United States Patent [191
`DiLullo et al.
`[54] VEIDCLE STATUS MONITOR AND
`MANAGEMENT SYSTEM EMPLOYING
`SATELLITE COMMUNICATION
`Joseph V. DiLullo, Rydal; Stephan C.
`N.J.;.
`Kenneth W. Paist, Philadelphia,
`
`[75] Inventors:
`Schifter, Philadelphia, both of Pa.;
`
`Michael Negin, Pennsauken,
`Pa.
`
`[73] Assignee: Secura Corporation,
`Bala Cynwyd,
`Pa.
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 258,162
`
`4,691,801
`
`4,897,642
`[11] Patent Number:
`Jan. 30, 1990
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`9/1987 Mann et al .......................... 180/287
`4,701,760 10/1987 Raoux .................................
`4,744,083 5/1988 O'Neill et al ..................
`1/1989 Milliom et al ............
`4,804,937 2/1989 Barbiaux et al . ............... 364/424.01
`
`340/993
`4,739,183 4/1988 Tokura et al .................. 340/825.06
`
`4,740,792 4/1988 Sagey et al .......................... 342/457
`....... 371/22
`235/385 4,750,197 6/1988 Denekamp et al ..................
`
`
`342/357 4,751,512 6/1988 Longaker ............................
`
`
`4,797,948
`.......... 340/991
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`0121902 6/1985 Japan .............................. 364/424.01
`
`5911900 8/1985 Japan ..............
`2119095 11/1983 United Kingdom .......
`
`................ 364/424.01
`...... 364/424.9
`
`[22] Filed: Oct. 14, 1988
`[51] Int. C1.4 •......•....•....•........ H04B 1/00; G08B 5/22
`[52] u.s. Cl ....... ............. .......... 340/825.060; 340/991;
`Primary Examiner-Donald J. Yusko
`
`
`Assistant Examiner-Eric Pudpud
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Woodcock Washburn Kurtz
`Mackiewicz & Norris
`ABSTRACT
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Article Entitled, "2001 Communications-Knowing
`
`
`
`340/988; 340/825.540; 340/825.050; 455/54;
`Your Place", Discover Magazine, Nov., 1988 issue.
`
`
`455/99; 364/424.01; 235/385; 379/58
`[58] Field of Search ...................... 340/825.06, 825.07,
`
`
`
`
`340/825.08, 825.35, 825.54, 505, 539, 572, 901,
`
`
`988, 991, 952, 993; 307/9.1, 10.1; 379/58, 59;
`
`235/384, 385; 364/424.01, 449, 424.03;
`
`342/457; 455/11, 12, 89, 95, 54, 99, 345
`[57]
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`Apparatus and method for monitoring the status of a
`
`
`
`multiple part vehicle are disclosed. Apparatus accord­
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`
`ing to the invention comprises a tag on a second part of
`3,419,865 5/1967
`Chisholm .............................. 340/24
`
`the vehicle which impresses a unique ID code of the
`
`3,518,674 6/1970 Moorehead et al . ............... 343/112
`
`
`vehicle's existing electrical
`unit in
`............ 340/23
`a first part of the vehicle detects the presence of a valid
`343/103 3,711,856 1/1973 Adrian et al ........................
`
`
`
`ID code on the vehicle's electrical system and in re­
`
`
`sponse provides an indication that the second part of the
`
`
`343/112 4,107,689 8/1978 Jellinek ...............................
`
`
`vehicle is connected. A mobile satellite transmitter pro­
`4,247,897
`
`vides data indicative of the status of the vehicle to an
`
`
`.. 364/424.01 4,324,415 4/1982 Rush et al ....................
`
`
`earth station via a satellite. Vehicle position data is also
`
`4,359,733 11/1982 O'Neill ................................. 343/6.5
`
`provided to the earth station with each transmission.
`4,636,950
`4,652,853
`4,688,244
`
`
`
`3,644,883 2/1972 Borman et al ............
`4,009,375 2/1977 White et al ......................... 235/150
`4,077,005 2/1978 Bishop ................................... 325/32
`1/1981 McDonald et al ............. 364/424.01
`
`1!1987 Caswell et al ...................... 235/385
`3/1987 Tagami et al .................. 340/825.06
`8/1987 Hannon et al . ..................... 235/385
`
`35 Claims, 10 Drawing Sheets
`
`system. An interface
`
`14
`
`38)...CTIWLER SENSORS
`0
`� )" 20
`
`22
`
`IPR2013-00413 - Ex. 1103
`Toyota Motor Corp., Petitioner
`1
`
`

`
`,&;�;... ._. � ._. �
`
`FIG. 2
`
`/8./ )-; �20
`24
`
`22
`
`9, � =
`m. �
`ga
`
`38 "").__C TRAILER SENSOR�
`
`� � � =
`w -..=
`� �
`� f-+.
