move the trailer to an out-of-sight place and then, they take their time
to
commit their stealing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a security
system
fulfilling some of the above-mentioned needs.
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Thus, there is provided a system for authorizing a user of a tractor-trailer
to drive
said tractor-trailer out of a plurality of vehicles, said vehicles being
tractors and
trailers. The system comprising:
modules located on each of said vehicles, and systems of said vehicle
being uniquely associated with said module located on the vehicle, each of
said
modules being provided with a transceiver, modules located on tractors being
tractor modules and modules being located on trailers being trailer modules;
a unique code being associated with each user of said system; and
to a central station, said central station being adapted to send to said
modules
the unique code of the user authorized to drive said tractor-trailer, so that
upon
receipt of said code, said modules enable said user to drive said tractor-
trailer.
There is also provided a method for permitting a user to drive a tractor-
trailer,
comprising the steps of:
(a) providing the user with a unique code;
(b) providing a tractor module;
(c) providing a trailer module;
(d) with a central station, sending to the tractor module and the trailer
module the unique code of the user;
(e) the user sending to the tractor module and the trailer module the
unique code;
(f) at the trailer module and the tractor module, comparing the code
received by the central station and by the user;
(g) enabling the user to drive the tractor associated with the trailer when
the codes match.
The present invention will be more easily understood after reading the
following
description of a preferred embodiment made with reference to the figures.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Figure 1 illustrates the different components of the entire system, according
to a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figures 2(A) and 2(B) illustrate the different components comprised in the
tractor
module, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figures 3(A) and 3(B) illustrate the electrical and pneumatic circuits of the
tractor
io module, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figures 4(A) and 4(B) illustrate the components comprised in the trailer
module,
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figures 5(A) and 5(B) illustrate the electrical and pneumatic circuits of the
trailer
module, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6 illustrates the components comprised in the central station,
according to a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7 illustrates the components comprised in the keychain, according to a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 8 illustrates the components to use the keyboard, according to a
preferred
embodiment of the invention.
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Figure 9 illustrates the components comprised in the keyboard, according to a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 10 illustrates the components comprised in the cellular module,
according
to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
The present section describes a detailed embodiment of the system according to
a
io preferred embodiment of the invention. In the following paragraphs, similar
features have similar reference numbers.
Description of the main components of the system
ls Referring to figure 1, there is provided a preferred embodiment of a system
for
authorizing a user (60) of a tractor-trailer to drive the tractor-trailer out
of a plurality
of tractors (10) and trailers (20). The system comprises a tractor module
(30), a
trailer module (40), a central station (50) and a unique code. Each of these
modules (30 and 40) comprises its own controller (30 and 40) and at least one
20 communication system. The unique code is associated with each user of the
system. Preferably, the system further comprises a keychain (60), a wireless
keyboard (80), and a cellular module (90). Preferably, the modules (30 and 40)
are
each further provided with a G.P.S. receiver. Several components also comprise
a
controller, and it will be understood that the controller can be substituted
for a
25 microcontroller (MCU).
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The tractor module (30)
Components referred to in the present subsection are those of the tractor
module
(30) according to one preferred embodiment of the invention.
The tractor module (30) is best shown in figures 2(A) and 2(B). The tractor
module
(30) is located in the tractor (10). The tractor module (30) comprises an
interface
for the user (60). The interface comprises more wires than are necessary for
interconnection, so that wires can be randomly selected when operatively
associating the tractor module (30) to the tractor (10). Consequently, from
one
io tractor to the other the interconnections between the tractor and the
corresponding
module may not be the same, which is an additional antitheft tool in the
system.
The tractor module (30) is uniquely associated with the corresponding tractor
(10).
The controller of the tractor module (30) is best shown in figure 2(A). The
controller (30a) comprises a program performing the required operations
according to the signals it receives. A peripheral connector (30m), for
example a
36-contacts peripheral connector, optionally connects a cellular module (90)
to the
module (30) corresponding to the controller. Another connector (30n), for
example
a DIN connector, also connected to the controller (30a), allows interfacing
peripheral equipment, such as the embedded scale weights, supplementary
outputs, supplementary inputs or a system already in the tractor (10). An
external
memory (30o), for example an EEPROM, allows saving additional data and also
updating the program of the controller (30a) through radio waves, without
uninstalling the module (30). This memory (30o) also allows saving a complete
history of the tractor (10) itineraries as well as all other necessary
information
requested by users, customers or external clearance systems such as customs
systems.
