EP2362357B1

EP2362357B1 - Enhanced functions of a tachograph

Info

Publication number: EP2362357B1
Application number: EP10154288.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Martin Wennerblom
Original assignee: Stoneridge Electronics AB
Current assignee: Stoneridge Electronics AB
Priority date: 2010-02-22
Filing date: 2010-02-22
Publication date: 2020-02-12
Anticipated expiration: 2030-02-22
Also published as: EP2362357A1

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to tachographs, and particularly to a digital tachograph and an external function module for external functions.

BACKGROUND

Digital tachographs are like analogue tachographs used for gathering information relating to the usage of a vehicle, and to collection of driver activities, such as driving hours, distance traveled, start time, finish time, rest time, driver name, starting location and finishing location.
The digital tachograph is normally heavily regulated and must be certified to high standards regarding functionality, safety and security. It is therefore complicated to make changes and to e.g. add new functions. An extensive certification procedure can considerably contribute to a long time to market for changes and new functions.
One way to ameliorate or add new functions to a tachograph is to rebuild it of course. This is normally complicated and expensive and could take considerable time, partly due to the reasons mentioned above. Software could sometimes be upgraded but it is more cumbersome to upgrade hardware.
Hardware can be over specified for later system growth but will add an additional cost. The most obvious way to add on an external sub system is just to have it attached to one or several of the external connectors, and let the connector mechanics be the mechanically load bearing/stressed part of the interface. There already exist for instance external "dongles" on the market which can be connected to the front connector.
Another alternative can be to have an external unit connected with cables and fitted into a free compartment for electronics hardware in the vehicle, e.g. a free DIN slot. There are certain functions that can be added externally.
Prior art document D1, FR2878355 A1 , discloses a tachograph that can receive a card device, adapted for cryptographically secured data communication with the card device.
Prior art document D2, DE102007058163 A1 , discloses a tachograph and/or a toll onboard unit which is implemented as a transmitter of data to ascertain a cryptographic check value as a function of a user data.
Prior art document D3, DE 102005022115 A1 , discloses a a method for adapting a tachograph comprising means for adding an extra menu and configuring a display after being connected to a data storing device.
D4, EP1615178 A2 discloses a vechicle data recorder comprising a camera for recording event images, a clock for outputting a date and/or time, at least one memory for storing images, date and/or time and a control unit.
D5, US 2006/041347 A1 , discloses adding functionality to similar on-vehicle recording device by means of external modules.
D6, WO 03/069625 A1 discloses an accessory for a conveyance comprising a receiving element for receiving a data recording device.
The solutions for upgrading a tachograph or adding more functions, are today expensive and not very flexible or user friendly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a tachograph and a detachable external function module facilitating upgrading a digital tachograph or adding new functions to it.
This object, among others, is according to the present invention attained by a digital tachograph and a detachable external function module, respectively, as defined by the appended claims.
The invention discloses a tachograph suitable for connection to an external function module. The tachograph comprises a security protected case and at least a function module interface (IFFM1) for secure communication of data between the tachograph and a tachograph data interface of a connected external function module. The function module comprises at least one external function. The invention introduces means (RECEFM) for recognizing different types of external functions of a connected external function. Further, the tachograph comprises means (AEFM) for adapting itself for using recognized types of functions of a connected external function module, whereas the recognition of functions and/or adaptation of the tachograph is done, at least partly, automatically when a external function module is connected to the tachograph, whereas the function module interface comprises a mechanical interface consisting of at least one cavity or recess on the outside of the security protected case, wherein the cavity or recess is configured for the external function module being placed therein, and wherein the tachograph is configured to recognize and use at least one of the following functions comprised in said connected external function module:

GPS function
area access payment
arithmetic unit function, wherein the external function is used for calculations, e.g. calculations of time limits for driving time
mobile phone functions
cargo information
motion sensor
crash/event recorder
processor and memory programmable by a user for personalized functions
telematic functions for wireless downloading data from the tachograph or a driver data memory.

Several embodiments, as defined by the claims, comprise different ways of use of, and adaption to, an external function module connected to the tachograph.
According to the invention, the function module interface is a secure interface. In a further embodiment there is also a power interface between the tachograph and an attached external function module.
An advantage with the inventions is an easy, fast and cheap way to add new functions to a tachograph. Customized applications could be added at reasonable costs.
Another advantage of some of the embodiments is that the same solutions could be used for different types of tachographs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects, advantages and effects as well as features of the present invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention when read together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a digital tachograph according to the present invention.
Fig. 2 illustrates an example of a design of an external function module.
Fig. 3 illustrates examples of different mechanical solutions of external functions modules