`a
`1-d
`7J1 •
`�
`
`12VDC BUS
`
`FIG. I
`
`14
`
`,?'0
`
`28
`
`
`
` /6
`/8
`
`2
`
`

`
`-... �
`-....,f;. oc \C ......:1
`34 =
`� """"'
`N
`$l
`ga
`
`SUPP!Y
`POWER
`
`'52
`
`CODE
`
`46
`
`SERIALIZED
`MODULATED
`
`""""' � � =
`w �
`�
`g foo+.
`r.F.l • � f!oo+.
`�
`
`24 7
`FIG. 3
`
`12 VOC BUS
`
`20
`
`GENERATOR
`
`COD£
`
`I TO
`
`I I ";;; •
`
`DATA
`CODE
`
`SERIAL
`
`MODEM
`
`CLK
`
`CLOCK
`r----.)50
`
`I
`I
`I
`I
`-,
`
`L_
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`1
`,---------
`
`DIVIDER
`
`..-----'----a/54
`
`HOM
`
`3
`
`

`
`� � =
`� w
`�
`w .? � � =
`�
`rn � foo+. � """""
`
`�
`
`�
`� -......1 -... 0'\
`.a;. -...
`
`90
`
`PROGRAMME'R
`
`FIELD
`
`12 VOC BUS
`
`20
`
`SUPPLY
`POWER
`
`RO MODEM
`
`FIG. 4
`
`24' I (a
`
`TC
`
`it:l
`
`TO
`
`CLK
`
`76
`
`78
`
`JJ.C
`
`---,
`
`CLOCK
`
`--80
`
`RC
`
`��__,
`
`SENSORS
`
`_ J
`TRAILER J I
`381
`184
`
`ADORE:SS
`
`79
`
`DATA
`
`E."E'PROM
`
`CODE: GE:NE:RATOR
`
`-
`
`--
`
`--
`
`68
`-�-
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`r--
`
`4
`
`

`
`risffl
`
`SUPPLY
`
`1001 POWER
`
`30
`
`---o PORT
`126 36
`96
`
`... .... � .... 0\
`� 1-l =
`� �
`�
`
`�
`
`� =
`1-l
`w ... =
`�
`� a
`rn �
`�
`
`RC 1 ' • '
`
`FIG. 5
`
`lTD
`
`TXOA I • "" IRD
`RXDAI I ..
`l/0
`
`/12
`
`DISPLAY
`
`/02
`
`42
`
`12VDC BUS
`
`/8
`
`>-------<>
`
`RXOBI < " c:::
`
`26/V
`
`iii"M-,
`ROM 1
`
`MODEM
`
`CONTROL
`t------J
`
`CONTROL
`
`,lJC
`
`OIJART
`
`1------l
`
`DATA
`
`40 --.,
`SENSORS d.--�·�
`TRACTOR (
`
`5
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent Jan.30,1990 Sheet 5 of 10 4,897,642
`200
`
`START 8 INITIALIZE
`
`SEND NORMAL
`MESSAGE CONTAINING
`TRACTOR PARAMETERS
`TO MST
`
`N
`
`210
`
`.-��--------------�
`SEND IMMEDIATE
`
`MESSAGE CONTAING AT
`LEAST TAG 10 TO MST;
`OPTIONALLY INCLUDE TRACTOR
`AND/OR TRAILER PARAMETER
`DATA AND/OR S£CI.JRITY
`DATA IN MESSAGE
`
`212
`SEND NORMAL MESSAGE
`TO MST CONTAINING AT
`LEAST TAG ID TO MST;
`OPTIONALLY /NCLI.JDE
`TRACTOR AND/OR TRAILER
`PARAMETER DATA AND/OR
`SECURITY DATA IN MESSAGE
`
`OVERVIEW-IFIJ FI.JNCTION
`
`·FIG. 6
`
`6
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent Jan. 30, 1990
`
`Sheet 6 of 10
`
`4,897,642
`
`y
`
`.-----'-------,/
`INITIALIZE MODEM
`AND COUNTERS
`
`222
`
`.-----�----�1224
`IMPRESS TAG ! 0 ON
`TRAILER POWER BUS
`
`y
`
`TAG OPERATION (DUMB}
`
`FIG. 7
`
`7
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent Jan. 30, 1990
`
`Sheet 7 of 10 4,897,642
`
`230
`
`y
`
`232
`
`INITIALIZE C PU,
`MOOEM ANO COUNTERS
`
`236
`..---------1.
