CA2359887A1 - System and method for just-in-time vehicle maintenance report - Google Patents
System and method for just-in-time vehicle maintenance report Download PDFInfo
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Abstract
Vehicle maintenance-related services are provided from a server over a wide area network, such as the Internet.
Under one method, a server that is accessible over the wide area network through a wireless communication link is provided. Then, in a vehicle, an apparatus is provided to collect, over a data bus in the vehicle, data relating to an operation of the vehicle. The data received from the data bus is then communicated to the server over the wireless communication link. Based on the data received at the server, the maintenance-related services is then initiated.
The operation data of the vehicle can be collected from various subsystems of the vehicle, such as a brake sub-system, an engine sub-system and various sensors located at various subsystems of the vehicle. Under one mode of operation, the data collected from these subsystems are reported to the server at pre-determined time intervals. In one embodiment, the apparatus of the invention includes a positioning apparatus for determining a location of said vehicle from received ranging signal. Such signals can be received from a global position system (GPS) or a ranging system based on triangulation, such as those used in cellular telephone systems.
Under one method, a server that is accessible over the wide area network through a wireless communication link is provided. Then, in a vehicle, an apparatus is provided to collect, over a data bus in the vehicle, data relating to an operation of the vehicle. The data received from the data bus is then communicated to the server over the wireless communication link. Based on the data received at the server, the maintenance-related services is then initiated.
The operation data of the vehicle can be collected from various subsystems of the vehicle, such as a brake sub-system, an engine sub-system and various sensors located at various subsystems of the vehicle. Under one mode of operation, the data collected from these subsystems are reported to the server at pre-determined time intervals. In one embodiment, the apparatus of the invention includes a positioning apparatus for determining a location of said vehicle from received ranging signal. Such signals can be received from a global position system (GPS) or a ranging system based on triangulation, such as those used in cellular telephone systems.
Description
' EXPRESS MAIL LABEL NO:
' System and Method for Just-in-time Vehicle Maintenance Kulbir S . Sandhu Rodric C. Fan BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to positioning technology. In particular, the present invention relates to applications of positioning technology to delivering relevant services to a vehicle. -2. Discussion of the Related Art In recent years, commercial app7.ications based on positioning systems have been developed. These applications are based, for example, on the Global. Position System (GPS), or a cellular telephone network (using triangulation method). For example, one position-based system delivering services over the Internet is disclosed in U.S. patent application 09/521,247 ("Copending Application"), entitled "Method and Structure for Distribution of Travel Information Using a Network," to Fan et al., filed March 8, 2000, which is a continuation-in-part application of U:S. Patent 5,959,577, filed August 28, 1997. The Copending Application and its parent application are assigned to CRoad, Inc., the assignee also of the present invention. The disclosure of the Copending Application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides vehicle maintenance-related services from a server over a wide area network, 687379 vl ' such as the Internet. A method of the present invention includes (a) providing a server accessible over the wide area network through a wireless communication link; (b) collecting, over a data bus in the vehicle, data relating to an operation of the vehicle; (c) communicating the data received from the data bus to the server over the wireless communication link; and (d) based on the data received at the server, initiating the maintenance-related services.
In one embodiment; the operation data of the vehicle i0 are collected from various subsystems of the vehicle, such as a brake sub-system, an engine sub--system and various sensors located at var~.ous subsystem~~ of the vehicle. Under one mode of operation, the data collected from these subsystems are reported to the servex- at pre-determined time intervals. In one embodiment, the apparatus of the invention includes a positioning apparatus for determining a location of said vehicle from received ranging signals.
Such signals can be received from a global position system (GPS) or a ranging system based on triangulation, such as those used in cellular telephone systems.
According to one aspect of the present invention, applicable maintenance-related services include scheduling the vehicle for a maintenance procedure at a service center, based on a current operating condition of the vehicle received from the apparatus of the present invention, or based on a periodic schedule. Because the position of the vehicle is provided along with the operating condition of the vehicle, the server can render a maintenance-related service that includes ordering parts for delivery to the service center for use in conjunction with the maintenance procedure. Alternatively, based on the operational history of the vehicle and the location of the vehicle, the server can render "road side" assistance to an operator of the vehicle, or enforce a mandatory work .rule (e. g., 8 hours' rest after a 12-hour work day or 1200 miles).
In addition, the server can also download diagnostic commands to the data bus to diagnose t:he various subsystem 687379 vl ' in operation in the vehicle, based on industry standard protocols.
