MXPA97005797A - Method and device for determining the expected hour of arr - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for determining an expected arrival time of a vehicle equipped with a mobile unit including a dispatcher located remotely from the vehicle. The dispatcher generates a destination information for the vehicle, the destination information specifying at least one destination. The mobile unit includes a mobile communications device for receiving the destination information for the vehicle generated by the dispatcher. The mobile unit also includes a location receiver to determine a vehicle position. In response to the destination information received from the dispatcher and the vehicle's position, the mobile unit determines the expected arrival time of the vehicle.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS TO DETERMINE THE EXPECTED TIME OF ARRIVAL TECHNICAL FIELD DB LA IMV? MCIÓM This invention relates to a system for determining an expected arrival time, and more particularly to a system for determining an expected arrival time using a mobile communications network and a location system.

AMTBCBDBMTB8 DB THE IHVEMTION The technology of mobile communications has enjoyed substantial growth over the past decade. Many automobiles, trucks, airplanes, ships, and other vehicles are equipped with devices that allow reliable and convenient mobile communications using a satellite-based or ground-based transceiver network. Advances in this technology have also led to the spread of the use of portable and hand-held mobile communications devices.

Many customers of mobile communications systems want an accurate determination of their expected arrival time at a certain location, and will report this time to a remote location. For example, a cell phone in a vehicle or carried by a person offers a convenient communication network to report the expected arrival time, a method to determine an expected arrival time uses the average time of travel from a point of origin to a destination. This approach, however, may not be suitable for particular applications that require more accuracy and more frequent updates of an expected arrival time.

In addition, the transportation systems will benefit from a dispatcher function that monitors and directs the route of travel and the expected time of arrival of its carriers. For example, dispatchers of local or long-distance vehicles want a system that allows access to the information of the expected arrival time to make route and dispatch decisions. 8INTE8I8 DB THE IMVBHCIÓM According to the present invention, the disadvantages and problems associated with the prior techniques used to determine and report the expected time of arrival of a vehicle, a person, or an object to a particular destination have been essentially reduced or eliminated, An aspect of the present invention provides a system for determining an expected arrival time that integrates the placement technology with an existing mobile communications infrastructure.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system for determining an expected arrival time of a vehicle equipped with a mobile unit includes a dispatcher located remotely from the vehicle. The dispatcher generates destination information for the vehicle, specifying at least one destination. A communication link is coupled to the dispatcher and receives the destination information for the vehicle from the dispatcher. The mobile unit is coupled to the communication connection and receives the destination information for the vehicle generated by the dispatcher from the communication connection. The mobile unit determines a position of the vehicle and, in response to the position of the vehicle, also determines the expected arrival time of the vehicle at the destination identified by the destination information.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for determining an expected arrival time of a vehicle includes generating destination information in a dispatcher, specifying at least one destination and at least one designated time. The destination information is transmitted to the vehicle. The position of the vehicle is determined on the vehicle. In response to the position of the vehicle, the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at the destination identified by the destination information is also determined on the vehicle.

The important technical features of the present invention include improving the accuracy of the determination of the expected arrival time by using a location system. In particular, the location system provides information to a processor on the vehicle so that the processor can calculate the expected arrival time based on the actual position of the vehicle. Additionally, the expected arrival time can be continuously updated throughout the trip. Another technical advantage includes sending information to the vehicle from a remote location, such as a dispatcher. Such information may include one or more destinations and corresponding appointment times, route information, information regarding tasks to be performed or packages to be delivered at each specified destination, time information, traffic updates, or other information. Other technical advantages of the present invention include generating delay information when the vehicle determines that it will not arrive at a destination at the corresponding appointment time. The present invention may also display this delay information to the vehicle operator and transmit the delay information to a remote location. Important technical advantages may also include reporting to the remote location that the vehicle is not being driven along a predetermined route. Other technical advantages will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art of the following Figures, the description and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION DB THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the present invention and in relation to additional features and advantages, reference is now made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a system for determining an expected arrival time at a single destination.

Figure 2 illustrates a system for determining the expected arrival times in a plurality of destinations.

Figure 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the system to determine the expected arrival times in a plurality of destinations.

Figure 4 illustrates an exhibition on a vehicle.

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a mobile unit.

Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a dispatcher.

Figure 7 is a flow chart for determining an expected arrival time in a single destination; Y Figure 8 is a flow chart for determining the expected arrival times in a plurality of destinations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION DB IMVBMCIÓM Figure 1 illustrates a system 10 for determining an expected arrival time of a vehicle 40 traveling from a point of origin A to a destination B. The system 10 includes a dispatcher 20, a host 25, a communications connection 30, a vehicle 40 equipped with a mobile unit 42. System 10 provides an exact expected arrival time for vehicle 40 at destination B.

The dispatcher 20 is remotely located from the vehicle 40. A function of the dispatcher 20 is to generate destination information of the vehicle 40. Such destination information may include one or more destinations, designation information such as the corresponding appointment time for each destination. specified, the route information, the information in relation to tasks that must be carried out in the specified destination, the average time of travel for each destination, the information of the traffic and the peak hours, and the weather information. The destination information can also be any information generated by the dispatcher 20 that facilitates the control or the vicilance of the vehicle 40. As will be explained later in greater detail, an important technical advantage of the present invention includes remotely sending information to a vehicle 40 from the dispatcher's office 20.

The system 10 also includes one or more hosts 25 remotely located from the vehicle 40. In one embodiment, the host 25 performs the management and control functions for one or more truck fleets. Thus, system 10 may include many hosts 25 associated with trucking companies, delivery services, or other organizations with vehicles 40 equipped with mobile units 42. Host 25 generates the destination information and transmits this information about a communication network to a dispatcher 20. The dispatcher 20 collects the destination information from several hosts 25 and transmits this information to the vehicle 40. Thus, the dispatcher 20 can generate the destination information or the route destination information generated by the host 25. Alternatively, the host 25 may transmit the destination information to the vehicles 40 on the communications link equipment 30. In essence, some of the functions carried out by the dispatcher 20 may be distributed among several hosts 25. host 25 can also receive communications such as retr information of the mobile unit 42 on the communication link equipment 30. For clarity, this description will focus primarily on the functionality of the dispatcher 20, but it is understood that the host 25 can perform some or all of the functions performed by the dispatcher 20 The communications link equipment 30 is coupled to a dispatcher 20 and the host 25 and allows communication between the dispatcher 20, the host 25 and the mobile unit 42 on a vehicle 40. The communications network 30 can be any communications system space-based or land-based, such as a cell phone network. More specifically, the communication linkage device 30 comprises a mobile telecommunications switching office (MTSO) 32 coupled to the dispatcher 20 and host 25 and at least one transmitting site 34 associated with the cellular telephone network. The dispatcher 20 or the host 25 generates destination information and sends this information to the mobile telecommunications switching office 32. The mobile telecommunications switching office 32 directs the destination information to the transmitting site 34. The transmitting site 34 then transmits the destination information to the mobile unit 42 on a destination information stream 36. The destination information may be encoded using traditional data encoders, such as a modem or a dual tone multifrequency encoder / decoder (DTMF).