`VERIFY /CHANGE
`I----,__--<
`TAG 10/PROGRAM
`
`y
`
`238
`
`IMPRESS TAG I 0
`ON TRAILER POWER
`BUS; OPTIONALLY
`IMPRESS TRAILER
`PARAMETER OATA
`
`TAG OPERATION (SMART)
`
`·FIG. 8
`
`8
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent Jan. 30, 1990 Sheet 8 of 10
`250
`INITIALIZE;·
`SET ALL COUNTERS
`=0
`
`c r--------.
`
`4,897,642
`
`256
`
`A
`
`260
`r--------'-----,1
`INCREMENT VALID
`MESSAGE COUNTER
`
`DETAIL - IFU FUNCTION
`
`FIG. 9A
`
`9
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent Jano 30, 1990 Sheet 9 of 10
`
`
`
`4,897,642.
`
`262
`
`N
`
`268
`
`PRESENTLY
`CONNECTED
`
`SEND NORMAL
`MESSAGE INDICATING
`DISCONNECT
`TO MST
`
`274
`
`�----�------�/278
`SEND IMMEDIATE
`MESSAGE INDICATING
`DISCONNECT TO MST
`
`FIG. 98
`
`10
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent Jan. 30, 1990 Sheet 10 of 10 4,897,642
`
`292
`INCREMENT
`PRESENT ID
`COUNTER
`
`SAM£
`CONNECTION
`
`SENO NORMAL
`MESSAGE
`/NO/GATING
`CONNECT
`TO MST
`
`SEND
`IMMEDIATE
`MESSAGE
`/NO/GATING
`DISCONNECT
`TO MST
`
`284
`NEW TRAILER
`CONNECTED
`286
`...--...J_----.4
`INITIALIZE
`PRESENT
`/0 COUNTER
`
`SENO
`IMM£0/ATE
`MESSAGE
`!NO/GATING
`CONNECT
`TO MST
`
`c
`
`FIG. 9C
`
`11
`
`

`
`4,897,642
`
`2
`reference should be made to the appended claims for
`
`the true scope of the invention.
`
`A status monitoring system for a vehicle of the type
`
`
`
`comprising a tractor and a detachable trailer is pro-
`
`1
`VEIDCLE STATUS MONITOR AND
`MANAGEMENT SYSTEM EMPLOYING
`
`SATELLITE COMMUNICATION
`
`S vided. As is known, the tractor has a power bus with a
`power cable that is connectable to the trailer when the
`
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`has a power bus that is energized
`
`
`trailer is coupled to the tractor. As is also known, the
`The present invention generally
`relates to a method trailer
`and electrically
`
`
`
`and apparatus for managing and monitoring the status coupled to the tractor's power bus when the power
`the present 10 cable is connected
`of a fleet of vehicles. More particularly,
`
`
`thereto. According to the invention,
`
`
`
`
`
`invention relates to a method and apparatus for periodi-the status monitoring system comprises a tag (identify-
`
`
`
`
`cally transmitting status and position data from a vehi- ing apparatus), an interface unit (IFU) and a mobile
`cle to a central station via satellite.
`
`
`satellite transmitter (MST). The tag is mounted on or in
`
`
`
`
`
`
`The present invention has particular application to the trailer and electronically impresses an ID code on
`such as tractor-trailers
`of the type 15 the trailer's
`multiple
`part vehicles
`power bus when the power bus is energized.
`is also appli-by other means such as infrared,
`
`
`which comprise a tractor that can be detachably cou-(Alternatively, the tag may communicate ID code data
`RF or other
`
`pled to a trailer(s). However, the invention
`acoustic,
`
`
`
`
`cable to other types of vehicles such as railroad cars, electromagnetic transmitters.) The ID code is unique
`
`
`buses, boats or ships and any other type of transporta-and identifies the trailer. The IFU detects the presence
`
`
`tion apparatus wherein it is desirable to monitor the 20 of a valid ID code that appears on the tractor's power
`
`
`status and location thereof on a regular basis.
`
`
`bus (or in the particular transmission medium em-
`Fleet management is a major concern in the trucking ployed) when the power cable is connected to the
`
`
`
`
`industry. The fleet manager(s) must keep track of the trailer. When a valid ID code is detected, the IFU pro-
`
`
`
`
`to the is connected that a trailer status and location of each tractor and trailer in the vides a status indication
`
`
`
`fleet. Thus, for each trailer in the fleet, the fleet man-25 tractor; similarly, when a valid ID code is not con-
`
`
`that no ager must know whether it is in service (i.e., coupled to nected, the IFU provides a status inqication
`
`
`
`The IFU may be is connected to the tractor. a tractor) or out of service (i.e., not coupled to any trailer
`
`
`
`
`cab or tool compartment, within the tractor's tractor); the fleet manager must.have similar informa-situated
`The fleet 30 The MST is also preferably
`tion with respect to whether each tractor in the fleet is or wherever convenient.