In one embodiment, the wireless link couples an apparatus of the present invention to a wireless gateway, from which the server can be accessed over the wide area network. The wireless link can be provided, for example, by a cellular telephone network.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a mobile control apparatus is provided,. In one embodiment, the mobile control apparatus include~~ (1) a position circuit receives ranging signals over a first: wireless link from a positioning system to provide a position of the mobile position apparatus, {2) a communicat~_on interface that is capable of maintaining a wireless link for communicating with a server on a wide area network; (3) a peripheral interface to a peripheral device for transferring control information between the peripheral device and the mobile control apparatus; (4) a controller for executing a program that (a) control operations of the position circuit, the communication interface, and the peripheral interface; and (b) transfers the position and the control information to said server; and (5) a memory for storing the program. In one embodiment, the position circuit can be implemented by GPS RF front-end and data processing application-specific integrated circuits, The present invention is better understood upon consideration of the detailed description below and the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 shows positioning system 100 in which the present invention is applicable.
Figure 2 shows one implementation of ILM 101 by circuit 200.
687379 vl Figure 3 provides system 300, which is one possible implementation of a system that allows server 105 to provide vehicle-related services; in accordance with the present invention.
S Figure 4 illustrates, schematically, a method for "just-in-time" maintenance of a vehicle, in accordance with the present invention.
In the detailed description below, to provide clarity, and to facilitate correspondence among the figures, like elements in the figures are provided like reference numerals.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention provides a system and a method for delivering services to a vehicle or a traveler based on 1S the vehicle or the traveler's location determined in a positioning system. Figure l shows :positioning system 100 in which the present invention is applicable. As shown in Figure 1, positioning system 100 includes an Internet location manager (ILM) 101, which is a mobile control device having the capabilities of both obtaining its own position from a positioning system (e. g., GPS) and communicating over a computer network (e. g., the internE=t) to a server providing services of the present invention. ILM 101 can be provided, for example, in a vehicle. One possible 2S implementation of ILM 101 is shown in Figure 2, which is discussed in further detail below. As shown in Figure 1, ILM 101 interacts with a user through, for example, console device 102. Typically, console device 102 includes a key board or a pointing device for data entry, and a display for output of information.
ILM 101 receives from the positioning system (e.g., GPS
satellite 104) position input information, which is processed to provide ILM 101's current position. In addition, ILM 101 communicates over wireless link 103 (e. g., 3S a CDPD, GSM, iDEN, CDMA or another wireless or cellular 687379 vl telephone communication link) with server 105, which delivers location relevant services to ILM 101 over wide area network 106 (e. g., the Internet). As shown in Figure l, wireless link 103 connects ILM 101 with wireless communication system 106 that includes cellular telephone network 107 and gateway 108. Gateway 108 is typically a switch or a computer that couples and provides protocol conversion for data traffic between cellular telephone network 107 and wide area network 106. Server 105 can have, for example, a hypertext "web" interface and provides access to a database having location-relevant information.
Figure 2 shows one implementation of ILM I01 by circuit 200. As shown in Figure 2, circuit :200 includes central processing unit (CPU) 201, which is typically a general-purpose microprocessor, such as a Motorola 68331 microprocessor. CPU 201 is the main controller of the system. Crystal. oscillator 202 provides a time reference for circuit 200. Flash memory module 203 and static random access memory (SRAM) 204 provide non-volatile and volatile storage for CPU 201. In this embodiment, flash memory module 203 provides 512 K-bytes of non-volatile storage, and SRAM 204 provides 128 K-bytes of storage. The non-volatile storage is used primary for storing t:he firmware of ILM 101, GPS look-up tables for positioning information calculation, and configuration parameters, such a:~ device identification.
SRAM 204 provides run-time storage, such as positioning information -- position, velocity and time (PVT).
Battery 205 maintains the content of SRAM 204. Real time clock (RTC) and system controller 206 provides a real time clock and non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM) control. In addition RTC controller 206 includes an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter. In this embodiment, the A/D
converter is used to receive ignition., temperature and GPS
antenna data. RTC and system controller 206, which receives a clock signal from 32.768 KHz oscillator 216, can be implemented, for example, by an integrated circuit DS 1670E, which is available from Dallas Semiconductor.