The communication link equipment 30 may be one or a combination of dedicated telephone lines, switched telephone lines, microwave communications connections, satellite-based communications connections, specialized mobile radio (SMR), enhanced specialized mobile radio (ESMR), a personal communications service (PCS), a citizen's band (CB), a dedicated radio system, such as those used by the fire brigade, or any other appropriate communications link equipment that allows the dispatcher 20 or to the host 25 to transmit data or receive the data from the mobile unit 42. The communication link equipment 30 may also be an SS7 column link or a similar network for linking the cellular or land line switches in a network public switched telephone (PSTN). Such a connection allows the components of the public switched telephone network to share information for validation, vagrancy, billing, call handling, and other functions. The communications link equipment 30 may also include intelligence to direct the information generated in the dispatcher 20, in the host 25, or in the mobile unit 42 to multiple selected sites.

The destination information stream 36 can be implemented in a control channel, in a voice channel, part of a voice or data channel dimensioning or a general charge message stream implemented concurrently in a cell phone technology. Currently, the control channel provides the paging of incoming calls, hands-free instructions, and other features of the cellular telephone network, but can be modified by a person skilled in the art to include the transmission of destination information. The destination information stream 36 can also be implemented using any other digital or analog communications network between the transmitting site 34 and the mobile unit 42, whether or not the communication network requires the sizing of a data or voice channel , and whether the data encoder is used or not. For example, the destination information stream 36 may be part of a separate channel that requires a mobile unit 42 to refine it for the destination information stream 36 transmitted from the site of the transmitter 34.

Additionally, there are several technologies in development that can provide a convenient implementation of destination information stream 36. For example, cellular digital packet data (CDPD) data technology allows data and voice integration using the cellular telephone infrastructure existing. In the cellular packet data technology system, the digital data packets and analog voice segments share the same channel. Other developments in digital cellular communications, such as code division multiple access (CDMA) and time division multiple access (TDMA), allow digital voice and digital data signals to be intermixed or scattered in a communications channel. These technologies integrate the transmission of digital data in a communication network 30, and therefore provide a convenient implementation scheme for the destination information stream 36.

The transmitting site 34 may send destination information to a mobile unit 42 in a large packet or in several small packets interspersed with other data used for the mobile communications. For example, the destination information may be packed in existing, but not used, bytes of the general load message stream or in a dedicated protocol. One possible implementation would be to place the destination information in the extended protocol described in the mobile communication standard EIA / TIA-533, which provides directional communication between the transmitting site 34 and the mobile unit 42.

The mobile unit 42 can continuously monitor the destination information stream 36 transmitted from a transmitting site 34. In addition, the mobile unit 42 can alternatively be tuned between several destination information streams 36 from several transmitter sites 34 to determine the strongest signal, usually in relation to the nearest transmitting site 34.

Figure 1 shows the mobile unit 42 on the vehicle 40. The present invention contemplates the mobile unit 42 being carried by all types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, airplanes, ships, boats, rail cars, towing carts, on the body of a person, together with a package, or any other mobile object for which it is desirable to calculate the expected time of arrival.

Because the mobile unit 42 is coupled to the communication link equipment 30, the mobile unit 42 can communicate with the dispatcher 20. The mobile unit 42 receives the destination information generated by the dispatcher 20 for the vehicle 40 on the computer. communication link 30. In particular, the mobile unit 42 contains a mobile communication device 90 (Figure 5) that receives the destination information on the destination information stream 36.

The mobile unit 42 may comprise an output device 104 (FIG. 5) operable to visually or audibly display the destination information to an operator of a vehicle 40 once the information has been received by the mobile unit 42. For example, referring to to Figure 1, the output 104 displays the destination information specifying a particular route 52 to be followed by the vehicle 40 from a point of origin A to one of destination B. Once it becomes aware of this information, the operator can then drive through that route 52.

Using a location system 45, the mobile unit 42 determines the position of the vehicle 40. Specifically, the mobile unit 42 comprises a mobile location receiver 80 (Figure 5) operable to receive the location information from the location system 45. mobile unit 42 receives the location information on the location information streams 49 from a plurality of satellites 47. The mobile unit 42 then determines its position using the information from the location information streams 49. The location information comprises information from exact satellite location transmitted by the satellites 47 and the pseudorange data represented by the arrival time of the location information streams 49 to the mobile unit 42.

The location system 45 is illustrated as a satellite-based radio navigation system, such as the global location system NAVSTAR (GPS). The description uses the NAVSTAR GPS as a representative location system 45, but any satellite-based or land-based system can be used. For example, the location system 45 may be a ground-based LORAN-C, space-based GLONASS, a dead-computer system, an inertial navigation system, any other appropriate location technology. As shown in Figure 1, the location system 45 comprises a plurality of satellites 47. In general, the location or location system 45 comprises a plurality of land-based or space-based transmitters that broadcast information from Location.

The satellites 47 maintain an exact and synchronized time and simultaneously transmit the location information containing the specific satellite and system information required by the mobile unit 42 to determine the position of the vehicle 40. The location information transmitted by the satellites 47 can include a high precision chronometer and ephemeris data for a particular satellite. a low accuracy timer and ephemeris data for each satellite in a constellation ("almanac data"), health status and configuration for all satellites, user text messages, and other parameters describing the operation of the location system 45 .