`within the trac-
`situated
`hauling a trailer or is available
`for service.
`
`manager should also be able to monitor the progress of tor's cab or tool compartment or wherever convenient
`
`
`
`locating a position each vehicle in the fleet for scheduling purposes. Only and may be of the type that includes
`
`
`with this information can the fleet be efficiently man- unit, for example, of the type employing LORAN. The
`
`
`
`MST receives the status indication from the IFU and
`aged.
`unit, if provided.
`is also a major concern to the fleet manager. 35 may also receive vehicle
`data from the position
`position
`Vehicle theft is commonplace in the trucking industry,
`Security
`locating
`
`The MST transmits at least
`
`
`the status indication, and the ID code if available, at
`and the fleet manager should be kept aware of unautho-
`
`to an earth sta-rized use of vehicles. Moreover, it is desirable that the preselected (preprogrammed) intervals
`
`
`the travel 40 under control of the IFU to normally transmit
`
`tion via a space-based satellite. The MST operates
`fleet manager have the capabilit
`y of tracking
`the status
`of a vehicle in unauthorized use so that law enforcement
`
`
`
`indication (and vehicle position data, if provided) at the
`
`
`
`
`
`authorities can be kept apprised accordingly. preselected intervals, but is responsive to a command
`
`
`
`
`
`
`The mechanical condition and various operating pa- from the IFU to substantially immediately transmit (i)
`
`
`rameters of each vehicle in the fleet are also of impor- the status indication (and vehicle position data, if pro-
`tance to the fleet manager. The fleet manager should 45 vided) when the presence of a valid ID code is initially
`
`
`
`
`have regular access to operating parameters of the vehi- detected (thereby indicating that a trailer has initially
`and (ii) the status indica-
`
`
`cle such as speed, engine temperature, oil pressure, been connected to the tractor),
`eter da� su�h as �terior temperatur� and hu��ty of valid ID code is initially detected (thereby
`
`brake line pressure and the like, as well as trailer param- tion and the last detected ID code when the lack of a
`
`that IS m ser-50 that a trailer
`indicating
`The fleet manager �ho�d also be immediat�ly The MST may alternatively
`(If applicable)
`the trailer
`for each trailer
`has initially
`been disconnected).
`m any of the operatmg include a position locating unit. Rather, the RDSS
`vice .
`be of a type that does not
`.
`appnsed of any abnormality
`parameters.
`(radio determination satellite system) may be employed
`
`
`. .
`
`
`
`Known systems and methods for accomplishing the to determine the location of each MST, and hence its
`foregoing
`impractical,
`are either expensive,
`inefficient 55 associated
`to provide a As is known, the RDSS uses the actual transmission
`vehicle, when an MST transmission
`occurs.
`
`
`or time consuming. It is therefore desirable
`vehicle status monitor and management system which from a satellite transmitter (such as the MST) to pin-
`
`
`
`
`
`
`accomplishes the foregoing which is simple, practical, point its position. Position is computed at the satellite
`
`
`
`inexpensive and easy to implement. The present inven-and provided to the earth station. Thus, as in the case of
`tion achieves these objectives.
`
`
`60 an MST equipped with a position locating unit, each
`
`
`
`MST transmission results in vehicle position data that is
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`provided to an earth station, even though in one case
`
`
`The present invention is described herein for particu­
`
`
`the position data is generated by the MST and in the
`
`lar use on a tractor-trailer vehicle of the type compris­
`
`other case is generated by the satellite.
`
`
`ing a tractor and a detachable trailer, but also has appli-65
`
`According to the preferred embodiment of the inven­
`
`
`cation to other types of vehicles. Accordingly, the fol­
`
`tion, the trailer's power bus is modulated with the ID
`
`
`lowing description is not intended to limit application of
`
`code so that the same appears on the tractor's power bus
`
`
`
`the invention in any way to tractor-trailer vehicles and
`
`when the two are connected. According to one pre-
`
`12
`
`

`
`3
`
`4,897,642
`
`4
`
`embodiment, the tag is 5
`
`power bus so that the IFU can read the 10
`
`data and 20
`
`to the FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an IFU according
`
`and/or change the tag's operat-15
`ID code stored therein
`
`each MST transmission always results in vehicle posi­
`
`
`
`ferred embodiment, the tag is "dumb" and repeatedly
`
`
`tion data being provided to an earth station.
