Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02877012 2015-01-09
SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CAPTURING
TELEMATICS DATA WITH AN ACTIVE RFID TAG
FIELD OF INVENTION
This application is a divisional of Canadian Patent Application
No. 2,796,941 filed on January 10, 2005.
This invention relates to real-time vehicle monitoring and tracking systems
and methods. More specifically, the present invention pertains to an active
RFID
tag configured to acquire telematics data through multiple input interfaces
and
provide the acquired data to an external data terminal. The device and its
method
of use are useful in the field of vehicle fleet management. In one embodiment,
the
active RFID tag collects telematics data from sensors in the vehicle, stores
the data,
and communicates the data to a data terminal such as a Delivery Information
Acquisition Device (DIAD), which is a portable computing device utilized by
United Parcel Service to collect parcel delivery data, or an RFID
interrogator.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1 5 In vehicle fleet operations, efficient management of vehicle
allocation,
security, and maintenance and driver allocation and security are paramount
tasks.
For example, with a package delivery fleet system, delivery process elements,
such
as time traveled between stops, time of each stop, distance traveled,
proximity to
delivery point, routing of delivery points, and number of stops made per
vehicle,
can be analyzed to make the delivery and routing processes more efficient.
Currently, for United Parcel Service (UPS), this data is manually collected.
For
example, a person rides in a vehicle for an entire day and uses a hand-held
data
acquisition device, such as, for example, Hewlett Packard's iPAQ hand-held
data
acquisition device, to enter data corresponding to various elements of the
delivery
process. This data is manually recorded by the person, entered into a
database, and
analyzed. This data collection process is time consuming and produces data
that is
often erroneous or outdated when utilized.
In addition, vehicle maintenance and repair functions are performed to
ensure that vehicles are available for deployment when needed. Currently,
vehicle
maintenance schedules for each vehicle are maintained in a central database,
and
the database notifies automotive personnel to perform the scheduled
maintenance
function when due based on calendar driven preventive maintenance schedules.
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Repair diagnostic tests are performed when maintenance personnel are made
aware
of a need for repair. Known maintenance schedule notification and repair
processes are inefficient because the maintenance personnel are not always
informed of maintenance needs, and vehicle diagnostic tests can be time
consuming and costly. Additionally, the potential delay in notifying
maintenance
personnel of a need to repair or perform maintenance procedures often renders
a
vehicle out of service or risks the safety of the vehicle and driver.
Furthermore, package delivery vehicle fleet operators must consider which
security measures should be employed to most efficiently and effectively
protect
packages, vehicles, and drivers. Currently, security mechanisms are not
automated
and are seldom utilized. As a result, delivery drivers sometimes mistakenly
leave a
cargo or cab door unlocked, and the vehicle and inventory are susceptible to
theft
or damage.
Therefore, an unsatisfied need in the art exists for a real-time vehicle
tracking and monitoring system that overcomes current challenges, some of
which
are described above.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a system for
automating the collection of vehicle sensor data for fleet operations of a
parcel
delivery service. The system includes an active RFID tag and a portable data
acquisition device accessible to a vehicle operator. The RFID tag includes an
input
interface for collecting data from one or more sensors that are disposed
within a
vehicle, a processor for associating a time-stamp with at least a portion of
the data,
and a memory for storing the time-stamped data. The data includes a current
global position of the vehicle. The portable data acquisition device includes
an
RFID interrogator for receiving the data from the memory of the RFID tag, a
memory for storing the data, and a data acquisition processor. The memory of
the
portable data acquisition device stores one or more pre-selected delivery
positions,
and the data acquisition processor compares the current global position to the
pre-
selected delivery positions. In one embodiment, the portable data acquisition
device alerts the vehicle operator of the nearest delivery position to the
current
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global position. In another embodiment, the portable data acquisition device
provides an estimated time of arrival to each of the one or more pre-selected
delivery positions to the operator. In yet another embodiment, the portable
data
acquisition device alerts the operator if a parcel associated with a
particular
delivery position is delivered to an incorrect delivery position.
The RFID tag is capable of collecting other types of data, including the
following: door data, electronic control module trouble and diagnostic codes,
ignition data, mileage data, seat belt data, engine data, geographical
position data,
or combinations thereof.
In another embodiment, a system for automating the collection of vehicle
sensor data for fleet operations of a parcel delivery service includes an
active RFID
tag and a portable data acquisition device, which is accessible to a vehicle
operator.
The RFID tag includes an input interface for collecting data from one or more
sensors that are disposed within a vehicle, a processor for associating a time-
stamp
with at least a portion of the data, and a memory for storing the time-stamped
data.
The portable data acquisition device includes an RFID interrogator that
receives
the data from the memory of the RFID tag, a memory for storing the data, a
data
acquisition processor, and a data radio. The memory of the portable data
acquisition device stores threshold data parameters representative of normal
vehicle operation conditions. The data acquisition processor compares the data
collected by the RFID tag to the data parameters in the memory and transmits
an
alarm signal via the data radio if the collected data is outside of the data
parameters. In another embodiment, the data acquisition processor compares the
collected data to the data parameters in the memory of the data acquisition
device
over a time interval.
One embodiment of the invention provides a system for automating
security features of one or more vehicles in a fleet. The system includes an
active
RFID tag disposed within a vehicle and a portable data acquisition device
accessible to the vehicle operator. The RFID tag includes an input interface
for
collecting data from sensors disposed within a vehicle, a processor for
associating
a time-stamp with the data, and a memory for storing the time-stamped data.
