SI21328A - Device for automatic monitoring and keeping log about the use of vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The aim of the invention is to provide the concept of a device for automatic monitoring and keeping log about the use of a vehicle, which would then after the vehicle is handed over to the legitimate user provide him with automatic monitoring and keeping log about the use of vehicle based on acquisition of data necessary for the user, up to the moment when the legitimate user stops to use the vehicle and returns it. The device consists of a mobile assembly (1) and a fixed assembly (2) with enabled communication between them from the aspect of data transfer at least via a microprocessor chip card (3) and optionally also via a wireless telecommunication link. The mobile assembly (1) which is integrated into each vehicle along with the GPS unit (12) includes at least one card reader (14) and a memory unit (11) as well as a display (13). The fixed assembly (2), which is located out of any vehicle and is generally adapted to communicate with at least one vehicle mobile assembly (1), in particular mobile assemblies (1) of several vehicles either by card (3) only or optionally via a corresponding wireless communication link, consists of at least one PC (22) with corresponding software and peripheral devices for processing by the mobile assembly (1) via card (3) and/or a wireless link of transmitted data, as well as a card reader (21). The card (3) features at least data on a specific user of one or more vehicles and is adapted to interact with the mobile assembly (1) card reader (14) and fixed assembly (2) card reader (21).

Description

Device for automatically monitoring and documenting vehicle use

The invention relates to a device for automatically monitoring and documenting the use of a vehicle, in particular an official motor vehicle in road traffic.

The invention is based on the problem of how to design a device for automatic monitoring and documentation of the use of a vehicle, which, after being handed over to a legitimate user at any time, should allow automatic recording and documentation of the use of the vehicle on the basis of permanent capture of necessary or. until the moment when the legitimate user finishes using it and returns the vehicle.

Monitoring and documenting the use of a vehicle arises either from the desire or the need to provide as accurate as possible information on the use of the vehicle. The purpose is to collect information on the start and end times of use, the duration of the journey, the length of the traveled distance, the speed, the fuel consumption. In order for such data to be recorded and / or analyzed for various purposes, it must be properly documented. Documenting vehicle usage data is even mandatory in certain cases, e.g. when using company vehicles and the like.

It is well known that, in practice, documenting vehicle usage data is mostly done in the classic way, i.e. by recording the information on the beginning and ending of the use of the vehicle and the length of the traveled distance. In this case, the data shall be recorded by reading the odometer in the vehicle before and after the journey and indicating the start and end time of use of the vehicle. Documentation of the data is done using the appropriate form where the user of the vehicle enters the aforementioned data. This practice is linked to a number of shortcomings and, in particular, is based on a number of subjective factors. The accuracy of the data largely depends on the conscientiousness, honesty and similar personality traits of each user. On the other hand, it is also true that it gives the attention of the vehicle user when e.g. takes the route or on the way back, especially if it is a business trip focused on anything other than reading the status of the odometer. In addition to the disadvantages of non-automatic recording of data directly dependent on the so-called. It is also a disadvantage of such devices that the documentation does not provide an indication of the actual course of travel and other data that is necessary or interesting for analyzing the use of the vehicle, in particular, for example, the speed or current location of the vehicle at a given time.

Furthermore, devices for recording the use of vehicles such as taximeters or tachographs are known. In the first case, it is a device that records the length of the journey and the time when the vehicle is in use, on the basis of which the cost of transportation is calculated on the basis of a certain tariff. In the second case, it is a device that records the course of use of the vehicle, e.g. start and end times, vehicle speed and the like. Even in these cases it is not possible to record changes in the position of the vehicle or other events that need to be recorded for the purpose of analyzing the use of the vehicle.

