GB2323169A - Vehicle data recording device - Google Patents
Vehicle data recording device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2323169A GB2323169A GB9704400A GB9704400A GB2323169A GB 2323169 A GB2323169 A GB 2323169A GB 9704400 A GB9704400 A GB 9704400A GB 9704400 A GB9704400 A GB 9704400A GB 2323169 A GB2323169 A GB 2323169A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- vehicle
- data
- recording device
- vehicle data
- data recording
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01D9/00—Recording measured values
- G01D9/005—Solid-state data loggers
-
- 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
- G07C5/08—Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle or waiting time
- G07C5/0841—Registering performance data
- G07C5/085—Registering performance data using electronic data carriers
- G07C5/0858—Registering performance data using electronic data carriers wherein the data carrier is removable
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Time Recorders, Dirve Recorders, Access Control (AREA)
Abstract
A vehicle data recording device comprises a housing 2 mounted in a vehicle. Data input means 3 is provided in the housing and is arranged to receive signals from a sensor 4 representative of distance travelled. A socket 8 is provided to receive a data card 10 which records date, time distance travelled etc. data. The data card or smart card 10 serves as a charge or credit card and, upon paying for fuel, the card 10 is inserted into a slot (41 fig.4) of an EPOS till (40). The EPOS till reads from the smart card 10 the details of the account to be debited, together with other optional details such as the identity of the driver, the identity of the vehicle and its current odometer reading. Whilst in the till, data is written from the till to the smart card 10 to record on its chip 11 the details of the transaction, including, for example, the cost and quantity of the fuel just dispensed, as well as the date and time. Thus, a full record of the fuel transaction for the respective vehicle is maintained both by the fuel station via the till 40 and on the smart card 10 via the chip 11.
Description
VEHICLE DATA RECORDING DEVICES
This invention relates to vehicle data recording devices.
Various vehicle data recording devices are known for providing management information about the use of vehicles. For example, this may be of particular interest to owners of fleets of vehicles, where up to date information needs to be kept about the total mileage of vehicles, their use on various journeys, whether mileage is for business or for private purposes, and so on. Typically, such devices are built into or mounted inside a vehicle, and data is entered into them by a driver from time to time. In order to download the data for subsequent processing, it is typically necessary to remove the device from the vehicle, connect it to an external data processing apparatus, and then replace it in the vehicle. All of this can take some time.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention aim to provide vehicle data recording devices which may be generally improved in the foregoing respect.
Another aim is to provide means for exchanging data at a fuelling station.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle data recording device comprising:
a. a housing mounted in or adapted to be mounted in a vehicle;
b. data input means provided in said housing and adapted to
receive signals from at least one sensor mounted in a vehicle,
which signals represent vehicle data;
c. key means provided in or on said housing for operation by a
user of the device, to input additional data to the device;
d. non-volatile memory means for storing signals representing said
vehicle data and additional data; and
e. mounting means for receiving said memory means in said
housing in such a manner that said memory means is
removable from said housing: wherein said memory means is adapted to exchange data with an external data processing apparatus such that data stored in said memory means may be read by such apparatus and further data can be written into said memory means from such apparatus.
A vehicle data recording device as above may further comprise a
display for displaying data stored in the device.
A vehicle data recording device as above may further comprise a clock
for indicating current date and time.
Preferably, said vehicle data includes overall distance travelled by the
vehicle.
Preferably, said vehicle data includes distances travelled by the vehicle on individual journeys.
A vehicle data recording device as above may further comprise means for storing in said memory means data to identify a vehicle in which the device is mounted.
Preferably, said additional data includes one or more of:
a. data to identify a current driver;
b. start and stop instants of an individual journey;
c. classification of an individual journey as for business, private
or other purposes;
d. destination of an individual journey;
e. identity of person(s) to be met;
f. route of an individual journey;
g. client or job billing code; and
h. travel expenses.
Preferably, said further data includes details of fuel purchases, comprising quantity of fuel and/or cost of fuel and/or method of payment.
Preferably, said memory means is mounted on a card.
Preferably, said card serves as a credit or charge card.
Preferably, said memory means comprises a semiconductor chip mounted on said card.
Preferably, said key means includes an alphanumeric keyboard.
A vehicle data recording device as above may further comprise an external alphanumeric keyboard which is connectable to the device for inputting said additional data thereto, in addition to said key means.
A vehicle data recording device as above may be provided in combination with an external data processing apparatus as aforesaid.
Preferably, said external data processing apparatus comprises an
Electronic Point of Sale device for conducting a sale transaction with said memory means.
The invention extends to a vehicle provided with a vehicle data recording device according to any of the preceding claims.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of recording vehicle data, comprising the steps of fitting to a vehicle a vehicle data recording device according to any of the preceding aspects of the invention, and recording data in said memory means by means of said data input means and/or key means and/or external alphanumeric keyboard and/or external data processing apparatus.