`
`
`and cyclically impresses the ID code on the trailer's
`
`
`power bus; the IFU monitors the tractor's power bus to
`
`
`
`Other features of the invention will be apparent from
`
`
`determine whether a valid ID code has been impressed
`
`
`
`
`the following detailed description of the preferred em­
`
`
`thereon. According to another
`
`
`bodiment and from the appended claims.
`
`
`"smart" and the IFU requests ID code data from the
`
`
`For a full understanding of the present invention,
`
`tag. The tag may be provided with inputs for trailer
`
`
`reference should be made to the following description
`
`
`
`
`sensors that provide trailer parameter data. If provided,
`
`and to the accompanying drawings.
`
`
`
`
`the tag further impresses the trailer parameter data on
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`the trailer's
`trailer parameter data from the tractor's power bus and
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a preferred embodi­
`
`
`provide the same to the MST for transmission to the
`
`
`
`ment of the present invention as utilized in a tractor­
`
`
`earth station. The tag may also be responsive to a field
`trailer.
`
`
`programmer connectable to the power bus to alter the
`of embodiment FIG. 2 is a overview of a preferred
`
`
`
`
`
`the present invention in block diagram form.
`ing program.
`
`
`FIG. 3 is a block diagram of one preferred embodi­
`According to yet another embodiment of the inven­
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ment of a tag (identifying apparatus) according to the
`
`tion, the IFU may be provided with inputs for tractor
`
`present invention.
`·
`
`
`
`
`sensors that provide tractor parameter data. If pro­
`FIG. 4 is a block diagram of another preferred em­
`
`
`
`
`vided, the IFU reads the tractor parameter
`
`
`
`
`bodiment of a tag (identifying apparatus) according to
`
`
`provides the same to the MST for transmission to the
`
`the present invention.
`earth station.
`
`
`The IFU may also be provided with an input for
`
`
`present invention.
`
`
`receiving an alarm signal from a vehicle protection
`FIG. 6 is a flow chart providing
`
`
`
`device, and, if provided, the IFU provides
`IFU function.
`
`
`indication to. the MST for transmission to the earth
`FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating the function of a tag
`
`
`
`
`station. According to this embodiment, the MST oper­
`
`
`
`according to one preferred embodiment of the inven­
`
`
`
`ates under control of the IFU to normally transmit the
`tion.
`
`
`
`
`status indication (and vehicle position data, if provided)
`FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating the function of a tag
`
`
`
`
`at the preselected intervals, but is responsive
`
`
`
`
`according to another preferred embodiment of the in­
`
`
`mand from the IFU to substantially immediately trans­
`vention.
`
`
`
`mit an alarm indication (and vehicle position data, if
`FIGS. 9A-9C are flow charts illustrating in greater
`
`
`
`
`provided) when an alarm signal is received by the IFU.
`
`
`
`detail the function of an IFU according to a preferred
`
`
`Also, according to this embodiment, the MST may be
`
`embodiment of the invention.
`
`responsive to commands from the IFU to substantially
`
`
`
`immediately transmit tractor and/or trailer parameter
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`
`
`
`
`indications (and vehicle position data, if provided)
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`
`when an abnormality in any of the tractor/trailer pa­
`
`
`
`Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals
`
`
`
`
`rameter data or a security violation (e.g., from the vehi-
`
`
`
`represent like elements, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 a
`
`cle protection device) is detected
`
`
`10 comprising a tractor 12 and a
`
`tractor-trailer vehicle
`
`
`
`According to a preferred embodiment of the present
`
`detachable trailer
`
`
`14. Tractor 12 includes a cab 13. As is
`
`
`
`
`invention, the tag (identifying apparatus) comprises a
`well known, tractor
`
`
`12 is adapted to be coupled to one
`code generator for providing a digital ID code that is
`
`
`
`14 in a fleet. As is also well
`
`of a plurality of trailers
`unique to the vehicle, a short haul modem for modulat­
`
`
`known, tractor
`
`
`
`12 includes a 12-volt battery 16 that
`ing the code at a preselected baud rate, and a transmit-
`
`
`
`energizes a 12-volt power bus (existing electrical sys-
`
`
`
`ter/buffer for impressing the modulated code on an
`
`
`tem) 18 that runs throughout the tractor. As is also
`
`
`
`
`existing electrical system (power bus) of the vehicle. As
`
`
`14 comprises a normally de-energized
`known, trailer
`mentioned, the tag may alternatively employ other
`
`
`20 that runs
`
`
`power bus (existing electrical system)
`available or specially installed lines or other communi­
`
`
`
`
`
`trailer 14. When trailer 14 is mechanically
`
`cation means for communicating the ID code.
