CA1101552A - Digital tachograph system with digital memory system - Google Patents
Digital tachograph system with digital memory systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA1101552A CA1101552A CA275,490A CA275490A CA1101552A CA 1101552 A CA1101552 A CA 1101552A CA 275490 A CA275490 A CA 275490A CA 1101552 A CA1101552 A CA 1101552A
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- vehicle
- data
- digital tachograph
- tachograph system
- digital
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- G07C5/00—Registering or indicating the working of vehicles
- G07C5/008—Registering or indicating the working of vehicles communicating information to a remotely located station
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Time Recorders, Dirve Recorders, Access Control (AREA)
Abstract
DIGITAL TACHOGRAPH SYSTEM WITH DIGITAL MEMORY SYSTEM
Abstract of the Disclosure A digital tachograph system includes a vehicle unit operative to detect vehicle performance characteristics such as vehicle speed, elapsed trip distance, engine rpm, total engine revolutions, total fuel consumption, rate of fuel consumption and the like as a function of time. The foregoing vehicle performance characteristic data is displayed in the vehicle unit and is stored in a data memory located therein. A fixed base unit includes a central computer system for processing vehicle performance data, storing the data in a memory file and for reading out the vehicle per-formance data in the form of a printout, graph plot, CRT
display or the like. The vehicle performance data may be transferred from the vehicle unit to a field terminal which connects to the central computer system either by means of a cable connection, by directly interconnecting said portable memory unit or by radio transmission means.
Abstract of the Disclosure A digital tachograph system includes a vehicle unit operative to detect vehicle performance characteristics such as vehicle speed, elapsed trip distance, engine rpm, total engine revolutions, total fuel consumption, rate of fuel consumption and the like as a function of time. The foregoing vehicle performance characteristic data is displayed in the vehicle unit and is stored in a data memory located therein. A fixed base unit includes a central computer system for processing vehicle performance data, storing the data in a memory file and for reading out the vehicle per-formance data in the form of a printout, graph plot, CRT
display or the like. The vehicle performance data may be transferred from the vehicle unit to a field terminal which connects to the central computer system either by means of a cable connection, by directly interconnecting said portable memory unit or by radio transmission means.
Description
5~;2 ~ACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present învention relates to vehicle performance and control system and more particularly to a digi~tal~tachograph~
sys~em. , ~
In my United States Patent No. 3,835,382 there is described an electronic multi-mode vehicle peromance indicatvr ~ ,, sys tem for providing a digital display of Ddometer~taohometer ~ ~, ancl speedometer readings. In my United;Sta~tes~Patent,No.~ 3~,~950,700 the system of Patent No. 3,835,382 is further provided~with means,~
digitally displaying the preselected~maximùm vehlcle velQcity~or~
engine rpm.~ Neither of the systems;~dis~closed in Patent~No~
3,835~382 or my Patent No. 3,950,7QO~however,~is provid~d~
with means for recording the~ vehicle~performance data~ ~ ch~is~
bein8 generated during the course of operation of the'vehi~cle.,~
Presently known tachograph~systems~for recording;~
vehicle performance graphically record the performa,nce data~
by means of scribe on paper having a pressure s nsitive~th~in plastic coating. Such paper charts are susoeptible to~`màrking ' 20 or de~acement by abrasion and dirt by repeated handling~th~ereo~
Such marks, although they consist of fine scratches may~obscure~
The present învention relates to vehicle performance and control system and more particularly to a digi~tal~tachograph~
sys~em. , ~
In my United States Patent No. 3,835,382 there is described an electronic multi-mode vehicle peromance indicatvr ~ ,, sys tem for providing a digital display of Ddometer~taohometer ~ ~, ancl speedometer readings. In my United;Sta~tes~Patent,No.~ 3~,~950,700 the system of Patent No. 3,835,382 is further provided~with means,~
digitally displaying the preselected~maximùm vehlcle velQcity~or~
engine rpm.~ Neither of the systems;~dis~closed in Patent~No~
3,835~382 or my Patent No. 3,950,7QO~however,~is provid~d~
with means for recording the~ vehicle~performance data~ ~ ch~is~
bein8 generated during the course of operation of the'vehi~cle.,~
Presently known tachograph~systems~for recording;~
vehicle performance graphically record the performa,nce data~
by means of scribe on paper having a pressure s nsitive~th~in plastic coating. Such paper charts are susoeptible to~`màrking ' 20 or de~acement by abrasion and dirt by repeated handling~th~ereo~
Such marks, although they consist of fine scratches may~obscure~
-2 ~ .
~ 5 ~
or make it very difficult to read whole sections o~ recorded data. Furthermore, inherent variations in the chart dimensions due to temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure and manufacturing defects cause distartlons in the recorded graphic data which may seriously compromise the accuracy and/or interpretation of such recorded da~a.
Furthermore, since the stylus in such conventional tachographs receives its modulation pressure via mechanical coupling devices, the resulting record suffers a further deterioration in fidelity.
The conventional method of converting such recorded chart data into digital form is by visual reading thereof with the aid of a microscope or the like. This method is obviously time consuming, costly and subject to substantlal human error.
Thus, data collec~ed during a very short time period requires a very high measure of resolution such as in the case of the time period just preceding an accident~
Semiautomatic optoelectronic pattern recognition systems have to a very limited extent overcome some of the above-mentioned deficiencies. However~ they still require the manual handling of charts and the presence of an operator to feed such charts into the analysis system. Additionally the inaccuracies in graphic form appear in the printed report.