For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows one example of a vehicle data recording device;
Figure 2 shows a removable memory means for use with the device of Figure 1;
Figure 3 shows a detachable keyboard for use with the device of
Figure 1; and
Figure 4 shows an Electronic Point of Sale till for use with the removable memory means of Figure 2.
In the figures, like reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts.
The vehicle data recording device 1 that is shown in Figure 1 comprises a housing 2 that is adapted to be mounted in a vehicle (not shown). Typically, it may be mounted in, on or adjacent to the dashboard of the vehicle. A data input means 3 is provided in the housing 2 and is arranged to received signals from a sensor 4 which is mounted in the vehicle, and provides signals representative of distance travelled by the vehicle. Such sensors and signals are well known to those skilled in the art, and more than one can be provided, for indicating different data. The sensor 4 is connected to the data input means 3 by means of a suitable plug and socket connector 5.
The vehicle data recording device also has a display 6 for displaying various items of data and a number of function buttons 7 which provide a key means that is operable by a user in order to input various items of information into the device 1, or to control the function of the device. A socket 8 is provided on the housing 2 for receiving a removable data card 10 which is shown in Figure 2. The data card 10 is preferably in the form of a so-called "smart card", comprising a semiconductor chip 11 mounted on a card 12 with suitable terminals (not shown) for connection to circuitry inside the housing 2. The semiconductor chip 11 comprises a non-volatile memory for storing signals representing vehicle data and additional data input by a user. As will be described in some further detail below, the smart card 10 is removable from the vehicle recording device 1, such that it may be plugged into an external data processing apparatus with which it is adapted to exchange data, such that data stored in the chip 11 may be read by the external apparatus and further data can be written into the chip 11 from the external apparatus.
In order that a user may conveniently input further alphanumeric information into the vehicle data recording device 1, an alphanumeric keyboard 20 is removably connected to the device 1 by means of a suitable plug and socket connector 21.
Figure 4 shows an Electric Point of Sale (EPOS) till 40, having a slot 41 which is adapted to receive the smart card 10 so as to be capable of exchanging data with it.
An example of operation of the illustrated vehicle data recording device 1 will now be given.
Firstly, the housing 2 is fitted to a respective vehicle and, although it can be removed from the vehicle by means of suitable tools and connectors in order that maintenance may be carried out on it or that it may be used in another vehicle, it is ordinarily intended to remain in the vehicle on a day to day basis. The sensor 4 which, for example, may record mileage (or a signal representing distance travelled), is connected to the device 1 via the connector 5. Upon installation in a vehicle, the device 1 is programmed with a unique identification code to identify the vehicle in which it is fitted.
For example, this may conveniently comprise the registration number of the vehicle, and/or engine or chassis number. To this end, the device 1 has an internal memory store, in addition to the smart card 10, so that permanent details relating to the device 1 may be retained within the device.
Upon commencing a journey, a user of the vehicle inserts the smart card 10 into the socket 8. The smart card 10 may be pre-programmed with the identity of the driver, by way of name, number, etc. If any changes or updates need to be made to this information, this may be entered by way of the keyboard 20 which is connected to the device 1 by means of the connector 21. In order to change such information, a security code may be required. Alternatively, the smart card 10 may be pre-programmed with a drivers identity, for use only by that driver.
The device 1 contains an internal clock which gives information as to current date and time, and this may optionally be displayed on the display 6. Upon commencement of a journey, the user may activate a respective one of the buttons 7 to indicate that the journey is either for private or business use and, if no button is pressed, the device 1 may default automatically to private use.
The user may then activate another function button 7 to denote start of a new journey, and optionally the other parameters may be entered as desired, such as details of a destination and/or route. For example, the user may select from one of a number of pre-determined destinations or routes, or entry may be made by way of the keyboard 20, in which case the entry may be free text, so that any description may be used.
Upon completion of a journey, the user may activate one of the function buttons 7 to indicate that the pre-determined journey has terminated. An alternative arrangement is for individual journeys to be regarded as starting and stopping when the ignition of the car is turned on and off. However, this may give rise to an artificially high number of small journeys, and so user control may be preferred.
Whilst the smart card 10 is in the device 1, it may continuously record updated data as to date, time, distance travelled, together with any of the other parameters that are selectable by the user. At any desired time, the smart card 10 may be removed from the device 1 and inserted into an external data processing apparatus, where the data contained on the chip 11 may be downloaded and analysed. In this way, a rapid and convenient way may be found of keeping a record of a driver's mileage in one or more vehicles, with a breakdown as to use between vehicles if more than one, whether use is for business or private mileage purposes, overall mileage, etc.
Where the user is expected to make visits to particular locations at predetermined times, as may happen with security patrols, for example, this may also be checked and an accurate record kept.