`
`coupled to tractor
`
`12, the trailer's power bus 20 is ener­
`
`
`A method of monitoring the status of a multiple-part
`
`
`
`gized and electrically coupled to the tractor's power
`
`
`
`
`vehicle according to the present invention comprises
`
`bus 18 by means of the tractor's power cable 22 that is
`
`the steps of impressing a unique ID code on an existing
`
`connectable to the trailer
`14. Thus, in normal operation,
`
`
`electrical system (power bus) of the vehicle when a
`when trailer
`
`
`14 is coupled to tractor 20, the trailer's
`
`second part of the vehicle is connected
`
`
`power bus 20 is energized, and when the trailer 14 is not
`
`
`
`
`the vehicle; detecting whether a valid ID code has been
`12, its power bus 20 is not ener­
`
`connected to a tractor
`
`
`
`
`impressed on the vehicle's existing electrical system;
`gized.
`
`
`
`
`providing a status indication representing the connect­
`According to the invention, each trailer
`
`
`14 in the fleet
`
`/disconnect status of the second part of the vehicle
`
`is provided with an electronic
`appa­
`60
`
`
`based upon the aforementioned detecting step; transmit-
`
`12 is provided with an interface
`
`ratus) and each tractor
`
`
`ting the status indication, and also the ID code if a valid
`unit (IFU) 26 that communicates
`
`with an on-board mo­
`
`
`
`ID code has been detected, to a central station at regu­
`
`
`bile satellite transmitter (MST) 28. MST 28 is coupled
`
`
`
`lar preselected intervals; and, transmitting the status
`
`to a microwave antenna
`
`32 for transmitting messages to
`
`
`
`indication and ID code to the central station substan­
`
`
`
`an earth station via a space-based satellite. In the pre­
`
`
`tially immediately upon any change in the status
`
`
`ferred practice of the invention, the MST 28 transmits
`
`
`
`tion. Each transmission to the central station may in­
`
`
`
`clude vehicle position data therewith if the MST is of
`
`
`messages to the well known GEOSTAR satellite(s) that
`
`
`the type employing a position locating unit. However,
`
`
`is currently in geosynchronous orbit above the conti-
`
`an overview of the
`
`any alarm 25
`
`to a com-30
`
`35
`
`by the IFU. 40
`
`45
`
`50 throughout
`
`to a first part of 55
`
`indica-65
`
`tag 24 (identifying
`
`13
`
`

`
`4,897,642
`
`6
`5
`nental U.S. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,359,733 and 4,744,083 the MST 28. Future MSTs may not include a position
`
`incorporated herein by reference.
`
`locating unit and may instead rely upon the RDSS for
`
`The tag 24, IFU 26 and MST 28, and the manner of position
`data.
`5 three different types of transmissions
`
`
`
`
`communication therebetween, will now be described in The above-identified MSTs are capable of sending
`
`greater detail with reference to FIG. 2.
`
`(messages) that are
`in more detail herein, tag 24 communi- recognized by the GEOST AR satellite.
`As explained
`These are
`cates with IFU 26 for the purpose of providing ID code NORMAL, IMMEDIATE and EMERGENCY. In
`
`
`
`
`data when the trailer's power bus 20 is energized and the absence of a command to the contrary, the MST
`
`
`coupled to the tractor's power bus 18 by power cable transmits NORMAL messages at regular preselected
`22. An important
`is that the tag 10 intervals;
`feature of the invention
`
`the duration between intervals is user select-
`24 and IFU 26 communicate
`
`with each other by means able (programmable). The MST operates under control
`
`of the power bus 18, 20 (including the power cable 22 of the IFU to normally transmit the status indication
`
`
`
`connecting them) so ·that n additional wiring or inter-(and vehicle position data when provided) by means of
`Thus, the 15 ever, the MST is responsive
`
`
`
`How-intervals. connections are necessary, although other means and NORMAL messages at the preselected
`
`
`
`methods of communication are not precluded.
`to a command from the
`tag 24 and the IFU 26 preferably
`
`
`use the vehicle's exist-IFU to substantially immediately transmit either an
`
`ing electrical system for communication therebetween IMMEDIATE or EMERGENCY message containing
`
`and RF
`
`but other means such as infrared, acoustic,
`
`the status indication (and vehicle position data when
`
`
`
`receivers and transmitters can be employed. Thus, it provided). GEOST AR stores NORMAL and IMME-
`de-20 DIATE messages
`should be understood that although the following
`
`
`in an electronic mailbox that is polled
`
`
`
`
`scription refers to use of the vehicle's existing electrical on an as-needed basis by the user (in this case, the fleet
`between the IFU and the manager) who resides at a central station.