The
portable data acquisition device includes an RFID interrogator for receiving
the
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data from the memory of the RFID tag and a data radio for communicating the
data
wirelessly to a mainframe computer system. When the portable data acquisition
device is within a particular geographical range of the RFID tag, the RFID
interrogator receives a signal indicating that the tag is within the read
range of the
interrogator. If the portable data acquisition device is moved so that the
interrogator no longer receives a signal from the RFID tag, and this condition
persists for more than a particular time interval, the portable data
acquisition
device is configured to transmit a signal via the data radio to a facility to
report a
potential security breach.
A fleet management system according to one embodiment of the invention
includes an active RFID tag disposed within a vehicle and a portable data
acquisition device. The RFID tag includes an input interface for collecting
data
from sensors disposed within a vehicle, a processor for associating a time-
stamp
with the data, and a memory for storing the time-stamped data. The portable
data
acquisition device includes an RFID interrogator for receiving data from the
memory of the RFID tag and a data radio. If the portable data acquisition
device
detects a security triggering event from the data collected by the RFID tag,
the
portable data acquisition device is configured to transmit a signal to a
remote
external data acquisition device at a facility via the data radio. In one
embodiment,
the portable data acquisition device, which is accessible to a vehicle
operator, is
configured to page a facility in response to receiving data from the RFID tag
that
indicates a security triggering event.
One embodiment of the invention provides a system for managing traffic
and equipment within a fleet facility hub. The system includes an active RFID
tag
disposed within a vehicle and an external data acquisition device. The RFID
tag
includes an input interface for collecting data from sensors disposed within a
vehicle, a processor for associating a time-stamp with the data, and a memory
for
storing the time-stamped data. The external data acquisition device includes
an
RFID interrogator that receives data from the memory of the RFID tag and from
other RFID tags disposed on cargo within the vehicle and a data radio for
communicating over a wireless network. The RFID interrogator can receive data
from the RFID tag when the RFID interrogator is within a particular
geographical
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range of the RFID tag. The data transmitted to the external data acquisition
device
can be used to allocate equipment at the facility, determine where in the
facility the
vehicle should park, and determine whether the vehicle is allowed to enter or
exit a
facility. A facility may include a parcel sorting hub facility, a railhead
facility, or a
seaport facility.
One embodiment of the invention includes a system for detecting whether a
vehicle is unsecured. The system includes an active RFID tag and a portable
data
acquisition device. The RFID tag includes an input interface for receiving
data
from one or more sensors disposed within a vehicle and a memory for storing
the
data. The data indicates whether one or more doors are locked or unlocked,
whether the engine is running, and whether the vehicle is in motion. The
portable
data acquisition device, which includes an RFID interrogator, receives and
analyzes the data. In response to the data indicating that the door is
unlocked, the
engine is running and the vehicle is not moving, the portable data acquisition
device is configured for notifying an operator of the vehicle.
Another embodiment of the invention includes a system for automating the
collection of vehicle sensor data for fleet operations of a parcel delivery
service_
The system includes an active RFID tag and an external data acquisition
device.
The RFID tag includes an input interface for collecting data from one or more
sensors that are disposed within a vehicle, a processor for associating a time-
stamp
with at least a portion of the collected data, and a memory for storing the
time-
stamped data. The external data acquisition device, which is located at a
facility,
includes an RFID interrogator for receiving data from the RFID tag and a
memory
for storing data received from the RFID tag. The data and an identity of the
vehicle indicated by the RFID tag are uploaded to the RFID interrogator upon
the
vehicle's entry into or exit from the facility.
One embodiment of the invention includes a method of collecting work
study data for evaluating vehicle fleet operations. The method includes the
steps
of: (1) providing an active RFID tag within one or more fleet vehicles, each
the
RFID tags configured for receiving data from one or more vehicle sensors
disposed
in each of the one or more vehicles; (2) collecting, time-stamping, and
storing data
received from the one or more vehicle sensors using the RFID tag; (3) in
response
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to a pre-determined event, transmitting the data from the RFID tag to an RFID
interrogator, wherein the RFID interrogator is in communication with an
external
data acquisition device; and (4) utilizing the data to perform work studies of
vehicle and driver performance. In a further embodiment, the method includes
the
step of utilizing the data to identify and send notification of vehicle repair
and
maintenance needs.
Another embodiment of the invention includes a method of automating
security functions for one or more vehicles in a fleet. The method includes
the
steps of:
providing an RFID tag in one or more fleet vehicles, wherein the RFID
tag is configured for collecting data from one or more vehicle sensors;
providing a portable data acquisition device that includes an RFID
interrogator for receiving data from the RFID tag when the portable data
acquisition device is within a certain range of the RFID tag; and
sending a signal to a facility in response to the portable data acquisition
device being moved from within the certain range to outside the certain range
such that the RFID interrogator moves from a point where it is in
communication
with the RFID tag to a second point where the RFID interrogator is no longer
in
communication with the RFID tag for a certain pre-determine time interval.
Another embodiment of the invention includes a system for managing
traffic and equipment within a fleet facility hub, said system comprising:
an active RFID tag comprising an input interface for collecting data from
one or more sensors that are disposed within a vehicle, a processor for
associating
a time-stamp with at least a portion of said data, and a first memory for
storing
said data; and
an external data acquisition device comprising an RFID interrogator, a
second memory for storing said data, a data acquisition processor, and a data
radio for communicating wirelessly with a facility, wherein said RFID
interrogator can receive data from said RFID tag when said RFID interrogator
is
within a particular geographical range of said RFID tag,
wherein, in response to said RFID tag being within said particular
geographical range of said RFID interrogator, said RFID tag is configured to
transmit said data to said external data acquisition device, and
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wherein said external data acquisition device is configured for utilizing
said data to perform one or more of the following functions: allocate
equipment
at said facility, determine where in said facility said vehicle should park,
and
determine whether said vehicle should be allowed to enter or exit said
facility.