The communication system of the present module (30) is best shown in figures
3o 2(A) and 2(B). A receiver (30c), for example a RF receiver, which receives
waves
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of a frequency X, sends the code received from a keychain (70) to a decoder
(30b)
comprised in the module (30). The decoder (30b) verifies if the code is valid
and if
the code corresponds to the information encoded in a memory (30e) comprised in
the module (30). If the code is valid, the decoder (30b) of the module (30)
informs
the controller (30a). A power circuit (30h) allows generating an
electromagnetic
field of a frequency W. The electromagnetic field of a frequency W activates a
resonant circuit (70e) in the keychain (70). The tractor module (30) is
provided with
a transceiver (30k), for example a spread spectrum transceiver. The
transceiver
(30k) of a frequency Y communicates with the controller (30a) and allows
io bidirectional communication. The G.P.S. receiver (301) is a receiver
furnishing a
position in real time to the controller (30a).
Referring to figures 2(A), 2(B), 3(A) and 3(B), the tractor module (30) is
operatively
associated with systems of the tractor (10) and provided with a transceiver
(30k).
For example, the tractor module (30) is supplied by the 12-volt battery
through a
supplying circuit (30p), preferably a voltage and current limiting circuit.
The 12-volt
battery is located in the tractor (10).The tractor module (30) is associated
with
systems such as an ignition, a brake pedal and a brake system through
detection
circuits (30i and 30j), for example voltage and current limiting circuits. The
2o detection circuits (30i and 30j) detect an ignition of the tractor (10) and
a step on
the brake pedal. A driver (30g), such as a MOSFETS relay driver, allows the
activation of six relays (32), for example, for opening the tractor's (10)
electrical
circuits shown in figures 3(A) and 3(B), in order to prevent the tractor (10)
from
moving off. The tractor module (30) is in a locked state by
(i) locking the brake system of the tractor (10) and
(ii) electronically disabling other components of the tractor-trailer until a
valid code is received.
The locking of the brake system is activated by the driver (30g). The driver
activates an electrovalve (12) which locks the brake system of the tractor
(10), by
3o emptying the air (16) as best shown in figures 3(A) and 3(B). To inform the
user of
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specific situations, the controller (30a) of the tractor module can activate
for
example a small speaker or a buzzer (30f).
The trailer module (40)
Components referred to in the present subsection are those of the trailer
module
(40) according to one preferred embodiment of the invention.
The trailer module (40) is best shown in figures 4(A) and 4(B). The trailer
module
(40) is located in the trailer (20). The trailer module (40) comprises an
interface for
to the user (60). The interface comprises more wires than are necessary for
interconnection, so that wires can be randomly selected when operativeiy
associating the trailer module (40) to the trailer (20). Consequently, from
one
trailer to the other, the interconnections between the trailer and the
corresponding
module may not be the same, which is an additional antitheft tool in the
system.
The trailer module (40) is uniquely associated with its corresponding trailer
(20).
The controller of the trailer module (40) is best shown in figure 4(A). The
controller
(40a) comprises a program performing the required operations according to the
signals it receives. A peripheral connector (40m), for example a 36-contacts
peripheral connector, optionally connects a cellular module (90) to the module
(40)
corresponding to the controller. Another connector (40n), for example a DIN
connector, also connected to the controller (40a), allows interfacing
peripheral
equipment such as the embedded scale weights, supplementary outputs,
supplementary inputs or a system already therein the trailer (20). An external
memory (40o), for example an EEPROM, allows saving additional data and also
updating the program of the controller (40a) through radio waves, without
uninstalling the module (40). This memory (40o) also allows saving a complete
history of the trailer's (10) itineraries, as well as all other necessary
information
requested by users, customers or external clearance systems such as customs
systems.