687379 vl _5_ GPS RF front-end 208 and GPS Engine 207 implement the GPS signal processing functions of ILM 201. In this embodiment, GPS RF front-end 208 can be implemented by four - VRF-2 application specific integrated circuits (ASIC) or a VRF-12 ASIC, all of which are integrated dual conversion front end ASICs available from CRoad, Tnc. GPS RF ASIC 208 receives L1 (1575.42 MHz) GPS signal, and provide a down-converted bandpass 2-bit quantized signal for data processing. GPS Engine 207, which receives down-converted signals from GPS RF front-end 208 and provides signal processing to compute PVT informatibn for ILM 201. In this embodiment, GPS Engine 208 can be implemented by a VGP-12 ASIC available from QRoad, Inc. In this embodiment, GPS
Engine 207 provides a memory-mapped interface to CPU 201, a GPS clock controller, GPS correlator channels with common control, receiver gain control, and :parallel and serial ports. In this embodiment, GPS Engine 207 communicates with CPU 201 over a 16-bit parallel bus. One example of GPS
signal data processing is disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,990,827, entitled "Structure of a Position Processing Apparatus," to Fan et al., filed March 28, 1997, which is also assigned to @Road, Inc., the assignee also of this invention.
Modem 210 provides an interface to an external communication system, such as a cellular telephone network.
Modem 210 allows ILM 101 to communicate with server 105 over the external communication system and gateway 108. In this embodiment, modem 210 can be implemented, for example, by a Novatel NRM-6812 modem card. Modem <'?10 communicates with CPU 201 over input-output (I/0) bus 217. Modem 210 receives a serial bit stream from and transmit: a serial bit stream to a built-in universal asynchronous receiver and transmitter (UART) in GPS Engine 207.
ILM 101 communicates with external circuits through industry standard interfaces at one or more data port, such as data ports 212 and 213 of circuit 200. In one implementation, circuit 200 communicates over output port 687379 vl 212 (provided as an RS-232 interface) with a multimedia output device during normal operatio~z, and a configuration tool and a debugging tool during manufacturing and testing.
Data port 213 is provided to interface with additional S external devices and system. A multimedia output device is capable of providing video output, audio output, or both.
In one embodiment, described in further detail below, an interface to an automobile industry :standard bus allaws ILM
101 to obtain operating data of the ~rehicle relevant to ZO vehicle-related services provided by server 105. Some examples of automobile industry standard buses include SAE
1708 bus, SAE J1939 bus, CAN bus and the IDB bus.
In addition, circuit 200 provides visual status indicators to an operator of the veh~_cle using LEDs 213.
15 Some examples of status indicators that can be implemented by LEDs 213 include power on/off, act:ive/inactive communication with external communication network, operative/non-operative status of the GPS system in circuit 200, active/inactive link to server 1.05. In this 20 embodiment, input and output terminals 215 provide additional means for input and output control signals that can be used by the firmware of ILM 101.
The firmware in ILM 101 can be loaded and updated using over-the-air programming (OTAP) through modem 210. OTAP can 25 be provided using industry standard TFTP ("trivial file transfer protocol"). In TFTP, a TFTP file server is provided from which ILM 101 can request one or more files under operator control, or control by server 105. Upon receiving the requested file, ILM 101 is reconfigured by 30 executing a programming file to load the new firmware into non-volatile memory 203. The programming file can be one of the files transferred under TFTP.
As mentioned above, ILM 101 can :be coupled to an industry standard automobile bus to allow vehicle-related 35 services. Figure 3 provides system 300, which is one possible implementation of a system that allows server 105 to provide vehicle-related services. As shown in Figure 3, 687379 vl _7_ system 300 includes ILM 101 coupled into industry standard automobile bus 310, through data port 213. Bus 310 include s bus controller 301, which provides general access control to bus 310. Bus 310 can be accessed by, and can provide access to, various subsystems and sensors of the vehicle. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, brake subsystem 302, engine subsystem 303, fuel subsystem 304 and various sensors 305 (e. g., engine RPM sensor, oil pressure sensor, tire pressure sensor, battery charge status sensor, odometer reading, etc.). Typically, server 105 can obtain status information of each of subsystem 302-304 and sensors 305 through ILM
101. Alternatively, server 105 can provide through TLM 101 diagnostic commands to each of subsystems 302-304 for diagnostic purposes.
Based on a configuration such as system 300, a number of vehicle-related services can be provided. One service that can be provided by server 105, for example, is a "just-in-time" maintenance service, which is schematically represented by Figure 4. As shown i:n Figure 4, ILM 101 can be programmed to report to server 105 on a periodic basis the status information of each of subsystem 302-304 and sensors 305. From this report, server 105 can determine the current operative condition of the vehicle and can compile vehicle operation history. At scheduled intervals, or as deemed necessary from the operative condition of the vehicle, server 105 can advise the operator of the vehicle to bring the vehicle to a service center for scheduled or unscheduled maintenance. Such maintenance service may include replacement of brake pads, fluids, tires, readjustment of engine valves etc. :Cn one embodiment, based on the current location of the vehic:Le and a database of the service centers available in the vicinity, server 105 can also advise the operator of a designated service center available, based on distance, business relationship with the operator, price and other considerations. In one embodiment, where the vehicle is a member of a fleet of a large transportation concern, server 105 is integrated with the enterprise resource planning system of the 687379 vl _g-transportation concern. In that embodiment, server 105 can also schedule the required maintenance procedure with the service center in advance of the veh.icle's arrival, and order any necessary parts for delivery to the service center prior to the scheduled maintenance procedure.
Because server 105 can monitor the vehicle continuously, the operator of the vehicle or a dispatcher can be notified immediately of any unusual operating condition that may lead to an impending failure or emergency. Such timely information can prevents catastrophic failure and enhances safety. In another application, fuel pries are surveyed ahead of the vehicle arriving at a service area to select the most cost efficient supplier. Operation data across a large number of vehicles in a fleet can be compiled for statistical analysis valuable for more accurate cost and equipment lifetime analyses With the "just-in-time maintenance" service, highest operative performance and safety in the trucking concern's vehicles is achieved, and the "down time" for performing maintenance procedures are minimized.
Another service server 105 can provide based on a system such as system 300, also illustrated schematically by Figure 4, is "on--the-read" assistancev to the vehicle' s operator and enforcement work rules. For example, based on the operation history of the vehicle for a particular work day, or the number of miles driven o:r the tasks completed for the day, server 105 advises the 'vehicle's operator that a mandatory rest stop, motivated by safety concerns for example, is required. In addition, based on the current location of the vehicle, server 105 can guide the operator to a nearby rest facility (e. g., a motel), make reservations for a room at the rest facility and arrange for payment of services by the trucking company. Arrangements for other operator conveniences, such as a meal stop, can be similarly made .
687379 vl _9_ The detailed description above is provided to illustrate specific embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to be limiting. Numerous variations and modifications within the scope of the present invention are possible. The present invention is set forth in the accompanying claims.
687379 vl
' System and Method for Just-in-time Vehicle Maintenance Kulbir S . Sandhu Rodric C. Fan BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to positioning technology. In particular, the present invention relates to applications of positioning technology to delivering relevant services to a vehicle. -2. Discussion of the Related Art In recent years, commercial app7.ications based on positioning systems have been developed. These applications are based, for example, on the Global. Position System (GPS), or a cellular telephone network (using triangulation method). For example, one position-based system delivering services over the Internet is disclosed in U.S. patent application 09/521,247 ("Copending Application"), entitled "Method and Structure for Distribution of Travel Information Using a Network," to Fan et al., filed March 8, 2000, which is a continuation-in-part application of U:S. Patent 5,959,577, filed August 28, 1997. The Copending Application and its parent application are assigned to CRoad, Inc., the assignee also of the present invention. The disclosure of the Copending Application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides vehicle maintenance-related services from a server over a wide area network, 687379 vl ' such as the Internet. A method of the present invention includes (a) providing a server accessible over the wide area network through a wireless communication link; (b) collecting, over a data bus in the vehicle, data relating to an operation of the vehicle; (c) communicating the data received from the data bus to the server over the wireless communication link; and (d) based on the data received at the server, initiating the maintenance-related services.
In one embodiment; the operation data of the vehicle i0 are collected from various subsystems of the vehicle, such as a brake sub-system, an engine sub--system and various sensors located at var~.ous subsystem~~ of the vehicle. Under one mode of operation, the data collected from these subsystems are reported to the servex- at pre-determined time intervals. In one embodiment, the apparatus of the invention includes a positioning apparatus for determining a location of said vehicle from received ranging signals.
Such signals can be received from a global position system (GPS) or a ranging system based on triangulation, such as those used in cellular telephone systems.
According to one aspect of the present invention, applicable maintenance-related services include scheduling the vehicle for a maintenance procedure at a service center, based on a current operating condition of the vehicle received from the apparatus of the present invention, or based on a periodic schedule. Because the position of the vehicle is provided along with the operating condition of the vehicle, the server can render a maintenance-related service that includes ordering parts for delivery to the service center for use in conjunction with the maintenance procedure. Alternatively, based on the operational history of the vehicle and the location of the vehicle, the server can render "road side" assistance to an operator of the vehicle, or enforce a mandatory work .rule (e. g., 8 hours' rest after a 12-hour work day or 1200 miles).
In addition, the server can also download diagnostic commands to the data bus to diagnose t:he various subsystem 687379 vl ' in operation in the vehicle, based on industry standard protocols.
In one embodiment, the wireless link couples an apparatus of the present invention to a wireless gateway, from which the server can be accessed over the wide area network. The wireless link can be provided, for example, by a cellular telephone network.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a mobile control apparatus is provided,. In one embodiment, the mobile control apparatus include~~ (1) a position circuit receives ranging signals over a first: wireless link from a positioning system to provide a position of the mobile position apparatus, {2) a communicat~_on interface that is capable of maintaining a wireless link for communicating with a server on a wide area network; (3) a peripheral interface to a peripheral device for transferring control information between the peripheral device and the mobile control apparatus; (4) a controller for executing a program that (a) control operations of the position circuit, the communication interface, and the peripheral interface; and (b) transfers the position and the control information to said server; and (5) a memory for storing the program. In one embodiment, the position circuit can be implemented by GPS RF front-end and data processing application-specific integrated circuits, The present invention is better understood upon consideration of the detailed description below and the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 shows positioning system 100 in which the present invention is applicable.
Figure 2 shows one implementation of ILM 101 by circuit 200.
687379 vl Figure 3 provides system 300, which is one possible implementation of a system that allows server 105 to provide vehicle-related services; in accordance with the present invention.
S Figure 4 illustrates, schematically, a method for "just-in-time" maintenance of a vehicle, in accordance with the present invention.
In the detailed description below, to provide clarity, and to facilitate correspondence among the figures, like elements in the figures are provided like reference numerals.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention provides a system and a method for delivering services to a vehicle or a traveler based on 1S the vehicle or the traveler's location determined in a positioning system. Figure l shows :positioning system 100 in which the present invention is applicable. As shown in Figure 1, positioning system 100 includes an Internet location manager (ILM) 101, which is a mobile control device having the capabilities of both obtaining its own position from a positioning system (e. g., GPS) and communicating over a computer network (e. g., the internE=t) to a server providing services of the present invention. ILM 101 can be provided, for example, in a vehicle. One possible 2S implementation of ILM 101 is shown in Figure 2, which is discussed in further detail below. As shown in Figure 1, ILM 101 interacts with a user through, for example, console device 102. Typically, console device 102 includes a key board or a pointing device for data entry, and a display for output of information.
ILM 101 receives from the positioning system (e.g., GPS
satellite 104) position input information, which is processed to provide ILM 101's current position. In addition, ILM 101 communicates over wireless link 103 (e. g., 3S a CDPD, GSM, iDEN, CDMA or another wireless or cellular 687379 vl telephone communication link) with server 105, which delivers location relevant services to ILM 101 over wide area network 106 (e. g., the Internet). As shown in Figure l, wireless link 103 connects ILM 101 with wireless communication system 106 that includes cellular telephone network 107 and gateway 108. Gateway 108 is typically a switch or a computer that couples and provides protocol conversion for data traffic between cellular telephone network 107 and wide area network 106. Server 105 can have, for example, a hypertext "web" interface and provides access to a database having location-relevant information.
Figure 2 shows one implementation of ILM I01 by circuit 200. As shown in Figure 2, circuit :200 includes central processing unit (CPU) 201, which is typically a general-purpose microprocessor, such as a Motorola 68331 microprocessor. CPU 201 is the main controller of the system. Crystal. oscillator 202 provides a time reference for circuit 200. Flash memory module 203 and static random access memory (SRAM) 204 provide non-volatile and volatile storage for CPU 201. In this embodiment, flash memory module 203 provides 512 K-bytes of non-volatile storage, and SRAM 204 provides 128 K-bytes of storage. The non-volatile storage is used primary for storing t:he firmware of ILM 101, GPS look-up tables for positioning information calculation, and configuration parameters, such a:~ device identification.
SRAM 204 provides run-time storage, such as positioning information -- position, velocity and time (PVT).
Battery 205 maintains the content of SRAM 204. Real time clock (RTC) and system controller 206 provides a real time clock and non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM) control. In addition RTC controller 206 includes an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter. In this embodiment, the A/D
converter is used to receive ignition., temperature and GPS
antenna data. RTC and system controller 206, which receives a clock signal from 32.768 KHz oscillator 216, can be implemented, for example, by an integrated circuit DS 1670E, which is available from Dallas Semiconductor.
687379 vl _5_ GPS RF front-end 208 and GPS Engine 207 implement the GPS signal processing functions of ILM 201. In this embodiment, GPS RF front-end 208 can be implemented by four - VRF-2 application specific integrated circuits (ASIC) or a VRF-12 ASIC, all of which are integrated dual conversion front end ASICs available from CRoad, Tnc. GPS RF ASIC 208 receives L1 (1575.42 MHz) GPS signal, and provide a down-converted bandpass 2-bit quantized signal for data processing. GPS Engine 207, which receives down-converted signals from GPS RF front-end 208 and provides signal processing to compute PVT informatibn for ILM 201. In this embodiment, GPS Engine 208 can be implemented by a VGP-12 ASIC available from QRoad, Inc. In this embodiment, GPS
Engine 207 provides a memory-mapped interface to CPU 201, a GPS clock controller, GPS correlator channels with common control, receiver gain control, and :parallel and serial ports. In this embodiment, GPS Engine 207 communicates with CPU 201 over a 16-bit parallel bus. One example of GPS
signal data processing is disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,990,827, entitled "Structure of a Position Processing Apparatus," to Fan et al., filed March 28, 1997, which is also assigned to @Road, Inc., the assignee also of this invention.
Modem 210 provides an interface to an external communication system, such as a cellular telephone network.
Modem 210 allows ILM 101 to communicate with server 105 over the external communication system and gateway 108. In this embodiment, modem 210 can be implemented, for example, by a Novatel NRM-6812 modem card. Modem <'?10 communicates with CPU 201 over input-output (I/0) bus 217. Modem 210 receives a serial bit stream from and transmit: a serial bit stream to a built-in universal asynchronous receiver and transmitter (UART) in GPS Engine 207.
ILM 101 communicates with external circuits through industry standard interfaces at one or more data port, such as data ports 212 and 213 of circuit 200. In one implementation, circuit 200 communicates over output port 687379 vl 212 (provided as an RS-232 interface) with a multimedia output device during normal operatio~z, and a configuration tool and a debugging tool during manufacturing and testing.
Data port 213 is provided to interface with additional S external devices and system. A multimedia output device is capable of providing video output, audio output, or both.
In one embodiment, described in further detail below, an interface to an automobile industry :standard bus allaws ILM
101 to obtain operating data of the ~rehicle relevant to ZO vehicle-related services provided by server 105. Some examples of automobile industry standard buses include SAE
1708 bus, SAE J1939 bus, CAN bus and the IDB bus.
In addition, circuit 200 provides visual status indicators to an operator of the veh~_cle using LEDs 213.
15 Some examples of status indicators that can be implemented by LEDs 213 include power on/off, act:ive/inactive communication with external communication network, operative/non-operative status of the GPS system in circuit 200, active/inactive link to server 1.05. In this 20 embodiment, input and output terminals 215 provide additional means for input and output control signals that can be used by the firmware of ILM 101.
The firmware in ILM 101 can be loaded and updated using over-the-air programming (OTAP) through modem 210. OTAP can 25 be provided using industry standard TFTP ("trivial file transfer protocol"). In TFTP, a TFTP file server is provided from which ILM 101 can request one or more files under operator control, or control by server 105. Upon receiving the requested file, ILM 101 is reconfigured by 30 executing a programming file to load the new firmware into non-volatile memory 203. The programming file can be one of the files transferred under TFTP.
As mentioned above, ILM 101 can :be coupled to an industry standard automobile bus to allow vehicle-related 35 services. Figure 3 provides system 300, which is one possible implementation of a system that allows server 105 to provide vehicle-related services. As shown in Figure 3, 687379 vl _7_ system 300 includes ILM 101 coupled into industry standard automobile bus 310, through data port 213. Bus 310 include s bus controller 301, which provides general access control to bus 310. Bus 310 can be accessed by, and can provide access to, various subsystems and sensors of the vehicle. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, brake subsystem 302, engine subsystem 303, fuel subsystem 304 and various sensors 305 (e. g., engine RPM sensor, oil pressure sensor, tire pressure sensor, battery charge status sensor, odometer reading, etc.). Typically, server 105 can obtain status information of each of subsystem 302-304 and sensors 305 through ILM
101. Alternatively, server 105 can provide through TLM 101 diagnostic commands to each of subsystems 302-304 for diagnostic purposes.
Based on a configuration such as system 300, a number of vehicle-related services can be provided. One service that can be provided by server 105, for example, is a "just-in-time" maintenance service, which is schematically represented by Figure 4. As shown i:n Figure 4, ILM 101 can be programmed to report to server 105 on a periodic basis the status information of each of subsystem 302-304 and sensors 305. From this report, server 105 can determine the current operative condition of the vehicle and can compile vehicle operation history. At scheduled intervals, or as deemed necessary from the operative condition of the vehicle, server 105 can advise the operator of the vehicle to bring the vehicle to a service center for scheduled or unscheduled maintenance. Such maintenance service may include replacement of brake pads, fluids, tires, readjustment of engine valves etc. :Cn one embodiment, based on the current location of the vehic:Le and a database of the service centers available in the vicinity, server 105 can also advise the operator of a designated service center available, based on distance, business relationship with the operator, price and other considerations. In one embodiment, where the vehicle is a member of a fleet of a large transportation concern, server 105 is integrated with the enterprise resource planning system of the 687379 vl _g-transportation concern. In that embodiment, server 105 can also schedule the required maintenance procedure with the service center in advance of the veh.icle's arrival, and order any necessary parts for delivery to the service center prior to the scheduled maintenance procedure.
Because server 105 can monitor the vehicle continuously, the operator of the vehicle or a dispatcher can be notified immediately of any unusual operating condition that may lead to an impending failure or emergency. Such timely information can prevents catastrophic failure and enhances safety. In another application, fuel pries are surveyed ahead of the vehicle arriving at a service area to select the most cost efficient supplier. Operation data across a large number of vehicles in a fleet can be compiled for statistical analysis valuable for more accurate cost and equipment lifetime analyses With the "just-in-time maintenance" service, highest operative performance and safety in the trucking concern's vehicles is achieved, and the "down time" for performing maintenance procedures are minimized.
Another service server 105 can provide based on a system such as system 300, also illustrated schematically by Figure 4, is "on--the-read" assistancev to the vehicle' s operator and enforcement work rules. For example, based on the operation history of the vehicle for a particular work day, or the number of miles driven o:r the tasks completed for the day, server 105 advises the 'vehicle's operator that a mandatory rest stop, motivated by safety concerns for example, is required. In addition, based on the current location of the vehicle, server 105 can guide the operator to a nearby rest facility (e. g., a motel), make reservations for a room at the rest facility and arrange for payment of services by the trucking company. Arrangements for other operator conveniences, such as a meal stop, can be similarly made .
687379 vl _9_ The detailed description above is provided to illustrate specific embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to be limiting. Numerous variations and modifications within the scope of the present invention are possible. The present invention is set forth in the accompanying claims.
687379 vl
Claims (19)
1. A method for providing vehicle maintenance-related services over a wide area network, comprising:
providing a server accessible over said wide area network through a wireless communication link;
collecting, over a data bus in said vehicle, data relating to an operation of said vehicle;
communicating said data to said server over said wireless communication link; and based on said data received at said server, initiating said maintenance-related services.
providing a server accessible over said wide area network through a wireless communication link;
collecting, over a data bus in said vehicle, data relating to an operation of said vehicle;
communicating said data to said server over said wireless communication link; and based on said data received at said server, initiating said maintenance-related services.
2. A method as in Claim 1, wherein said operation of said vehicle comprises an operation status of a brake sub-system.
3. A method as in Claim 1, wherein said operation of said vehicle comprises an operation status of an engine sub-system.
4. A method as in Claim 1, wherein said communicating occurs at a pre-determined time intervals.
5. A method as in Claim 1, further comprising including in said vehicle a positioning apparatus for determining a location of said vehicle, said method further comprises reporting to said server said position.
6. A method as in Claim 5, wherein said maintenance-related services include scheduling said vehicle for a maintenance procedure at a service center.
7. A method as in Claim 6, wherein said maintenance-related services include ordering parts for delivery to said service center for use in conjunction with said maintenance procedure.
8. A method as in Claim 1 wherein, based on said data, advising an operator said vehicle a work-rule related action.
9. A method as in Claim 8, further comprising including in said vehicle a positioning apparatus for determining a location of said vehicle, said method further comprises reporting to said server said position and including in said work-rule related action location-specific information.
10. A method as in Claim 9, wherein said location-specific information comprises a location of a rest area.
11. A method as in Claim 1, further comprising, from said server, sending diagnostic commands to said data bus for communicating to diagnose said operation of said vehicle.
12. A method as in Claim 1, wherein said wireless communication link is established between said vehicle and a wireless gateway, and wherein said wireless gateway accesses said server over said wide area network.
13. A method as in Claim 1, wherein said wireless communication link comprises a connection in a cellular telephone network.
14. An apparatus provided in a vehicle for obtaining maintenance-related services from a server over a wide area network, comprising:
a bus interface to a data bus on said vehicle, said interface receiving from said data bus data related to an operation of said vehicle;
a wireless communication interface for maintaining a communication link maintained between said apparatus and said server;
a controller coupled to receive said data from said bus interface, sending said data to said server over said wireless communication link and receiving from said server said maintenance-related services.
a bus interface to a data bus on said vehicle, said interface receiving from said data bus data related to an operation of said vehicle;
a wireless communication interface for maintaining a communication link maintained between said apparatus and said server;
a controller coupled to receive said data from said bus interface, sending said data to said server over said wireless communication link and receiving from said server said maintenance-related services.
15. An apparatus as in Claim 14, further comprising:
a positioning system based on the global position system (GPS); and an interface to said positioning system coupled to said controller to provide said controller a position of said vehicle, said controller further reporting to said server said position of said vehicle.
a positioning system based on the global position system (GPS); and an interface to said positioning system coupled to said controller to provide said controller a position of said vehicle, said controller further reporting to said server said position of said vehicle.
16. An apparatus as in Claim 14, wherein said wireless communication interface communicates with a cellular-telephone network.
17. An apparatus as in Claim 14, wherein said wireless communication link couples said apparatus to a gateway in said wide area network.
18. A method as in Claim 1, wherein said data bus comprises one of the following buses: a SAE 1708 bus, a SAE
J1939 bus, a CAN bus or an IDB bus.
J1939 bus, a CAN bus or an IDB bus.
19. An apparatus as in Claim 14, wherein said data bus comprises one of the following buses: a SAE 1708 bus, a SAE
J1939 bus, a CAN bus or an IDB bus.
J1939 bus, a CAN bus or an IDB bus.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US69888800A | 2000-10-27 | 2000-10-27 | |
| US09/698,888 | 2000-10-27 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2359887A1 true CA2359887A1 (en) | 2002-04-27 |
Family
ID=24807076
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2359887 Abandoned CA2359887A1 (en) | 2000-10-27 | 2001-10-24 | System and method for just-in-time vehicle maintenance report |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2359887A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7181370B2 (en) | 2003-08-26 | 2007-02-20 | Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. | System and method for remotely obtaining and managing machine data |
| US7406399B2 (en) | 2003-08-26 | 2008-07-29 | Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. | System and method for distributed reporting of machine performance |
| US7689394B2 (en) | 2003-08-26 | 2010-03-30 | Siemens Industry, Inc. | System and method for remotely analyzing machine performance |
| CN109116758A (en) * | 2018-08-01 | 2019-01-01 | 中科青年交通科技（苏州）有限公司 | A kind of vehicle-mounted terminal system based on cloud platform |
-
2001
- 2001-10-24 CA CA 2359887 patent/CA2359887A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7181370B2 (en) | 2003-08-26 | 2007-02-20 | Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. | System and method for remotely obtaining and managing machine data |
| US7406399B2 (en) | 2003-08-26 | 2008-07-29 | Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. | System and method for distributed reporting of machine performance |
| US7689394B2 (en) | 2003-08-26 | 2010-03-30 | Siemens Industry, Inc. | System and method for remotely analyzing machine performance |
| US8275576B2 (en) | 2003-08-26 | 2012-09-25 | Siemens Industry, Inc. | System and method for distributed reporting of machine performance |
| US8306797B2 (en) | 2003-08-26 | 2012-11-06 | Siemens Industry, Inc. | System and method for remotely analyzing machine performance |
| CN109116758A (en) * | 2018-08-01 | 2019-01-01 | 中科青年交通科技（苏州）有限公司 | A kind of vehicle-mounted terminal system based on cloud platform |
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| FZDE | Dead |