Furthermore, it is from EP O 838 070 Al oz. from DE 195 26 815 Al (Siemens AG) known vehicle identification device comprising means for determining the position of the vehicle, further a transmitter which can be actuated as well as an actuation unit. The positioning means are known to those skilled in the art by a known Global Positioning System (GPS) device, i.e. a satellite-aided device for determining the current position of a particular object based on the travel time of high-frequency signals emitted by specific satellites whose position is known. The vehicle positioning tool is also useful for navigation, except directly for the purpose of exploiting the proposed solution. If necessary, the transmitter shall be equipped with a vehicle identification code, which, if necessary, shall be transmitted to the global communications network together with the current position information. The actuation unit enables the said transmitter to be activated only under specific, predefined conditions for each vehicle. Knowing the code, the device can either be easily replaceable or can be installed in a vehicle in such a way that it is very difficult or impossible to locate at all. to discover. The device is useful for locating carambolized or stolen vehicles or vehicles with fake origin information. In general, the suction device enables the positioning of the vehicle to be recorded, whether recorded or not. In addition, the recording of the vehicle position itself begins only on the basis of activation of the unit, on the basis of which the transmitters transmit the corresponding signals to the global communication network. Finally, the device does not allow identification of the person operating the vehicle.

The present invention relates to a device for automatically monitoring and documenting the use of a vehicle, comprising at least a GPS unit for determining the respective position of the vehicle based on satellite navigation, i.e. based on the identification of high frequency signals from the satellite system. According to the invention, such a device consists of a mobile assembly and a fixed assembly, between which communication is possible in terms of data transmission at least via a microprocessor chip card and optionally via a wireless telecommunication connection. In addition to the GPS unit, said mobile assembly, which is integrated in each vehicle, includes at least a card reader, a memory unit and a display. A stationary assembly located outside of each vehicle and generally adapted to communicate with at least one mobile vehicle assembly, and in particular mobile vehicle assemblies, whether by card alone or optionally via an appropriate wireless telecommunications connection, shall consist of at least a personal a computer with appropriate software and peripherals for processing by the mobile unit via card and / or wirelessly transmitted data, as well as from a card reader. Said card is provided at least with information about a particular user of one or more vehicles and is adapted to cooperate with the mobile card card reader as well as the stationary card card reader. In addition to the PC and the card reader, the stationary assembly preferably includes a printer. Said mobile assembly is designed to allow at least automatic recording of vehicle usage time and vehicle position changes during use on a card. On the other hand, said stationary assembly is so designed that, after inserting the card in the reader, it can at least read information about the time of use of the vehicle and about changes in the position of the vehicle between, and to enter this information into the computer. In particular, it is advantageous if the device according to the invention enables the vehicle data, the respective driver's data or the vehicle's data to be recorded automatically on the card inserted in the reader in each vehicle of the mobile assembly installed in the reader. to the legitimate user, information about the actual time of the start of use of the vehicle by that user, information about the condition of the meter to measure the distance traveled before use, information about the actual time of the end of use of the vehicle by the same user, information about the condition of the meter to measure the distance traveled after use, data the distance traveled and the fuel supply data and the actual fuel consumption, after which the card is removed and inserted into the reader of the stationary unit, this data is transferred to a computer outside the vehicle of the stationary assembly. In one possible embodiment of the device according to the invention, the transmission of automatically recorded data from this mobile unit to the stationary assembly via the card is possible during the use of each vehicle with a built-in mobile assembly after the card is inserted into the reader, and at the same time transmission is possible, especially on-line transmission this data via a wireless connection, in particular a permanent wireless connection between a fixed assembly and a mobile assembly.

The invention will now be described on the basis of an exemplary embodiment, which is schematically illustrated in FIG. 1 and which is intended to monitor and document the use of an official motor vehicle in road transport in accordance with the applicable regulations and norms.

The device for monitoring and recording the use of the vehicle according to FIG. 1 allows the automatic recording of data such as

- vehicle information,

- information about each driver or legitimate user,

- information on the actual time the vehicle was started to be used by that user,

- information on the condition of the meter to measure the distance traveled before use,

- information on the actual time of termination of use of the vehicle by that user,

- the status of the meter to measure the distance traveled after use,

the distance traveled, and

- information on fuel supply and actual fuel consumption.

The device according to the invention basically consists of a mobile assembly 1 and a stationary assembly 2 as well as a microprocessor chip card 3.