The location system 45 may also comprise additional satellites and one or more location receivers. The additional satellites can also communicate the location information to the mobile unit 42. In one embodiment, a location receiver 50 can be mounted on a transmitter site 34 to implement differential GPS techniques. The location receiver 50 generates correction data that allows the mobile unit 42 to more accurately determine the location of the vehicle 40. The location receiver 50 transmits the correction data to the mobile unit 42 on any suitable network, such as the current of destination information 36.

In response to the position of the vehicle, the mobile unit 42 determines the expected arrival time of the vehicle 40 at the destination identified by the destination information received from the dispatcher 20 on a communications network 30. In the calculation of the arrival time expected, the mobile unit 42 may also consider such factors as the expected average speed of the vehicle 40, the actual average speed of the vehicle 40, the time of day during which the vehicle 40 is traveling, the average time of a trip from the point from origin a to destination B along route 52 based on a previous trip, the conditions of the time, and any other information that has effects on the calculation of the expected arrival time. Stationary intervals along the route can also impact the calculation of the expected arrival time. Stationary intervals along the route can also impact the calculation of the expected arrival time. These parking intervals may include the mandatory rest periods of the handler, the designated time to carry homework in one place, the nightly stays, the scheduled or unscheduled maintenance, the heavy, or other intervals when the vehicle 40 is not moving. The factors used to calculate the expected arrival time can be provided to the mobile unit 42 from the dispatcher 20 or generally located in the vehicle 40. For example, the mobile unit 42 can take into account delays due to the conditions of the time or Mandatory rest periods of the handler that the dispatcher 20 is not able to predict.

The dispatcher 20 can configure the time interval between expected arrival time calculations by the mobile unit 42. The calculation of the expected arrival time can also be continuous. As discussed below, this time interval dictates how quickly the dispatcher 20 will report that the vehicle 40 may be delayed to reach a particular destination. In addition, the mobile unit 42 can transmit information about the expected arrival time even if it is determined that the vehicle 40 will be on time at the location. For example, vehicle 40 may wish to report to the dispatcher 20 an expected and calculated arrival time that is much earlier than the corresponding appointment time. In general, the mobile unit 42 can initiate the transmission of the information to the dispatcher 20 based on the calculation of the late arrival, the early arrival calculation, a predetermined report interval, or another condition.

System 10 provides a more accurate estimate of the expected arrival time than currently available systems, and can provide these estimates almost instantaneously or "on the fly". These estimates may consider the specifics of each trip, such as traffic, weather conditions, and the time of day during which the vehicle 40 is traveling. In some applications, low frequency and low accuracy updates are sufficient. Other applications, however, require more frequent and more accurate updates in an almost real time. For example, the operator of a local delivery truck may require high frequency and exact estimates of the expected arrival time to monitor scheduled activities. System 10 provides these high-frequency updates without relying on off-vehicle computations.

In addition, the same delivery truck can send estimates of lower frequency of the expected arrival time or of the late information to a remote location, such as dispatcher 20. These estimates can be sent at fixed time intervals, on demand, or as a result of an event that is reported by default.

The system 10 supports the remote sending of the destination information to the vehicle 40 from the dispatcher 20. If the destination information is only entered into the mobile unit 42, just before the departure of the vehicle 40 from its origin, the mobile unit 42 only has one destination information available that is accurate as to the time of departure. On a long route truck route or an extended local delivery route, the destination information may be updated before the vehicle 40 reaches its final destination. To remedy this problem, the dispatcher 20 may continue to update the destination information used by the mobile unit 42 to calculate the expected arrival time of the vehicle 40 in one or more destinations. For example, at the time of departure, the destination information entered into the mobile unit 42 may include the preferred route for the vehicle 40 and various destinations with corresponding appointment times. During the trip, the preferred route may be closed, additional destinations and appointment times may be added to the route, existing destinations may be modified or deleted, and times may be designated, traffic conditions may change and those of the truck, or any other event may require dispatcher 20 to send updated destination information to vehicle 40.

In addition, the destination information is sent directly to the mobile unit 42 rather than the one entered by the operator of the vehicle 40. Since the operator of the vehicle 40 is not distracted from his main duty to operate the vehicle 40, the risk is reduced of the vehicle 40 getting involved in an accident. In addition, any human error in the insertion of the destination information within the mobile unit 42 is essentially reduced.

The mobile unit 42 may also be configured to notify both the dispatcher 20 and an operator of the vehicle 40 if there is a possibility that the vehicle 40 is late for a destination. After the mobile unit 42 has determined the expected arrival time, the mobile unit 42 compares that time with a corresponding appointment time specified in the destination information. If the expected arrival time for the vehicle 40 at the destination is later than the designated time, the mobile unit 42 generates delay information which may include the expected arrival time. The time interval between the expected arrival time calculations dictates the accuracy of the delay information.

If the expected arrival time is calculated more frequently, then the dispatcher 20 and the operator will be notified earlier that the vehicle 40 will be delayed. For example, suppose that the interval between the calculations is one hour. Also, assume that the vehicle 40 decomposes just after the mobile unit 42 has calculated an expected arrival time. In this case, the mobile unit 42 will not generate the delay information by informing the dispatcher 20 that the vehicle 40 will most likely be late until a full hour has passed. Suppose, however, that the interval between the calculations is 15 minutes. In this case, the dispatcher 20 is informed more quickly that the vehicle 40 will probably be delayed.

The generation of the delay information is also configurable in several ways. The delay information does not need to be generated in all cases where the mobile unit 42 calculates that the expected arrival time will be later than the corresponding designated time at a destination. For example, in most cases the dispatcher 20 should not be alerted if the vehicle 40 will reach its destination one minute after the designated time. Therefore, the dispatcher 20 can be operated to configure a delta time parameter, defined as the difference between the designated time and a later expected arrival time, based on the importance of the vehicle 40 arriving at its destination on or before the designated time Also, just because the mobile unit 42 determines that the expected arrival time of the vehicle 40 is later than the designated time after a calculation this does not mean that the vehicle 40 will be definitively delayed. The vehicle 40 may not be delayed in its program the next time the mobile unit 42 calculates the expected arrival time. Thus, the dispatcher 20 is operable to configure a fault account parameter, defined as the number of expected arrival time calculations in a row that are later than the designated time. For example, under a zero failure account, the late information will be sent to the dispatcher 20 the first time the mobile unit of time 42 calculates that the expected arrival time is later than the appointment time. In addition, the dispatcher 20 does not require to be notified continuously once the vehicle 40 has fallen behind the program. Rather, the mobile unit 42 will only notify the dispatcher 20 again at intervals. Therefore, a renotification interval parameter can be configured based on how frequently dispatcher 20 requires to be informed that vehicle 40 will likely be delayed. The delta time parameter, the fault count parameter, the renotification interval parameter, and other operation parameters may be sent from the dispatcher 20 to the vehicle 40 as a destination information.