`system for communication
`EMER-
`
`tag, the present invention is not limited thereto except GENCY messages are not stored in a mailbox; rather,
`GEOST AR requests
`as set forth in the appended claims.
`IMMEDIATE acknowledgement
`The function of tag 24 is to provide signals contain-25 of EMERGENCY messages from the fleet manager.
`ing, inter alia, a unique ID code when the trailer's The NORMAL, IMMEDIATE and EMERGENCY
`
`
`
`power bus 20 is energized, i.e., when the trailer 14 is modes of transmission are utilized by the present inven-
`coupled to the tractor 12. The tag 24 impresses
`
`signals tion as described below.
`
`
`MSTs also have their own iden-containing the ID code on the trailer's power bus 20 via The above-identified
`
`power bus 20 is cou-30 tifier which is included with every transmission
`34. Since the trailer's
`to
`connection
`
`
`pled to the tractor's power bus 18 by power cable 22, GEOSTAR. Moreover, the above-identified MSTs
`
`
`these signals also appear on the tractor's power bus 18. include an internal clock and each transmission is ac-
`
`
`the time of the transmis-IFU 26 is coupled to the tractor's power bus 18 by companied by data indicating
`35 Returning again to FIG. 2, the tag 24 may, if desired,
`
`means of connection 30. The function of IFU 26 is to sion.
`detect the presence of a valid ID code on the tractor's
`
`power bus 18 and, when a valid ID code is detected be provided with inputs for receiving signals from one
`
`
`(indicating that a trailer 14 is connected to tractor 12) or more trailer sensors. Thus, information respecting
`
`
`
`
`
`
`provide a status indication to this effect, and likewise the interior temperature and humidity of the trailer, and
`may be provided to the tag 24.
`
`parameters when a valid ID code is not detected (indicating that no other critical
`
`trailer 14 is connected to tractor 12) provide a status 40 As explained herein, when tag 24 is provided with such
`
`
`is impressed on the power the information indication to this effect. The IFU 26 provides the status capability,
`
`
`
`
`by the IFU 26 indication and, when detected, the ID code, to MST 28 buses 18, 20 for reading and processing
`
`if de-
`
`by the MST 28. Additionally, via a connection 36. The MST may preferably include and transmission
`
`
`
`position locating unit (discussed below), though not sired, the IFU 26 may be provided with inputs for re-
`40.
`from 45 ceiving signals
`from one or more tractor sensors
`
`
`necessary. The MST receives the status indication
`to an Tractor sensors 40 may provide information
`the IFU and transmits it at preselected intervals
`regarding
`
`such as speed, engine tern-parameters earth station via a space-based satellite. If the MST tractor operating
`
`
`
`
`includes a position locating unit, then vehicle position perature, oil pressure and the like. IFU 26 may if de-
`
`
`
`
`data is included in each MST transmission. If the MST sired, provide such information to MST 28 for inclusion
`unit, 50 with each transmission.
`
`is of a type that does not inclu"de a position locating
`IFU 26 may also receive as an
`then the RDSS may be employed to pinpoint vehicle input an alarm signal provided by a vehicle protection
`In either device 42 on board tractor 12. Preferably,
`position based upon the MST transmission.
`vehicle pro-
`
`case, the earth station is provided with both the status tection device 42 is of the type described in U.S. Pat.
`
`
`but any suitable vehicle protection de-
`indication and vehicle position data, and the ID code if No. 4,691,801,
`
`
`55 vice will suffice. In response to an alarm signal,
`detected.
`the IFU
`
`The MST may be of any well known type, but in the 26 may provide an alarm indication to the MST 28 for
`in one of the NORMAL, IMMEDIATE, preferred embodiment of the invention is a Hughes transmission
`
`
`
`Network Systems Model No. 2101 or 2102. A Sony or EMERGENCY modes, as desired, however trans-
`
`Corporation Wafarer Mobile Communication Unit, missioninoneoftheiMMEDIATE orEMERGENCY
`
`IFU 26 may be responsive
`
`SCD 1000 Series, may also be used. Each of these units 60 modes is preferred. Likewise,
`
`
`
`
`includes a microwave transmitter and an antenna 32 for to an abnormal tractor or trailer condition, as indicated
`sensors 38 or tractor sensors 40, to
`
`the purpose of transmitting messages to the GEOST AR by one of the trailer
`
`cause the MST 28 to transmit the indication of the ab-
`
`
`satellite. Each also presently includes a position locating
`unit in the form of a LORAN C receiver and a com- normal condition in one of the IMMEDIATE or
`commands and 65 EMERGENCY modes.
`
`puter for processing internal data, and
`data from an external source, in this case the IFU 26. Turning now to FIG. 3, one preferred embodiment of
`
`
`
`
`
`Preferably, the data and commands from the IFU 26 are a tag according to the present invention is depicted. The
`provided via a serial link 36 to a serial (RS 232) port on tag 24 depicted in FIG. 3 is "dumb" in that it is unidirec-
`
`14
`
`

`
`4,897,642
`
`comprises a code generator
`
`data over a line 62 to the transmit
`
`
`
`read/write/enable control lines. The
`
`
`
`by means of connection 34. The transmitter/buffer
`
`the power bus 20 has been energized.
`
`
`
`_e
`
`clock pulses from the clock 50.
`Clock pulses of reduced frequency are supplied to a
`
`multistate counter 56. Selected outputs of counter 56
`
`8
`7
`and cycli- The code generator 68 of the tag 24, includes the
`tional and its sole function is to repeatedly
`ing the ID code on the power bus 20. As shown, tag 24 and an electrically
`labeled as 78, cally generate an ID code and impress signals contain-earlier referenced local microcomputer,
`
`
`44 that provides serial
`alterable ROM such as an EEPROM
`data (TD) input of a S well known fashion by means of data and address buses
`code 79. EEPROM 79 and microcomputer 78 are coupled in
`
`modem 46. Code generator 44 and modem 46 receive and appropriate
`clock pulses from a clock 50. A short haul modem 46 ID code is stored in EEPROM 79. The microcomputer
`and cy-modulates the serial code data and provides the same at 78 may be suitably programmed to repeatedly
`
`
`10 70 for impression
`
`provide the ID code over line 82 to the modem the transmit carrier output (TC) for transmission over a clically
`
`48. The transmitter/-
`
`line 64 to a transmitter/buffer
`the modulated data on power bus 20 ter/buffer 72, as in the case of the tag 24 of FIG. 3.
`upon the bus 20 by means of transmit-
`buffer 48 impresses
`48, However, inasmuch as tag 24, is capable of bi-direc-
`
`modem 46, code generator 44 and clock 50 are powered tional communication, microcomputer
`78 may be suit-
`until 15 sian on the power bus 20 only when requested
`by a power supply 52 that receives its power input from ably programmed to provide the ID code for impres-
`
`the power bus 20. Thus, the tag 24 is not functional
`by the
`IFU 26. Thus IFU 26 may request data from the tag 24
`The code generator 44 of the tag 24 performs the by placing appropriate
`
`control instructions on the
`mbo���nt 20 microcomputer
`unique ID code. According to a :eferred
`
`power buses 18, 20·for reception by the receiver/buffer
`function of repeatedly and cyclically generating the
`
`74 and processing by the microcomputer 78. Thereafter,
`ofthe tag 24, the code generator compnses a tvt er
`78 may respond to provide the re-
`( counter) 54 receiving
`
`quested code or other requested data. Well known pol-
`
`
`ling or handshaking techniques may also be used for this
`
`information exchange.
`provide addresses to the address inputs of a ROM 25 for receiving
`
`As mentioned, the tag may be provided with inputs
`non rameter data. Tag 24' may have this capability.
`
`signals from sensors carrying trailer pa-
`(PROM) 58. ROM 58 is preferably a non volatile,
`
`As ill us-
`
`alterable ROM which has portions of the ID code trated, microcomputer 78 may have a plurality of inputs
`
`
`
`burned in at sequential addresses thereof. The parallel 38 for receiving outputs from trailer sensors. Mi-
`
`
`
`outputs of counter 56 thus address sequential locations
`of the ROM so that the ID code is read out in parallel 30 in any well known fashion to place the same on the
`
`
`crocomputer 78 may process the trailer parameter data
`data format to a MUX 60. MUX 60 performs the func- power bus 20 for receipt by the IFU 26. For example,
`to the modem 46.
`tion of serializing the parallel format data containing the the trailer parameter data may be repeatedly and cycli-
`
`
`
`
`
`ID code for presentation
`cally be placed on the power bus 20 together with the
`
`
`
`Turning now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated another ID code. Alternatively, the trailer parameter data may
`35 be impressed
`The tag 24, illustrated
`embodiment of a tag according
`to the present invention.
`on the power bus 20 only when requested
`
`in FIG. 4 is "smart" in that it is by the IFU 26. Still further, trailer parameter data may
`bi-directional and incorporates a local microcomputer only be impressed on the power bus 20 when mi-
`
`
`Tag 24, compr