The mobile assembly 1 is integrated into each vehicle and comprises a memory unit 11, a GPS unit 12, a display 13, and a card reader 14.

Stationary assembly 2 is located outside the vehicle at a location suitable for processing from the respective mobile assembly 1 via card 3 or otherwise received records of the use of one or more vehicles that are entrusted to each user.

In principle, the cooperation of the mobile assembly 1 and the stationary assembly 2 is via a card 3, in addition, additional intermittent or permanent wireless connection may be established between said assemblies 1, 2, e.g. via radio.

Before starting to use the vehicle, the user must, as before, have the vehicle documentation, as well as a key or similar means by which he can start the vehicle. However, in order to be able to use a vehicle with a mobile assembly 1 according to the invention, the legitimate user must also have a card 3, which on the one hand identifies and, on the other, enables the automatic recording of data relating to the use of the vehicle itself.

Card 3 is a microprocessor chip card that can be fully compliant with ISO 7816 in the given case. Prepare his own card, which he can then use different vehicles with mobile units 1. The data recorded during the use of a particular vehicle by a particular user is documented on the card 3 of that user and stored there.

The mobile assembly 1, which is installed in each vehicle, comprises a card reader 14, in which each user must insert his or her own card before using the vehicle 3. By inserting the card 3 into said reader 14, one by one, based on the data stored on the card 3, the identification of the respective user is carried out, the identification data being stored in the memory unit 11 of the mobile assembly 1 in the vehicle and, on the other hand, the monitoring and recording of the use of the vehicle, which lasts until the user removes card 3 from the reader 14, begins. Recording can also be a prerequisite for using the vehicle at all, meaning that if the card 3 is not inserted in the reader 14, the vehicle simply cannot be put into operation.

Further, mobile assembly 1 comprises a GPS unit 12, which is known as such and is intended to transmit vehicle position data based on the evaluation of high-frequency signals received from the satellite system. Logging and storing this position information is the basis for analyzing the vehicle's travel path, calculating speed, and the like.

Further, mobile assembly 1 comprises a memory unit 11 that is provided for storing data, e.g. about the user, the start and end times of the vehicle and the like. Part of mobile assembly 1 is also a display 13 intended to convey visual messages to each user. This may include data relating solely to the use of the device of the invention itself, or other data that may be useful to the user while using the vehicle, e.g. alerts, notifications, navigation data, maps and more.

Stationary assembly 2 consists essentially of a card reader 21 and a personal computer 22 with peripheral units in each case, of which a printer 23 is provided in the present case for monitoring and documenting the use of the motor vehicle, which is intended for displaying each relevant vehicle usage information, including a travel order in writing.

The personal computer 22 is provided with appropriate software that enables the storage, processing and, if necessary, analysis of the data read from the chip card 3 of each user.

In the case of using the device according to the invention for the purpose of documenting the use of the vehicle on a business trip, the configuration of the device according to FIG. 1 perfectly appropriate. In this case, the owner of the vehicle, before using it, hands the user a chip card 3 prepared for him, which, together with the key and the vehicle documents (insurance policy, traffic permit, and optionally partially completed travel order ...), is a part of the normal travel kits when using a company vehicle in road traffic.

Before using the vehicle, the user inserts card 3 into the reader 14 in the vehicle of the available mobile assembly 1. This starts the use of the company vehicle and simultaneously activates the mobile assembly 1 and automatically records the start-up time on the card 3. During use, the card 3 permanently and automatically records vehicle position information provided by the GPS unit 12. The mileage, usage time and similar data can then be read by the user in the display 13. All the above mentioned data are stored as needed. also in memory unit 11. Upon termination of use of the vehicle, if applicable at the end of the business trip, when the user intends to remove the card 3 from the reader 14, the time of termination of use is recorded on the card. After using the vehicle, the user, along with the keys and documents, also hand over the card 3. By inserting the card 3 into the reader 21 of the stationary assembly 2 of the device according to the invention, the data from the card 3 is transferred to the computer 22, where it is processed and analyzed, if necessary, by said software. . In the given case, said data processing is followed by an automatic output of the completed one, i.e. with all the necessary information for the billing and the records of the equipped travel order, which is done with the help of the printer 23.