The system 10 allows the parties to make an adjustment with respect to the late arrival time. The mobile unit 42 transmits the delay information to the dispatcher 20 on the communications link 30. The dispatcher 20 can then act on the delay information. For example, the dispatcher 20 can inform the destination parties that the vehicle 40 will not arrive at the designated time, but rather will arrive at the expected arrival time determined by the mobile unit 42. The mobile unit 42 can also transmit the delay information directly to the destination of the vehicle 40. In addition, the mobile unit 42 can present the delay information to the vehicle operator 40 through the exit 104 (Figure 5). Once informed that the vehicle 40 will not arrive at the destination at the corresponding appointment time, the operator can take corrective action, such as making fewer stops. Additionally, the mobile unit 42 can be configured to determine and display the average travel speed required by the vehicle 40 to reach the destination at the designated time.

The mobile unit 42 may be configured to generate a delay information only if the expected arrival time in the designation is later than the corresponding designated time. Other systems that are used to monitor vehicles provide constant updates on the vehicles. Most dispatchers, however, are not concerned about the exact position of a vehicle at any time on a route to its destination. Rather, dispatchers worry only when a vehicle can not reach its destination at the time of the appointment. In such form, the mobile unit 42 essentially reduces or eliminates the cost of personnel, and additional equipment and communications costs necessary to monitor the vehicle 40.

In the system 10, the dispatcher 20 allows surveillance of at least one vehicle 40 equipped with a mobile unit 42. A large company can operate the dispatcher 20 to monitor a plurality of vehicles 40 equipped with mobile units 42. The smaller companies with more limited resources they can come together to operate either jointly the dispatcher 20 or employ an independent firm to operate the dispatcher 20. It should be understood that the present invention contemplates any number and arrangement of dispatchers 20 to monitor one or more fleets of vehicles 40.

Figure 2 illustrates a system 10a for determining the expected arrival times in a plurality of destinations. More particularly, system 10a as shown provides exact expected arrival times for vehicle 40 in destinations C, D and E along route 52a or destinations C, D 'and E along the route 52b.

In this embodiment of the present invention, the destination information generated by the dispatcher 20 includes various destinations and the corresponding designation times. For example, the destination information may specify that the vehicle must be in: (1) destination C at 1:00 p.m., February 1, 1995; (2) at destination D at 4:00 p.m. on February 1, 1995; and (3) at destination E at 10:00 a. . on February 2, 1995. Based on this information and other destination information received from the dispatcher 20 on the communication network 30 and the location information received from the location system 45, the mobile unit 42 determines the arrival times of the vehicle 40 expected in destinations C, D and E.

The operator of the vehicle 40 may require carrying out some task, such as delivering a package, in each of the destinations C, D and E. The vehicle 40 is programmed to arrive at each destination at the corresponding designation time specified in destination information; otherwise, the mobile unit 42 generates delay information for each destination at which the vehicle 40 does not arrive at the corresponding appointment time. For example, assume that the vehicle 40 arrives at the appointment time at destination C, but is now delayed by one hour for the destination D. Based on the current vehicle position and other factors, the mobile unit 42 determines the arrival time expected at destination D and also determines the expected arrival time at destination E. If one or both of these expected arrival times are after the corresponding appointment time, mobile unit 42 generates delay information to be displayed at the time of arrival. operator and / or to be transmitted to the dispatcher 20. The dispatcher 20 can then inform the parties in the destinations D and E that the vehicle 40 will arrive at the expected arrival times determined by the mobile unit 42 for those destinations.

One problem that trucking companies frequently face is that truck operators, whether intentionally or unintentionally, drive considerable distances away from their assigned routes. Because trucking companies must pay for the extra fuel and maintenance costs associated with increased mileage, these off-route kilometers are extremely expensive for trucking companies. To alleviate this problem, the C and D destinations can be used as waypoints to determine if the vehicle operator 40 has driven off the route 52a specified in the destination information generated by the dispatcher 20. Referring to Figure 2, the dispatcher 20 generates destination information specifying that vehicle 40 will proceed to destination E along route 52a, passing through both waypoints C and D.

The mobile unit 42 may be configured to update the dispatcher 20 when the vehicle has reached a point on the road. In this manner, the dispatcher 20 can be notified that the vehicle 40 is still en route. Suppose, however, that instead of following the route 52a specified by the destination information, the vehicle operator 40 drives along a route 52b passing through points C and D '. Based on the position information received from the location system 45 and the destination information received from the dispatcher 20, the mobile unit 42 determines that the expected time of arrival of the vehicle 40 at this point of the C road will be later than the designated hour. correspondent. This will occur at some point along the path between A and C, and more possibly at the beginning of the path near A. Thus, shortly after the vehicle 40 takes the wrong route, the mobile unit 40 generates information from delay, including the position of the vehicle 40, to inform the dispatcher 20 and the operator that the vehicle 40 is out of route. Regardless of the operator's intentions, he can now correct his route in order to minimize off-route mileage. At this point, the dispatcher 20 can update the destination information of the mobile unit 42.

In addition to reducing off-route mileage, the use of intermediate road points improves the calculation of the expected arrival time. Specifically, the actual distance between the position of the vehicle 40 and the destination can be the distance on the road. The road points can be used as intermediate points between the position of the vehicle 40 and the destination in order to more accurately calculate the actual road distance, if they are used for a more accurate distance calculation, the road points do not require a time of associated designation and mobile unit 42 does not require calculating an expected arrival time at these waypoints. The waypoints can be generated locally in the mobile unit 42 using, for example, the databases or route programs.