Another embodiment of the invention includes a system for detecting
whether a vehicle is unsecured, said system comprising:
an active RFID tag comprising an input interface for collecting data from
a one or more sensors disposed within a vehicle, a processor for associating a
time-stamp with the data, and a first memory for storing the data, wherein
said
data from a door sensor indicates whether a door is unlocked or locked, data
from
an engine sensor indicates whether the engine is running, and data from a
speed
sensor indicates whether the vehicle is in motion; and
said portable data acquisition device including an RFID interrogator for
receiving data from said RFID tag, a second memory for storing said data, and
a
data acquisition processor for analyzing said data, wherein, in response to
said
data indicating said door is unlocked, said engine is running and said vehicle
is
not in motion, said portable data acquisition device is configured for
notifying an
operator of said vehicle.
Another embodiment of the invention includes a system for automating
the collection of vehicle sensor data for fleet operations of a parcel
delivery
service, said system comprising:
an active RFID tag comprising an input interface for collecting data from
one or more sensors that are disposed within a vehicle, a processor for
associating
a time-stamp with at least a portion of said data, and a first memory for
storing
said data; and
an external data acquisition device at a facility, said external data
acquisition device comprising an RFID interrogator for receiving said data
from
said first memory and a second memory for storing said data,
wherein said data and an identity of said vehicle are transmitted to RFID
interrogator upon said vehicle's entry into or exit from said facility.
Another embodiment of the invention includes a method of collecting
work study data for evaluating vehicle fleet operations, said method
comprising
the steps of:
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providing an active RFID tag within one or more fleet vehicles, each said
RFID tags configured for receiving data from one or more vehicle sensors
disposed in each of said one or more vehicles;
collecting, time-stamping, and storing data received from said one or
more vehicle sensors using said RFID tag;
in response to a pre-determined event, transmitting said data from said
RFID tag to an RFID interrogator, said RFID interrogator in communication with
an external data acquisition device; and
utilizing said data to perform work studies of vehicle and driver
performance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are
not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
Fig. la shows an embodiment of a processing system that can be used to
practice aspects of the invention;
Fig. lb shows an alternative embodiment of a processing system that can
be used to practice aspects of the invention;
Fig. 2 shows various elements of a system according to one embodiment
of the present invention; and
Fig. 3 shows a flowchart of the operation of the system according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention
are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms
and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein;
rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and
complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in
the
art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
Brief Summary
According to one embodiment, the data collection and evaluation system of
the present invention includes an active RFID tag that collects, time-stamps,
and
stores vehicle sensor data. Examples of the types of data collected include
door
data indicating whether a door is open or closed, ignition data indicating
whether
the vehicle is turned on or off, oil pressure data, temperature data, speed
data,
global positioning data, and diagnostic and trouble code data.
The system further includes an external data acquisition device, such as a
mainframe computer system or a hand-held data acquisition device like an iPAQ.
The external data acquisition device includes an RFID interrogator that is
able to
read the RFID tag disposed within the vehicle. The external data acquisition
device further includes a processor for analyzing the data and a data radio
for
transmitting the data transmitted from the RFID tag to another computer.
The ability of the system to collect data with the RFID tag and transmit the
data to the external data acquisition device allows for the automation of
fleet
management processes, vehicle maintenance and repair processes, and certain
security features. For example, the vehicle sensor data can be automatically
collected and stored for analysis by existing work-study software programs,
which
perform work time studies on the vehicles and their drivers, including
tracking the
speed traveled by a vehicle against the global position of the vehicle, time
at each
stop, time between stops, distance traveled, number of stops per vehicle, and
proximity to delivery point. Furthermore, the data can be compared with data
ranges indicating normal operating conditions to determine if the vehicle is
in need
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of immediate repair or maintenance. In addition, the MD tag and the external
data acquisition device can be used to automatically perform certain security
functions, such as detecting geo-fencing conditions and alerting the hub,
nearest
facility, or a local computer if the security of the vehicle is breached.
Exemplary System Architecture
As used herein, a computer, or other data acquisition device, may be a
device having at least a means for entering information such as a keyboard,
touch
screen, scanner, etc. and a means for displaying information such as a
display, etc.
The computer will also be capable of receiving and/or transmitting
information.
Such information may be transported over a network that may be wired,
wireless,
optical, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the computer may contain
a
processor and a memory, although in other embodiments the processor and/or
memory may reside elsewhere. The computer may be at a fixed location such as a
desktop or portable, or it may be a hand-held device such as, for example, a
DIAD
as is used by UPS.
Turning to Figure 1 a, one embodiment of a computer is illustrated that can
be used to practice aspects of the present invention. In Figure la, a
processor 1,
such as a microprocessor, is used to execute software instructions for
carrying out
the defined steps. The processor receives power from a power supply 17 that
also
provides power to the other components as necessary. The processor 1
communicates using a data bus 5 that is typically 16 or 32 bits wide (e.g., in
parallel). The data bus 5 is used to convey data and program instructions,
typically, between the processor and memory. In the present embodiment,
memory can be considered primary memory 2 that is RAM or other forms which
retain the contents only during operation, or it may be non-volatile 3, such
as
ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, FLASH, or other types of memory that retain the
memory contents at all times. The memory could also be secondary memory 4,
such as disk storage, that stores large amounts of data. In some embodiments,
the
disk storage may communicate with the processor using an I/O bus 6 instead or
a
dedicated bus (not shown). The secondary memory 4 may be a floppy disk, hard
disk, compact disk, DVD, or any other type of mass storage type known to those
skilled in the computer arts.