In the described example, only the card 3 is used as the medium for transferring data from the mobile assembly 1 to the stationary assembly 2 of the device according to the invention. When reasonably and necessary, at least an occasional or even permanent wireless connection can be provided between the mobile assembly 1 and the stationary assembly 2. , so that mobile unit 1 automatically and promptly transmits all relevant information to stationary unit 2 while using the vehicle, from which it is possible to provide feedback to the installed mobile unit 1 in the vehicle so that certain data can be immediately available to the vehicle user in the form of a display on the display 13, if necessary also with the support of audio or additional optical signaling.

Except for the preparation of travel orders, this kind of device can also be used to analyze either the use of a particular vehicle by different users or also the use of different vehicles by a specific user, as well as for some other cases such as eg for the detection, identification and analysis of failures, monitoring of vehicle servicing and maintenance, and the like.

Claims (7)

PATENT APPLICATIONS A device for automatically monitoring and documenting the use of a vehicle, comprising a GPS unit (12) for determining the position of the vehicle on the basis of satellite navigation, i.e. based on the identification of high-frequency signals from the satellite system, characterized in that it consists of a mobile circuit (1) and a fixed circuit (2) between which communication is possible in terms of data transmission at least via a microprocessor chip card (3) and optionally via wireless telecommunication connections, wherein the mobile assembly (1) fitted to each vehicle, in addition to the GPS unit (12), comprises at least a card reader (14), a memory unit (l 1) and a display (13), while the stationary assembly (2) located outside of each vehicle and generally adapted to communicate with at least one mobile assembly (1) of a vehicle, in particular mobile assemblies (1) of multiple vehicles, whether by card alone (3) or optionally by means of an appropriate wireless telecommunication connection, consisting at least of a personal computer (22) with appropriate software and peripheral processing units by the mobile unit (1) via a card (3) and / or wirelessly linking the data transmitted, as well as from the card reader (21), wherein the card (3) is provided with at least one particular user data of one or more vehicles and adapted to cooperate with the mobile card card reader (14) and the reader ( 21) Stationary Card Cards (2). Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the mobile assembly (1) is designed to allow at least automatic recording of vehicle usage time and vehicle position changes during use on the card (3). -1111 Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the stationary assembly (2) is so designed that, after insertion of the card (3) into the reader (21), it allows at least reading of information about the time of use of the vehicle and about changes in the position of the vehicle between and entering them. data to the computer (22). Device according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, while using the vehicle, card information (14) is automatically recorded on the card (3) inserted in the reader (14) in each vehicle of the mobile assembly installed (1). driver or. to the legitimate user, information about the actual time of start of use of the vehicle by that user, information about the condition of the meter to measure the distance traveled before use, information about the actual time of end of use of the vehicle by the same user, information about the condition of the meter to measure the distance traveled after use, data on the distance traveled and on the fuel supply and actual fuel consumption, after which the card (3) is pulled out and inserted into the reader (21) of the stationary unit (2), this data is transferred to a computer (22) outside the vehicle located to the stationary assembly (2). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when using each vehicle with a mobile assembly (1), after the card (3) is inserted into the reader (14) of this mobile assembly (1), it is possible to transfer automatically recorded data from the mobile assembly (1) to the stationary assembly (2) via the card (3), and at the same time it is possible to transmit this data via a wireless connection between the stationary assembly (2) and the mobile assembly (1). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when using each vehicle with a mobile assembly (1), after the card (3) is inserted into the reader (14) of this mobile assembly (1) -1212 recorded data from this mobile assembly (1) to the stationary assembly (2) via the card (3), and at the same time enables the continuous transmission of this data via a permanent wireless connection between the stationary assembly (2) and the mobile assembly (1). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stationary assembly (2) comprises a printer (23) in addition to the personal computer (22) and the card reader (21).