Additionally, such analysis apparatus in sensi~ive to chart dimension variations, marring and scratches. I`hese variations, marring and scratches frequently cause the semiautomatic ,
~ 5 ~
or make it very difficult to read whole sections o~ recorded data. Furthermore, inherent variations in the chart dimensions due to temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure and manufacturing defects cause distartlons in the recorded graphic data which may seriously compromise the accuracy and/or interpretation of such recorded da~a.
Furthermore, since the stylus in such conventional tachographs receives its modulation pressure via mechanical coupling devices, the resulting record suffers a further deterioration in fidelity.
The conventional method of converting such recorded chart data into digital form is by visual reading thereof with the aid of a microscope or the like. This method is obviously time consuming, costly and subject to substantlal human error.
Thus, data collec~ed during a very short time period requires a very high measure of resolution such as in the case of the time period just preceding an accident~
Semiautomatic optoelectronic pattern recognition systems have to a very limited extent overcome some of the above-mentioned deficiencies. However~ they still require the manual handling of charts and the presence of an operator to feed such charts into the analysis system. Additionally the inaccuracies in graphic form appear in the printed report.
Additionally, such analysis apparatus in sensi~ive to chart dimension variations, marring and scratches. I`hese variations, marring and scratches frequently cause the semiautomatic ,
3-z apparatus to introduce gross errors of its own making.
Additionally, the resolution of such optoelectronic analysis apparatus is toD coarse to provide an accident analysis, and accordingly, the microscopic technique must still be used to obtain high resolution data. Frequently, an effort is made to erase scratches and mars on the charts, thus, re~uiring further human operator attention. In such conventional sys tems data such as gas consumption must be visually collected from manually recorded data such as gaspump readings and manually typed into the semiautomatic optoelectronic analysis apparatus via its interconnected keyboard, in addition to vehicle identification.
The tachograph data processing system of the present invention overcomes the d~ficiencies of knDwn ~achographs and methods of converting their graphic data into reports having numerical data. The present invention which incorporates the tachograph display of my Patent No. 3,~35,382 includes an automatic method of transferring data from the tachograph to a central terminal cornputer system via radio transmission. Since the data exists in digital form in said tachograph, no conversion to dlgital format is necessary. The fuel consumption is measured by vehicle sensors connected to the tachograph thus overcoming the need for manual transfer of such fuel data into the computer system in addition to avoiding the need for conventional plastic coated paper charts. Furthermore, vehicle identification may be encoded in the tachograph system of the present invention thus making identification by manual typing unecessary. The resolution and accuracy of data collected in the tachograph of the present 5~;~
i~nvention is such that accident reports may be easily prepa:red.
Furthermore, a graph plotter connected to the central computer automatically crea-tes a magnified graphic representation of the vehicle speed just prior to an accident without the use of micro-scopes. In addition, a digital report printo~t and displays are available via peripherals connected to -the central computer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a digital tachograph system for recording performance of a veh-icle,which system comprises detection means adapted ~or locationentirely on-board the vehicle and operative to continuously detect the dynamic vehicle performance charactertistics thereof which includes vehicular velocity thereof as a func-tion o:E time and to produce a continuous stream of vehicle characteristlc :
versus time data signa~ corresponding to the detected characteris-tics. ~ digital display means is operative to selectively dlsplay the instantaneous value of the vehicle performance characterist-ics, and a data memory means is adapted for locatlon on-board - the vehicle and operative to continuously receive and record the vehicle characteristic data signals representing the vehlcle characteristic data. A fixed base computer terminal means in-cludes central terminal computer means and a data transmi~sion means operative to selectively transmit the vehlcle characterist- .
ic data from -the vehicle data memory means to ~le central ter-minal computer means, and the central terminal computer means ~:~
is operative upon receipt thereof via the data transmission means ;.
to selectively read out the vehicle characteristic data. :
Further objects, features and advantages of this invention ~ . .
will become apparent from a consideration of the followlng I
description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings in which: ~
, ' ,. . . .
5~2 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a func~ional block diagram oE the present invention in one embodimen~ thereof;
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the present invention in a second embodiment thereof; and FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the present inven~ion in a third embodiment ~hereof.
, ;52 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In my United States Patent No. 3,835,382 there is described an electronic multi-mode vehicle performance indicator-system for providing a digital display of odometer, tachometer and speedometer readings. In my.United States Patent No. ~ :
3,950,700, the system of Patent No. 3,835,382 is fur~her pro-vided with means digitally displaying the preselected maximum vehicle velocity or engine rpm. Neither of the eystems disclosed~
in Paten~ No. 3,835,382 or Patent No.~3,950,700, however,~is provided with means for recording:the vehicle p~rform~nce~data :
which is ~eing generated during the course of operation of the vehicle. Thus, al~hough not necessarily limited thereto,:~the tachograph system of the present inventLon is~particularly~suit~
able for incorporation into the vehicle performance indicator system~disclosed in my United States Patent No. 3,950,700.
Accordingly, the structure and principles of operation~oE the taehograph system of the presen~ invention will be desGri~ed -~in COnJUnCtion wlth the vehicle performance indicator system of ~ :
my Unite~ States Patent No. 3,950,700.~ For reasons of clarity, the elements shown in the dr~wings which are common to the system ~; :
shown and described in Patent No. 3,950,700 carry the same identi-fying numerals in the present application as they do in said :~
patent.