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The processor 1 also communicates with various peripherals or external
devices using an I/O bus 6. In the present embodiment, a peripheral I/0
controller
7 is used to provide standard interfaces, such as RS-232, RS422, DIN, USB, or
other interfaces as appropriate to interface various input/output devices.
Typical
input/output devices include local printers 18, a monitor 8, a keyboard 9, and
a
mouse 10 or other typical pointing devices (e.g., rollerball, tracicpad,
joystick, etc.).
Typically the processor 1 communicates with external communication
networks using a communications I/0 controller 11, and may use a variety of
interfaces such as data communication oriented protocols 12 such as X.25,
ISDN,
DSL, cable modems, etc. The communications controller 11 may also incorporate
a modem (not shown) for interfacing and communicating with a standard
telephone
line 13. Finally, the communications I/0 controller may incorporate an
Ethernet
interface 14 for communicating over a local area network (LAN). Any of these
interfaces may be used to access the Internet, intranets, LANs, or other data
communication facilities.
Finally, the processor 1 may communicate with a wireless interface 16 that
is operatively connected to an antenna 15 for communicating wirelessly with
other
devices, using for example, one of the IEEE 802.11 protocols, 802.15.4
protocol,
or standard 3G wireless telecommunications protocols, such as CDMA2000 lx
EV-DO, GPRS, W-CDMA, or other protocol.
An alternative embodiment of a processing system than may be used is
shown in Figure lb. In this embodiment, a distributed communication and
processing architecture is shown involving a server 20 communicating with
either
a local client computer 26a or a remote client computer 26b. The server 20
typically comprises a processor 21 that communicates with a database 22, which
can be viewed as a form of secondary memory, as well as primary memory 24.
The processor also communicates with external devices using an 1./0 controller
23
that typically interfaces with a LAN 25. The LAN may provide local
connectivity
to a networked printer 28 and the local client computer 26a. These may be
located
in the same facility as the server 20, though not necessarily in the same
room.
Communication with remote devices typically is accomplished by routing data
from the LAN 25 over a communications facility to the Internet 27. A remote
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client computer 26b may execute a web browser, so that the remote client 26b
may
interact with the server 20 as required by transmitting data through the
Internet 27,
over the LAN 25, and to the server 20.
Those skilled in the art of data networking will realize that many other
alternatives and architectures are possible and can be used to practice the
principles
of the present invention. The embodiments illustrated in Figure 1 a and lb can
be
modified in different ways and be within the scope of the present invention as
claimed.
Figure 2 shows various elements of a telematics data collection and
evaluation system 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. As explained in greater detail below, the active RFID tag 120
collects
vehicle sensor data and transmits the data to an external data acquisition
device
130 via an RFID interrogator 200 in communication with the external data
acquisition device 130.
In one embodiment, the active RFID tag 120 includes some or all of the
following components: one or more input interfaces 206 for receiving data from
vehicle sensors 220, a processor 201 for associating a time with collected
vehicle
sensor data, a clock 203 that is initialized or synchronized by receiving a
radio
frequency (RF) signal from an RFID interrogator, memory modules 303, and a
power source 208. In addition to discrete sensors 221 disposed within the
vehicle,
vehicle sensors 220 may be associated with a global positioning system (GPS)
sensor 202 and an electronic control module (ECM) 205.
One embodiment of the system utilizes an active RFID tag 120, such as the
Identec Solutions AG IQ8V tag. The IQ8V tag operates at 916 Megahertz, is
battery powered, and includes a clock for providing a time, a processor that
is
programmed to associate the time with collected vehicle data, and 8 KB of
memory for storing the data and associated times.
In one embodiment, the external data acquisition device 130 includes an
RFID interrogator 200 for receiving data from the RFID tag 120, a memory for
storing the data received from the RFID tag 120, a processor for analyzing the
collected data against other data parameters stored within the memory, and a
data
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radio for communicating over a wireless wide area network (WWAN), wireless
local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN), or any
combination thereof.
In one embodiment, a data radio is one of several components available in
the external data acquisition device 130. The data radio is configured to
communicate with a WWAN, WLAN, or WPAN, or any combination thereof. In
one embodiment, a WPAN data radio provides connectivity between the external
data acquisition device 130 and peripheral devices, such as another external
data
acquisition device, a local computer, or a cellular telephone, used in close
proximity to the external data acquisition device 130. In one embodiment of
the
invention, a WPAN, such as, for example, a Bluetooth network (IEEE 802.15. 1
standard compatible) is used to transfer information between the external data
acquisition device 130 and a peripheral device. In other embodiments, WPANs
compatible with the IEEE 802 family of standards are used. In one embodiment,
the data radio is a Bluetooth serial port adapter that communicates wirelessly
via
WPAN to a Bluetooth chipset located in a peripheral device 130. One of
ordinary
skill in the art will readily recognize that other wireless protocols exist
and can be
used with the present invention.
In one embodiment of the data collection and evaluation system 100, the
external data acquisition device 130 is a portable data acquisition device,
such as,
for example, the DIAD currently employed by UPS that collects, stores, and
transmits package-tracking information. In one embodiment, vehicle performance
and tracking data is collected by the RFID tag 120 (called telematics data)
and
transmitted via an RFID interrogator 200 to the portable data acquisition
device,
where the data is stored until a communication link is established between the
portable data acquisition device and a local computer or a mainframe computer
system. In one embodiment, the portable data acquisition device displays
telematics data for the driver's viewing, which is helpful in troubleshooting
vehicle performance problems and showing delivery route progress and
instructions. In an alternative embodiment, the portable data acquisition
device is
a hand-held data acquisition device, like an iPAQ.