Figure 3 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the system 10a for determining the expected arrival times in a plurality of destinations, with the particular application to the local delivery or to the local repair services. The system 10b provides the expected arrival times for the vehicle 40a in the L, M, N, O and P destinations, which define the expected route of the vehicle 40a shown by the dotted line. The mobile unit 42 receives the destination information generated by the dispatcher 20 through the communications network 30. The operation of the system 10b illustrated in Figure 3 is best understood with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

Figure 4 illustrates a display 60 on the vehicle 40a. The address column 64 includes at least one destination, the designated time column 66 includes at least one corresponding designated time, and the description column 68 includes at least one task that is to be carried out at a destination. The letters in parentheses under column 62, not included in the display 60, describe the corresponding destinations in Figure 3. Specifically, lines 1, 2, 3 and 4 in display 60 of Figure 4 correspond to the M destinations, N, O and P, respectively, shown in Figure 3. In addition, the expected time column 69 exhibits at least one expected arrival time calculated by the mobile unit 42. The display 60 may also display a map 67 showing the location of the vehicle 40a in relation to one or more destinations, a predetermined route to follow for the vehicle 40a, and any other information that may be useful to the operator.

In operation, the dispatcher 20 generates the destination information for the vehicle 40a. The destination information defines, for example, the delivery schedule for a local delivery service or an appointment schedule for a local service provider. The destination information can be based in part on an allocated amount of time to carry out a task at a destination and the expected travel time between destinations. For example, dispatcher 20 may allocate fifty-five minutes to repair a machine at destination M and five minutes to travel between destinations M and N. Thus, as shown on line 2 of exhibit 60 in Figure 4 , the dispatcher 20 generates destination information for the 40th vehicle that includes an appointment time of 9:00 a.m. in destination N by adding fifty-five minutes of work time plus five minutes of travel time to the appointment time of 8:00 a.m. in the destination M.

The dispatcher 20 transmits the destination information on the vehicle 40a on the communications network 30. The destination information may also be loaded on the mobile unit 42 using any suitable input device, such as a board, direct connection or any other means of communication. suitable removable storage., In a particular example, the operator of the vehicle 40a is a plumber which is in destination M, shown on line 1 of merchandiser 60. Destination N, shown on line 2 of merchandiser 60, it is five minutes away from destination M, the time is now 9:10 am, and the operator has just finished repairing the machine, as shown under the description of column 68 of line 1. The mobile unit 42 determines the expected time of arrival of vehicle 40a to destination N which will be 9:15 a.m. (as shown in the expected time column 69 of line 2), based on destination information and vehicle position. The appointment time for destination N, however, is 9:00 a.m. (as shown in the designated time column 66 of line 2). The expected arrival time of delay is shown to the operator, which can be highlighted by flashing, or in a different color to alert the operator. In addition, the mobile unit 42 has calculated the expected arrival times in the O and P destinations as from 10:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m., respectively, (as shown in the expected time column 69 of rows 3 and 4, respectively) based on the late arrival to the estimated N destination.

The mobile unit 42 generates the delay information and transmits it to the dispatcher 20. The dispatcher 20 can inform the party at the destination N that the vehicle 40a is delayed, or the operator of the vehicle 40a can do this on the mobile communications device 90 (Figure 5). The dispatcher 20 can modify the route for the vehicle 40a in response to receipt of the delay information, and transmit new destination information with the updated address information and the appointment information.

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a mobile unit 42. The mobile unit 42 includes the mobile location receiver 80, the mobile communication device 90 and other associated devices and programs, described below. The mobile location receiver 80 includes the antenna 82, the receiver 84, the controller 86 and the memory 88. In the operation, the mobile location receiver 80 receives the location information of the satellites 47 on the location information streams 49. in the antenna 82. The receiver 84 processes the location information to extract ephemeris, almanac data and clock correction data. The controller 86 receives the location information and computes a vehicle position. These calculations carried out by the controller 86 can use the data stored in the memory 88.

The mobile communication device 90 includes the antenna 92, the transceiver 94, and the handset 96. In operation, the mobile communications device 90 receives the destination information on the antenna 92 on the destination information stream 36. The destination can be transmitted from the dispatcher 20 through the communications network 30. More particularly, the mobile communications device 90 receives the destination information on the destination information stream 36 transmitted from the site of the transmitter 34 associated with the network of cell phone. As described above, the destination information can be in a variety of forms, including one or more destinations, designated information such as corresponding arrival times, route information, weather information, average travel time between destinations, tasks. which must be carried out in each destination, the operation parameters, and other information. The destination information received by the transceiver 92 can be passed to the processor 100 over a network 95 or over any other appropriate path, such as through the bus drivers 112 and a dual tone or modem frequency encoder / decoder ( DTMF) lio. The handset 96 provides the traditional voice or data communications using the mobile communications device 90.

The processor 100 handles communication, calculation, location, and reporting characteristics of the mobile unit 42. In operation, the processor 100 receives a vehicle position of the controller 86 and the destination information of the transceiver 94. The processor 100 generates an expected arrival time for the vehicle 40 at a particular destination based upon the vehicle's position and destination information.

Coupled to the processor 100 is the memory 102 which may contain programs, maps, databases, and other information required by the processor 100 to carry out its functions. The memory 102 can be a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), removable memory devices, CD-ROM, or any other device that allows storage or removal of data. The processor 100 and the controller 86 as well as the memory 102 and the memory 88 can be separate and integral components of the mobile unit 42. The mobile unit 42 contemplates any arrangement, processing capacity, or task assignment between the mobile location receiver 80, the mobile communication device 90, and the processor 100.

The expected arrival time is sent to the output device 104, such as the device 60 in Figure 4, to generate a table of corresponding expected arrival times and times or, alternatively, a map displaying the vehicle 40 and the destinations. The output device 104 also produces audible information, such as updates of the expected arrival time or a delay announcement, to the vehicle operator 40.

The processor 100 is also coupled to the input device 106, which may be a board or a digital display, as well as a program and voice recognition apparatus which can accept audible commands and information. In addition, both the output device 104 and the input device 106 may include fixed or removable storage means, such as magnetic computer disks, CD-ROM, or other suitable means for both receiving the output from and providing input to the processor 100. or to memory 102. The destination information can be provided to a mobile unit 42 using the input device 106. This can be achieved by a direct connection to the dispatcher 20, the audible or keyboard input, or through the removable storage means. .