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The communication system of the present module (40) is best shown in figures
4(A) and 4(B). A receiver (40c), for example a RF receiver, which receives
waves
of a frequency X, sends the code received from a keychain (70) to a decoder
(40b)
comprised in the module (40). The decoder (40b) verifies if the code is valid
and if
the code corresponds to the information encoded in a memory (40e) comprised in
the module (40). If the code is valid, the decoder (40b) of the module (40)
informs
the controller (40a). A power circuit (40h) allows generating an
electromagnetic
field of a frequency W. The electromagnetic field of a frequency W activates a
to resonant circuit (70e) in the keychain (70). The trailer module (40) is
provided with
a transceiver (40k) for example a spread spectrum transceiver. The transceiver
(40k) of a frequency Y communicates with the controller (40a) and allows
bidirectional communication. The G.P.S. receiver (401) is a receiver
furnishing to
the controller (40a) a position in real time.
Referring to figures 4(A), 4(B), 5(A) and 5(B), the trailer module (40) is
operatively
associated with systems of the trailer (20). For example, the trailer module
(40) is
supplied by a 12-volt independent battery (40t) through a supply circuit
(40p),
preferably a voltage and current limiting circuit. This battery reloads itself
through a
2o battery charger (40r) which interacts with a lighting circuit of the
trailer (20).
Preferably, the systems of the trailer (20) further comprise door sensors,
temperature sensors, tilt sensors, or a combination thereof. For example, a
movement detector such as a tilt sensor (40s) connected to the controller
(40a) of
the trailer module (40) allows detecting any unauthorized movement of the
trailer
(20). The trailer module (40) is also associated with systems such as a brake
system through detection circuits (40i and 40j), for example voltage and
current
limiting circuits can be used as detection circuits (40i and 40j). The trailer
module
(40) is in a locked state by locking the brakes of the trailer (20) until a
valid code is
received. The detection circuits (40i and 40j) detect pressured air in the
brake
system of the trailer (20) by the means of a switch by a pressured air
detector (41)
shown in figure 5(A). The detection circuits (40i and 40j) allow detecting the
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opening of the back doors using a presence detector. A driver (40g), for
example a
MOSFETS relay driver, allows activating up to 6 relays (42); for example, the
driver allows activating an electrovalve (22) which empties the air supply
(26) at
the trailer's (20) brakes and stops the trailer.
The central station (50)
The central station (50) block diagram is best shown in figure 6. The central
station
(50) is adapted to send to the tractor module (30) and trailer module (40) the
unique code of the user (60) authorized to drive the tractor (10) with the
trailer
to (20), so that upon receipt of the code, the tractor module (30) and the
trailer
module (40) enable the user (60) to drive the tractor (10) with the trailer
(20).
The central station (50) is preferably supplied either by an independent power
supply connected through a power connector (50d) or by a USB connector (50c).
The entire system is controlled by a power supply (50e).
The central station (50) is connected to a computer (50f), preferably through
a
DB9 connector (50b) or through a USB connector (50c) or through a connector
RJ-45 (50h) with a UDP or TCP protocol. The central station's transceiver
(50a),
which is a transceiver of a frequency Y, for example a spread spectrum
transceiver of a frequency Y, and connected to the different connectors (50b,
50c,
50h), allows bidirectional communication between same type radios.
The information received by the central station (50) is sent to the computer
(50f)
comprising software with which an operator (50g) can interact. For example,
the
system according to the present invention is further operatively
interconnected
with an external clearance system. Preferably, the external clearance system
is a
customs system. Information relating to merchandises, user and destination are
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sent to the external clearance system, in order to reduce time spent at a
clearance
station.
The keychain (70)
The keychain (70) block diagram is shown in figure 7. The keychain (70)
carries
the unique code. The keychain (70) is adapted to transmit the unique code. The
keychain (70) is supplied by a battery (70b), for example, a 3 volt lithium
battery.
One of the principal integrated circuit of the keychain is a code generator
and an
io RF encoder (70a). A membrane keyboard is connected to a connector (700, for
example a ZIF connector, comprised in the keychain (70). When a button of the
membrane keyboard is pressed, the generator generates an encrypted code and
sends it through radio waves via the loop antenna (70d). The wave of a
frequency
X is generated from a crystal (70c). The encrypted code comprises a
manufacturer
code programmed when manufacturing, a counter incrementing at each activation,
a serial number, as well as information on the status of the keychain (70)
(battery
voltage, pressed button). The integrated circuit (70a) performs logical
operations
with all this information and creates an encrypted, rolling and unique code
reusable for about the next 32000 uses of the keychain (70).