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In one embodiment, the portable data acquisition device includes a
BluetoothTM device for transmitting data and communicating via a WPAN to
another data acquisition device, such as a mainframe computer system. The
portable data acquisition device, in one embodiment, may be programmed to
transfer data or communicate with select data acquisition devices. One method
of
providing the portable data acquisition device with the ability to determine
whether
it has permission to communicate with a particular data acquisition device is
by
identifying the data acquisition devices by their media access control (MAC)
addresses. The MAC address is a code unique to each BluetoothTm-enabled device
that identifies the device, similar to an Internet protocol address
identifying a
computer in communication with the Internet.
RFD) Interrogator
The RFID interrogator 200 transmits an RF signal, which prompts an RFID
tag 120 within a pre-defined geographical range of the RFID interrogator 200,
or
the read range, to collect and store data or upload data from the memory of
the tag
120 to the memory of the interrogator 200 or a device in communication with
the
interrogator 200. In one embodiment, the RFID interrogator 200 transmits an RF
signal continuously and the RFID tag 120 receives the RF signal when the tag
120
is within the read range of the interrogator 200.
In another embodiment, the RFID interrogator 200 transmits an RF signal
in response to a signal triggering event. For example, in one embodiment, a
signal
triggering event includes depressing a button that instructs the interrogator
200 to
send an RF signal. In another embodiment, the RF signal could be transmitted
"on-demand" if used appropriately with motion sensors, or the like, for
recognizing
the proximity of vehicles. In yet another embodiment, the RFID interrogator
200
can be programmed to send an RF signal at a particular time interval, such as
every
five seconds or five minutes. The time intervals can be limited to collecting
data at
a particular time interval during the course of a route, during a day, or
between
stops.
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According to one embodiment, the RE signal transmitted by the
interrogator 200 prompts the initialization of a clock 203 or other timing
device
associated with the tag 120. In one embodiment, the initialization resets the
clock
to 00:00. In another embodiment, the initialization synchronizes the clock 203
with an external timing device, such as to the official time in the facility.
The RE
signal in another embodiment prompts the collection of data sensors within the
vehicle through the RFID tag's input interfaces 206. Additionally, in one
embodiment, the RE signal prompts the RFID tag 120 to upload data to the RFID
interrogator 200 included within an external data acquisition device 130.
Sensors and Data Collected
In one embodiment, the GPS sensor 202 is compatible with a low Earth
orbit (LEO) satellite system or a Depaitinent of Defense (DOD) satellite
system.
The GPS sensor 202 is used to receive position, time, and speed data. It will
be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that more than one GPS sensor 202 may
be
utilized and other GPS functions may be utilized. The GPS sensor 202, in one
embodiment, is disposed within a vehicle and communicates global position data
to the active RFID tag 120. In another embodiment, the GPS sensor 202 is
disposed within a portable data acquisition device 130 and communicates global
position data to the memory of the portable data acquisition device 130.
In one embodiment, the ECM 205 decodes and stores analog and digital
inputs and ECM data streams from vehicle systems and sensors, collects and
presents the vehicle data to an input interface 206 of the RFID tag 120, and
outputs
standard vehicle diagnostic codes when received from a vehicle's on-board
controllers or sensors. In one embodiment, the ECM 205 communicates to the
input interface 206 via J-Bus protocol. Vehicle data received from the ECM 205
can include oil pressure data, temperature data, pedal position, and mileage
traveled per hour or per trip. The diagnostic codes can communicate to the tag
120
whether temperatures or fluid levels exceed or drop below a particular level,
whether a vehicle system, such as the radiator or the engine, needs servicing,
or
whether a sensor within the vehicle has stopped working.
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In one embodiment, on/off sensors, which register a voltage amount that
corresponds with an onfoff condition of the sensor, are disposed within the
vehicle
for collecting data. For example, door sensors that are connected, for
example, to
the driver side, passenger side, and bulkhead doors, register OV when in an
open
position, and 12V when closed. As another example, an ignition sensor
registers
OV when the vehicle is off and 12V when the vehicle is turned on.
In one embodiment, variable voltage sensors, which are used to register
variations in voltage, are disposed within a vehicle for collecting data. For
example, oil pressure sensors detect the oil pressure by registering a
particular
voltage that corresponds to a particular oil pressure. The voltage of the
sensor
increases or decreases proportionately with increases or decreases in oil
pressure.
Other examples of variable voltage sensors include temperature and speed
sensors.
REID interrogators 200 can be located at the gate of a facility, signaling to
the RFID tag 120 as the vehicle enters or leaves the facility. In addition,
RFID
interrogators 200 can be located in an external data acquisition device 130,
interrogating the RFID tag 120 when the vehicle is within the read range of
the
RFID interrogator 200 in the external data acquisition device 130.
Exemplary System Operation
The operation of the data collection and evaluation system 100 is described
below in the context of a parcel delivery fleet. However, it should be
recognized
that one of skill in the art would know how to adapt the system to another
type of
vehicle fleet, such as train, shipping, and trucking operations.
Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart of the operation of the system 100 according
to one embodiment of the invention. In Step 505, an active RFID tag 120 is
provided within a vehicle 110. In Step 510, the RFID tag 120 collects data
from
the ECM 205 and other vehicle sensors, including, but not limited to, door
sensors,
engine sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and a GPS sensor 202.
The
processor 201 in the RFID tag 120 associates the data with a time-stamp, which
is
provided by the clock 203 in the RFID tag 120, and the time-stamped data is
stored
in a memory 303 in the RFID tag 120.