A particularly advantageous use of the smart card 10 is for conducting transactions at fuelling stations. Preferably, the smart card 10 serves as a charge or credit card and, upon paying for fuel, the user hands the card 10 to the fuel station assistant who inserts it in the slot 41 of the EPOS till 40.
The EPOS till 40 reads from the smart card 10 the details of the account to be debited, together with other optional details such as the identity of the driver, the identity of the vehicle and its current odometer reading. This latter item of data is one that is regularly required at fuelling stations, and which is always troublesome for drivers to give accurately to the fuel station assistant. Whilst in the till 40, data is written from the till to the smart card 10 to record on the chip 11 the details of the transaction, including, for example, the cost and quantity of the fuel just dispensed, as well as the date and time. In this way, a full record of the fuel transaction for the respective vehicle is maintained both by the fuel station via the till 40 and on the smart card 10 via the chip 11.
When data is subsequently downloaded from the smart card 10 at an external data processing apparatus - such as, for example, the head office of a company that owns a fleet of cars - a full history of fuel consumption and transactions is also maintained, together with up to date records of the vehicle and its use as outlined above.
In this way, a user of a vehicle can very conveniently keep an accurate record of the vehicle's usage in all relevant respects, without the need to keep written records which may later need to be transcribed and entered into an accounting system. It is necessary for the user only to operate perhaps a few function buttons 7 on the data recording device 1, to identify the start and finish of individual journeys and whether they are for business or for private use. By using the smart card 10 as a fuel payment card, relevant data can be transferred to the fuel station accounting system, without the need for the driver to check any readings on the vehicle and remember to transfer them accurately to the fuel station. It is preferred that the smart card 10 serves as a fuel payment card, although a separate payment means may be used, if desired.
The smart card 10 may also serve as a security device, in that the vehicle may be immobilised until a valid smart card 10 is inserted into the socket 8.
Use of a smart card 10 is preferred, since it can be helpful to have a processor on the chip 11 to assist with data encryption and/or other functions. However, as an alternative, a simple memory card (including magnetic-strip swipe cards) or other non-volatile memory means may be employed.
Although the housing 2 has been shown as a separate item, in other embodiments the device 1 may be built into a vehicle component (eg a dashboard) as an integrated item.
The smart card 10 may, if desired, contain program data for the device 1. In use, such program data is downloaded into an internal memory store of the device 1, when the smart card 10 is inserted. For example, the display 6 may be configured to a particular user's requirements such that preferred data fields are shown on the display 6, in response to program data downloaded from the smart card 10.
As an alternative to a hard wire link between the keyboard 20 and device 1, a remote link (eg an infra-red link) may be used.
The function key 7 may take any suitable form, such as push-button, touch key, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the device 1 may be provided with a voice recognition circuit such that the device 1 detects spoken voice commands and functions accordingly.
The smart card 10 may reside normally in its slot 8 in the device 1, except when required for downloading of data or if it is perhaps removed for security. Alternatively, the smart card 10 may be normally kept by a user (eg in a wallet) separate from the device 1, and inserted only into the device 1 when it is required to update the smart card 10. For example, in order to make a fuel purchase, it may be necessary to insert the smart card 10 into the device 1 to upload relevant data, which is for the time being stored in an internal store within the device 1. The relevant data can then be downloaded to the EPOS till 40 when a fuel transaction is carried out.
The smart card 10 stores details of the last fuel transaction (at least), such that the EPOS till 40 will not accept the smart card 10 if the data on it has not been updated since the last fuel transaction.
The EPOS till 40 may also be arranged to read additional data from the smart card 10 such as, for example, details of each journey made and any other desired data. In this way, the operator of the fuel station, or perhaps an operator that provides fuel card services, can periodically provide reports to a fleet vehicle owner, of-any desired information relating to use of the vehicles. In other words, since it is necessary anyway to use the smart card 10 at the fuel station, the opportunity can then be taken to download any required data, for subsequent transmission to the owner of the vehicle.
Additional vehicle data that can be stored in the device 1 and also on the smart card 10 may optionally include data concerning engine performance, exhaust emissions, road speeds, engine speeds, idling periods, number of occasions of exceeding preset speed limits, etc. Much vehicle management data is already available from sensors and other devices present in modern engine management systems.
In this specification, the verb "comprise" has its normal dictionary meaning, to denote non-exclusive inclusion. That is, use of the word "comprise" (or any its derivatives) to include one feature or more, does not exclude the possibility of also including further features.
The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.
All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.