As mentioned above, the keychain (70) can also be activated through a resonant
circuit (70e) sensitive to the electromagnetic field of a frequency W
generated in
each module (30 or 40). For example, if this field is created by the tractor
module
(30) through the power circuit (30h) and if the keychain (70) is within a
radius of
about 30 centimeters, the resonant circuit (70e) commands a button of the
membrane keyboard (70f). Thus, the RF encoder (70a) sends the encrypted code
through radio waves via the loop antenna (70d). For example, the resonant
circuit
comprises a beacon detection circuitry. A means for biometrical identification
could
also be used to validate the user (60).
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The keyboard (80)
The keyboard (80) is shown in figures 8 and 9. The unique code is sent using
the
keyboard (80). The keyboard (80) is preferably a wireless RF keyboard.
For example, the keyboard (80) is supplied by a lithium rechargeable 3.7-volt
battery (80d) controlled by circuits such as a DC/DC step-up (80f) and an LDO
voltage regulator (80g). The battery (80d) is rechargeable through a battery
charger (80c), using a power jack (82) or an external connector (83). Besides,
the
interface connector (83) allows programming information in a controller (80a)
or
1o adding means for biometrical identification. Information can also be
displayed from
the controller (80a), for example using a LCD (81).
The user (60) of the keyboard (80) uses the keys (84, 85, 86) to perform
different
tasks. The keypad comprises selection keys (85), menu keys (84) and numerical'
keys (86). The selection keys (85) allow navigating in a list and choosing
items.
The menu keys (84) allow navigating through the menus of the RF keyboard (80).
The numerical keys (86) allow entering data.
The keyboard's transceiver (80b), preferably a spread spectrum transceiver of
a
frequency Y, is connected to the keyboard's controller (80a) and allows
bidirectional communication between same type radios. To inform the user of
specific situations, the keyboard's controller (80a) can activate a small
buzzer
(80e).
The optional cellular module (90)
The optional cellular module (90) is shown in figure 10. The tractor module
(30) is
provided with the cellular module (90), for permitting cellular communication
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between the tractor module (30) and the central station (70). The cellular
module
(90) is optionally added to the tractor module (30) and the trailer module
(40). The
cellular module (90) is supplied via a peripheral connector (90c), for example
a 36-
contacts connector, connected to a vehicle connector which could either be the
peripheral connector (30m) of the tractor module (30) or the peripheral
connector
(40m) of the trailer module (40). A power supply (90b) controls the supplying
system of the cellular module (90). Preferably, the cellular (90a) is
connected to
the controller (30a) of the tractor module (30) via the peripheral connectors
(90c -
30m) of the tractor module (30) and cellular module (90). Preferably, the
cellular
1o (90a) is connected to the controller (40a) of the trailer module (40) via
the
peripheral connectors (90c - 40m) of the trailer module (40) and cellular
module
(90).
Functioning of the system
The present invention also provides the user (60) with a method in real time
for
driving the tractor-trailer. The method comprises the steps of providing the
user
with the unique code, providing the tractor module (30), providing the trailer
module (40), providing the central station (50), sending the unique code of
the
user to the tractor module (30) and trailer module (40). The method further
comprises the steps of sending the unique code to the tractor module and
trailer
module. Thus the method compares the codes received by the central station
(50)
and by the user (60). The method also enables the user to drive the tractor
(10)
associated with the trailer (20) when the codes match.
Directions for the system's installation
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In order to install the system in a vehicle, for example, a programmer should
obtain an encrypted file located on a provider's web site, for example under a
section provided for programmers. There, the programmer can log in and fills
the
appropriate form with the customer's information.
Once the form completed, an encrypted file is generated and saved in the
programmer's computer. The encrypted file comprises information about the
customer's identity and vehicle. The file also comprises configuration data
about
the system and the number of keychains (70) the tractor module (30) or the
trailer
to module can take (40). Each tractor module (30) and trailer module can take
up to
a predetermined maximum number of keychains (70), for example about seven.
One keychain (70) according to the present embodiment of the invention can be
associated with a plurality of tractor modules (30) and trailer modules (40).
Installation software, for example available on the provider's web site,
enables the
programmer to download the encrypted file in the tractor module (30) or
trailer
module (40). Thus, the programmer may program the authorized keychain (70).
Tractor theft prevention
2o Every time a valid keychain (70) is used to start up a tractor (10)
comprising a
tractor module (30), the tractor module (30) sends information about the
starting
up of the tractor (10) to the central station (50) via the transceiver (30k)
at a
frequency Y. The input circuit (30j) detects the starting up of the tractor.