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In one embodiment, the RFID tag 120 collects data in response to a
collection triggering event. Examples of triggering events include receiving
an RF
signal from an RFID interrogator 200, receiving a voltage signal from the
ignition
sensor that the ignition of the vehicle 110 has been started, receiving sensor
information that the vehicle 110 has reached a pre-determined speed, or
receiving a
manual trigger, such as a signal sent after a button is depressed on the
dashboard of
the vehicle 110. Collection triggering events can also include time intervals,
such
as instructions to collect data every five seconds or every five minutes.
Any of the above examples of collection triggering events may be
combined to prompt data collection by the RFID tag 120. For example, the RFID
tag 120 may be programmed to collect data when the vehicle 110 is started and
every five minutes thereafter until the end of the route. As another example,
the
data collection may be set to occur when the RFID tag 120 receives a manual
trigger or when the vehicle 110 reaches a certain speed and every two minutes
thereafter until the vehicle 110 is turned off.
As mentioned above, according to one embodiment, the RFID tag 120 is
prompted to collect data in response to receiving an RF signal from an RFID
interrogator 200. Upon receipt of the signal from an RFID interrogator 200,
the
RFID tag 120 collects and time-stamps data from the vehicle sensors. In a
further
embodiment, if the RF signal is the first RF signal received after the engine
has
been started, the RF signal also prompts the RFID tag 120 to reset the clock
203.
Data from various vehicle sensors 220 is collected via the input interfaces
206 of the RFID tag 120. For example, data collected may include speed,
vehicle
location, vehicle inertial movement, vehicle door's proximity to another
object,
mileage, ambient temperature, vehicle weight, data indicating whether a side
or
back door is in open or closed position, ignition on or off, diagnostic code,
or
vehicle identity.
Referring back to Figure 3, in Step 515, the stored time-stamped data is
transmitted to an external data acquisition device 130 upon interrogation of
the
RFID tag 120 by the RFID interrogator 200 located within the external data
acquisition device 130. In one embodiment, the external data acquisition
device
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130 is a portable data acquisition device, such as, for example, an iPAQ or a
DIAD. The data transmitted to the portable data acquisition device is later
uploaded to a mainframe computer system via a wireless network, an infrared
signal, or a wired connection.
In one embodiment, upload triggering events prompt the transmission of
data from the RFID tag 120 to the external data acquisition device 130. These
upload triggering events can be any of the collection triggering events
described
above. For example, in a further embodiment, an RFID interrogator ZOO is
located
at the gate of a facility and prompts the RFID tag 120 to upload data upon the
vehicle's entry or exit from the facility to a computer or other external data
acquisition device located at the facility that is in communication with the
RFID
interrogator 200. This embodiment streamlines entry and data collection
processes
by automatically associating the identity of the vehicle 110 transmitted by
the
RFID tag 120 with the data uploaded from the RFID tag 120.
Other examples of upload triggering events include: a signal via a trigger
signal connection from the external data acquisition device 130 to the tag
120, the
combination of a signal from the external data acquisition device 130 and data
from the ignition sensor indicating that the ignition of the vehicle 110 has
been
started, the combination of a signal from the external data acquisition device
130
and data indicating that the vehicle 110 has reached a pre-determined speed,
and a
signal from an RFID interrogator 200.
Finally, referring back to Figure 3, the data can be used by an external data
acquisition device 130 to automate certain fleet management functions, as
shown
in Step 520, automate the identification and notification processes of vehicle
maintenance and repair needs, as shown in Step 525, and automate security
functions, as shown in Step 530. Each of these functions is discussed in more
detail below.
The following sections provide examples of how the system 100 provides
for the more efficient management of fleet operations and vehicle maintenance
and
repair needs and implementation of security features to protect vehicles and
vehicle
operators.
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Fleet Management and Work Studies of the Delivery Process
The data collected by the system 100 is used to perform work studies on
fleet operation processes, such as the delivery process and the pickup
process. By
automatically collecting, time-stamping, and transmitting the data to a
mainframe
computer system, work element measurement activity is significantly reduced
and
possibly eliminated. Furthermore, the data collected can be used to track the
delivery and pick-up processes and identify steps that can be performed more
efficiently. Other functions include the ability to customize asset
management,
inventory tracking, and security applications with respect to the territory
being
dispatched.
The GPS sensor 202 provides data indicating the current geographical
position of the vehicle 110. This data is used, for example, to provide real-
time
vehicle tracking and real-time polling of the vehicle 110. In addition, having
the
current geographical position of the vehicle 110 allows fleet operators to
automate
geo-fencing functions for the fleet and determine when and how often a vehicle
100 travels outside of the geo-fenced area. "Geo-fencing" refers to setting
geographical position parameters that define a geographical area and tracking
a
vehicle to determine if it travels in or out of the defined geographical area.
In one
embodiment, the portable data acquisition device 130 communicates an alarm or
other signal when the vehicle 110 moves outside the defined geographical area,
as
indicated by the data collected by the RFID tag 120 and transmitted to the
portable
data acquisition device 130 via the RFID interrogator 200. In another
embodiment, the portable data acquisition device 130 communicates an alarm or
other signal when the vehicle 110 moves inside the geographical area.
In one embodiment, an RFID interrogator 200 in communication with a
portable data acquisition device 130 receives the data from the RFD) tag 120,
and
the processor of the portable data acquisition device 130 compares upcoming
delivery points with the current global position indicated by the GPS data and
communicates to the driver the vehicle's proximity to upcoming stops. This
reduces walk time associated with park position error and possibly eliminates
mis-
delivery claims and associated driver follow-ups. Mis-delivery claims arise
when
parcels are delivered to the wrong address. By comparing current vehicle
position
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CA 02877012 2015-01-09
with the delivery data associated with the parcel, the portable data
acquisition
device 130 detects potential mis-deliveries in real-time and notifies the
operator
before the vehicle 110 leaves the delivery location.