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

While the invention covers various modifications and alternative constructions, embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described in detail. However it is to be understood that the specific description and drawings are not intended to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed. The invention is defined by the appended claims.
Fig 1 illustrates a tachograph DTG1 according to the present invention.
The tachograph comprises a protected case PTC which is not to be opened by a normal user without authorization. Different security solutions are possible, e.g. an attached security label, or the case in itself, will be broken if the case is disassembled.
The protected case comprises a control function PROC for handling functions in the tachograph. The tachograph also comprises different tachograph basic functions e.g. storing of driving data, arithmetic units for different calculations, clock functions, encryptions functions etc. It also comprises at least one memory TM1 for storing data. All these functions could be distributed or integrated in the control function. The tachograph in this particular embodiment also comprises a printer unit PRT, which comprises a paper roll holder PRH for holding a paper roll PR.
A user interface could be integrated in the protected case PTC or placed externally. The user interface consist in this particular embodiment of control knobs CONTR and a display DISP.
This embodiment also comprises the following interfaces which all could be wired or wired:

A motion data interface IFMS for connection to a motions sensor MS
A user identification interface UMIF1 for connection to a user module UM1
A function module interface IFFM1 for data connection to an external function module EFM1, EFM2.
If the external function module needs power, the tachograph could also have an interface PDTG1 for power connection to an external function module EFM1.

The function module interface has some security solutions. Different solutions are possible, e.g. some kind of encryption or safe protocol could be used. The user module could comprise means for identification. It could also comprise memories and other functions. Tachographs use today driver cards with smart card interface as a user module.
The tachograph comprises means RECEFM for recognizing different types of external functions EF1, EF2, EF3 of a connected external function module EFM1, EFM2. When an external function module is attached, the tachograph will be informed of what kind of functions it comprises. The means for recognizing different types of functions EF1, EF2, EF3 could be manual or automatic, mechanical or electrical. Preferably, the means RECEFM recognize the functions electrically via the data interface IFFM1 when an external function module is attached to the tachograph.
The tachograph has the possibility to recognize at least two different functions EF1, EF2, EF3. Examples of possible functions that can be recognized by the tachograph:

data base function: the external function comprises data that can be retrieved by the tachograph, e.g. time, position (GPS), law requirements, personal data, authorization keys etc,
arithmetic unit function: the external function can be used for calculations, e.g. calculations of time limits for driving time
alarm functions, the external function comprises a warning system for getting the driver's attention if certain values are out of range, e.g. speed limit
telematic function: the external function is used as a download equipment of data from the tachograph or a driver data memory for wireless download to a memory or a server
second motion sensor function: the external function is a second motion sensor and the tachograph can compare data from the first motion sensor and the second motion sensor
memory function: the external function is a memory for storing data, e.g. driver related data from the tachograph or from a driver data memory
crash/event recorder function: the external function is a crash/event recorder that stores data registered by the tachograph
area access payment: the external function has functions for payment of e.g. road tolls
automatic diagnosis and fault detection: the external function can detect faults of the tachograph
cargo information system: the external function keeps track of cargo of the vehicle, e.g. temperature in the trailer, unload and load status
mobile phone functions
wireless interface e.g. Bluetooth, for communication of data between the tachograph and external equipment
geographical information, e.g. a GPS function
user profiles: the tachograph adapts its functions in accordance with the settings in the user profile.

The external function module could also be configurable by the user or by the producer. This is an easy way to be able to get customized functions in a tachograph.
The information of what kind of external functions the external function module that is attached comprises could be used in several ways. A user interface can be adapted to the need of the external function. Processors and memories can be used differently, menus in the display can be extended, interfaces can be adapted etc. Examples of tachograph adaptation to different external functions are:

data base function: the tachograph uses a specific field in the tachograph display
arithmetic unit function: the tachograph communicates specific data with the external function, e.g. rest time
telematic function: the tachograph communicates specific data with the external function, e.g. driving times
second motion sensor function: the tachograph compares data between first and second motion sensor
memory function: store certain data on the external function, e.g. different driver related data
crash/event recorder function: the tachograph communicates specific data with the external function, e.g. speed or time,
area access payment: the tachograph communicates specific data with the external function, e.g. driver related data
cargo information system: the tachograph communicates specific data with the external function, e.g. driver related data, access codes
area access: the tachograph communicates specific data with the external function, e.g. access codes