Referring to FIG. 1, the portion of the tachograph system of the present invention which is located in the vehicle, is referred to as vehicle tachograph unit 500. Vehicle speed takeoff 10a which may, for exa~ple comprise an electromagnetic generator is mechanically linked to speed sensor 12a which produces an electric signal which repres~ents the vehicle speed.
This vehicle speed is applied to input port 502 of the display sector 504 of microprocessor 506.
Generally speaking, microprocessor 506 is operative to receive signals from sensors and controls and to process said signals to suitably drive display devices which indicate vehicle operation parameters. The display signal processing functions are carried out in the display sector 504 of micro-processor 506, while temporary data sto:rage control functiQns are carried out in storage control sector 508. In the ollowing description, the operation of storage control sector 508 wLll follow that of display sector 504.
~: :
As described in my United States Patent No.
3,950,700, the display system 510, in response to the processed vehicle speed signals at ou~put por~ 512, displays the vehicle - speed in numeric form through numeric display devices 44, 52 and 82. Whenever ~he preselected excess speed limit set by code selector switch 110 is exceeded by the vehicle, indicator 112 is turned ON.
Code selector switch 110 is connected to input port 514 of display sector 504. Insuf~icient speed indicator 122 is turn ed ON whenever the vehicle speed falls below ~ preselected .
5~ ~
lower limit which is programmed into display sector 504. The pulses produced at output port 516, representing the mileage travelled by the vehicle, are applied to impulse counter 32 wi~h the stored count being displayed in this odometer configuration in impulse counter 32.
The engine rpm takeoff lOb is mechanically connected to rpm sensor 12b which, like sensor lOb may comprise an electromag~etic generator, which produces an output signal representing the instantaneous vehicle speed.,The vehicle points may serve as the vehicle takeoff lOb. The rpm signal produced by sensor lOb which is entered into display sector 504 at input port 518 is then processed and may bq selectively applied, by mode selector switch 20 to display system 510 and input counter 32 via output ports 512 and 516 respectively.
.
Mode selector swi~ch 20 is operative to selec~ either the vehicle speed and total vehicle; mile6 traversed mode ~or engine rpm and total engine revolutions mode. Thus, display sys-tem 510 a~d impulse counter 32 commonly display either vehicle speed-totalized miles or engine rpm - total engine revolutions.
The vehicle battery 522 supplies power to mLcroproces90r sy6tem ~ :
506 via lead 524 and igni~ion switch 523 through lead 525~. In the event that rpm and speed display is desired simultaneously, an additional display system 510 and impulse counter 32~may be added to microprocessor 506.
Vehicle idle status can be determined by utilizing data jointly from vehicle speed takeoff lOa and vehicle rpm takeoff lOb. In the event that an rpm \takeoff is not available, the vehicle ignition switch 523 is connected to microprocessor system 506 via lead 525 at input port 531. Thus, the state of ignition switch 523 in conjunction with zero vehicle speed indicates an engine idling condition.
, . _9.
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Fuel quantity sensor 525 is operative to provide a signal representing the remaining quantity of fuel in the vehlcle fuel tank. Sensor 526, i~ the analog type, comprises a poten-tiometer, and the analog output signal is applied to analog to-digital converter S28 at input A. ~le resulting digital signal at output D is applied to microprocessor 506 at its input port 530. An alternate-fuel-rate-oE Elow sensor 532 produces a digital output signal which is applied to microprocessor 506 at~
i~s inpu~ port 534. IE sensors 526 and 532 are digital then their outputs may be applied directly to input ports 530 and 534 respec-tively, but if analog, their outputs are applied to converter 528 and the resulting digital output from converter 528 are then applied to input ports 530 and 534. The data signals applied to ports 530 and 5~2 relating to rates of fuel consumption and totalized fuel consumption comprise information which is of particular importance to operators of truck fleets.
Information relating to remaining fuel quantity, rate of fuel consumption, or total fuel consumed may optionally be displayed by feeding such data Erom storage control sector 508 to display sector 504. As indicated by bidirectional arrow 536, ~here may be a bidirectional transEer oE data wi~hin micro-processor system 506 and such information may be fed via port 512 for display in display system 510, and via port 516 to impulse counter 32. Vehicle speed and engine rpm data may be fed from display section 504 to storage control section 508 where such data may be processed with the fuel data as explained in greater detail below.
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The combined data in storage control sector 508 is transferred via port 570 ~o connector 538 and mating comIector 540 ~o buffer data memory 542 including connector 540 ~omprise a detachable portable memory system 544.
The off-board system 546 comprises a field terminal 547 which may be located at a field station and which may typically include a plurality of commonly connected line ~erminals and a central terminal computer system 548. Field terminal 547 includes a plug connector 550 which may be located at a location separate from or at the central terminal computer system 548.
Central terminal computer system 548 comprises a computer 554 connected as follows. ICeyboard 556 has its output connected to port Pll of computer 554; printer 558 has its input connected to computer output port Pl; graph plotter 560 has its input connected to computer output port P2; CRT display 562 has ~.
its input connected to computer output port P3; memory file 564 has its input-output port connected t.o P10; and lead 566 :~
interconnects connector plug 550 wlth computer input port P12.