A feature of the present invention is that the vehicle operator 40 can put information into the mobile unit 42 when the vehicle 40 is in one of its destinations. Using the input device 106, the operator stores information about the vehicle load 40, the weight of the vehicle 40, the load invoice, and any other item for which it is desirable to keep a record. The operator can also enter the particular destination position based on the position of the vehicle 40 determined by the mobile location receiver 80. The position of the destination can be stored in the memory 102 together with an identification of that destination. Dispatcher 20 can then use the exact position information for that destination to generate destination information for future trips. Also, in future trips, the mobile unit 42 may use this position information to more accurately calculate an expected arrival time for that destination.

The processor 100 generates the information for transmission to the dispatcher 20 using a mobile communications device 90. The information may include delay information, such as the expected arrival time of the vehicle 40 at a particular destination, the time of reporting, and the position of the vehicle, or the entry of information by the operator of the vehicle, as well as any other information collected by the processor 100 of various sensors 108. For example, sensors 108 may include various engine sensors, truck tow sensors, security monitors, or other devices generating information about the status or condition of the mobile unit 42, the vehicle 40, or its operator. The generation and transmission of this information may be based on the expected late arrival time, the elapsed time, the movement of the mobile unit 42, the sensor readings, or any other piece of information that may be required to report to a remote location. The information is sent from the processor 100 through the modem or the DTMF encoder / decoder 110 to the bus drivers 112, and then to a transceiver 94 for transmission over the antenna 92 to a remote location, such as the dispatcher 20 ( Figure 6). The information may also be sent directly to the transceiver 96 over the network 95. The mobile unit 42 may also include a stopwatch 116 coupled to the processor 100 which may be used to synchronize the position of the vehicle received from the controller 86 with the destination information received from the transceiver 94. .

The components of the mobile unit 42 shown in Figure 5 can be packaged in one or more boxes. The mobile unit 42 may be mounted on the vehicle 40 or on an object that is to be followed. The mobile unit 42 can also be packaged as a portable and handy device that provides personal time, location, communication and reporting functions. For example, portable hand-held mobile unit 42 may be used by police, firefighters, rescue teams, service and delivery personnel, individuals who may change forms of transportation, or in any other application requiring portability of the unit. mobile 42 Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the dispatcher 20. Dispatcher 20 includes a modem or DTMF encoder / decoder 70, a central controller 72, a memory 74, an input / output device 76, and other associated devices and programs. The memory 74 can be a RAM, ROM, CD-ROM, removable memory devices or any other devices that allow storage or removal of data. The input / output device 76 includes any variety of output devices such as a display, a speaker to provide audible information, removable storage means or any other appropriate output device. The input / output device 76 may also include a variety of input devices such as a board, a mouse, a digital display, removable storage media, or any other appropriate input device.

The dispatcher 20 generates the destination information for one or more vehicles 40 carrying the mobile units 42. In particular, the destination information can be manually entered into the central controller 72 by a person using the input / output device 76, through removable storage means such as magnetic computer disks or CD-ROMs, or any other suitable means for entering information within a central controller 72. The destination information may include one or more destinations, the corresponding appointment times in each destination, the predetermined routes, the average travel times from one destination to another, the tasks that will be carried out in each destination, the operating parameters and other information. The destination information is sent from the central controller 72 through the modem of the DTMF encoder / decoder 70 to the communication network 30 for transmission via the transmitter site 34 to the mobile unit 42. Alternatively, the transmission of the destination from dispatcher 20 may not require a data encoder.

The central controller 72 also receives information from the mobile unit 42 and processes this information to determine the expected arrival time, locate, track, dispatch and communicate with the mobile unit 42. For example, the central controller 72 can maintain a database in the memory 74 of all mobile units 42 with their current expected arrival times, location, status and relevant sensor readings. This database can also be used to initiate communication with the mobile unit 42. In addition, the central controller 72 can carry out a call delivery function that directs incoming calls to the mobile unit 42 through the communications network 30 Figure 7 is a flow chart for determining an expected arrival time in a single designation. Initially, the central controller 72 of the dispatcher 20 generates the destination information (at point 210), comprising a destination and a corresponding designated time, for the vehicle 40 carrying the mobile unit 42. The destination may be in a variety of ways, such as latitude / longitude, as well as an address of a street, a town or city identifier, a road junction or other geographic monument or identifier that may be related to a latitude / longitude or other positional coordinate used by the location receiver 80. The destination information is sent from the central controller 72 through the modem of the DTMF encoder / decoder 70 to the communication network 30., which transmits the destination information (at point 212) to the mobile unit 42 on the vehicle 40. The mobile unit 42 receives the destination information through the mobile communications device 90. The receiver 84 of the mobile location receiver 80 processes the location information received from the satellites 47, and the controller 86 determines a vehicle position (at point 214).

The processor 100 receives the destination information from the mobile communications device 90 and the position of the vehicle from the mobile location receiver 80. Based on this information and other information that may be contained in the memory 102, the processor 100 determines the time of day. expected arrival (at point 216) of the vehicle 40 at the destination specified in the destination information.

The processor 100 then determines (at point 218) whether the expected arrival time is later than the appointment time specified in the destination information received from the dispatcher 20. if the expected arrival time is not later than the arrival time. the appointment, the mobile unit 42 will return to the step of determining the position of the vehicle (at point 214).

If the expected arrival time is later than the appointment time, the processor 100 will generate the delay information (at point 220). The processor 100 transmits the delay information (at point 222) for the dispatcher 20 using the mobile communications device 90 and the communication network 30. The processor 100 also displays the delay information (at point 224) on the vehicle 40 using the output device 104 to inform the operator.

Figure 8 is a flow chart for determining the expected arrival times in a plurality of destinations. Initially, the central controller 72 of the dispatcher 20 generates the destination information (at point 310), comprising at least two destinations and the corresponding destination times, for the vehicle 40 equipped with the mobile unit 42. The destination information is sent from the central controller 42 through the modem of the DTMF encoder / decoder 70 for the communication network 30, which transmits the destination information (at point 312) to the mobile unit 42 on the vehicle 40. The mobile unit 42 receives the destination information through the mobile communications device 90.

The processor 100 receives the destination information from the mobile communications device 90. The processor 100 displays this information to the vehicle operator 40 (at point 314) using the output device 104. Using the destination information, the processor 100 initializes a destination and a designated time (at point 316) and put back a delay flag (at point 318). The receiver 84 of the mobile location receiver 80 processes the location information received from the satellites 47, and the controller 86 determines a vehicle position (at point 320).