Similarly,
when the same tractor (10) is shut down, the module (30) informs the central
station (50) about the arrival of the tractor. This allows the central station
(50) to be
always aware of the status of the equipment. For example, the central station
gets
updates concerning which equipment is currently under the supervision of the
central station.
At regular intervals, the tractor module (30) communicates with the central
station
(50). If the communication breaks between the central station and the tractor
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module, the tractor module (30) reports itself as stolen and sends an alarm,
for
example, by cutting the electric circuits of ignition, moving off and fuel
supplying
(15), also by emptying the air (16) in the brake system by activating the
electrovalve (12) preventing all kinds of movements. This is allowed by the
driver
(30g). When communication breaks between the two modules, the central station
(50) alerts the dispatcher that the tractor seems to be missing. This allows
eliminating a possible hitching for stealing and also alerts of any attempt to
jam the
communication.
to If the tractor (10) is started up without a keychain (70) to validate an
authorization
or a message concerning a displacement coming from a keyboard (80), the
tractor
module (30) stops the tractor (10) by cutting the electric circuits of
ignition, moving
off and fuel supplying (15), also by emptying the air (16) in the braking
system by
activating the electrovalve (12) preventing all kinds of movements. This is
allowed
by the driver (30g). Simultaneously, the tractor module (30) sends an alert to
the
central station (50) warning the dispatcher (50g) that an illegal starting up
has
been attempted. This message can also be received by the keyboard (80) which
warns the user (60).
Using the entrance circuits (30i), the tractor module (30) can detect other
signals
such as for example doors opening. Any abnormal happening is either received
by
the central station (50) which sends them to the dispatcher (50g) or by the
keyboard (80) which advises the user (60).
If the tractor (10) is started up with a valid keychain (70), the tractor (10)
works
correctly. The tractor module (30) is able to activate the keyboard (80)
instead of
the keychain (70).
However, if the tractor (10) is not within a reception radius of 2 km to
receive the
frequency Y wave of the central station (50), but comprises an optional
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module (90), then the warnings are sent to the central station (50) using a
cellular
link. Every warning or alert is sent with information about the geographical
position
of the tractor (10) provided by the G.P.S. receiver (301) of the tractor
module (30).
Trailer theft prevention
Every time a trailer module (40) located in a trailer (20) detects, via the
pressured
air detector (41), the hitching of a tractor, the trailer module (40)
automatically
empties the air (26) in the pneumatic brakes which stops the trailer (20).
This is
allowed by the electrovalve (22). These features are best shown in figures
5(A)
1o and 5(B). As long as the trailer module (40) does not receive any
confirmation, via
the transceiver (40k) at a frequency Y, to validate the hitching, or via the
keychain
(70) to allow a movement, the trailer (20) remains motionless. If no
confirmation is
received after a predetermined delay, the trailer module (40) sends an alert
to the
central station (50) to warn the dispatcher (50g) or to the keyboard (80) to
warn
the user (60).
The message authorizing movement of the trailer (20) is received by the
trailer
module (40), via the transceiver (40k) of a frequency Y, and the message
preferably comes from the keyboard (80), from the tractor module (10) or from
the
central station (50).
If the movement detector of the trailer module (40), for example the tilt
sensor
(40s), detects any movement of an unattached trailer (20) or any movement of a
trailer hitched to an unauthorized tractor (10), then a warning is sent to the
central
station (50) or to the keyboard (80) via the transceiver (40k) of frequency Y.
If the trailer module (40) receives an authorization message within a
predetermined delay, the trailer module (40) authorizes the trailer's (20)
movement.
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The trailer module (40) can detect, through the detection circuits (40i),
other
signals, for example, back doors opening. Any unauthorized happening is either
received by the central station (50) which warns the dispatcher (50g) or by
the
keyboard (80) which warns the user (60).
However, if the trailer (20) is not within a reception radius of 2 km to
receive the Y
frequency wave of the central station (50), but comprises an optional cellular
module (90), the optional cellular module (90) will end warnings or alerts to
the
to central station (50) through a cellular link. Each warning or alert is sent
with
information about the geographical position provided by the G.P.S. receiver
(401)
of the trailer module (40).