In operation, when a vehicle arrives at remote location station 552, i,e. at a vehicle stop station or at the end of a trip, the vehicle operator detaches portable memory systein 544 at connector 538 and connects it to field terminal 547 at con-nector 550. Now poxtable memory system 544 contains stored data in buffer memory 542, the memory 542 may typically comprise a non-volatile electrically erasable memory such as an MNOS (metal nitride oxide semiconductor) type mèmory, When plug 540 is mated with connector 550 the stored data accumulated during the .. , .552 vehicle trip in portable memory system 544 i9 fed through conductor 566 into computer 554 at input port PI2. Cornputer 554 thus processes the incoming data in accordance with the programmlng instructions selected by the fleet managmerlt to provide output reports at the periphal equipment, namely, printer 558, graph plotter 560 and CRT display 562. Furthermore, memory file 564 is operative t~ store selected large quantities of data from comput~r 544 and to provide previously stored data to computer 554 upon command. Input keyboard 556 enables manually typed data to be fed in~o computer 544 in conjunction with data fed from connector 550 and memory file 564.
In one embodlment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1, display sector 504 may comprise random logic integrated circultry as disclosed in my United States Patent No. 3,835,382 and in my United States Patent No. 3,950,700 as well. Thus, outline 568 indicates those elements which are common to the systems shown and described in my said patent and copending patent application and such elements, therefore, bear the same identifying numerals.
In another embodiment of the present invention, display sector 504 may comprise an "off-the shelf" microprocessor system -~r such as Motorola type M6800 or RCA COSMAC type. Such micro- ~ -processors may be programmed with the capability of converting random logic designs lnto microcomputer language operative to perform such random logic design functions with said microprocessors.
In practice~ the xandom logic elements and related data flow as shown in my said copending application may be converted into a 5 ~
computer program operative to effect operations described hereinabove with respect to display sector 504. Similarly, storage con~rol sector 508 may be arranged by utilizing random logic elemen~s or microprocessor techniques, with display sector 504 and s~orage control sector 508 comprising a single microprocessor system.
In another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2, the buffer data memory 542 is integral with miCrOprDCeSSOr system 506 and is not removable from the vehicle unit 500. Data transfer from buffer data memory 542 to field terminal 547 is effected by a fixed connector 538 which is connected to port 570 and interconnects multiconductor 566 and buffer data memory 542.
In operation, when the vehicle arrives at remote location 552, an operator mates connector 538 with connector 550, whereby the -~ -elapsed trip data flows from buffer data memory 542 ~hrough p~ t 570, connector 538, multiconductor 567, connector 550 and multi-conductor 566 into computor 554 at input port PI 2 where such data is processed as described hereinabove with respect to FIG. 1.
After several moments, the vehicle operator may remove connector 550 from connector 538 as the data transfer has been completed.
In urther embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 3, data transfer from buffer data memory 542 to field terminal 547 is accomplished by radio transmission. As shown ,=~, in FIG. 3, the output of buffer data memory 542 which is integral with microprocessor system 506 is connected to microprocessor port 570 which is connected to the modulator input M of radio trans-mitter 574 which is connected to digital tachograph 501 in the vehicle. The output T of transmi~r 574 is connected to a transmitting antenna 576 via cable 578. Transmitting antenna 576 may be suitably moun~ed on the vehicle.
Input port 580 o~ microprocessor 506 is connected to output C of proximity detector 582 which may typically comprise either a limit swi~ch, photocell or radio receiver or the like.
Proximity detector output C is also connected to control input I of data transmitter 574, while receiving antenna input A of proximity detector 582 is connected to receiving antenna 584 via lO transmission line 586 in the case where proximity detector 582 ~' comprises a radio receiver. Receiving antenna 584 may, alterna~ely, comprise a trip lever connected to proximity detector 582 should the latter be a limit switch~ or a lens system (not shown) if detector 582 is a photocell.
Proximity actuator 588, which is located at field terminal 547, may typically comprise eithPr a radio transmitter, a directional encoded light source or a trip mechanism designed to trip proximity detector 582 (should detector 582 be a limit switch) via antenna 584. Antenna 590 is connected to input I ' of data radio receiver 592, which is mounted at loca~ion 552 while output D of receiver 592 is connected to input port PI 2 of computer 554.
. . .
In operation, when the vehicle arrives at location 552, proximity actuator 588 trips proximity detector 582 via radio transmission of 'Limited range, (or directional light signal, or me~hanicQl'pressure, etc.) via antenna\584 through transmission line 586. Proximity detector 582 through its output C and input port 580 of microprocessor 506 initiates a "read data" subroutine which causes the stored data to appear at port 570 and flow to modulator input M of data radio transmitter 574. Furthermore, the signal at output C of proximity detector 582 appearing at input :
I of transmitter 574 causes it to transmi.t data appearing at the input M thereof. The transmitted data in the form of radio signals is received at antenna 590 and flow to input I of data radio receiver 592 where it is detected and amplified. This --data at output D of data radio receiver 592 in the form of an amplified pulse train now enters computer 554 at its input port PI2 via cable 566 and the data is processed as described hereinabove with respect to FIG. 1.
Although the invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments thereof it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of ~he invention. Numerous modifications may be made therein and other arrangements~may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, ~. .
. -15-
Additionally, the resolution of such optoelectronic analysis apparatus is toD coarse to provide an accident analysis, and accordingly, the microscopic technique must still be used to obtain high resolution data. Frequently, an effort is made to erase scratches and mars on the charts, thus, re~uiring further human operator attention. In such conventional sys tems data such as gas consumption must be visually collected from manually recorded data such as gaspump readings and manually typed into the semiautomatic optoelectronic analysis apparatus via its interconnected keyboard, in addition to vehicle identification.