The processor 100 receives the location of the vehicle from the mobile location receiver 80. By comparing the position of the vehicle with the destination, the processor 100 determines whether the vehicle 40 has arrived at the destination (at point 322) if the vehicle 40 has arrived at the destination, the processor 100 places the next destination and the corresponding appointment time (at point 324) specified in the destination information received from the dispatcher 20. If the vehicle 40 has not arrived at the destination, the processor 100 skip step (at point 324) to put the next destination and the corresponding appointment time. Based on the position of the vehicle, the destination information and other information that may be contained within the memory 102, the processor 100 determines an expected arrival time (at point 326) of the vehicle 40 in one or more destinations. The processor 100 can generate multiple expected arrival times for multiple destinations based on the actual vehicle position.

The processor 100 then determines (at point 328) whether the expected arrival time is later than the corresponding designated time. If the expected time of arrival is not after the appointment time, the mobile unit 42 will return to the step of determining the position of the vehicle (at point 320). If the expected arrival time is later than the appointment time, the processor 100 generates a delay information (at point 330). The processor 100 displays the delay information (at point 332) on the vehicle 40 using the output device 104 to inform the operator. The delay information may be generated if any of the expected multiple times of delay are later than their corresponding designated times.

The processor 100 then determines (in ßl point 333) if it is to report the delay information to the dispatcher 20, based on a number of configurable operating parameters, such as the delta time parameter, the fault count parameters, and the renotification interval parameters. If the delay information is not reported, the processor 100 returns to the step of returning the delay flag (at point 318). If the delay information is reported, the processor 100 transmits the delay information (at point 334) to the dispatcher 20 using the mobile communication device 90 and the communication network 30.

The dispatcher 20 receives the delay information from the mobile unit 42 (at point 336) through the communication network 30. The delay information enters the dispatcher 20 through the modem of the encoder / decoder DTMF 70 and passes to the central controller 72. The central controller 72 may decide to update the destination information (at point 338) and return to the step of generating the destination information (at point 310). If the central controller 72 does not update the destination information, the mobile unit 42 returns the delay flag (at point 318) either autonomously or in response to a signal from the dispatcher 20. The method continues by determining the position of the vehicle (at point 320).

Although the present invention has been described with various embodiments, various changes and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art, and it is intended that the present invention encompass such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the attached clauses.

Claims (48)

R E I V I N D I CA C I ON E S

1. A system for determining the expected time of arrival of a vehicle equipped with a mobile unit, comprising: a dispatcher remotely located from the vehicle, the dispatcher is operable to generate destination information for the vehicle, the destination information specifying at least one destination; a communications network coupled to the dispatcher, the communications network can be operated to receive the destination information for the vehicle from the dispatcher; Y the mobile unit coupled to the communication network, the mobile unit is operable to receive from the communication network the destination information for the vehicle generated by the dispatcher, the mobile unit can also operate to determine a vehicle position, the mobile unit it is also operable to determine in response to the position of the vehicle the expected arrival time of the vehicle at the destination identified by the destination information.

2. The system as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that the communication network comprises a cellular telephone network.

3. The system as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that the destination information comprises the route information, the route information specifying a predetermined route for the vehicle for the route to the destination, the mobile unit can also be operated to determine the expected time of arrival of the vehicle in response to the route information.

4. The system as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that the destination information comprises the route information, the route information specifying a predetermined route for the travel of the vehicle to the destination and an expected speed of travel along the route. By default, the mobile unit can also be operated to determine the expected time of arrival of the vehicle in response to the route information.

5. The system as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that the mobile unit comprises a GPS receiver to determine the position of the vehicle.

6. The system as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that the destination information specifies a designated time, the mobile unit is also operable to generate the delay information if the expected arrival time of the vehicle is later than the appointment time. .

7. The system as claimed in clause 6 characterized in that the mobile unit can further be operated to transmit the delay information to the dispatcher using the communications network.

8. The system as claimed in clause 6, characterized in that the delay information specifies the expected arrival time of the vehicle determined by the mobile unit.

9. The system as claimed in clause 6 characterized in that the mobile unit can also be operated to display a delay message on the vehicle in response to the delay information.

10. The system as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that the delay message specifies the expected time of arrival of the vehicle determined by the mobile unit.

11. The system as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that the destination information specifies a corresponding appointment time for the vehicle to be in each of a plurality of destinations identified by the destination information, the mobile unit can also be operated for determine in response to the position of the vehicle the expected arrival times of the vehicle in each of the destinations identified by the destination information.

12. The system as claimed in clause 11 characterized in that the mobile unit can be further operated to generate the delay information if the expected arrival time of the vehicle in one of the destinations identified by the destination information is later than the time of arrival. of corresponding appointment.

13. The system as claimed in clause 12 characterized in that the mobile unit can further be operated to transmit the delay information to the dispatcher using the communication network.

14. A system for dispatching a vehicle equipped with a mobile unit comprising: a dispatcher remotely located from the vehicle, the dispatcher can be operated to generate destination information for the vehicle, the destination information specifying a first destination, a stationary interval at the first destination , and a second destination; a communications network coupled to the dispatcher, the communications network can be operated to receive the destination information for the vehicle from the dispatcher; Y the mobile unit is coupled to the communication network, the mobile unit can be operated to receive from the communication network the destination information for the vehicle generated by the dispatcher, the mobile unit can also be operated to determine a vehicle position, the unit mobile can also be operated to determine in response to the position of the vehicle and at the stationary interval the expected arrival time of the vehicle at the second destination.

15. The system as claimed in clause 14 characterized in that the stationary interval is an appointment time to carry out a task in the first appointment.

16. The system as claimed in clause 14, characterized in that the destination information comprises the route information, the route information specifying a predetermined route that the vehicle travels to the second destination.

17. The system as claimed in clause 14 characterized in that the mobile unit comprises an operable database for storing route information, the mobile unit can also be operated to generate a predetermined route for the vehicle to travel to the second destination in response to the route information stored on the database.

18. The system as claimed in clause 14 characterized in that the mobile unit comprises an operable database for storing route information, the mobile unit can further be operated to generate a predetermined route for moving the vehicle to a second destination in response to the route information stored in the database, the mobile unit can also be operated to determine the expected arrival time of the vehicle at the second destination in response to the route information.