In the embodiment of fig.1 the tachograph also comprises means AEFM for adapting itself, at least partly, for using recognized types of external functions of a connected external function module. This means that less manual setting is needed. One example is that you do not have to manually inform the tachograph that the external function is a second motion sensor and how it should use the data. The tachograph uses the data in a proper way automatically. If the external function module needs power the tachograph could also have an interface PDTG1 for power connection to an external function module EFM1. This could be power for feeding the external function module or power for charging a power source in the external function module. This could be by wire or by wireless connection (inductive). The external function module could also control a printer and/or a user interface, e.g. display or buttons, on the tachograph. For example, if an external function needs to print out some data, it could then use the already existing printer on the tachograph.
The illustration in fig. 1 is one way to design and connect the different building blocks of the tachograph, other ways are of course also possible.
Fig 2 illustrates an external function module EFM3. It comprises a data interface IFDT1 for connection to a tachograph DTG2. It also comprises basic hardware HW and software SW. HW and SW could be configurable so that they can be adapted to demands from customers. The EFM3 also comprises different external functions, EF11-13.
There could also be an interface for power feed PEFM1. This could be for connection to the tachograph but also for connection to any power source. The external function module could also comprise a rechargeable power source. The external module could also comprise different kind of user interfaces MUIF, e.g. buttons or displays.
The external function module has a data interface for connection to a computer. A user could then customize the external function module via a computer before connecting it to the tachograph.
Concerning the mechanical solution the tachograph has a cavity corresponding to the size of an external function module in the tachograph case. The module will be mechanically situated outside the protected case. An electrical interface for data and/or power could be integrated in the cavity. This interface can be connected to a corresponding interface on the external function module when the module is placed in the cavity. This cavity could be on the backside. The external function module can also be connected via a wire to an electrical interface on the backside for the front side of the tachograph.
Fig 3a shows another mechanical solution not being part of the present invention. The external function module EFM4 is suitable for being placed in the paper holder for printing paper of a tachograph. A wire connected to the EFM4 could be made flat and flexible so it can go trough the paper slit and be attached to the front contact of a digital tachograph. The connections could also be wireless of course.
The paper roll has to be taken out of the paper holder for the described solution to work. One way to be able to keep the paper roll in the paper holder is to put the external function module EFM6 in the middle of the paper roll, fig 3c. To make the interfaces against the tachograph less complicated they can preferable be wireless in this case. If you have a detachable paper holder, as in the Stoneridge SE5000 for example, the whole paper holder can easily be replaced. You could then replace the entire printer paper holder with an external function module. It can then be connected to the tachograph either through the front connector, through a flat cable which runs externally but recessed into the tachograph casing, or through a connector inside the printer compartment. This connector could be a special additional connector which can be used as an interface between tachograph and the external function module.
In the case of Stoneridge SE5000 the front connector is placed in the cavity for the paper holder and could preferably be used as interface between tachograph and EFM to get total integration.
It is also possible to integrate a small external function module into a detachable paper holder EFM5 and in that way still have the paper holder function intact when you add new functions by changing the paper holder. This is illustrated in figure 3b. This solution does not affect any printer functions of the tachograph DTG3.
Another solution not being part of the present invention is to integrate the external function module in a user module. In that case you could integrate, at least part of, the tachograph interface for connection to a user module with the tachograph interface for data connection to an external function module.
It will be obvious that the present invention may be varied in a plurality of ways within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the inventive idea. All the described alternative embodiments above or parts of an embodiment can be freely combined without departing from the inventive idea as long as the combination is not contradictory.

Claims

A tachograph suitable for connection to a detachable external function module, the tachograph comprising:
- a security protected case (PTC),

- at least one, wired or wireless, function module interface (IFFM1) for secure communication of data between the tachograph and a tachograph data interface of a connected external function module (EFM1, EFM2, EFM3), said external function module comprising at least one function (EF1, EF2, EF3)
wherein the tachograph comprises:
- means (RECEFM) for recognizing different types of functions of said connected external function module, means (AEFM) for adapting itself for using recognized types of functions of said connected external function module, wherein the recognition of functions and/or adaptation of the tachograph is done, at least partly, automatically when said external function module is connected to the tachograph, wherein the function module interface comprises a mechanical interface consisting of at least one cavity or recess on the outside of the security protected case, wherein the cavity or recess is configured for the external function module being placed therein, and wherein the tachograph is configured to recognize and use at least one of the following functions comprised in said connected external function module:
- GPS function

- area access payment

- arithmetic unit function, wherein the external function is used for calculations, e.g. calculations of time limits for driving time

- mobile phone functions

- cargo information

- motion sensor

- crash/event recorder

- processor and memory programmable by a user for personalized functions

- telematic functions for wireless downloading data from the tachograph or a driver data memory.
A tachograph according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a, wired or wireless, module power feeding interface (PDTG1) for powering said connected external function module and/or for charging a power source in said connected external function module.
A tachograph according to any of the preceding claims, which can adapt to a certain external function comprised in said connected external function module in at least one of the following ways:
- add an extra menu, related to the external function, in a user interface of the tachograph,

- configure a display of a tachograph to use a field in the display for displaying data related to the external function,

- configure itself to transmit specific data to the external function,

- configure itself to receive data from the external function,

- configure itself so that a printer of a tachograph can be controlled by the external function.
A detachable external function module (EFM1-EFM6)configured for connection to a tachograph according to any of claims 1-3, comprising:
- a mechanical interface for connection to the tachograph, wherein the external function module is configured to be placed in the cavity or recess on the outside of the case of the tachograph,

- a tachograph data interface (IFTD1) for secure, wired or wireless, communication of data with the function module interface of the tachograph

- at least one function (EF11, EF12, EF13) configured to be recognized and used by the tachograph, comprising at least one of:
- GPS function

- area access payment

- arithmetic unit function, wherein the external function is used for calculations, e.g. calculations of time limits for driving time

- mobile phone functions

- cargo information

- motion sensor

- crash/event recorder

- processor and memory programmable by a user for personalized functions

- telematic functions for wireless downloading data from the tachograph or a driver data memory.
An external function module according to claim 4 further comprising:
- a power interface (PEFM1) for receiving power.
An external function module according to any of claims 4 to 5 comprising a module user interface (MUIF), e.g. a display.