The tachograph data processing system of the present invention overcomes the d~ficiencies of knDwn ~achographs and methods of converting their graphic data into reports having numerical data. The present invention which incorporates the tachograph display of my Patent No. 3,~35,382 includes an automatic method of transferring data from the tachograph to a central terminal cornputer system via radio transmission. Since the data exists in digital form in said tachograph, no conversion to dlgital format is necessary. The fuel consumption is measured by vehicle sensors connected to the tachograph thus overcoming the need for manual transfer of such fuel data into the computer system in addition to avoiding the need for conventional plastic coated paper charts. Furthermore, vehicle identification may be encoded in the tachograph system of the present invention thus making identification by manual typing unecessary. The resolution and accuracy of data collected in the tachograph of the present 5~;~
i~nvention is such that accident reports may be easily prepa:red.
Furthermore, a graph plotter connected to the central computer automatically crea-tes a magnified graphic representation of the vehicle speed just prior to an accident without the use of micro-scopes. In addition, a digital report printo~t and displays are available via peripherals connected to -the central computer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a digital tachograph system for recording performance of a veh-icle,which system comprises detection means adapted ~or locationentirely on-board the vehicle and operative to continuously detect the dynamic vehicle performance charactertistics thereof which includes vehicular velocity thereof as a func-tion o:E time and to produce a continuous stream of vehicle characteristlc :
versus time data signa~ corresponding to the detected characteris-tics. ~ digital display means is operative to selectively dlsplay the instantaneous value of the vehicle performance characterist-ics, and a data memory means is adapted for locatlon on-board - the vehicle and operative to continuously receive and record the vehicle characteristic data signals representing the vehlcle characteristic data. A fixed base computer terminal means in-cludes central terminal computer means and a data transmi~sion means operative to selectively transmit the vehlcle characterist- .
ic data from -the vehicle data memory means to ~le central ter-minal computer means, and the central terminal computer means ~:~
is operative upon receipt thereof via the data transmission means ;.
to selectively read out the vehicle characteristic data. :
Further objects, features and advantages of this invention ~ . .
will become apparent from a consideration of the followlng I
description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings in which: ~
, ' ,. . . .
5~2 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a func~ional block diagram oE the present invention in one embodimen~ thereof;
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the present invention in a second embodiment thereof; and FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the present inven~ion in a third embodiment ~hereof.
, ;52 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In my United States Patent No. 3,835,382 there is described an electronic multi-mode vehicle performance indicator-system for providing a digital display of odometer, tachometer and speedometer readings. In my.United States Patent No. ~ :
3,950,700, the system of Patent No. 3,835,382 is fur~her pro-vided with means digitally displaying the preselected maximum vehicle velocity or engine rpm. Neither of the eystems disclosed~
in Paten~ No. 3,835,382 or Patent No.~3,950,700, however,~is provided with means for recording:the vehicle p~rform~nce~data :
which is ~eing generated during the course of operation of the vehicle. Thus, al~hough not necessarily limited thereto,:~the tachograph system of the present inventLon is~particularly~suit~
able for incorporation into the vehicle performance indicator system~disclosed in my United States Patent No. 3,950,700.
Accordingly, the structure and principles of operation~oE the taehograph system of the presen~ invention will be desGri~ed -~in COnJUnCtion wlth the vehicle performance indicator system of ~ :
my Unite~ States Patent No. 3,950,700.~ For reasons of clarity, the elements shown in the dr~wings which are common to the system ~; :
shown and described in Patent No. 3,950,700 carry the same identi-fying numerals in the present application as they do in said :~
patent.
Referring to FIG. 1, the portion of the tachograph system of the present invention which is located in the vehicle, is referred to as vehicle tachograph unit 500. Vehicle speed takeoff 10a which may, for exa~ple comprise an electromagnetic generator is mechanically linked to speed sensor 12a which produces an electric signal which repres~ents the vehicle speed.
This vehicle speed is applied to input port 502 of the display sector 504 of microprocessor 506.
Generally speaking, microprocessor 506 is operative to receive signals from sensors and controls and to process said signals to suitably drive display devices which indicate vehicle operation parameters. The display signal processing functions are carried out in the display sector 504 of micro-processor 506, while temporary data sto:rage control functiQns are carried out in storage control sector 508. In the ollowing description, the operation of storage control sector 508 wLll follow that of display sector 504.
~: :
As described in my United States Patent No.
3,950,700, the display system 510, in response to the processed vehicle speed signals at ou~put por~ 512, displays the vehicle - speed in numeric form through numeric display devices 44, 52 and 82. Whenever ~he preselected excess speed limit set by code selector switch 110 is exceeded by the vehicle, indicator 112 is turned ON.
Code selector switch 110 is connected to input port 514 of display sector 504. Insuf~icient speed indicator 122 is turn ed ON whenever the vehicle speed falls below ~ preselected .
5~ ~
lower limit which is programmed into display sector 504. The pulses produced at output port 516, representing the mileage travelled by the vehicle, are applied to impulse counter 32 wi~h the stored count being displayed in this odometer configuration in impulse counter 32.
The engine rpm takeoff lOb is mechanically connected to rpm sensor 12b which, like sensor lOb may comprise an electromag~etic generator, which produces an output signal representing the instantaneous vehicle speed.,The vehicle points may serve as the vehicle takeoff lOb. The rpm signal produced by sensor lOb which is entered into display sector 504 at input port 518 is then processed and may bq selectively applied, by mode selector switch 20 to display system 510 and input counter 32 via output ports 512 and 516 respectively.
.
Mode selector swi~ch 20 is operative to selec~ either the vehicle speed and total vehicle; mile6 traversed mode ~or engine rpm and total engine revolutions mode. Thus, display sys-tem 510 a~d impulse counter 32 commonly display either vehicle speed-totalized miles or engine rpm - total engine revolutions.
The vehicle battery 522 supplies power to mLcroproces90r sy6tem ~ :
506 via lead 524 and igni~ion switch 523 through lead 525~. In the event that rpm and speed display is desired simultaneously, an additional display system 510 and impulse counter 32~may be added to microprocessor 506.
Vehicle idle status can be determined by utilizing data jointly from vehicle speed takeoff lOa and vehicle rpm takeoff lOb. In the event that an rpm \takeoff is not available, the vehicle ignition switch 523 is connected to microprocessor system 506 via lead 525 at input port 531. Thus, the state of ignition switch 523 in conjunction with zero vehicle speed indicates an engine idling condition.
, . _9.
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Fuel quantity sensor 525 is operative to provide a signal representing the remaining quantity of fuel in the vehlcle fuel tank. Sensor 526, i~ the analog type, comprises a poten-tiometer, and the analog output signal is applied to analog to-digital converter S28 at input A. ~le resulting digital signal at output D is applied to microprocessor 506 at its input port 530. An alternate-fuel-rate-oE Elow sensor 532 produces a digital output signal which is applied to microprocessor 506 at~
i~s inpu~ port 534. IE sensors 526 and 532 are digital then their outputs may be applied directly to input ports 530 and 534 respec-tively, but if analog, their outputs are applied to converter 528 and the resulting digital output from converter 528 are then applied to input ports 530 and 534. The data signals applied to ports 530 and 5~2 relating to rates of fuel consumption and totalized fuel consumption comprise information which is of particular importance to operators of truck fleets.
Information relating to remaining fuel quantity, rate of fuel consumption, or total fuel consumed may optionally be displayed by feeding such data Erom storage control sector 508 to display sector 504. As indicated by bidirectional arrow 536, ~here may be a bidirectional transEer oE data wi~hin micro-processor system 506 and such information may be fed via port 512 for display in display system 510, and via port 516 to impulse counter 32. Vehicle speed and engine rpm data may be fed from display section 504 to storage control section 508 where such data may be processed with the fuel data as explained in greater detail below.
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.
~3~
The combined data in storage control sector 508 is transferred via port 570 ~o connector 538 and mating comIector 540 ~o buffer data memory 542 including connector 540 ~omprise a detachable portable memory system 544.
The off-board system 546 comprises a field terminal 547 which may be located at a field station and which may typically include a plurality of commonly connected line ~erminals and a central terminal computer system 548. Field terminal 547 includes a plug connector 550 which may be located at a location separate from or at the central terminal computer system 548.
Central terminal computer system 548 comprises a computer 554 connected as follows. ICeyboard 556 has its output connected to port Pll of computer 554; printer 558 has its input connected to computer output port Pl; graph plotter 560 has its input connected to computer output port P2; CRT display 562 has ~.
its input connected to computer output port P3; memory file 564 has its input-output port connected t.o P10; and lead 566 :~
interconnects connector plug 550 wlth computer input port P12.
In operation, when a vehicle arrives at remote location station 552, i,e. at a vehicle stop station or at the end of a trip, the vehicle operator detaches portable memory systein 544 at connector 538 and connects it to field terminal 547 at con-nector 550. Now poxtable memory system 544 contains stored data in buffer memory 542, the memory 542 may typically comprise a non-volatile electrically erasable memory such as an MNOS (metal nitride oxide semiconductor) type mèmory, When plug 540 is mated with connector 550 the stored data accumulated during the .. , .552 vehicle trip in portable memory system 544 i9 fed through conductor 566 into computer 554 at input port PI2. Cornputer 554 thus processes the incoming data in accordance with the programmlng instructions selected by the fleet managmerlt to provide output reports at the periphal equipment, namely, printer 558, graph plotter 560 and CRT display 562. Furthermore, memory file 564 is operative t~ store selected large quantities of data from comput~r 544 and to provide previously stored data to computer 554 upon command. Input keyboard 556 enables manually typed data to be fed in~o computer 544 in conjunction with data fed from connector 550 and memory file 564.
In one embodlment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1, display sector 504 may comprise random logic integrated circultry as disclosed in my United States Patent No. 3,835,382 and in my United States Patent No. 3,950,700 as well. Thus, outline 568 indicates those elements which are common to the systems shown and described in my said patent and copending patent application and such elements, therefore, bear the same identifying numerals.
In another embodiment of the present invention, display sector 504 may comprise an "off-the shelf" microprocessor system -~r such as Motorola type M6800 or RCA COSMAC type. Such micro- ~ -processors may be programmed with the capability of converting random logic designs lnto microcomputer language operative to perform such random logic design functions with said microprocessors.
In practice~ the xandom logic elements and related data flow as shown in my said copending application may be converted into a 5 ~
computer program operative to effect operations described hereinabove with respect to display sector 504. Similarly, storage con~rol sector 508 may be arranged by utilizing random logic elemen~s or microprocessor techniques, with display sector 504 and s~orage control sector 508 comprising a single microprocessor system.
In another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2, the buffer data memory 542 is integral with miCrOprDCeSSOr system 506 and is not removable from the vehicle unit 500. Data transfer from buffer data memory 542 to field terminal 547 is effected by a fixed connector 538 which is connected to port 570 and interconnects multiconductor 566 and buffer data memory 542.
In operation, when the vehicle arrives at remote location 552, an operator mates connector 538 with connector 550, whereby the -~ -elapsed trip data flows from buffer data memory 542 ~hrough p~ t 570, connector 538, multiconductor 567, connector 550 and multi-conductor 566 into computor 554 at input port PI 2 where such data is processed as described hereinabove with respect to FIG. 1.
After several moments, the vehicle operator may remove connector 550 from connector 538 as the data transfer has been completed.
In urther embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 3, data transfer from buffer data memory 542 to field terminal 547 is accomplished by radio transmission. As shown ,=~, in FIG. 3, the output of buffer data memory 542 which is integral with microprocessor system 506 is connected to microprocessor port 570 which is connected to the modulator input M of radio trans-mitter 574 which is connected to digital tachograph 501 in the vehicle. The output T of transmi~r 574 is connected to a transmitting antenna 576 via cable 578. Transmitting antenna 576 may be suitably moun~ed on the vehicle.
Input port 580 o~ microprocessor 506 is connected to output C of proximity detector 582 which may typically comprise either a limit swi~ch, photocell or radio receiver or the like.
Proximity detector output C is also connected to control input I of data transmitter 574, while receiving antenna input A of proximity detector 582 is connected to receiving antenna 584 via lO transmission line 586 in the case where proximity detector 582 ~' comprises a radio receiver. Receiving antenna 584 may, alterna~ely, comprise a trip lever connected to proximity detector 582 should the latter be a limit switch~ or a lens system (not shown) if detector 582 is a photocell.
Proximity actuator 588, which is located at field terminal 547, may typically comprise eithPr a radio transmitter, a directional encoded light source or a trip mechanism designed to trip proximity detector 582 (should detector 582 be a limit switch) via antenna 584. Antenna 590 is connected to input I ' of data radio receiver 592, which is mounted at loca~ion 552 while output D of receiver 592 is connected to input port PI 2 of computer 554.
. . .
In operation, when the vehicle arrives at location 552, proximity actuator 588 trips proximity detector 582 via radio transmission of 'Limited range, (or directional light signal, or me~hanicQl'pressure, etc.) via antenna\584 through transmission line 586. Proximity detector 582 through its output C and input port 580 of microprocessor 506 initiates a "read data" subroutine which causes the stored data to appear at port 570 and flow to modulator input M of data radio transmitter 574. Furthermore, the signal at output C of proximity detector 582 appearing at input :
I of transmitter 574 causes it to transmi.t data appearing at the input M thereof. The transmitted data in the form of radio signals is received at antenna 590 and flow to input I of data radio receiver 592 where it is detected and amplified. This --data at output D of data radio receiver 592 in the form of an amplified pulse train now enters computer 554 at its input port PI2 via cable 566 and the data is processed as described hereinabove with respect to FIG. 1.
Although the invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments thereof it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of ~he invention. Numerous modifications may be made therein and other arrangements~may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, ~. .
. -15-
Claims (36)
1. A digital tachograph system for recording performance of a vehicle comprising detection means adapted for location entirely on-board said vehicle and operative to contin-uously detect the dynamic vehicle performance characteristics thereof including vehicular velocity thereof as a function of time and produce a continuous stream of vehicle characteristic versus time data signals corresponding to said detected characteristics; digital display means operative to selectively display the instantaneous value of said vehicle performance characteristics; data memory means adapted for location on-board said vehicle and operative to continuously receive and record said vehicle characteristic data signals representing said vehicle characteristic data; fixed base computer terminal means including central terminal computer means, and data transmission means operative to selectively transmit said vehicle characteristic data from said vehicle data memory means to said central terminal computer means; said central terminal computer means being operative upon receipt thereof via said data transmission means to selectively read out said vehicle characteristic data.
2. A digital tachograph system a defined in claim 1 wherein said vehicle data memory means is solid state.
3. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 2 wherein said central terminal computer means includes recording means for providing a visual record of said vehicle characteristic data.
4. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 3 wherein said recording means includes printer means for providing a documentary readout of said vehicle characteristic data.
5. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 3 wherein said recording means includes graph plotter means for providing a documentary analog readout of said vehicle character-istic data.
6. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 3 wherein said recording means includes cathode ray tube display means.
7. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 3 wherein said central terminal computer means includes memory means for storing said vehicle characteristic data.
8. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 3 wherein said vehicle memory means is adaptable for detchable mounting in said vehicle.
9. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 3 wherein said data transmission means comprises field terminal means operative to electrically interconnect said vehicle data memory means to said central terminal computer means.
10. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 9 wherein said data transmission means includes data ratio trans-mitter means adaptable to be mounted in said vehicle and said field terminal means includes data radio receiver means.
11. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 3 wherein said field terminal means comprises an input connector operative to connect the output of said vehicle data memory means to said field terminal means.
12. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 11 wherein said vehicle data memory means comprises an output con-nector operative to be selectively connected to said field terminal means input connector.
13. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 12 wherein said field terminal means comprises cable means operative to selectively interconnect said vehicle data memory means output connector and said field terminal means input connector.
14. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 10 wherein said data transmission means includes proximity detector means operative to detect the proximity of said vehicle to said field terminal means and in response thereto to produce a proximity signal to cause said data radio transmitter means to transmit the vehicle characteristic data, said field terminal means including proximity activator means for detecting said proximity signal and in response thereto for causing said data radio receiver to receive said vehicle characteristic data when said vehicle is in proximity to said field terminal means.
15. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 2-including a microprocessor system for processing said vehicle characteristic data and feeding said data to said digital display means and said vehicle data memory means.
16. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 15 wherein said microprocessor system is operative to convert random logic design into microcomputer language.
17. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 2 wherein said vehicle data memory means comprises a non-volatile electrically erasable memory.
18. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 17 wherein said vehicle data memory means comprises a metal nitride oxide semiconductor memory.
19. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 7 wherein said central terminal computer means includes a keyboard operative to general manually typed data.
20. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 2 wherein said vehicle data memory means comprises semiconductor means.
21. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim l including signal processing means for controlling the flow of said vehicle characteristic data signals to said digital display means and said vehicle data memory means.
22. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim l wherein said vehicle detection means includes vehicle tank fuel quantity detection means.
23. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 1 wherein said vehicle detection means includes fuel rate-of-consump-tion detection means.
24. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 22 wherein said vehicle characteristic data signals are in analog form.
25. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 22 wherein said vehicle characteristic data signals are in digital form.
26. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 23 wherein said fuel rate-of-consumption detection means is operative to produce analog fuel rate-of-consumption signals.
27. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 23 wherein said fuel rate-of-consumption detection means is operative to produce digital fuel rate-of-consumption signals.
28. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 21 wherein said signal processing means comprises an analog-to-digital converter.
29. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 22 wherein said vehicle tank fuel quantity detection means is operative to produce analog fuel quantity signals.
30. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 22 wherein said vehicle tank fuel quantity detection means is operative to produce digital fuel quantity signals.
31. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 13 wherein said vehicle data memory means is solid state.
32. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 31 wherein said vehicle data memory means comprises a non-volatile electrically erasable memory.
33. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 32 wherein said vehicle data memory means comprises a metal nitride oxide semiconductor memory.
34. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 8 wherein said vehicle data memory means is solid state.
35. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 34 wherein said vehicle data memory means comprises a non-volatile electrically erasable memory.
36. A digital tachograph system as defined in claim 35 wherein said vehicle data memory means comprises a metal nitride oxide semiconductor memory.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US05/674,851 US4188618A (en) | 1971-06-29 | 1976-04-08 | Digital tachograph system with digital memory system |
| US674,851 | 1976-04-08 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1101552A true CA1101552A (en) | 1981-05-19 |
Family
ID=24708137
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA275,490A Expired CA1101552A (en) | 1976-04-08 | 1977-04-04 | Digital tachograph system with digital memory system |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1101552A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2715527A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (16)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA1137222A (en) * | 1978-02-27 | 1982-12-07 | John E. Juhasz | Vehicle monitoring and recording system |
| FR2431737A1 (en) * | 1978-07-18 | 1980-02-15 | Berliet Automobiles | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ASSISTING THE DRIVING OF A ROAD VEHICLE |
| DE2906890A1 (en) * | 1979-02-22 | 1980-09-04 | Vdo Schindling | ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT FOR SAVING THE LAST TRAVEL FROM A MOTOR VEHICLE |
| DE2920090A1 (en) * | 1979-05-18 | 1980-11-20 | Stockburger H | ACCIDENT CURVE REGISTRATION DEVICE |
| DE2929396A1 (en) * | 1979-07-20 | 1981-01-22 | Moto Meter Ag | TACHOGRAPH FOR VEHICLES, IN PARTICULAR MOTOR VEHICLES |
| DE3007963A1 (en) * | 1980-03-01 | 1981-09-17 | Wilfried 4790 Paderborn Berg | Digital storage system for measured parameters - has bidirectional counter that stores valves during sample cycle and provides continuous updating |
| DD154877A3 (en) * | 1980-07-23 | 1982-04-28 | Uwe Knauff | DIGITAL VEHICLE |
| EP0149735B2 (en) * | 1981-02-11 | 1997-07-09 | Thomson Consumer Electronics Sales GmbH | Video recorder with stored service information |
| DE3307523A1 (en) * | 1983-03-03 | 1984-09-06 | Kienzle Apparate Gmbh, 7730 Villingen-Schwenningen | TACHOGRAPH FOR MOTOR VEHICLES |
| DE3333167A1 (en) * | 1983-09-14 | 1985-03-28 | Jörg Johannes Paul Dr. 7302 Ostfildern Jaskowsky | Device for informing vehicle users |
| GB8404888D0 (en) * | 1984-02-24 | 1984-03-28 | Veeder Root Ltd | Tachograph |
| US4757454A (en) * | 1984-08-20 | 1988-07-12 | Caterpillar Mitsubishi Limited | Operation data-recording system for a machine |
| CA1247743A (en) * | 1985-01-24 | 1988-12-28 | Izuru Morita | Operation data recording system |
| DE3509966A1 (en) * | 1985-03-20 | 1986-09-25 | ANT Nachrichtentechnik GmbH, 7150 Backnang | Tachograph for vehicles |
| DE3540599A1 (en) * | 1985-11-15 | 1987-05-21 | Porsche Ag | DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE |
| IT1298951B1 (en) * | 1998-02-26 | 2000-02-07 | Tecnoblock Italia S R L | DEVICE AND RELATED PROCEDURE FOR THE CONTROL OF FUEL CONSUMPTION IN A VEHICLE |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3864731A (en) * | 1973-07-16 | 1975-02-04 | Vapor Corp | Vehicle data recorder employing data compression |
| US3866166A (en) * | 1974-04-09 | 1975-02-11 | Gen Motors Corp | Digital multigage for motor vehicle |
-
1977
- 1977-04-04 CA CA275,490A patent/CA1101552A/en not_active Expired
- 1977-04-06 DE DE19772715527 patent/DE2715527A1/en not_active Ceased
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE2715527A1 (en) | 1977-11-24 |
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