In one embodiment, real time position, downloaded dispatch, and real time
travel conditions are analyzed to determine an estimated time of arrival for
delivery and pick-up services. The real time estimation can be provided to
customers or used to assist fleet managers in determining whether to dispatch
additional vehicles to a particular area when delays are expected. In one
embodiment, the estimated time of arrival (ETA) is conununicated to computers
located at upcoming delivery points via a wireless data network, the Internet,
or
other network to inform customers of the ETA. In another embodiment, if a
customer wants to receive a particular parcel earlier than the ETA predicted
for the
customer's delivery location, the customer can identify another delivery
location
that has an earlier ETA and arrange to meet the vehicle at the other delivery
location at the ETA to pick up the parcel early.
Fleet managers can also use collected GPS data to track when GPS signals
are lost and forecast when and where the GPS signal may be lost in the future.
In
one embodiment, the RFID tag 120 collects GPS sensor 202 data and inertia
sensor
data. The data collected from the inertia sensor, in combination with a time-
stamp,
allows the external data acquisition device 130 that receives the data from
the
RFID interrogator 200 to estimate the movement of the vehicle 110 while the
GPS
sensor 202 was unable to receive a signal, which assists in automating the geo-
fencing function, defining the areas in which GPS signals were lost, and
continuing
to provide the functions described above that use the global positioning data.
In
another embodiment, the external data acquisition device 130 integrates the
GPS
and/or inertial sensor data with device (DIAD) based dead reckoning to
automatically determine vehicle position and delivery point position.
In addition, the RFID tag 120 can be used to locate a particular vehicle 110
in a hub facility yard. In one embodiment, RFID interrogators 200 are
positioned
at fixed locations within a hub facility yard. An interrogator 200 receives a
signal
from the RFID tag 120 when the vehicle 110 is within an interrogator's read
zone.
By identifying the location of the RFED interrogator 200 that captured the
RFID
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CA 02877012 2015-01-09
tag 120 for the vehicle 110, the vehicle's approximate position in the yard
can be
determined.
In one embodiment, the RFID tag 120 receives data from a proximity
sensor positioned on the back of the vehicle. This sensor is used to detect
the
vehicle's proximity to another object. The RFID tag 120 transmits the data
indicating the proximity to an RFID interrogator 200 in communication with a
portable data acquisition device 130, and the portable data acquisition device
130
is configured to notify the driver when the vehicle is within a certain
distance of
another object. This provides an added safety feature for the vehicle 110 and
the
object behind it and reduces the amount of time the driver spends estimating
the
vehicle's proximity to objects behind it.
In one embodiment, the RFID tag 120 communicates with a facility to
notify the facility of the vehicle's arrival or departure. An RFID
interrogator 200
is positioned at the gate of the facility, and when the vehicle 110 passes by
the
interrogator 200, the RFID tag 120 sends a signal to the RFID interrogator 200
identifying the vehicle 110. In a further embodiment, portions of the cargo
within
the vehicle 110 may include RFID tags, and these tags also communicate their
identity to the RFID interrogator 200, which allows the mainframe computer
system at the facility to associate the cargo with the vehicle 110 and further
automates the process of tracking cargo. In another embodiment, the portable
data
acquisition device 130 contains an RFID interrogator 200 and receives signals
from RFID tags located on cargo within the vehicle 110. The portable data
acquisition device 130 can communicate the identity of the cargo located on
the
vehicle 110 to the facility's mainframe computer system via a wireless network
while the vehicle is traveling along its route.
The RFID tag 120 can also be utilized to streamline the scale process, for
example, by identifying the vehicle being weighed to an RFID interrogator 200
at
the facility or the scale facility. Additionally, the RFID tag 120 can be used
to
streamline the trailer/dolly number entry process, for example, by identifying
the
vehicle 110 entering or leaving a facility, and in one embodiment, uploading
data
stored in the RFID tag 120 to an RFID interrogator 200 in communication with a
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CA 02877012 2015-01-09
local or mainframe computer system upon entering or leaving a facility via a
WLAN or a WPAN.
Knowing the location of a vehicle 110, such as by its global position using
a GPS sensor 202 or by an RFID interrogator's position in a yard of a
facility, and
5 the cargo it contains allows fleet operators to forecast trailer on
flatcar (TOFC) and
container on flatcar (COFC) arrivals and departures and traffic density in
facilities,
rail yards, and ports. In addition, the facility or a customer can better
estimate the
arrival time of a vehicle 110. Thus the facility can direct vehicles to a
certain area
of the facility or have certain equipment ready to handle the incoming
vehicles.
10 Facilities may include a parcel sorting facility, a rail yard facility,
or a seaport
facility, for example.
According to one embodiment of the system 100, the portable data
acquisition device 130 communicates via a WPAN or a WLAN with local
computers. This ability allows local computers located at delivery and pickup
15 locations to notify the vehicle operator as to whether the vehicle 110
needs to stop,
preventing unnecessary stops and ensuring that stops are not accidentally
skipped.
In addition, in one embodiment, the portable data acquisition device includes
delivery data for each customer, and this customer-specific data can be
transmitted
to the local computer of a customer before the vehicle arrives at the
customer's
20 location, allowing the customer to prepare for cash-on-delivery (COD)
payments
or mobilize personnel or equipment to handle the incoming delivery or pick-up
load. In another embodiment, the hub facility can send messages for a
particular
operator to a computer located at a future delivery location, such as over the
Internet or other network. When the particular operator arrives at the
customer's
25 location, the computer, which is in communication with a WPAN,
communicates
the message to the operator's portable data acquisition device 130 via the
WPAN.
In one embodiment, the message is tagged to only transmit to the particular
MAC
address identifying the operator's portable data acquisition device 130.
=
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Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
The data collected from vehicle sensors by the RFID tag 120 can also be
used to automate the notification and diagnosis of vehicle maintenance and
repair
needs. For example, in one embodiment, the data collected by the RFID tag 120
is
transmitted to an RFID interrogator 200 in communication with an external data
acquisition device 130, and the data is compared with a range of values stored
in
the external data acquisition device 130. The range of values indicates normal
vehicle operating conditions. If the data value falls outside of the range,
the
external data acquisition device 130 sends an alert signal or a message
indicating
the abnormal condition to the driver or maintenance and repair personnel. The
alert signal or message may include, for example, a fault code, diagnostic
code, or
maintenance schedule request. In another embodiment, the external data
acquisition device is a portable data acquisition device 130, and the portable
data
acquisition device can page a remote external data acquisition device upon
detection of an abnormal condition.
In one embodiment, data indicating the tire pressure of each tire of a
vehicle can be analyzed over a particular time periods, such as, for example,
a
week. A faster than normal decrease in the tire pressure of one or more tires
can
alert maintenance personnel to a potential tire problem. In another
embodiment,
the data can also be used to identify driver errors that can cause harm to the
vehicle. For example, the data collected can include pedal position and
revolutions
per minute of the engine at a particular point in time. Maintenance personnel
can
use the data to identify whether the operator has been starting the vehicle is
second
gear, which can reduce the life of a clutch in the vehicle.
As discussed above, the portable data acquisition device 130 can
communicate with hub facilities via a wireless wide area network. Thus, the
portable data acquisition device 130 can receive instructions from the
facility that
assist the vehicle operator in making repairs while the vehicle is traveling
on its
route. In addition, the ability to communicate with the hub allows the
portable data
acquisition device 130 to communicate vehicle data and problems in real time,
which results in the earlier detection of problems. This can prevent problems
from
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becoming more advanced and potentially causing further injury to the vehicle
or
the operator.
Automating Security Features
In addition to using the collected data to improve the efficiency of various
elements of the delivery process and detect vehicle maintenance and repair
needs,
the RFID tag 120 can collect data that can be used to automate the detection
of
certain security triggering events. The data is transmitted to an RFID
interrogator
200 in communication with an external data acquisition device 130, and the
data is
compared to security triggering event parameters by the external data
acquisition
device 130. In response to the data matching the parameters, the external data
acquisition device 130 may, for example, send a signal to the facility
indicating
that a security triggering event has been detected.
In one embodiment, a security triggering event is detected when the data
collected by the RFID tag 120 indicates that the vehicle 110 has traveled
outside of
the geo-fencing parameters. A portable data acquisition device 130 sends an
alarm
to the facility to provide the facility with advance notice of potential
misuse or
theft of the vehicle 110. Furthermore, the ability of the RFID tag 120 to
collect
data that tracks the location of the vehicle 110 using the GPS sensor 202,
inertia
sensor, or dead reckoning ability, and the tag's 120 ability to transmit the
data to an
RFID interrogator 200 in communication with an external data acquisition
device
130, which can transmit the data to a facility mainframe computer system via a
wireless network, allows the facility or emergency personnel to send
assistance to
the vehicle 110 if the security of the vehicle 110 is breached or the vehicle
110 is
stolen. In a further embodiment, the portable data acquisition device 130
detects a
security triggering event if the vehicle is outside of geo-fencing parameters
for
more than a particular time period, for example, fifteen minutes.
In another embodiment, the door data is compared with engine data and
speed data by a portable data acquisition device. If the door data indicates a
door
is in an open position, the engine data indicates that the engine is running,
and the
speed data indicates that the vehicle is not moving, a security triggering
event is
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CA 02877012 2015-01-09
detected and an alarm signal is sent to the vehicle operator or to the
facility, or
both, from the portable data acquisition device 130.
In another embodiment, the RFID tag 120 identifies the vehicle upon
arrival or departure to a facility's gate-mounted RFID interrogator 200.
Having the
ability to automatically identify vehicles approaching a gate allows for the
automatic process of granting permission to enter or exit a facility. In one
embodiment, the gate of a facility is programmed to open or close depending on
receipt of permission to enter or exit.
Embodiments of the system described above provide an efficient data
collection system for fleet management personnel, which in turn provides a
more
efficient approach to performing work studies on fleet operation processes.
Work
element measurement activity is significantly reduced and possibly eliminated
by
automatically collecting and analyzing the combination of known delivery
point,
synchronized "atomic" time, and automotive engine data. The ability to display
upcoming delivery point proximity to current position reduces selection time
associated with memorizing the next five stops. The ability to display
upcoming
delivery point proximity to the current global position of the vehicle assists
the
driver with deciding where to park the vehicle. Mis-delivery claims and
associated
driver follow-ups are also reduced and possibly eliminated by having the
ability to
compare a delivery point's proximity with the current global position of the
vehicle. Dynamic dispatch of new time-definite delivery and pickup services
are
enabled by analyzing current global position and downloaded dispatch. Asset
management, inventory tracking, and security applications can be customized
with
respect to the territory being dispatched. A GPS and telematics-enabled DIAD
makes it possible for one device to serve both feeder and package networks,
and it
enables a "whole" network view that standardizes service offerings. Vehicle
based
positioning integrated with device (DIAD) based dead reckoning allows for
automatic determination of vehicle position and delivery point position.
Finally,
because this comprehensive telematics system is adaptable in all vehicles
within
the fleet, it is more efficiently installed, maintained, and improved upon.
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Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to
mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the
benefit of
the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings.
Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to
the
specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments
are
intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although
specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive
sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
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