19. The system as claimed in clause 14 characterized in that the destination information specifies an appointment time for the vehicle to be in the second destination, the mobile unit can also be operated to generate a delay information if the expected arrival time of the vehicle at the second destination is later or later than the appointment time.

20. The system as claimed in clause 19 characterized in that the mobile unit can be further operated to transmit the delay information to the dispatcher using the communications network.

21. The system as claimed in clause 20, characterized in that the delay information transmitted to the dispatcher specifies the expected arrival time of the vehicle in the second destination.

22. The system as claimed in clause 19 characterized in that the mobile unit can be further operated to display a delay message on the vehicle in response to the delay information.

23. An apparatus on a vehicle for determining an expected arrival time of the vehicle, comprising: a communications device that can be operated to receive the destination information from a dispatcher, the destination information specifying at least one destination; an operable location device for determining a vehicle position; Y a processor coupled to the communication device and the location device, the processor can be operated to receive the destination information from the communication device and the vehicle position from the location device, the processor can also be operated to determine in response to the position of the vehicle the expected arrival time of the vehicle in the destination identified by the destination information.

24. The apparatus as claimed in clause 23 characterized in that the communication device is coupled to a cellular telephone network.

25. The apparatus as claimed in clause 23 characterized in that the location device comprises a GPS receiver.

26. The apparatus as claimed in clause 23 characterized in that the destination information comprises the route information, the route information specifies a predetermined route for the vehicle to travel to the destination, the processor can also be operated to determine the time expected arrival of the vehicle in response to the route information.

27. The apparatus as claimed in clause 23 characterized in that the destination information comprises the route information, the route information specifies a predetermined route for the vehicle to travel to the destination and an expected speed of travel along the route. The default route, the processor can also be operated to determine the expected arrival time of the vehicle in response to the route information.

28. The apparatus as claimed in clause 23 characterized in that the destination information specifies an appointment time for the vehicle to be at the destination, the processor can also be operated to generate the delay information if the expected arrival time of the vehicle It's later than the appointment time.

29. The apparatus as claimed in clause 28 characterized in that the communication device can be operated to transmit the delay information to the dispatcher.

30. The apparatus as claimed in clause 29 characterized in that the delay information specifies the expected arrival time of the vehicle determined by the processor.

31. The apparatus as claimed in clause 28 characterized in that it further comprises an operable display for displaying a delay message on the vehicle in response to the delay information.

32. The apparatus as claimed in clause 23, characterized in that it also comprises a database that can be operated to store the route information, the processor can also be operated to generate a predetermined route for the vehicle to travel to the destination in response to the route information stored in the database, the processor can also be operated to determine the expected arrival time of the vehicle at the destination in response to the route information.

33. The apparatus as claimed in clause 23 characterized in that the destination information specifies a plurality of destinations, the processor can be operated to determine in response to the position of the vehicle the expected hours of arrival of the vehicle in each of the destinations.

34. The apparatus as claimed in clause 33, characterized in that the destination information specifies an appointment time corresponding to each of the destinations, the processor can be operated to generate the delay information itself, or the expected arrival time of the vehicle in question. one of the destinations is later than the corresponding appointment time.

35. The apparatus as claimed in clause 34, characterized in that the communication device can also be operated to transmit the delay information to the dispatcher.

36. A method to determine an expected time of arrival of a vehicle, comprising: generate the destination information in a dispatcher, the destination information specifying at least one destination; transmit the destination information to the vehicle; determine in the vehicle the position of the vehicle; and determining in the vehicle in response to the position of the vehicle the expected arrival time of the vehicle in the destination identified by the destination information.

37. The method as claimed in clause 36 characterized in that the step of transmitting the destination information to the vehicle is carried out using a cellular telephone network.

38. The method as claimed in clause 36 characterized in that the determination step in the vehicle of the vehicle position is carried out using a GPS receiver.

39. The method as claimed in clause 36, characterized in that it also comprises the step of displaying the destination information to an operator of the vehicle.

40. The tai method and as claimed in clause 36 characterized in that it also comprises the steps of: generate in the dispatcher a corresponding appointment time so that the vehicle is in the destination identified by the destination information; transmit the appointment time to the vehicle; and generate the delay information in the vehicle if the expected arrival time of the vehicle is later than the appointment time.

41. The method as claimed in clause 40, characterized in that it comprises the step of displaying the delay information to an operator of the vehicle.

42. The method as claimed in clause 40, characterized in that it comprises the step of transmitting the delay information to the despzichador.

43. The method as claimed in clause 40 characterized in that it comprises the steps of: transmit the delay information to the dispatcher; generate updated destination information in the dispatcher in response to the delay information; Y transmit the updated destination information to the vehicle.

44. The method for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicle, comprising: generating the destination information in a dispatcher, the destination information specifying a plurality of destinations and a plurality of corresponding appointment times; transmit the destination information to the vehicle; determine in the vehicle the position of the vehicle; determining on the vehicle in response to the vehicle's position an expected arrival time of the vehicle in one or more of the destinations; determine on the vehicle if the expected arrival time in one or more of the destinations is later than the corresponding appointment time; Y generate delay information if the expected time of arrival in one or more destinations is later than the corresponding appointment time.

45. The method as claimed in clause 44 characterized in that the step of transmitting the destination information to the vehicle is carried out using a cellular telephone network.

46. The method as claimed in clause 44 characterized in that the step of determining in the vehicle the position of the vehicle is carried out by a GPS receiver.

47. The method as claimed in clause 44 characterized in that it comprises the step of transmitting the delay information to the dispatcher.

48. The method as claimed in clause 44 characterized in that it also comprises the steps of: transmit the delay information to the dispatcher; determine the updated destination information in the dispatcher in response to the delay information; Y transmit the updated destination information to the vehicle. SUMMARY A system for determining an expected arrival time of a vehicle equipped with a mobile unit includes a dispatcher located remotely from the vehicle. The dispatcher generates a destination information for the vehicle, the destination information specifying at least one destination. The mobile unit includes a mobile communication device for receiving the destination information for the vehicle generated by the dispatcher. The mobile unit also includes a location receiver to determine a vehicle position. In response to the destination information received from the dispatcher and the position of the vehicle, the mobile unit determines the expected arrival time of the vehicle.