Reel time equipment management
An important element of the present reel time equipment management system is
dispatching software, installed in a computer of the central station (50). The
software allows sending the following information to the dispatcher (50g):
current
status of the tractors" and trailers (moving or parked), position of the
tractors and
trailers, status of the batteries, which tractor is hitched with which
trailer, which
user is driving which tractor, which communication link is available,
detection of an
anomaly in equipment's usage or linkage.
The software allows' scheduling the equipment departures and ensuring correct
associations and correspondences between the user (60), tractor (10) and
trailer
(20). To perform. these actions, using the software the dispatcher (50g)
selects the
user(s) (60), tractor(s) (10) and trailer(s) (20) to associate.
All RF emissions sent via the transceivers (30k, 40k, 50a and 80b) are
encrypted.
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Tractor module (30) supervision system
If a valid keychain (70) or keyboard (80) starts up the tractor (10), the
tractor
module (30), via the transceiver (30k) comprised within the tractor module
(30),
warns the central station (50). The central station (50) identifies the
keychain (70)
or the keyboard (80) used to perform the starting up. As the data base of the
dispatching software links each keychain (70) or keyboard (80) to a user (60),
the
dispatcher (50g) knows who is driving the tractor (10). Following the starting
up of
the tractor (10), the central station (50) informs the tractor module (30) of
the
corresponding equipment to carry.
When the tractor (10) works, if there is a free communication way, it is
possible to
inquire, via the transceiver (30k), information about the tractor module (30),
for
example, inquiring about its position or diagnosing problems. The user (60)
can
open a predetermined gate by pressing on a preset button of the keychain (70):
is the keychain (70) sends to the central station (50), through a receiver
(30c), a
code, which starts a transmission, via the transceiver (30k) of the tractor
module
(30), to request the opening of the gate. The dispatching software checks if
the
message is valid. If the message is valid, the dispatching software advises
the
dispatcher (50g) and opens the gate immediately, knowing that the
corresponding
2o equipment is valid.
At regular intervals, the tractor module (30) checks if the tractor (10) is
still in an
area covered by the central station (50). If the tractor module (30) is out of
reach
and equipped with an optional cellular mode (90), the tractor module (30) will
keep
25 checking the status of the tractor until the tractor (10) gets back in an
area covered
by the central station (50).
Trailer module (40) supervision system
When the trailer (40) detects air pressure, via the pressured air detector
(41)
30 switch, the trailer (40) warns, via the transceiver (40k), the central
station (50).
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Thus the central station (50) advises the dispatcher (50g) and informs the
trailer
module (40) about the equipment to carry. Then the trailer module (40) checks
with the tractor module (30) of the tractor (10) that tows the trailer (20) if
the
equipment expected according the tractor module's (30) data corresponds to the
one expected according to the trailer module's (40) data. If the data match,
the
tractor module (30) sends an authorization code to the trailer module (40).
The
trailer module (40) then authorizes the trailer (20) to move. The trailer
module (40)
informs the central station (50) that the trailer (20) is authorized to be
hitched to
and towed by the tractor (10).
When the trailer (20) works, if there is a free communication way, it is
possible to
inquire- about information about the trailer, for example, inquiring about the
trailer
position or diagnosing the system. At regular intervals, the trailer module
(40)
checks if the trailer (20) is still in an area covered by the central station
(50). If the
trailer module (40) is out of reach and equipped with an optional cellular
module
(90), the trailer module (40) will keep checking the status of the trailer
until the
trailer (10) gets back in an area covered of the central station (50).
Keyboard (80) supervision system
In order to use the keyboard (80), a user should enter a personal
identification
code. The keyboard (80) is programmable via a connector interface (83).
It is possible to program the usage of the keyboard (80) for a certain period
of
time. When the period is over, the keyboard (80) resets itself and becomes
unusable. Consequently, in case of theft, its usage is controlled.
It is also possible to program a list of tractors (10) and trailers (20) which
access is
granted to selected users (60).
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The keyboard (80) can also receive, via the transceiver (80b), warnings and
alerts
from the trailer module (40) and the tractor module (30).
Of course, the above-described embodiments are only illustrative examples of
what could be accomplished with the present invention. Furthermore, it should
be
understood that numerous modifications could be made to the embodiments as
described herein, without departing from the scope of the invention as
apparent to
a person skilled in the art.