Claims (19)
1. A vehicle data recording device comprising:
a. a housing mounted in or adapted to be mounted in a vehicle;
b. data input means provided in said housing and adapted to
receive signals from at least one sensor mounted in a vehicle,
which signals represent vehicle data;
c. key means provided in or on said housing for operation by a
user of the device, to input additional data to the device;
d. non-volatile memory means for storing signals representing said
vehicle data and additional data; and
e. mounting means for receiving said memory means in said
housing in such a manner that said memory means is
removable from said housing: wherein said memory means is adapted to exchange data with an external data processing apparatus such that data stored in said memory means may be read by such apparatus and further data can be written into said memory means from such apparatus.
2. A vehicle data recording device according to claim 1, wherein said further data includes details of fuel purchases, comprising quantity of fuel and/or cost of fuel and/or method of payment.
3. A vehicle data recording device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said memory means is mounted on a card.
4. A vehicle data recording device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said card serves as a credit or charge card.
5. A vehicle data recording device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said memory means comprises a semiconductor chip mounted on said card.
6. A vehicle data recording device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a display for displaying data stored in the device.
7. A vehicle data recording device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a clock for indicating current date and time.
8. A vehicle data recording device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said vehicle data includes overall distance travelled by the vehicle.
9. A vehicle data recording device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said vehicle data includes distances travelled by the vehicle on individual journeys.
10. A vehicle data recording device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising means for storing in said memory means data to identify a vehicle in which the device is mounted.
11. A vehicle data recording device according to any of the preceding~ claims, wherein said additional data includes one or more of:
a. data to identify a current driver;
b. start and stop instants of an individual journey;
c. classification of an individual journey as for business, private or
other purposes;
d. destination of an individual journey;
e. identity of person(s) to be met;
f. route of an individual journey;
g. client or job billing code; and
h. travel expenses.
12. A vehicle data recording device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said key means includes an alphanumeric keyboard.
13. A vehicle data recording device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an external alphanumeric keyboard which is connectable to the device for inputting said additional data thereto, in addition to said key means.
14. A vehicle data recording device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
15. A vehicle data recording device according to any of the preceding claims, in combination with an external data processing apparatus as aforesaid.
16. A vehicle data recording device according to claim 15, wherein said external data processing apparatus comprises an Electronic,Point of Sale device for conducting a sale transaction with said memory means.
17. A vehicle provided with a vehicle data recording device according to any of the preceding claims.
18. A method of recording vehicle data, comprising the steps of fitting to a vehicle a vehicle data recording device according to any of claims 1 to 16, and recording data in said memory means by means of said data input means and/or key means and/or external alphanumeric keyboard and/or extemal data processing apparatus.
19. A method of recording vehicle data substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9704400A GB2323169A (en) | 1997-03-04 | 1997-03-04 | Vehicle data recording device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9704400A GB2323169A (en) | 1997-03-04 | 1997-03-04 | Vehicle data recording device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB9704400D0 GB9704400D0 (en) | 1997-04-23 |
| GB2323169A true GB2323169A (en) | 1998-09-16 |
Family
ID=10808635
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9704400A Withdrawn GB2323169A (en) | 1997-03-04 | 1997-03-04 | Vehicle data recording device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2323169A (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1319928A1 (en) * | 2001-12-14 | 2003-06-18 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Indicator for perishable goods with preceding period data input, interrupt, variable recording, Arrhenius equation, data transmission |
| WO2005101214A1 (en) * | 2004-04-19 | 2005-10-27 | Oneempower Pte Ltd | Transaction system |
| EP1759357A1 (en) * | 2004-06-25 | 2007-03-07 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Data transmission in an arrangement comprising a tachograph |
Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0172553A2 (en) * | 1984-08-20 | 1986-02-26 | Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd. | Operation data-recording system for a machine |
| EP0495104A1 (en) * | 1989-10-02 | 1992-07-22 | Kabushiki Kaisha Komatsu Seisakusho | Management system for construction machines |
-
1997
- 1997-03-04 GB GB9704400A patent/GB2323169A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0172553A2 (en) * | 1984-08-20 | 1986-02-26 | Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd. | Operation data-recording system for a machine |
| EP0495104A1 (en) * | 1989-10-02 | 1992-07-22 | Kabushiki Kaisha Komatsu Seisakusho | Management system for construction machines |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
| Title |
|---|
| WPI Accession no.89-094406/13 & DE 3729941 A (DOPP) 23.03.89(see abstract) * |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1319928A1 (en) * | 2001-12-14 | 2003-06-18 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Indicator for perishable goods with preceding period data input, interrupt, variable recording, Arrhenius equation, data transmission |
| WO2005101214A1 (en) * | 2004-04-19 | 2005-10-27 | Oneempower Pte Ltd | Transaction system |
| EP1759357A1 (en) * | 2004-06-25 | 2007-03-07 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Data transmission in an arrangement comprising a tachograph |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB9704400D0 (en) | 1997-04-23 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| COOA | Change in applicant's name or ownership of the application | ||
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |